This review first appeared in issue 355 of PC Pro.
The Framework Laptop 16 defies categorization. It’s a gaming laptop, unless you decide not to choose discrete graphics, in which case it’s a productivity workhorse.
Even then you have decisions to make. Which keyboard? Should you choose a number pad? Perhaps an RGB macro pad? What about spacers, ports, storage? This is simply the most customizable laptop I’ve seen.
There are two drawbacks, starting with the price. But all the various input options, expansion choices and graphics swaps make specifying the Framework Laptop 16 a complicated matter. For PC Pro readers familiar with the inner workings of PCs this won’t be a problem, but Framework is hitting the point where you need a degree of expertise or you could make a costly mistake.
(Image credit: Future)
Start with the basics
As always with Framework, you can either build the laptop yourself – and bring your own OS – using its DIY Edition, or opt for a pre-built model. The former starts at £1,399, the latter at £1,699.
If you opt for pre-built, you have three options: Performance, Performance Pro (which, for an extra £50, includes Windows 11 Pro) or Overkill for £2,099. Both Performance models have the same core spec of an AMD Ryzen 7 7840HS, 16GB of memory and 512GB of storage. Overkill ups the ante with a Ryzen 9 79440HS, 32GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD.
Framework sent us its £1,749 Performance Pro configuration, but with the Graphics Module containing a discrete AMD Radeon RX 7700S chip, which adds £400 to the price.
So our test system costs £2,149, but that’s before adding any extras. As part of the price, you get six USB expansion cards to slot into the six bays built into the side of the chassis, and if you stick to USB-A or USB-C you won’t pay any extra. Want HDMI, a DisplayPort, microSD card or an audio jack? Those cost an extra £10 apiece. And if you want Ethernet you’ll pay £30 more. You can also order storage expansion cards, with 256GB (£45) or 1TB (£125) options available. In short, this is a smorgasbord of a laptop for you to kit out as you wish.
Choose carefully, though. You can only charge from the back four ports, while only three of the six ports support display output. And USB-C works in any port, but only the back two allow full USB 4 speeds.
It’s possible to replace and repair every part of this laptop yourself(Image credit: Future)
Key decisions
At this point, it won’t surprise you that the choice of keyboard and touchpad modules on the Framework Laptop 16 depend on you. Your choices, however, must include a keyboard module, touchpad module and spacers, with the possibility of a number pad, macro pad and LED Matrix spacer as extras.
Framework expects you to work out where to put the keyboard. It could be central, with two spacers on either side. Or perhaps you’re left-handed and would prefer to put the number pad there. Just as importantly, if one of these parts dies, it’s easy to replace.
There are a load of options to pick from, and Framework is happy to sell them to you. An RGB backlit keyboard – US English only, for now – costs £50. A number pad module is £39, while an RGB macro pad is an extra £79. This macro pad offers 24 programmable RGB backlit keys that you can configure how you like in software.
(Image credit: Future)
And there’s more. While black spacers for the keyboard come standard, you can switch to orange, grey or lavender for £5 a pop. Or go wild and buy the LED Matrix design for £39 each. The downside of this modularity is that there are seams; while everything is guided by magnets and fits snugly, you can see where the modules and spacers are separated.
The keyboard and macros are controlled by the open-source software VIA, and while Framework uses a simplified, browser-based version, there’s still a learning curve. Framework needs to work on this: it should be far easier to program the RGB macro pad, for instance.
My other gripe is about the keyboard. Framework says the keys offer 1.5mm of travel, but they were too mushy for my taste. If only Framework offered a ThinkPad-like keyboard option.
The choice of keyboard and touchpad modules is up to you(Image credit: Future)
Upgrade ability
While shuffling around the Framework’s modular input mechanisms is easy enough, actually getting into the device is harder than on the Framework Laptop 13. After removing all of the input modules, you have to pull a cable in the metal plate, helpfully labelled number 1. From there, you can use a T5 screwdriver (one comes with the laptop) to remove 16 captive screws labelled 2 to 17.
Our pre-built model came with a single 512GB M.2 2280 SSD installed. If you want to add another, there’s room for a smaller M.2 2230 SSD underneath. The DDR5 memory is upgradable, as is the battery and, in theory, the motherboard (this is also your route to future CPUs). The other upgrade is the GPU, but at the moment the Radeon RX 7700S is your only option. I’d like to see Nvidia get involved, but Framework is making no promises.
You can also buy the laptop with both the Graphics Module and the Expansion Bay Shell. The idea is that if you want to travel lighter, you can swap the shell with the graphics module. However, it’s a trickier process than it should be.
Frequent travelers will probably make the effort, though, as even without the Graphics Module the laptop weighs 2.1kg. With it, that goes up to 2.4kg, and the height at the back increases from 18mm to 21mm.
You can buy a pre-built Framework Laptop if you prefer(Image credit: Future)
Speed boost
Framework’s 16in anti-glare display comes with a 2,560 x 1,600 IPS panel, and it performed well in our technical tests. It covers 75% of the DCI-P3 gamut with a peak brightness of 485cd/m2and an average Delta E of 0.21. There’s also an anti-glare coating, which is better for work than for games or watching films.
Still, when I started testing with one of my favorite games, Control, it looked great. The game features a lot of red lighting, which looked bright and vibrant on the Framework Laptop. The pair of speakers sound good, too, only lacking in bass.
As for speed, I started at 1,920 x 1,200 on High settings with medium ray tracing presets, where the game ran between 40fps and 48fps but with several stutters. Cutting ray tracing and dropping to Medium settings kept me more reliably above 50fps, albeit again with a few hiccups. The fans were spinning loudly during gameplay, keeping the system cool.
Those aren’t great results, especially compared to laptops with an RTX 4070 – which now cost less than £1,500. For example, on Shadow of the Tomb Raider’s highest settings, the Framework reached 86fps at 1080p and 49fps at the panel’s native resolution of 2,560 x 1,600. An RTX 4070 system scored 104fps and 60fps respectively.
It’s a similar story for productivity performance. Although the Ryzen 7 7840HS is a fine processor, with eight high-performance cores and 16 threads, a glance through these pages will review cheaper laptops that outperform it. Bearing in mind this is a laptop with gaming skills, however, it was great to see battery life of 8hrs 49mins in our web-surfing test.
(Image credit: Future)
Final word
While I have my criticisms of the Framework Laptop 16, then, it’s obvious in so many ways that this is a company with ethics at its heart. That stretches to the 1080p webcam, which produces good detail and colours but also features a switch next to it that turns it off. There’s another switch for the microphone, too.
Then there’s its approach to materials: the cover is made from 75% post-industrial recycled (PIR) aluminum, the bottom cover is 90% PIR aluminum, shipping is fully carbon offset and the packaging is 100% recyclable. Framework is setting the standards for other to follow.
While the Framework Laptop 16 isn’t for everyone, it offers tech enthusiasts the chance to build their dream laptop – provided that the dream involves a 16in screen and all-AMD parts.
This review first appeared in issue 355 of PC Pro.
D-Link is aiming to take surveillance in new directions with its DSS-200G series of Layer 2 switches, which are designed to power the latest IP cameras and provide automated recovery services. This family of four switches is headed up by the 28-port DSS-200G-28MPP, which has a punchy power budget of 518W and offers support for 90W 802.3bt PoE services.
We reviewed the DSS-200G-28MP model, which sits on the rung below and offers a more modest 370W power budget with 30W 803.2at services available across all 24 gigabit ports. Both have four pairs of unpowered copper and fiber dual-personality gigabit ports for uplinks to a network video recorder (NVR) or server.
The switch can power any PoE-compliant device, but D-Link has focused primarily on surveillance usage. It incorporates 6kV surge protection circuitry to shield external cameras against lightning strikes.
One common feature of the DSS-200G series is the block of five DIP switches at the front, which are used to hard-set certain features. The first switch sets an ingress priority function so packets entering port 1 have the highest priority while those incoming on port 24 have the lowest.
The second switch enables a PoE extend mode on the first eight ports. This overcomes the 100-metre PoE cable length limitation by allowing powered devices (PDs) to be placed up to 250 meters away but, in common with all PoE extenders, it drops speed to 10Mbits/sec.
The third switch activates an isolation function so packets incoming on a “controlled” port will only be forwarded to a designated uplink port. This is a handy security feature; it means that if an IP camera is compromised, the intruder can’t gain access to any others attached to the switch.
The D-Link DSS-200G-28MP provides a power budget of 370W(Image credit: Future)
Next up is D-Link’s PD-Alive function, which pings the IP address of a device to check availability and, if it doesn’t respond for a specific time, will reset its PoE services and send out notifications, although for traps, only the less secure SNMPv2 is supported. Lastly, the fifth DIP switch enables STP, which uses redundant paths to restore connections due to a link failure.
Two management modes are available, and selecting the standard option from the quick start wizard presents a web interface with access to every switch feature. From here, you can configure all Layer 2 functions, create surveillance and voice VLANs, assign one of three PoE priorities to each port and enable the global ONVIF service so all compliant IP cameras are discovered and placed in a separate VLAN.
The surveillance mode presents a completely different interface with a smart graphical topology view showing all ports and attached devices. After we connected three D-Link PoE IP cameras, they were identified and automatically assigned icons with the correct model photo.
The two web consoles include a graphical view for monitoring functions(Image credit: Future)
Add non-D-Link cameras and, as long as they’re ONVIF-compliant, the switch assigns a generic camera icon but won’t identify their make or model. Devices such as our Netgear Wi-Fi 6 APs were simply classed as “other” but, in all cases, PoE services can be manually recycled to force a remote reboot.
The graphical theme continues with the console offering a filtered view showing only IP cameras along with their IP addresses and power consumption. You can keep a close eye on total power consumption and switch stats from the surveillance overview page, set schedules to control when power is provided to selected ports and configure the PD-Alive function on individual ports instead of using the fourth DIP switch.
The web console is mainly concerned with surveillance functions and offers greatly reduced access to switch settings. This isn’t a problem, though, as you can swap back to the standard mode if you need to tweak something and then return to surveillance mode.
The DSS-200G-28MP is a worthy contender for business surveillance duties as it offers plenty of smart IP camera management and monitoring features. Value looks good, too, as it includes a generous PoE budget, but you’ll need to focus on D-Link’s IP cameras to get the best from it.
This review first appeared in issue 355 of PC Pro.
SMBs that want a cloud file-sharing service that snaps neatly into their existing workflows will love Box, as it offers more app integrations than most of its rivals – over 1,500 in fact. Even better, admins can control which third-party apps are to be made available, and users can browse and install them directly from their personal web portal.
