When it comes to selecting best budgeting apps and personal finance software, most of us are looking for something quick and easy to use. Time is money, so having something like Rocket Money close at hand makes total sense. As its creator’s state on the website, Rocket Money is an app that has been designed to help you save more and spend less. What’s more, there’s a free version although the real value comes from the Rocket Money Premium edition.
Either way, Rocket Money is a great tool that is available for both iOS and Android, along with a very good desktop incarnation for good measure, that is one of the best-looking creations out there. It’s easy to use and chock full of features with the bonus of credit reporting that adds additional value to an already impressive package. On top of that, there are everyday tools for tracking spend, monitoring expenses and also managing subscriptions.
Admittedly, some might find the paid-for incarnation of Rocket Money a little more than they wanted to lay out. However, there are enough features and functions that make Rocket Money feel like good value, although it faces competition from the likes of perennial favourite Quicken and also Simplifi.
Rocket Money comes in desktop and app editions. (Image credit: Rocket Money)
Rocket Money: Pricing
The good news is that Rocket Money is initially free to use, with a straightforward download and setup procedure that introduces you to its core features. However, in order to access the more useful Premium features, there’s a suggested monthly fee of $10 and you can actually choose whether or not to pay more or less between $3 and £$12, presumably depending on what you think of it. Whatever route is taken, the billing cycle is an annual one, which might not appeal if you prefer more of a pay-as-you-go approach to personal finance apps.
Rocket Money offers a range of financial tools within its slick interface. (Image credit: Rocket Money)
Rocket Money: Features
Once the Premium edition has been accessed, there are plenty of features that make Rocket Money feel like the outlay has been justified. First up, the app or desktop edition both offer a view of personal finances in simple but very vivid colour, with a comprehensive breakdown of personal finances being the main appeal. There are useful nudges to help with future spending and it’s also possible to setup alerts to ensure that spending never gets too wayward.
Another useful tool is the negotiator option, which can pick through your ongoing bills and scour the deals out there in order to find a way of shaving costs. Meanwhile, the Net Worth tool brings everything together and allows for much better planning when it comes to future finances. Similarly, there’s a credit scoring tool that can assist with seeing how you’ll fare in terms of securing loans and the like.
One of the novel features that lots of people don’t really think about is having the ability to find and cancel any unwanted subscriptions. This is a neat tool that can help curb spending, especially on things that might have slipped under the radar. Add on financial goal tools, budgeting assistants and some funky widgets within the interface and it’s a solid enough package.
The Rocket Money app experience offers an insight into finances on the go. (Image credit: Rocket Money)
Rocket Money: Performance
There’s plenty of appeal when it comes to the performance characteristics of Rocket Money. This is a lean and mean app, with a desktop edition to match, and it speeds along very nicely in either scenario. Naturally, as you’d expect from software that is dealing with personal finances, there’s also 256-bit encryption, which is standard fare for bank-level processes. That means connecting to bank accounts is simple, straightforward and, crucially, secure too.
Rocket Money: Ease of use
Rocket Money is certainly an easy thing to use, whether you head for the app option or prefer a desktop variant. There’s some of the usual signing up to be done first, as well as connecting to your financial accounts, but once this is done and plugged in, progress is wonderfully straightforward. A lot of this is down the layout of the interface, which is good on the eyes for app and desktop alike. The graphics are clear and concise while there’s a clever use of colour where it’s needed most, especially when it comes to breaking down spending habits.
Rocket Money is easy to use either via the desktop website or the excellent app. (Image credit: Rocket Money)
Rocket Money: Support
The ease of use mentioned above is a good thing as support is a little on the thin side. However, there is an email or chat facility if needed, but the great thing about Rocket Money is its simplicity. Spend some time checking out the demo or free version, which will give a good grounding in the basics, and it seems unlikely that you’ll come unstuck after advancing to the Premium edition.
Rocket Money: Final verdict
Rocket Money is a good option for anyone who needs to manage their personal finance situation more effectively. The free version is worth bypassing to get the full benefit of this app though, with either the mobile or desktop Premium editions really offering the best potential. Expect a sumptuous graphical interface, with lots of power tools that will enable you to stay on top of every aspect of your finances. Some of the reporting could be a tad better and ditto for the investment tracking potential, but Rocket Money is otherwise very solid indeed.
The Hisense HS214 could be the perfect soundbar for you if you've decided it's time for an upgrade on plain ole TV audio, but you’re working on a pretty tight budget. The Hisense HS214 is a popular budget option, typically priced at just $99 / £79 (about AU$160). It’s a 2.1 channel soundbar with a built-in sub that aims to offer powerful audio via a compact, all-in-one build. But does it deliver?
Well, before I answer that definitively, let’s take a look at sound quality. I’m happy to report that out of the box, the Hisense HS214 sounds pretty good. When watching I Think You Should Leave on Netflix, a scene with two characters conversing in a people-filled room had clear dialogue, which was decently separated from background murmurs.
Similarly, when watching Howl’s Moving Castle, the vocals of protagonist Sophie felt a bit more defined in the overall mix than with standalone TV audio. During one scene, whistling winds were also replicated accurately, without any tinniness or unintentional harshness – something I always listen out for in my hunt to find the best soundbars available in all price brackets.
(Image credit: Future)
One aspect of the HS214 that Hisense talks up is its bass output. That’s mainly because the Hisense HS214 has a built-in woofer, which is meant to offer “powerful bass”, according to the Chinese electronics giant. And in fairness, the soundbar mustered up a bit more of a boom than my TV could manage alone – although it wasn’t massively striking, that’s to be expected given its size.