There’s a lot more to Box than that, however. It’s packed to the gills with collaboration tools: along with the obligatory cloud file-sharing and syncing services, it provides facilities for issuing file upload requests to external users, strong access controls for shared files, Box Preview for viewing and editing files in a browser without downloading them, Box Relay for automating repetitive tasks and Box Notes for taking real-time meeting minutes.
The new Box Canvas adds an extra sharing dimension that allows you to create secure virtual whiteboard sessions. Users can access this from their web portal, start sessions, invite other users and employ a selection of templates as well as drawing and editing tools to create interactive meetings, training sessions and more.
Box provides free iOS and Android mobile apps(Image credit: Future)
Box is available in five plans, with the Business Plus on review starting at three users and costing £20 each per month when billed annually. It enables a 15GB maximum file size, a 50-file version history, includes initial access to ten app integrations and gives value a big boost by offering unlimited cloud storage.
User onboarding is swift and they’ll find the web portal very easy to use. It opens with an overview of all their files and folders, and shows the most recent documents across the top. The left menu bar provides one-click access to all tools including Notes, Relay and Canvas.
When sharing content with team members, users can apply one of seven access permissions, ranging from viewing only to full editorial rights, and receive notifications when anyone accesses them. Box Collections is a smart feature that allows users to organize files, folders and web links in personal logical groups in their web portal without having to create new shared folders for them.
Install the local Box Drive app from the portal’s Sync page and you’ll receive a mapped drive with quick access to cloud files. You can mark any for offline access so they’re downloaded and stored locally and changes made are synced back to the cloud when internet access is restored.
Microsoft Teams users will find the Box app a worthy addition. We added it to our Teams desktop app and, after logging into a Box account, it presented an interface that’s a near-perfect replica of the web portal.
Box Insights keeps admins appraised on all file activity(Image credit: Future)
Business Plus supports unlimited external collaborators – people outside your organisation that are invited to work with you on shared files. They require a Box account to access them, but this isn’t a deal breaker as when we shared a file using an email address outside our account domain, the user was prompted to create a free Box Individual account, which provides 10GB of cloud storage and a 250MB file upload limit.
There are no such limitations on file upload requests, as external users don’t need a Box account for this. Users select a folder, create a file request, paste the web link into an email and send it to the recipient, who drags the required files into the web page to send them.
Box Business Plus delivers a superb range of cloud file-sharing and collaboration tools at a price that is sure to appeal to SMBs. It supports an incredible range of app integrations and tools, delivers strong access controls and neatly amalgamates everything into a well-designed web portal.
The Anker Laptop Power Bank is designed to charge large devices on the go, thanks to its high 165W output, large 25,000mAh capacity, and convenient extra features. For such a heavy-duty battery, the Anker Laptop Power Bank does a good job of remaining slender, although it’s as weighty as you might expect it to be. It’s also quite thick, so certainly better stored in your bag than in your pocket.
The Anker Laptop Power Bank is very well built, with every material and panel feeling solid. The screen has hardly any flex either, so I would be confident in it withstanding normal wear and tear.
This display provides various readouts, including those for temperature and wattages for each of the four outputs, which is more than some of the best power banks offer. It’s a shame, however, that it only covers a small area – smaller than the physical size of the screen would lead you to believe, which seems like a missed opportunity to me.
As a result, some figures can appear quite small. This can lead to misreadings when, for instance, charging the bank itself; since it gives the battery percentage to two decimal places, 10% can look like 100% when you glance at it from afar.
It features one USB-C and one USB-A port, both located on the side. This might seem like a strange placement, but the Anker Laptop Power Bank has an ace up its sleeve – two, in fact.
This is because it comes with two inbuilt cables. One loops round into its own clip, creating a makeshift carrying handle (which Anker condones; it can withstand over 20,000 bends), while the other is retractable, with the jack end connecting magnetically to the base to keep it tucked away. This keeps cable clutter to a minimum, as well as saving you the trouble of bringing your own.
Both cables feel very durable and thick, as do the strain reliefs at the base of the jacks themselves. However, they’re flat and rectangular rather than round, which means that they tend to twist themselves when you go to use them, but I only found this to be a minor inconvenience.
The charging performance of the Anker Laptop Power Bank is good. All three USB-C outputs can deliver up to 100W, and Anker claims an M3 MacBook Pro or an iPhone 16 can charge to 50% in about half an hour each. While charging, the display also usefully tracks the output wattage in real time.
I managed to charge a Lenovo IdeaPad 4G in about two hours, which is an admirable performance. More impressively, though, the battery only dipped to about 50% – which means you might just be able to get two full charges out of it – and replenishing its battery from 0% to 100% took just 90 minutes.
The Anker Laptop Power Bank can also charge four devices simultaneously, with the power output dipping to a maximum of 130W. There’s also a trickle charging mode for devices that only need low currents, such as smartwatches and earbuds.
For $99 / £89, the Anker Laptop Power Bank represents good value, considering its power, versatility, and convenience. If you’re a power user who travels with large devices, you likely won’t be disappointed with the Anker Laptop Power Bank as your companion.
(Image credit: Future)
Anker Laptop Power Bank review: price & specs
(Image credit: Future)
Should I buy the Anker Laptop Power Bank?
Buy it if…
You have large devices All three of the Anker Laptop Power Bank's USB-C outputs can charge at 100W, which is more than enough for many modern laptops and tablets.
You're forgetful The two integrated USB-C cables, one of which doubles as a carrying handle, are handy additions if you regularly forget to bring your own.
Don't buy it if…
You want something light At over half a kilo, the Anker Laptop Power Bank isn't exactly light. The thickness means you probably can't carry it in your pocket either.
You're not a power user The 165W output and 25,000mAh capacity are probably overkill if you're only ever going to charge your phone and other small devices.
Anker Laptop Power Bank: also consider
Anker Prime 27,650mAh Power Bank (250W) As the best power bank for power users, the Anker Prime has the output and capacity for serious demands, eclipsing the Anker Laptop Power Bank on both fronts. It also features similarly detailed readouts. However, it has three outputs rather than four, it’s marginally heavier, and doesn’t have any inbuilt cables. But if power is your primary concern, you can’t do much better than the Prime.
The Amazfit Up earbuds feature an open-ear design, making them a great choice for those who want to stay aware of their surroundings while listening to music. This makes them particularly popular for fitness enthusiasts, outdoor runners, and anyone who struggles with traditional in-ear or over-ear designs.
But these earbuds take a different approach. While many of the best open-ear headphones rely on ear hooks that go over the top of your ear or neckbands for stability, the Amazfit Up earbuds "clip" onto the edge of the ear instead. This isn’t unique to Amazfit – other brands, most notably the Bose Ultra Open earbuds, have used a similar design, along with various budget-friendly alternatives.
However, the Amazfit Up buds could be a game-changer for those who find ear-hook designs uncomfortable, especially if you have thick hair or wear glasses (I’ve personally had trouble with them for both of these reasons).
Another key selling point is price. Amazfit, owned by Zepp Health, is known for its budget-friendly fitness smartwatches, like the Amazfit Bip 3 Pro, which we praised for covering the basics at an affordable price – though not without its drawbacks. The Amazfit Up follow a similar pattern.
Open-ear earbuds can be pricey, with brands like Shokz and Bose offering premium options that require a serious investment. And since open-ear listening isn’t for everyone, spending that much can feel like a gamble. The Amazfit Up buds offer a more affordable entry point, though, as with most budget-friendly devices, compromises are inevitable.
Read on to find out what I thought after three weeks of testing the Amazfit Up – and whether budget-friendly buds can deliver without cutting too many corners.
Amazfit Up: Price and release date
(Image credit: Future)
Priced at $49.99 / £44.99
Released in late 2024
Cheap compared to rivals – but competition is mounting
The Amazfit Up earbuds launched in late 2024 with a price tag of $49.99 / £44.99. At the time of writing, there’s no official pricing or release date for Australia.
This price makes them an incredibly budget-friendly option – not just among open-ear designs but among wireless earbuds in general, even compared to those in our best budget wireless earbuds guide.
For context, our current top pick for open-ear earbuds, the Shokz OpenFit, cost $179.95 / £179.99 / AU$289, making them significantly more expensive. While the Shokz model does have a more premium build and better sound quality, fit is subjective. Personally, I found the Amazfit Up more comfortable for my ears, making them an outstanding value prospect.
Some other earbuds with a similar clip-on design – where the buds attach to the edge of the ear rather than sitting in, over, or around it – are priced much higher. The Bose Ultra Open Earbuds, which we rated highly in our review, are often considered the gold standard for clip-on earbuds but come at a steep $299 / £299 / AU$449.95. The Huawei Free Clip, another alternative, is also pricier at $212.37 / £169.99.
That said, the market for affordable clip-on earbuds is growing. Models like the JLab Flex Open and Anker Soundcore C30i are priced similarly to the Amazfit Up, offering more competition in the budget open-ear space.
So while the Amazfit Up is a strong contender at this price point, it’s not the only budget-friendly option. However, considering what it offers, it stands out as a great value – though it’s worth keeping an eye on the increasing competition in this space.
Amazfit Up: Specifications
Amazfit Up: Design
(Image credit: Future)
A clip-on design
Incredibly comfortable and light
Exterior looks a little cheap
The Amazfit Up earbuds feature an open-ear design often described as “clip-on.” While this term is becoming more common, I find it a little misleading since there’s no clamping or tight pressure involved.
Each earbud consists of a main housing that sits behind your ear, connected by a small curved band to a spherical speaker that rests lightly in your ear’s concha, just above – but not touching – your ear canal. While this design isn’t unique, it’s a clever take on open-ear audio, allowing sound to play close to your ears while keeping your ear canals free for situational awareness.
Unlike many earbuds that create pressure points over time, these distribute their lightweight 5g-per-bud so evenly that I barely noticed them, even after hours of wear. In fact, they’re some of the lightest, most comfortable earbuds I’ve tested – and I’ve tested a lot. That’s rare for me to say, as I usually experience some level of discomfort with most headphones. After wearing these for a while, everything else felt heavy in comparison.
For me, this design wasn’t just more comfortable – it was also far more practical. The area behind my ear, where many other open-ear buds sit, is already occupied. If I’m not wearing contacts, my glasses rest there. I also have thick, long hair and often wear hats, especially when running. This is why ear-hook designs tend to get in the way for me, and why the Amazfit Up felt like such a great fit.
(Image credit: Future)
For everyday use, they were ideal for walking and light jogging. While I wouldn’t trust them for intense activities like sprinting or inversions during yoga, they stayed more secure than I expected during running, especially compared to ear-hook designs.
Visually, they’re… fine. The textured design isn’t particularly sleek or premium-looking. A friend pointed out that they resemble a 1990s Star Trek: The Next Generation gadget, and I can’t unsee it now – especially with the small red light and ridged details adding to the sci-fi aesthetic. That said, once they’re on, all you really see is the sleek black band, which I actually loved.
The earbuds are IPX4-rated, meaning they can withstand light splashes, sweat, and rain. That’s fine for casual workouts, but some fitness-focused earbuds offer better water resistance, so it’s something to consider if you plan to use them in tougher conditions.
The charging case is compact and functional, but feels a bit flimsy. While it does the job, it doesn’t seem particularly durable, so it’s worth handling with care.
Design score: 4 / 5
Amazfit Up: Features
(Image credit: Future)
Multi-point connectivity
Connects with the Amazfit line of smartwatches
24 hours battery in total: 6 from the buds, 18 from the case
The Amazfit Up earbuds come with a decent range of features, though there are some gaps. One of the most notable omissions is the lack of an app, which is frustrating for those who like customization options. However, they do support voice assistants, including Zepp Flow and other phone-based assistants.
For controls, Amazfit has opted for actual buttons positioned behind the ear. I really appreciated this, especially for fitness use. A tactile button makes a huge difference – especially when your hands are sweaty, cold, or tired. These buttons allow you to adjust volume, play and pause music, skip tracks, answer or reject calls, and wake up your voice assistant. There are multiple input methods – single, double, and triple-taps, as well as a press-and-hold gesture. While the positioning behind the ear isn’t the most intuitive at first, I found the controls to be responsive once I got used to them.
One standout feature is multipoint connectivity, which is rare for budget buds and something even the Shokz OpenFit (our top open-ear pick) doesn’t offer. I connected the buds to two devices simultaneously, my Macbook Air and my iPhone, and the connection was seamless between them both.
Amazfit claims that the Up earbuds integrate well with Amazfit smartwatches, though I wasn’t able to test this firsthand. If you already own an Amazfit watch, this could be a nice bonus.
For calls and noise reduction, Amazfit advertises an “advanced AI algorithm” designed to reduce background noise, particularly wind. While I could still make calls outdoors, and they performed better than expected in windy conditions, the call quality was just okay – my voice sounded slightly muffled and distant according to the person I was calling. For casual use, they do the job, but if you rely on earbuds for frequent calls, you’ll likely want something with stronger microphone performance.
Battery life is decent but not outstanding. You get 6 hours per charge and a full 24 hours in total with the case too, which is lower than some competitors. For comparison, the Bose Ultra Open buds offer 7.5 hours per charge, while the Shokz OpenFit buds deliver 7 hours per charge and 28 hours total. So while the Amazfit Up holds its own, it’s not leading the pack.
Features score: 3.5 / 5
Amazfit Up: Sound quality
(Image credit: Future)
Decent clarity and crispness
Volume and bass okay considering the design
Only a little noise leakage
Open-ear earbuds aren’t designed for premium, immersive audio, especially at the budget end of the market. But I was pleasantly surprised by the way the Amazfit Up sounded – design and price considered.
Since they play audio just outside of your ear canal rather than sealing sound in, they naturally lack some punch, particularly in the bass. That said, there’s still enough low-end presence here to keep workouts energized, and I found the overall sound to be really enjoyable. Vocals come through well, instruments in the higher range are crisp, and the treble is clear – though occasionally a little on the sharp side. The soundstage has an expansive feel, making tracks sound open rather than compressed.
Compared to pricier alternatives like the Shokz OpenFit Air, the clarity isn’t quite as refined, but the difference isn’t huge, especially considering the price gap. Volume levels are decent here, though not the loudest. Then again, the whole point is you’re meant to be able to hear your surroundings, so what could be a negative with other designs is a plus here.
One thing I noticed was a slight vibration at times, which is common with this style of earbuds. Noise leakage is also expected, but in my testing, it was minimal. At about three feet away, people could detect a faint sound but couldn’t make out what was playing. Only those standing very close could actually hear the music, but even then, it wasn’t intrusive. So in the past, I wouldn’t have recommended this design to take from say a run to the office, but unless you’re used to strict silence, these can multi-task.
Ultimately, you’re not getting top-tier audio or ANC here, but that was never the point. Instead, for casual listening, workouts, and walks, the Amazfit Up buds deliver a surprisingly solid, well-balanced sound for the price.
Sound quality: 3.5 / 5
Amazfit Up: value
(Image credit: Future)
Excellent value for money
Cheap compared to rivals – though there is competition
A good way to try this design
The Amazfit Up earbuds offer excellent value for money, delivering a surprising combination of decent sound quality, excellent comfort, and good features at a budget-friendly price.
While open-ear designs typically come with compromises, the fit is a standout feature, making them far more comfortable – especially for those who struggle with ear-hook designs, many of which are significantly more expensive. They also seriously undercut premium clip-on competitors like the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds while still offering a solid listening experience.
That said, the market for affordable clip-on earbuds is growing, with brands like JLab and Anker offering similar designs at comparable prices. While competition is likely to increase, the Amazfit Up still holds its own as one of the best budget-friendly open-ear options we've tested. If you’re looking for an alternative to ear hooks without spending a fortune, they’re well worth considering.
Value: 4 / 5
Should I buy the Amazfit Up?
Buy them if…
You want open-ear earbuds but dislike ear hooks A great alternative if the more common ear hook design don’t work for you. Ideal for those with long or thick hair or who wear glasses.
You have a clear reason for open-ear buds If you dislike the feeling of blocked ears, need to stay aware of your surroundings, or worry about external noise, these are worth considering. Otherwise, there are better options.
You’re on a budget They’re not the cheapest buds we’ve ever tested, but they’re significantly more affordable than most open-ear rivals – perfect if you’re unsure about this style and don’t want to risk it.
Don’t buy them if…
You need ultra-secure buds They’re more secure than expected, but they don’t match the stability of sports earbuds with fins or more robust ear hooks.
You’re unsure about the style They offer good situational awareness and decent sound, but their unique design won’t be for everyone.
You want a premium look, feel, and sound The Bose Ultra Open Earbuds may cost significantly more, but they offer better sound, a sleeker design, and an app for customization – something the Amazfit Up lacks entirely.
Amazfit Up: Also consider
Bose Ultra Open Earbuds The Bose Ultra Open Earbuds are a good shout if you don’t have a budget to consider and you’re pretty convinced by the open ear form factor. They look sleek and deliver some excellent sound, all things considered. It does feel like a risk at this price though, so you’ve been warned. Read our full Bose Ultra Open Earbuds review
Shokz OpenFit If you like the idea of open-ear headphones but aren’t a fan of the clip-on style and want top-tier sound quality, the Shokz OpenFit are our top pick, featuring a comfortable ear-hook design. Alternatively, you might prefer the Shokz OpenFit Air, which we found to be even more comfortable during our testing due to their improved design.
Sony LinkBuds Fit If you’re here because you want sporty buds and don’t want to risk the design of these, then consider the Sony LinkBuds Fit. They sound good and are from a brand we trust to deliver, but we also recommend them as they’re incredibly comfortable – likely to appeal to those who haven’t liked in-ears in the past.
Tested at home, in a cafe, at the gym and outside in all sorts of weather conditions
I used the Amazfit Up open ear buds for three weeks before writing this review, and that involved listening to music and watching streamed movies. This gave me a good opportunity to trial them in a range of different environments and all sorts of situations.
Throughout the testing period, I used the Amazfit Up alongside my iPhone 14 Pro via Bluetooth. Streaming was done via Spotify and Mubi.
I listened at home, whilst travelling on a train, working in a cafe, working out at the gym, running along the beach and in the countryside and walking outside in all sorts of weather conditions.
I've spent the past 12 years testing a wide range of headphones and earbuds, particularly those designed for fitness. I have a keen interest in tech that emphasizes comfort and user-friendly design.
The Roborock Saros 10R is one of Roborock's 2025 flagship models, and proof if we needed it that robot vacuum cleaner innovation is advancing at a truly blistering pace.
Yes, the Saros 10R is expensive ($1,599.99), but that's the price you'll pay for any premium robot vac, especially when it's from one of the best robot vacuumbrands around; Roborock is well known for consistently pushing the envelope of robot vac design, innovation and reliability.
This new flagship model can be considered a direct successor to the popular S8 MaxV Ultra and is available in two variants, the Saros 10R I'm reviewing here, which is equipped with a new type of Solid-State LiDAR that doesn't require a turret, and the cheaper Saros 10 which uses a retractable turret.
All you really need to know is that the Saros 10R is squat enough to zip under furnishings just 8cm in height while sporting a gorgeous looking mirrored glass dock, oodles of suction power, revolutionary StarSight LiDAR navigation and mapping, plus a fully integrated mopping system with full self-cleaning facilities.
If you have a cluttered home with a complex layout, lots of furniture and a surfeit of messy kids and pets in tow, this is the model – this autonomous household helper does pretty much everything but make the tea. That's the short version; read on for my full Roborock Saros 10R review.
(Image credit: Future)
Roborock Saros 10R review: price & availability
List price: $1,599.99
Launched: February 2025
Available: US
Although robot vac prices have generally dropped in price while offering far more tech for your money, the very latest premium models will always cost in excess of a grand, at least for the first few months of their shelf lives. That's certainly true of the new Roborock Saros 10R which retails at an eye-watering $1,599.99.
Yes, there are other high-end bots out there that offer generally similar performance to the Saros 10R – the Dreame L40 Ultra for instance – but I haven't come across another model that does quite as much as this one, including its ability to negotiate the deeper recesses of the home.
The Saros 10R launched in February 2025 and is available in the US only. As of writing, it's not expected to make it to UK shores – it does, expect it to arrive around March 2025. Assuming it's roughly the same price in pounds as it is in dollars, it would be around £1,290.
If you live in the US, you can purchase the Saros 10R direct from Roborock, or via Amazon. Best Buy also sells Roborock robovacs, so it may also become available there.
Value for money score: 4 out of 5
Roborock Saros 10R specs
Roborock Saros 10R review: design
Impressive vacuum and mopping features
Extremely stylish mirrored dock
Expert navigation, mapping and obstacle avoidance
Most robovacs these days are equipped with a LiDAR turret that protrudes about half-an-inch above the body of the bot. This not only makes the robot look a bit ugly but, more than that, it prevents the bot from passing under low-slung furniture like cabinets and some sofas and beds.
By stark contrast, this stunning, black-only hybrid model from Roborock eschews a turreted LiDAR in favour of a flush, newfangled solid-state LiDAR navigation system (as opposed to rotating LiDAR, where the laser beam rotated 360-degrees). This not only takes navigation performance to a whole new level, but also allows the robot to venture beneath furniture with just an 8cm gap to the floor.
In fact, at just 3.14" (7.98cm) in height, the Saros 10R is the first robot vacuum I've ever tested to make it under my TV cabinet with just one millimetre of clearance. What's more, having a robot vac with no LiDAR turret means no more issues of a spinning LiDAR module sticking on a loose strand of pet hair – it happens. And of course, it also gives the unit a much more sleek and stylish appearance.
Navigation features
Aside from raw suction power and overall cleaning performance, a robot vac is only as good as its navigation system. As alluded to above, the majority of modern robots use two-dimensional LDS (Laser Distance Sensor) LiDAR and it serves them well. However, Roborock has thrown that book out of the window and has equipped this model with StarSight Autonomous System 2.0, a Dual Transmitter Solid-State LiDAR system that offers '3D Time-of-Flight scanning of the home for expert navigation around and under low-lying furniture, and enhanced mapping by capturing detailed height and depth information'. I'll take that, whatever it means.
The Saros 10R also features front-mounted RGB and infrared cameras for high-resolution visual recognition, side-mounted VertiBeam Lateral Obstacle Avoidance for moving around irregular-shaped furniture, walls and unfurled cables, and a front-mounted LED headlight for improved navigation in dark spaces. There is also another infrared camera and transmitter on the rear, plus the usual array of downward-facing drop sensors to stop it from falling down a flight of stairs, no matter which way it's facing. (Here's more on how robot vacuums navigate.)
To give you some idea of how far ahead of the game this robot's LiDAR system is, Roborock says that its 3D StarSight LiDAR system produces over 21,600 sensor points as opposed to standard two-dimensional LDS LiDAR, which produces just one. Consequently, this potpourri of navigation systems makes the Saros 10R ideal for cluttered homes with irregular layouts, a surfeit of furnishings and a lot of obstructions like toys, shoes and other household items. As of writing, the Saros 10R's obstacle avoidance system can recognise up to 108 household objects.
Bot design
That's Roborock's pioneering navigation system out of the way, so let's take a look at the mechanical stuff starting with this model's suction power. According to Roborock, this model sports 20,000 Pascals of 'HyperForce' suction power and that's about as strong as it currently gets (the upcoming Eureka J15 Max Ultra will apparently offer 22,000Pa, but that's the highest we've seen). It means its suction will reach deep down into medium and deep-pile carpet, removing a lot of obstreperous dust particles in the process. This model also includes a feature called DirTec that automatically increases vacuum power whenever heavy soiling is detected.
I should point out that raw suction power alone isn't the be-all and end-all of a vacuum cleaner's performance, since much of the work is also performed by the brush roller. And I think Roborock has nailed it with its DuoDivide anti-tangle main brush – a rubber two-piece corkscrew design that shuffles pet hair towards the centre where it's instantly sucked into the robot's slightly larger-than-average 270ml internal bin. This brush head will also raise by a few centimeters when heading to and from the dock to avoid any unnecessary contact with the floor.
Along with the main brush bar, the Saros 10R is also fitted with an anti-tangle side sweeping brush that pops out of the side by a couple of inches so it can reach into corners and around furniture legs. This side brush also lifts when not required, like when on carpet.
(Image credit: Future)
Like the Roborock Qrevo Curv I reviewed a few weeks ago, the Saros 10R can negotiate thresholds, small steps and floor-mounted tubed furniture legs up to 0.39 inches (1cm) in height. However, the Qrevo Curv's chassis can raise much higher so consider that machine instead if you have tall thresholds.
I'm personally not a big fan of robot vacs that also wet mop the floor, but that seems to be the 'in' thing these days, especially when it comes to the mid-to-upper range of robot vacs. Sure enough, this one comes with a full bells-and-whistles mopping system.
Like most modern hybrid robot vacs, the Saros 10R uses twin spinning mop pads for cleaning hard floors and, like the Qrevo Curv and some Dreame bots, the right-hand side mop articulates outwards for edge cleaning along skirting boards and around furniture legs. Similarly, the mops lift by 10mm when traversing carpets. However, since the mops are attached magnetically, they can also be left in the dock whenever the robot is assigned to a vacuum-only task so that there is zero chance of a damp mop running over even the shaggiest of rugs and carpets.
You get three levels of water flow with this model's mopping system – low, medium and high – but I would suggest sticking to low if used on wooden flooring. Furthermore, I can't vouch for the safety of using this model – or any other hybrid bot for that matter – if your floors are made from delicate laminate since thin laminated flooring is easily warped if water seeps into the joins. (Here's more on how to clean hardwood floors.)
Like the vast majority of Roborock robot vacs, this one also offers its own built-in voice control, if that is your wont. What's more, the voice control continues to work even if your internet system is offline. Alternatively, you can program it to respond to Google Home and Amazon Alexa prompts. Likewise, the robot itself has a voice and it will often pipe up to let you know what it's doing before and after a task, including announcing when it's about to empty its bin into the dock's larger dust bag.
All robot vacs I've tested have either used Chinese or American-accented voices, which is fine. However, with this model – indeed all Roborock models – there's also the option to download British-accented voices (male or female) which makes ownership in the UK a little more personalized (if this model ever arrives in the UK…).
(Image credit: Future)
As if you haven't already absorbed enough details for one day, the Saros 10R also provides some cool tech for your pets. For instance, you can remotely drive the robot around like an RC car or select Pet Search and it will look for your dog, cat or gerbil and take a picture of it. You can also use its built-in microphone and speaker to chat with your furry friends, but I would practice this first while you're at home in case they freak out the first time you use it remotely.
Dock design
I recently wrote a feature on robot vac innovations I'd like to see and chief amongst these was a request for better looking robot docks that you wouldn't mind having in the sitting room if space elsewhere was limited. By bizarre coincidence, this model arrived a week later sporting a cleaning dock embellished with a tempered glass front fascia replete with a stunning black mirror finish that reflects its surroundings – especially wooden floors – so well that you hardly notice it sitting there. Thank you Roborock.
At 18.7" (47.5cm) in height, 15" (38cm) in width and 19" (48.8cm) in depth (if you include the ramp), the Saros 10R's charging and self-cleaning dock isn't especially small, so you will need to find an adequate spot to locate it with several inches of space on either side so the bot can dock without difficulty.
(Image credit: Future)
Like most modern hybrid robovacs, the Saros 10R's dock will automatically empty the contents of the robot's small 270ml bin into its much larger two-liter dust bag every vacuuming session and sometimes mid task if requested to do so in the app.
For the mopping system, it comes with two water containers – 3 liters for clean water and 3 litres for the dirty stuff – which you will have to attend to from time to time by simply emptying the dirty water into a sink or toilet and topping up the other tank with fresh water. This model also comes with a detergent dispenser that can be filled with your own choice of hard floor detergent, though Roborock, like any floor cleaning product manufacturer, will naturally advise against this so you're persuaded to buy their own brand.
(Image credit: Future)
There's no shortage of sci-fi tech in this dock when it comes to cleaning the mops. On returning to the dock after a mopping run, the dock's scrubbing mechanism washes both mops using hot water at a very effective 176F (80C). If its intelligent dirt detection system senses excessive dirt in its cleaning tray, it will rewash the mops to ensure near perfect cleanliness for the next session. It will then proceed to dry the mops using wafts of warm air at 131F (55C). When it's time for its next mopping mission, the dock will automatically fill the robot's small water reservoir with warm water for improved stain removal.
Some docks I've seen also come with a self-cleaning feature that injects water into the mop tray. However, in most instances you need to get down on your knees with a brush to help move the dirty water towards a suction tube. By contrast, the Saros 10R's self-cleaning system does it all for you by scrubbing the tray in hot 176F (80C) water before porting the dirty stuff up a small pipe positioned at the rear. To activate the self-cleaning function, simply go to Dock Settings in the Roborock app and select 'Self-Cleaning for Cleaning Tray'. I should add that it's worth checking the cleaning tray from time to time to remove any excessively large pieces of debris that are sometimes collected by the mops and the robot's brush rollers. The two-part tray is easily cleaned with a brush and some hot tap water.
If you have a smart modern kitchen and you like your appliances to be fully integrated, you can also request this model as a svelte plumbed-in version that automatically fills the fresh water tank while emptying the contents of the dirty water container into a drainage outlet.
Design score: 5 out of 5
Roborock Saros 10R review: performance
Industry-leading navigation
Great vacuum performance
Excellent dock functionality
There's a lot to get into on the performance front here, so I've broken this section up into sub-sections. I'll start with that pioneering navigation, then look at obstacle avoidance, vacuuming performance (including the results f our suction tests), mopping performance, and finally dock performance.
Navigation performance
As mentioned above, the Roborock Saros 10R uses StarSight to navigate, an innovative system comprising a turret-free LiDAR, front-facing RGB and infrared cameras, and all sorts of other sensors to help it maneuver through even the most complex of floorspace layouts.
I've had it running for the past few weeks and at no point has it failed to find its dock or simply stopped mid-task for no reason. Mind, that's been the case with most Roborock models I've reviewed. Its mapping is exemplary and you can watch it all unfold in real time on the app's map screen.
Like a whirling dervish, it trundles off on its mapping run – an advised process when using it for the first time – and completes the task with impressive speed. In fact it took just five minutes for it to map my open-plan living space comprising five different areas. Yes, it merged two areas together as one room but even that was easy to rectify, simply by going into the app and dividing them into two separate rooms.
One of the most common anomalies with LiDAR-equipped robot vacs is their refusal to punch through a bed or sofa valance. This is because LiDAR treats a fabric valance as a solid boundary. Well I'm pleased to say that the Saros 10R is the first LiDAR-equipped robot vac I've ever tested that's capable of penetrating the valance on my lounge sofa.
Rather confusingly, it doesn't do it every time it's vacuuming the lounge so perhaps it's something to do with its angle of approach at the time. That's the thing with robots; they sometimes behave in mysterious ways. Either way, I'm very happy with this discovery.
(Image credit: Future)
I also tried to replicate a threshold using books but the Saros 10R isn't designed for anything much higher than 0.39 inches (10mm). Unlike the Roborock Qrevo Curv, which scaled the same book experiment like an off-road tank, the Saros 10R made an attempt to ride over the books but then thought better of it and retreated. Hence, if you have tall thresholds up to 1.5" (4cm) in height, Roborock's Qrevo Curv model would be a better bet.
Obstacle avoidance
Most robot vacs I've tested haven't been that great at small obstacle avoidance, especially when the objects have been less than an inch and a half in height. Sure enough, the Saros 10R at first refused to recognize one specific obstacle – a one inch-high nylon dog bone that's been too low in height for most robot vac's cameras and obstacle sensors to detect. Like the majority of bots, it basically rode over the bone and then struggled to extricate itself by moving hither and thither while one of its wheels raised the whole unit up in the air at a cock-eyed angle.
(Image credit: Future)
I checked the Roborock app to see if I'd missed a setting and, lo and behold, I discovered that I hadn't activated the 'Pet' option that 'recognizes and avoids pets and their waste with precision'. I remember seeing this option when I first set it all up but the 'avoids pets' explanation sounded unnecessary to me, since most pets are larger in size than any small obstacle. So I originally left the option off. In hindsight, I think this function in the app needs to be amended to just say 'avoids pet waste' to circumvent any confusion, because once I'd activated it the Saros 10R became a different beast altogether.
(Image credit: Future)
In fact, it consistently avoided said bone every time I dropped it in its path. Sometimes it would avoid it by about six inches and other times come perilously close but deftly work its way around it. I should add, however, that it may not clean as closely to the object when the pet option is selected. Swings and roundabouts spring to mind. Would I rely on this model to reliably avoid all pet waste all the time? No way, José. I've been down that road already and don't wish to go there again.
Vacuum performance
The Saros 10R vacuums like a trooper and comes with five power bands – from Quiet to Max+. I have my test model set between Max and Max+ since I see no reason to select anything less, given that the bot has enough battery to complete an entire sweep of my home in either of these modes. And besides, even if it were to run out of juice it will simply return for a full recharge – which takes about two and a half hours – before heading out again to complete the task.
Unlike non-LiDAR robots like those from iRobot, this model vacuums in a systematic pattern that makes a lot of sense, especially when you're watching it work. I also like the way the side brush pops out of the casing whenever the robot approaches a corner. It does a fine job of flinging debris into the path of the roller brush. This brush also lifts off the ground when the robot is vacuuming rugs.
Aside from its generally excellent suction performance, a quick shout out to the developers for coming up with such an effective two-piece corkscrew-shaped brush roller because at no time has any pet tangled on it. Instead, any hair is cleverly coaxed towards a centre gap between the rollers and into the mouth of the suction area. In this regard, I can wholeheartedly recommend this model as one of the best robot vacuums for collecting pet hair.
For my hard floor vacuum test I scattered raw oats, flour and half a crushed Hobnob biscuit and set it to clean a small zone in the kitchen using the Max setting and two passes for good measure. As expected, the robot disengaged its mops in the dock and headed straight to the specific area I drew on the map. It duly sucked up all the larger pieces of detritus but did leave traces of flour in the floor seams.
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So I reprogrammed the test, this time using Max+ mode and it collected a bit more flour than before but still left some evidence in the cracks. I personally don't consider this a fail because no robot I've tested has ever completely removed flour from the joins in my wooden flooring. And anyway, in the real world one wouldn't rely on a robot vac to perform a one-off sweep of a specific area when you should, by rights, have a cordless stick vac to hand.
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Test two involved the same ingredients on the medium pile rug I have in front of the dogs' beds, with the Saros 10R set to Max+ mode and two passes. Aside from some light evidence of flour on the rug that was easily finished off by the Dreame R20 stick vac I recently reviewed, I still rate this test a success. I was especially impressed with the way it moved both vertically and laterally across the rug to ensure full coverage.
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Mopping performance
As I've mentioned above, I'm not a fan of mopping robots, mostly because I'm lucky enough to have a cordless wet-and-dry hard floor cleaner which I find is more than enough for occasional mopping duties. Nevertheless, the industry seems to have decided that mopping is what people want so, along with observing its bi-weekly mopping runs, I also put this model through a specific mopping test in the kitchen.
Using a hotchpotch of wet ingredients – soy sauce, syrup and a teaspoon of milk – and a pre-set zone routine in the app using the low water setting, the Saros 10R's dock filled the unit's small onboard water container with a mix of warm water and detergent, and primed its two spinning mops. It then trundled off to its predetermined zone.
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Well blow me down with a feather if it didn't clear the floor of all evidence in a single sweep. This really impressed me because I at least expected to see a smear of syrup. That's a fine result in my book.
Dock performance
I've only had one minor issue with the dock and it occurred directly after a family Christmas with five dogs and three cats in attendance. Once everyone had gone home, I unboxed the Saros 10R and set it to work in the lounge. This room hadn't been swept for three days and the Christmas tree had dropped a lot of pine needles.
Cutting to the chase, the unit duly swept up as well as anyone could reasonably expect from a high-performance model of this nature but when it proceeded to dump the contents of the robot's bin into the dock's large 2-litre dust bag, the hair clogged up the works. A quick check of the robot's bin showed an enormous conglomeration of pet hair and pine needles protruding from the bin's outlet port and another clump that had blocked the inlet tube leading to the dock's dust bag.
I should add that every robot I've tested has had at least one issue like this – and even my Dyson Gen5detect has jammed up from time to time – so I put it down to rare circumstances and a combination of matted pet hair and pine needles. I'm personally not sure if the Saros 10R's dock suction is as strong as the Qrevo Curv's because it sounds quieter, which is a good thing. Nevertheless, I'm very pleased to report that the dock has experienced no further problems during the past four weeks I've been using it.
(Image credit: Future)
In terms of self cleaning the mops, it did them well enough in my opinion given the amount of muck on the floor. However, I would always advise removing them and giving them a good scrub under a hot tap with some washing-up liquid for good measure. By the way, I especially liked the way the dock cleaned the mops' tray using water and a revolving mechanism to sweep the dirty stuff towards a small rubber suction tube.
(Image credit: Future)
Although Roborock advertises up to seven week's worth of floor matter collection before its dust bag requires binning, I am having to change the bag every three weeks – but then I do have a large menagerie of furry creatures. Hence, I'd like to see some bigger dust bags going forward.
In conclusion, I have been really impressed with this robot vac's overall performance and I find it hard to give it anything less than five stars in this category. It's just so reliable and efficient at the tasks it was designed to do.
Performance score: 5 out of 5
Roborock Saros 10R review: app
User friendly
Superb customization
Impeccably clear maps
Judging by the Reddit forums, I'm not the only one to think that the Roborock app is the best on the market. This app is just so customizable, intuitive and informative to use. Firstly, it produces a highly detailed map of the home with evidence of every nook and cranny. And you can edit the map to your heart's content, whether that's dividing or merging rooms, or adding keep out zones and virtual barriers. Aside from being able to create an endless range of timed schedules, you can also assign specific zones you want cleaned on a frequent basis, and save them as routines that appear on the home screen for convenience.
(Image credit: Future)
The app also offers something called SmartPlan as an option when cleaning. This feature supposedly weighs up the tasks it's previously performed and adjusts its cleaning method accordingly. Hence, if, say, the robot mopped the kitchen yesterday it might avoid doing it today. I personally leave it off since I don't want it doing anything I don't want it to do.
This app also features a full smorgasbord of custom features, including settings for floor cleaning, the dock, the robot's reactive obstacle avoidance, maintenance, remote viewing, robot settings, the list goes on. Furthermore, each menu you select brings up a range of individual tweaks with explanations that you could spend many happy hours fiddling with.
App score: 5 out of 5
Should you buy the Roborock Saros 10R?
Buy it if...
You want unbridled efficiency
This bot performs all tasks with consummate skill.
You want hands-free operation
The Saros 10R's self-cleaning features are a key selling point – the dock will not only empty the dust cup and wash and dry the mop pads, but clean itself too.
You need versatility
This bot is designed for complex environments – layouts with a mix of floor types and lots of obstacles.
Don't buy it if...
You're on a budget
The Saros 10R is expensive with a capital E. And while the premium features and tech help justify that asking price, if you don't need the very latest tech then there are plenty of options that'll do a very good cleaning job for a lower price.
You have very tall room thresholds
While the Saros 10R is pretty good at getting over raised thresholds, it's not as good as the Roborock Qrevo Curv.
You don't require a mopping function
Mopping (and the related mop dock functions) bump up the cost of this model considerably, so if you're not fussed about that then look for a vacuum-only model and save some cash.
How I tested the Roborock Saros 10R
I received my test model of the Saros 10R just before Christmas and set it up before the New Year 2025. For the following month I ran different daily schedules in both vacuum and mopping modes. It has been one of those robot vacs that just gets on with the job without making a song and dance about it.
However, for purposes of this review, I also put it through three specific TechRadar tests involving both vacuuming and mopping just to make sure it was as efficient as it seemed. As you will have read, it sailed through everything without any major hiccups. I should add, however, that that was the least I expected from a brand which has a reputation for producing great gear that just works.
Capacity: 2, 4TB Transfer rate - Read: 6,700 MB/s Transfer rate - write: 5,300 MB/s Dimensions - 17× 65 x 98 mm Weight - 150g Rating - IP68
The LaCie Rugged drives have been the go-to for creatives for the past two decades and have often led the field when it comes to adopting the latest technologies. While the performance of the Rugged drives has lent itself to use by the creative sector, especially videographers, it's the design that has really made them stand out. I use the older iteration of the Rugged drive, in its unmissable bright orange rubber shell, on most shoots—they offer large capacities, they're easy to locate at dusk as well as in the bottom of a bag due to the contrasting colour, and best of all they'll survive a knock or two.
Ranked as some of the best rugged hard drives, the only issue I've had with them in recent years is that while the capacities have increased—I stack up the 5TB versions to cope with 4K RAW video files—the speeds haven't generally kept pace with the latest SSDs, even the excellent LaCie Rugged SSD. The existing SSD version is USB 3.2 Gen 2 and only offers 10Gbps, whereas now there's a true ultrafast option with this Pro5 and its native Thunderbolt 5.
Removing the Rugged SSD Pro5 from the box, and like the Rugged SSD, it takes the small form factor that has been made possible by the new storage technology, although this time it's blue rather than orange.
Aesthetics and design aside, I preferred the orange for use out on site, and while the blue looks great and aligns with the original LaCie brand colours, I'm not so keen—I'll go into why in the performance section, along with the IP68 certification, which I have to say is a great upgrade.
In use, the performance of the drive instantly impressed, and while I wasn't able to test the full Thunderbolt 5 speed, the transfer rates still surpassed most other drives I've tested.
The choice of Thunderbolt 5 has wide backward compatibility and will work with USB Type-C and Thunderbolt ports, in each case enabling the speeds that you need for use as a scratch disc for video editing and, therefore, anything else.
While I have reservations about the colour choice, there's no doubting the build quality—this is a drive that will stand up to far more than most, including being dropped into water or run over by a Ford Transit Custom. And then there's the speed. The speed of the transfer and the compact size make this a great choice for any creative looking for one of the best portable SSDs around; however, while you can see the influence of the iconic design, a little more of an evolution of the design would have been welcome.
LaCie Rugged SSD Pro5 4TB: Price & availability
(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)
The LaCie Rugged SSD Pro5 is widely available and can be purchased from most photographic, video, and electronics retailers, including Adorama, CVP, and B&H Photo, as well as directly from LaCie.
Score: 4/5
LaCie Rugged SSD Pro5 4TB: Design & build
(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)
The LaCie Rugged SSD Pro5 is the latest iteration of the iconic portable hard drive and one that has been the go-to for creatives for the past 20 years. I have old LaCie Rugged drives that I've used over the years and had chosen for three distinct characteristics.
Firstly, the speed and capacity of the internal drives made them ideal for video and photographic work. Secondly, they're tough, with that rubberised outer offering plenty of protection. And finally, the colour made them easy to locate when working out in the field. There's no missing a bright orange hard drive when you pack up.
This latest iteration takes that design, if not the colour, and, like the small SSD version, downsizes the drive to 17 x 65 x 98 mm with a weight of 150 g, so it's extremely small and light. It keeps much of the aesthetics, so there's no mistaking the make or model of the drive from a glance. The only thing is, as mentioned, it's now blue rather than the iconic orange.
The design of the drive is simple, with just the single Thunderbolt 5 port on the side, which, like the SSD version, is placed on the long side of the drive rather than at the end.
The update to Thunderbolt 5 is welcome, as the SSD version for Mac compatibility remained at USB 3.2 Gen 2, which limited speeds to 10Gbps. While fast, this is starting to be challenged by the latest 4K and 8K video file formats. This new version will handle these large video data files without issue.
The other major point about the build, aside from the high quality, is the fact that this drive is now IP68, up from IP67 on the previous version. This essentially means that you can drop it into water up to 1.5 m in depth, and it will survive for up to 30 minutes. This is a big upgrade over the SSD version, which you could only submerge briefly. It will also withstand 3m drops and up to two tonnes of pressure, again reinforcing the build quality and its suitability to be a go-to for creatives.
Design & build: 4.5/5
LaCie Rugged SSD Pro5 4TB: Features
(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)
When it comes to the features, the small SSD keeps things simple, with the headline being the ultra-fast transfer rates provided by the Thunderbolt connection. This connection type, when connected to a machine that supports Thunderbolt 5, will achieve read speeds of up to 6,700 MB/s and write speeds of up to 5,300 MB/s with a 50GB cache. To achieve these speeds, you'll need one of the latest Apple Mac machines, and at present, the availability of Thunderbolt 5 on PCs is almost non-existent.
This makes it an ideal option for videography as a scratch disc, meaning that after the cache, the performance will still enable up to 5,000 MB/s read and 1,800 MB/s write. The fact that it's available in both 2TB and 4TB versions also gives you plenty of flexibility and budget choices, and considering the capacity and speed, it's actually not that expensive.
At present, it's only the latest Mac computers that offer the full Thunderbolt 5 speeds, making it an ideal partner for anyone needing to edit 6K and 8K video. While these speeds are nice to have, outside of video editing, these transfer rates will be far in excess of the needs of most users.
One of the features that really interests me is the IP68 rating and resistance to water, dust, drops of up to 3 m, and 2-tonne pressure. While I never intend to drop a hard drive into a puddle, run over it in a car, or drop it from a height, these are all possible outcomes when you work in the field—so knowing that it can take this abuse in its stride is reassuring.
One other point about the build is that the Rugged SSD Pro5 is built with at least 45% recycled materials, giving the drive a small environmental tick when it comes to sustainability.
As with all LaCie drives, the new Rugged Pro5 comes with a 5-year limited warranty, Rescue Data Recovery Services, and Toolkit backup software, all of which I have found very useful in the past, especially the data recovery.
Features: 4/5
LaCie Rugged SSD Pro5 4TB: Performance
(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)
Benchmarks
These tests were carried out on a MacBook Pro M1 Max with Thunderbolt 4
Blackmagic Disk Speed Test read: 3518.7MB/s Blackmagic Disk Speed Test write: 2968.1MB/s AmorphousDiskMark Read: 3451.97MB/s AmorphousDiskMark Write: 1795.47MB/s AJA System Test Lite Read: 3024MB/s AJA System Test Lite Write: 2015MB/s ATTO Disk Benchmark Read: 3280MB/s ATTO Disk Benchmark Write: 2830MB/s
Opening the box, the small drive is very reminiscent of the SSD version, the main difference being that the new drive is blue rather than orange. The difference in colour is a nice touch, although I do wish they had also launched an orange version. The orange is far more than an aesthetic choice—for the same reason that the insides of camera bags are often bright yellow, red, or grey, those colours are chosen to create contrast with kit so you can find things when Light is low.
Still, against the inside of the Vanguard and Manfrotto bags, the new blue drive contrasts well, although, at this size, it's now better practice to pop the drive into one of the small zipped inner pockets rather than leaving it loose inside the bag. I would also have liked to see a lanyard loop for a drive of this size just to secure it, as this is now a common feature elsewhere with drives of this type.
Another feature, and an issue that is universal with the new wave of tough drives, is that there's nowhere to stick a label. The rubber outer skin of this and other drives just doesn't allow labels to adhere with ease, and when you're dealing with a stack of these, some indicator is always useful. If LaCie included a 3M sticker or similar for that top section, it would definitely be welcome, and a flush rather than raised logo on this surface would enable the label to lay flat rather than have a bump in the middle. On the back, however, there is a nice flat section with the info label, making it a perfect surface to attach Velcro to secure it to the back of a laptop or other device.
The new smaller size of the drive, made possible by the small form factor of SSD technology, definitely makes this a huge upgrade in performance and usability over the previous generation.
When it comes to performance, there is little to fault. Used as a scratch disk for Adobe Premiere Pro and Final Cut Pro X, the drive works seamlessly and at the same pace as the internal MacBook Pro M1 Max SSD when under load. Any worries about thermal throttling performance when editing RAW Light were quickly dismissed, and a 15-minute edit using 4K and some 8K footage from the Canon EOS R5 C showed the drive's potential, with the limitations coming from the MacBook Pro rather than the drive itself.
As the results from the benchmarking test highlight, the speed and ability of this drive as an external entity is one of the fastest available and the first to utilise the Thunderbolt 5 interface.
Performance: 5/5
Should you buy the LaCie Rugged SSD Pro5 4TB?
As an all-around portable SSD, its small size and variety of capacity options make this a discreet and easy choice. The minimal size and weight will appeal broadly, as it takes up very little room in the pocket of a jacket or bag, making it an ideal partner for imaging professionals.
The cable's weight influences its position on a desktop, but with a little Velcro, this drive can be perfectly attached to the back of a monitor. This feature is particularly beneficial for those on the move, working in various locations like trains, coffee shops, or hotdesking around an office, as it ensures the safety of the driver's connection during movement.
Although small pen drives with large capacity options are available, this dedicated drive offers sustained performance, making it an ideal choice for activities that require fast transfer speeds and reliable access to data. It is particularly suited for those in the video sector who demand reliable file access and need storage that is safe, secure, and lightweight enough to be easily transported in a busy environment without excessive concern about cables disconnecting.
iPhone 15 Pro and Max users will also benefit from the connection to greater storage when shooting video in the Apple ProRes format. This is a superb, slightly unique feature. There's the issue of how to attach the drive comfortably, but ultimately, it pushes the function and features of the iPhone 15 Pro even further. In real terms, the video that you can store on an iPhone with around 70GB of storage goes from 18 minutes to 1,183 minutes with the 2TB drive attached.
Overall, considering the capacity, size, and speed, this is an outstanding SSD that will suit many uses but will find particular appeal with photographers and videographers.
(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)
Buy it if...
You need data transfer speeds.
The Thunderbolt 5 interface ensures ultra-fast data transfer rates along with excellent backward compatibility.
You need durability
Few other portable SSDs are as rugged and durable as this compact option.
Don't buy it if...
You just need storage.
While this drive will supply you with plenty of storage, if you don't need the speed on offer here, then there are cheaper options.
You work in an office.
Even if you're video editing in a studio, there are desktop drives that will match this performance for the price. You'll pay a premium for the rugged design that you may not need.
The Razer Barracuda X Chroma is a wireless gaming headset that sits towards the budget end of the brand’s lineup, offering plenty of features in a more affordable package.
It adopts a rather conservative design, with its gaming stylings confined to the RGB lighting on the sides of each driver. The matte finish and elegant form help make this a smart-looking headset.
The fit and comfort levels are up there with the best wireless gaming headsets around. Even glasses wearers should find there’s enough clearance and cushioning to accommodate the arms of their frames comfortably.
The headband is wonderfully plush too, and the relative lightness of the overall headset means it remains comfortable over long sessions. The earpads aren’t the most cushioned, however, which did result in the insides of the drivers making contact with my ears, but not enough to cause an issue like other gaming headsets.
In addition to some useful on-board functionality courtesy of the buttons on the left driver, you can make further tweaks using Synapse, Razer’s peripheral software. These include altering EQ profiles via numerous draggable points across the frequency spectrum, as well as advanced customization options for the lighting via the Razer Chroma add-on. However, it’s inconvenient that this latter feature opens in a separate app window, rather than being contained within Synapse.
You’ll also get access to the Surround Sound 7.1 feature with your purchase of the Barracuda X Chroma, but this also requires a separate app, rather than being a Synapse module.
The Barracuda X Chroma offers a balanced and clear sound. The various preset sound profiles can be hit and miss, with music mode being the best in my opinion, as it rounds out the bass nicely. Oddly enough, while the Surround Sound 7.1 capability does impart a subtle sense of directionality, the overriding impression I got from it was an increased fullness and punchiness – but at the expense of adding an unwanted airiness to the higher frequencies.
The various connectivity modes on the Barracuda X Chroma work well, with Bluetooth and the HyperSpeed dongle functioning as intended. Using the SmartSwitch button to hot-swap between the two modes is quick and easy too, although there were some occasions when it wasn’t quite so sharp.
The battery life is also good, with the 70-hour claim appearing to hold water during my tests, as it didn’t even deplete halfway after several days of varied use. Charging it from about half to full took just under two and a half hours, which is a middling performance.
All things considered, however, the Barracuda X Chroma represents better value than some of Razer’s more expensive gaming headsets, such as the Kraken V4, offering much the same features and performance but for less. I also found it more comfortable than the Kraken.
If you’re after a headset with superior sound, though, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro is a better choice, and if you want to stick to the budget end of the market – and don’t mind missing out on wireless connectivity – you can’t do much better than the Epos H3.
(Image credit: Future)
Razer Barracuda X Chroma review: price and availability
$129.99 / £129.99 / AU$229.95
Available now in black and white
Well-priced and good value
The Razer Barracuda X Chroma costs $129.99 / £129.99 / AU$229.95 and is available now in two colorways: black and white. With a purchase of the headset, you’ll also get access to the Surround Sound 7.1 app, which is usually a paid-for addition.
At this price, it sits well within the gaming headset market. It’s cheaper than the Razer Kraken V4, and yet it performs just as well according to my tests, with similar sound quality – yet the Barracuda X Chroma has better comfort levels. It also has a claimed battery life of up to 70 hours, whereas the Kraken can only manage 50 hours. However, the Kraken does feature a retractable mic, whereas the mic on the Barracuda X Chroma is only removable.
If you’re after a headset with better sound quality, then the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro, the best PC gaming headset around in our view, may be a better option. It also has some useful features, such as ANC. However, it’s considerably more expensive than the Barracuda X Chroma. If you want something a lot cheaper but still worthy, the Epos H3 is the best gaming headset in this regard, although you’ll have to make do with a wired connection.
Razer Barracuda X Chroma review: specs
(Image credit: Future)
Razer Barracuda X Chroma review: design and features
Restrained looks
Comfortable
Volume wheel a little prone to misscrolls
The Barracuda X Chroma looks smart and rather understated for a gaming headset, with the RGB lighting on the sides of each driver being the only indicator in this regard. The smooth, matt finish adds a dash of elegance too. The whole headset is quite wide, but I wouldn’t describe it as bulky.
It’s also one of the most comfortable gaming headsets I’ve tried. The light weight means it’s hardly felt on the head, and the fit is snug but not too tight. The earcup padding isn’t the most plush, however, and I did feel the inside of the drivers making slight contact with my ears, but thankfully the pressure wasn’t great enough to cause aches, as I’ve experienced with other headsets. I also prefer their oval shape over circular designs, as they fit my ears completely without protruding behind me too much.
However, it has the same design flaw that I noted with the Kraken V4: namely that the volume wheel on the left driver has a tendency to spin unintentionally when leaning back in a chair or sofa, such is the ease with which it scrolls. It’s a small gripe, but one that may become irritating for those who like to lounge away when gaming.
The headband is more cushioned than the earcups, and I hardly felt it across my head. The headband adjustments are also easy to make while remaining secure. In fact, the entire headset is engineered to the high standards typical of Razer’s peripherals.
(Image credit: Future)
The mic on the Barracuda X Chroma is detachable, but since it employs a gooseneck design, it can be moved in and out of position with ease. It also feels durable, and the cloth tip is reasonably thick, so I don’t have many concerns about it deteriorating quickly.
There are various buttons adorning the left driver, including a power button that can also be used to perform various call and media-related functions, which is quite useful. There’s also a mic mute button and a SmartSwitch button, which quickly switches between Bluetooth and HyperSpeed Wireless modes, provided both are already connected to your devices.
The Barracuda X Chroma can be tweaked using Synapse, Razer’s peripheral software. Here you’ll find various settings for the sound, including an EQ graph where you can boost and cut numerous frequency bands, allowing for a lot more control than many other headsets offer. You can alter the existing sound profiles, or create a custom one. Synapse itself is well laid out and relatively stable, and I had hardly any issue with it, aside from the occasional slow-down.
As the Barracuda X Chroma name suggests, you can also customize the RGB lighting using the Razer Chroma add-on. This offers plenty of options to sink your teeth into, including audio-responsive effects and synchronization with other compatible peripherals. There’s also a Studio section where you can create layers of effects and segment the light bars with different colors, which is far more detailed than most.
It’s inconvenient, however, that Chroma isn’t integrated within Synapse; instead, it’s a separate app, which can be a hassle when hot-switching between windows.
(Image credit: Future)
Razer Barracuda X Chroma review: Performance
Good audio quality for gaming
Surround sound adds fullness
Long battery life
The sound of the Barracuda X Chroma is well-balanced, although the low-end lacks the same level of depth as some of the best headphones out there. As I found with Razer’s other headsets, the best preset profile for most situations is Music, as it offers the best all-round frequency response, whereas the others tend to cut the lows and mids too much.
With your purchase of the Barracuda X Chroma you’ll also get access to the Surround Sound 7.1 feature, which is usually paywalled. Like Chroma, this opens in another app window, adding to the inconvenience. The Surround Sound 7.1 effect is reasonably subtle but does give a better sense of where sound is coming from in-game. It also provides a noticeably fuller sound, with greater presence and low-end, but at the cost of making the upper mids and highs more airy, with a faint drone in these registers. This can be a little off-putting but not egregious enough to ruin the experience entirely.
Both wireless modes work well, with the HyperSpeed dongle – true to its name – offering slightly better response times, although there isn’t much in it. The sound quality appears much the same too.
The SmartSwitch feature also works well enough, moving quickly between devices connected via Bluetooth and HyperSpeed Wireless. It also connects easily to various devices besides PC: it’s as convenient as the best PS5 headsets to use with Sony’s console, while both Bluetooth and HyperSpeed modes work seamlessly with the Nintendo Switch, with a slight improvement in sound quality and lag when using the latter method.
The HyperClear cardioid microphone on the Barracuda X Chroma provides sufficient clarity, but it’s not quite as pristine as that on the Kraken V4, as it introduces more sibilance and muffling. But for gaming, it’s still perfectly usable.
The claimed battery life of the Barracuda X Chroma of up to 70 hours seems to ring true according to my tests. After several days of varied use between Bluetooth and HyperSpeed modes, it only depleted to 54%. Charging the headset took just under two and a half hours from this point, which isn’t spectacular but not terrible.
(Image credit: Future)
Should I buy the Razer Barracuda X Chroma?
Buy it if...
You want features From the multiple connectivity options to the in-depth software and included Surround Sound 7.1 app, Razer has been rather generous with the extras.
You want comfort Thanks to the oval drivers, plush headband, and overall lightness of the Barracuda X Chroma, many gamers should find these comfortable to wear – even the bespectacled.
Don't buy it if...
You want the best sound Although it suffices for gaming, the audio quality isn’t the best for serious music listening, and the various modes can compromise the fidelity even more.
You want the best convenience It’s not always plug-and-play with the Barracuda X Chroma, and the various apps for the settings can complicate matters.
Razer Barracuda X Chroma review: Also consider
Epos H3 If you’re on a budget, then the Epos H3 is hard to beat, as we think it’s one of the best wired gaming headsets for those looking to save. It offers superb sound, even when listening to music, as well as great comfort levels. It can be found for a mere fraction of its original price too, making it even better value. A wireless version is available in the form of the Epos H3Pro Hybrid, but naturally, this costs more.
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro is the best PC gaming headset overall in our view, thanks to the brilliant sound, comfort levels, and battery life. It also has ANC, but we didn’t think this was its strongest suit. You’ll also have to pay considerably more for it than the Barracuda X Chroma, but in the areas where it excels, it’s pretty much unbeatable.
I tested the Razer Barracuda X Chroma for several days, during which time I used it while playing gamines, listening to music, watching video content, and attending virtual meetings. I made use of as many of its features and functions as possible, including the Surround Sound 7.1, Chroma, and Synapse apps.
I have been gaming for over 25 years, and during that time I have experienced a number of headsets and headphones, from over-ear to in-ear. I have also reviewed a myriad of gaming headsets, including other offerings from Razer: namely the Kraken V4 and the Hammerhead Pro HyperSpeed.
For the terminally—unfortunately—online, the ONE35 Camera's promise is an alluring one: a digital version of the disposable camera, offering the same sort of tech you would have got in the 90s with photos that feel like they were shot on film.
That means no screens, a xenon flash and no controls barring a pleasingly tactile winding wheel and a toggle to turn the flash on. It's a similar concept to the Camp Snap Camera, only Flashback goes one step further – it limits you to the number of photos much like a roll of film, and you have to 'send the photos' off to be developed one the roll is done.
That's right, when you've loaded in one of the three different types of film from the Flashback app, you've only got 27 snaps before you have to send the photos off to be developed, with a 24 hour wait time before you can see them.
This concept enough to give the Flashback ONE35 an incredibly successful Kickstarter campaign. I caught wind of it late last year and as someone who has been toting an Instax Wide around for every big social event for the last decade, I was tempted by a camera I could keep in my pocket that would still let me snap photos but wouldn't let me see them all at once.
(Image credit: Jake Tucker)
I'm old enough to remember taking disposable cameras out with me the first time around, and the illusion here is strong. The ONE35 looks like a cheap plastic camera but the construction is durable and sturdy and the camera is turned on by turning the clicky winder. The flash is bright and powerful: enough that the entire New Year's Eve party I was at turned to look at me after each photo.
The only part of the camera's design that gives me pause is the toggle for that flash, located on the front of the camera. This doesn't lock securely and there's no way to know whether the flash is engaged or not, and it's given me a scare a few times because the flash button has been slightly knocked off so it doesn't fire. This often means a ruined photo if it's not perfectly lit because you'll want that xenon flash on for pretty much every scenario except bright sunlight.
The ONE35's commitment to 90s film photography is awful low-light performance. Considering the point of the ONE35 is that I can spend less time thinking about the photos that I'm taking and more time enjoying the circumstances in which I'm snapping them, it's a little annoying when a photo doesn't work due to that misaligned flash toggle.
(Image credit: Jake Tucker)
There are some other quirks too: I'm fairly certain that the ONE35's viewfinder is out of focus, with images looking slightly blurry whenever I look through it, and when I hold the camera using its grip, my fingers end up popping up in the corner of photos. Neither of these are big issues though, just some things that you'll have to acclimatize to using the camera.
It's worth persevering though, because the images look great. You have three different films to choose between, but they all have that same disposable camera feel. Your choices are Flashback Classic, Flashback Mono and Flashback Beta.
Classic and Beta offer different color tones but feel similar, while Mono is your black and white option. These images look great but technically aren't brilliant: there's no EXIF data on the images and they come out around 4MP, but they look fine on a phone and the noise and grain from the processing through the app hide the fact this is probably the lowest quality sensor out of any camera in my collection.
(Image credit: Jake Tucker)
The real kicker for me is that to get these images you can't simply use a USB cable, but you must go through the Flashback app which sends them off for "developing" with a 24 hour wait, which is actually just some processing at Flashback's end.
As novel an idea as this is, it irks me a little bit because I don't enjoy the idea of sending a company my photos, but also because I worry about what happens if Flashback stops offering this service, as I don't pay for a subscription service. There will simply be no way to get the photos back.
Still, if the concept interests you more than it concerns you, then Flashback ONE35 is a breath of fresh air, and I can see it making an excellent gift – while its screen-free design lends itself as a camera for kids.
(Image credit: Jake Tucker)
Flashback ONE35 camera photo samples
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Across my photos, color depth is surprisingly good, particularly in the black and white Mono film. Otherwise, I'm a big fan of the Beta film which seems to deliver on that nostalgic 90s theme. However, I found around 30 percent of my images transpire out of focus or poorly lit, which can feel like a pain especially with the 24 hour wait time.
Flashback ONE35: Price and availability
The Flashback ONE35 Camera is available pretty much worldwide from JoinFlashback.co. Currently it comes in four colorways: Orange/Black, Yellow/Black, Red/White and Teal/White. In the UK this will set you back £78. In the US it's $97, while in Australia it's $150. The accompanying iOS / Android app is free.
Should I buy the Flashback ONE35 camera?
(Image credit: Jake Tucker)
Buy it if...
You want to ditch the screens Everyone just living in the moment? That's definitely the promise of the ONE35. You can snap a quick photo without carrying an expensive camera or getting your phone out. Wind the wheel, click, back in your pocket. Perfectly candid photos.
You want digital photos that look shot on film The ONE35's biggest strength is the photos that look like they've fallen out of a party in the 90s. The development process, fictional that it is, adds noise and post-processing that makes it look like film. You can do this yourself with presets on your photo editing platform of choice, but for those who don't want that extra work, this is a great option.
Don't buy it if...
You want high-quality printable photos I think you could print the photos taken with the ONE35, but your phone camera would take better photos. The ONE35 is more about style, but if you want a physical artifact, you would be better off with an Instax Wide or similar instant camera.
You want instant photos The ONE35 is the opposite of instant gratification. With the slightly fiddly app and the 24-hour development time, it's unlikely you'll be able to get photos from a Friday or Saturday night until Sunday evening at the earliest. If you're looking to take photos of a specific trip, it could be days before you have wifi good enough to upload your reels to the developing center in the first place.
How I tested the Flashback ONE35 camera
I had the Flashback ONE35 camera always on me, in my pocket, for several weeks, during which time it has been used to grab snap shots at parties. I've used the flash, tested the three film types on offer, and sent my photos off through the app.
The Logitech POP Mouse is a small and simple wireless mouse for productivity and general browsing, with its versatile Bluetooth connectivity and customization options pitched at modern workers.
It sports a stylish design courtesy of its pebble-like shape, front slope and one-piece unit for the mouse buttons. This is extended further by the multiple colorways, which utilize a soft, light palette, with some two-tone schemes thrown in for good measure.
Although it’s quite small and thin compared to the best mouse options around, the POP Mouse fitted my hand and fingers well. The body is thick enough to get a good grip, and the rear weight bias means it’s easy to tilt backwards for lift-offs between swipes. The completely symmetrical design also makes it suitable for left and right handers alike.
There’s a distinct lack of buttons on the POP Mouse, with the only topside additions being a scroll wheel and a button below it. Underneath you’ll find the power slider and the Easy Switching button used for pairing and toggling between three different Bluetooth devices.
The aforementioned one-piece unit for the mouse buttons also doubles as the battery compartment cover. It’s attached magnetically to the mouse’s body, and the robust plastic achieves the ideal balance between easy removal and secure fastening.
(Image credit: Future)
Even better, though, are the switches for mouse buttons. They’re very tactile and heavily damped, so much so that they barely make a sound in use. This makes for a satisfyingly padded sensation, and more pleasurable to use than I was expecting for a mouse of this kind. Those who prefer the loud, sharp clicks of traditional switches may not find the POP Mouse provides enough feel or feedback, but personally, I enjoyed using them for general and productivity purposes.
The scroll wheel is also damped nicely, as well as being lightly notched. When you flick quickly, it enters into a free-wheeling state to some degree, which is a handy feature; I only wish this triggered more readily, as it didn’t make navigating long documents and web pages as easy as I was hoping.
However, it does feel well-made and the rubber material on top is smooth to the touch. The scroll click is secure and tactile as well, while the button below – which opens an Emoji menu by default – is more snappy but still premium-feeling.
Using Logitech’s Options Plus software, you can customize the POP Mouse, with a surprising amount of tweaks available. The right and left click can’t be altered, but the scroll button and Emoji menu button can be remapped to perform a variety of actions. These include keyboard shortcuts via the recording of your own combinations, and a variety of system-level functions, which include media playback controls, opening apps, taking screenshots, and opening the Windows Action Center. There’s even an option to open ChatGPT in a pop-up window.
(Image credit: Future)
You can also map these buttons to gestures: by holding them and making certain mouse movements, you can perform a variety of navigational and cycling actions, such as switching app windows or selecting the next or previous tracks.
Logitech also has a feature called Smart Actions, a more advanced form of macros. There are various presets already included in Options Plus, such as Meeting Mode, which opens Zoom (if already installed) and Notepad at the same time, and Social Media Break, which opens Instagram’s website in a new Chrome tab. These can be edited as you see fit.
You can also create your own Smart Actions from scratch, by adding certain conditions and layers of actions to automate any number of processes you can conceive of. You’re given some basic building blocks, which are: opening applications, performing keystrokes, writing blocks of text, and performing system functions. You can also set delay times between each action.
Options Plus also has a feature called Logi Flow, which is supposed to make device switching even more seamless by letting you simply drag the cursor from one device to another, although I was unable to get this working on numerous machines, as a connection failed to establish.
Additionally, Options Plus lets you invert the scroll wheel direction, and toggle something called Smart Scrolling, which is supposed to make scrolling web pages smoother. While I did find this to be the case, it was also slower, so I didn’t find it particularly useful.
Logitech claims a staggering 24-month battery life for the POP Mouse. Naturally, I wasn’t able to exhaust it, but I can say that after about a week’s worth of use across numerous devices, the battery remained at 100%, so it certainly seems to have plenty of endurance.
At this price, the POP Mouse represents good value thanks to its performance and in-depth customization options via the Options Plus software. However, the lack of side buttons and additional connectivity methods is a shame, omissions that could deter those who demand high productivity credentials.
The wireless mouse sector is a hotly contested one, and there are plenty of great value options to choose from. The Microsoft Modern Mobile Mouse is an equally capable performer, although it costs more than the POP Mouse and lacks customization software. If you’re prepared to spend a little bit more, you could go for the Logitech MX Anywhere 3, which has better scrolling capabilities as well as side buttons.
(Image credit: Future)
Logitech POP Mouse review: Price & availability
$29.99 / £24.99 / AU$59.95
Available now in multiple colors
The Logitech POP Mouse costs $29.99 / £24.99 / AU$$59.95 and is available now in multiple and vibrant colorways, some with two-tone schemes. It comes with a AA battery preinstalled.
The best wireless mouse for those on a budget, as far as we’re concerned, is the Microsoft Modern Mobile Mouse. This similarly has a slim and light form factor, although it adopts a square shape rather than a round one. It also requires two AAA batteries rather than one AA battery. While we found its performance to be great for a mouse of this price, it doesn’t have many features, with no native software for customization. At 78g, it weighs slightly less than the POP Mouse, which sits at 82g.
If you’re willing to spend a bit more, you could get the Logitech MX Anywhere 3, which is the best portable mouse in our view, and a great mid-range buy thanks to its excellent scrolling abilities and overall accuracy – plus it can be customized using Options, Logitech’s last-gen peripheral tool.
Logitech POP Mouse review: Specs
Should I buy the Logitech POP Mouse?
Buy it if...
You want great clicks I haven’t come across another budget-friendly productivity mouse with better clicks than this. The ultra-damped feel might not appeal to everyone, but I liked them.
You want plenty of customizations Thanks to its integration with Options Plus, the scope of customizations is surprisingly large, considering only the scroll click and Emoji menu button are rebindable.
Don't buy it if...
You want more than Bluetooth Even today Bluetooth can have its reliability issues, and although you can switch easily between three devices, the lack of a wireless dongle or even a USB port on the POP Mouse might be a problem for some.
You want lots of buttons You don’t even get side buttons on the POP Mouse, which can be a real downer for those who do a lot of web browsing.
Logitech POP Mouse: Also consider
Microsoft Modern Mobile Mouse Another basic mouse, the Microsoft Modern Mobile Mouse sports the same basic functionality as the POP Mouse, lacking side buttons and a rechargeable battery. It misses out on software for customizing it, but we think it performs very well, thanks to its solid clicks and lightweight form. Read our Microsoft Modern Mobile Mouse review.
Logitech MX Anywhere 3 The best portable mouse in our view, the Logitech MX Anywhere 3 packs in more features and functions, such as side buttons and a scroll wheel with two resistance levels. What also sets it apart from the POP Mouse is the rechargeable battery and USB-C port, and the added connectivity options, courtesy of the included 2.4GHz wireless dongle, so you won’t have to rely solely on Bluetooth. Even better is the fact that it’s still relatively cheap. Read our Logitech MX Anywhere 3 review.
How I tested the Logitech POP Mouse
Used with multiple devices
Used with Options Plus software
Plentiful peripheral testing experience
I tested the POP Mouse for about a week, using it for working and general browsing. I used it with multiple devices, including Windows 10 laptop and desktop, a MacBook Pro, and a Chromebook.
I also made as many tweaks and customizations as possible using Logitech’s Options Plus software, rebinding the scroll click and Emoji button to the various functions available.
I have experience reviewing a myriad of peripherals, including mice and keyboards for both productivity and for gaming, across a range of price points.