I watched the horror movie Smile and during a heart-racing scene with screaming and object-smashing, the deep bass playing throughout was a touch underpowered, meaning the full weight of the scene was slightly restricted. Luckily, this can be remedied significantly, thanks to the bass boost/reduce option on the remote. This enables you to raise or decrease bass output by five levels. When cranking up low-end output, the spooky scene in Smile had more impactful bass, which created a darker atmosphere in the build up to the scene’s climax (I won’t spoil it, don’t worry).
So, even if you won’t get massive, imposing bass out of this mini soundbar, it has the potential to offer a considerable leg-up to some of the best small TVs. You may notice the soundbar struggling with deeper bass tones and sub-bass when listening to music, however. For instance, when I tuned in to the bass-heavy Splash Mountain by Yung Gravy, the low-end boom from deep bass running throughout the track was a little bit feeble. More generally, music sounds solid with the HS214, though. It’s decently clear for the most part and doesn’t get awful tinny like some cheap soundbars.
(Image credit: Future)
I mentioned that bass boost/reduce option a moment ago, but you might be wondering what other features the Hisense HS214 has to offer. You get three different sound modes here: Movie; Music; and Night. However, those of you with a Hisense TV will also be able to access Sport and Night mode if you alter the EQ mode via the soundbar settings menu, rather than the soundbar’s remote. Each of these are well differentiated, with Movie adding a bit of emphasis in the low-end. I used this for the majority of testing.
Another feature is surround sound mode, which to clarify, has nothing to do with Dolby Atmos or DTS:X/Virtual:X. When I realised this was an option, I was looking forward to trying it, because even if the HS214’s overall audio quality was good, it didn’t offer much of a spatial impression. Unfortunately, though, surround mode isn’t worth activating. I tried using it when playing Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth on PlayStation 5 and despite providing broader, more nuanced positioning, it wasn’t long before I switched it off. And that’s down to one big issue – it significantly hampers audio quality, which is tinny and a bit unpleasant.
This isn’t the end of the world, of course – the HS214 sounds totally fine without surround mode. And even if it doesn’t offer mesmerizing spatial audio, it does plate up a solid helping of power. It has a total power output of 108W and can get pretty loud, making it an ideal step-up for TVs with weaker audio, or sound that gets easily distorted at higher volumes. And placement isn’t too bad either. During gameplay, one character whizzed across the screen on a motorbike and I got a solid impression of his directionality. Of course, this is a small soundbar and you won’t get much width out of it – especially with Surround Mode off – but general audio placement is decent.
(Image credit: Future)
One more feature worth mentioning is the dimmer option, which can alter the brightness of the LED light display on the front of the soundbar. I kept it at max brightness, but I have to say, I wasn’t a massive fan of the LED display used here. Rather than displaying volume numbers, EQ modes and more, you just see a small light flash when you change settings or volume. This isn’t the most clear or intuitive and a lot of cheap soundbars, like the Majority Elias, for instance, use clearer displays with words and letters.
But look, I don’t want to be overly critical, especially as I personally like the design of the Hisense HS214 overall. It has an almost leather-like plastic casing on top of that soundbar which is attractive and adds a touch of class. It also has button controls for power, source and volume if you don’t have the soundbar's very neat-looking remote to hand.
(Image credit: Future)
On the reverse side, there are a number of ports that enable you to connect your soundbar to a TV in multiple ways. These include: HDMI (ARC); AUX; coaxial; digital optical; and USB-C. That means it should be good to go with any modern TV and gives you plenty of options if all of your HDMI slots are used up. I opted for the HDMI ARC connection type and found setting the soundbar up incredibly easy – just plug in the connector and a power cable and you’re good to go.
All in all, the Hisense HS214 is a very solid budget soundbar. It’s wide of the mark on spatial audio and you may not be wowed in the bass department, but it’s an attractive, compact, easy-to-use soundbar that plates up clear dialogue and solid amounts of power. Given the price you pay, that does make it an attractive offering. If that’s all you need, I’d say this soundbar is worth considering, but for those seeking a stronger spatial impression, one of the best Dolby Atmos soundbars will offer a more nuanced, expansive and premium-sounding experience.
(Image credit: Future)
Hisense HS214 review: Price and release date
$99 / £79 (about AU$160)
Launched in 2021
The Hisense HS214 is positioned as a budget, entry-level option for those looking to add a bit of power to their TV setup. It was released back in 2021 and has a list price of $99 / £79 (about AU$160). However, you may well be able to snap this soundbar up for even less. I’ve personally seen this soundbar available for less than £70 via Amazon UK, for instance, so keep an eye out for some sweet deals.
Hisense HS214 review: Specs
(Image credit: Future)
Should I buy the Hisense HS214?
Buy it if...
You’re working with a fairly tight budget If you’re looking for a solid, cheap soundbar, the Hisense HS214 is an option worth considering. For less than $100 / £80, you get decently powerful audio, clear dialogue and a bundle of connectivity options – not bad at all!
You’re a little low on space Something I really liked about this soundbar was its ultra-compact build. It was small enough to just fit under my TV stand and so if, like me, you’ve not got a ton of space to play with, this soundbar will fit the bill.
Don't buy it if...
You want truly cinematic sound Sure, the Hisense HS214 has a surround mode, but it’s just not very good. On top of that, it’s a small, standalone soundbar, so you’re not going to get the most immersive sonic experience.
You’re an audiophile And if you’re someone who’s picky about sound, this soundbar might not quite hit all the right notes for you. It’s by no means a poor-sounding soundbar, especially for its price, but if you’re hoping for top-tier music replication, deep, impactful bass and supremely crisp vocals, this may fall short.
Hisense HS214 review: Also consider
Panasonic SC-HTB100 This soundbar is UK only, but if it’s available to you it’s a great budget option. You don’t get any fancy tricks from the Panasonic SC-HTB100 – no Atmos or DTS:X and no hi-tech display either. But if you want clear dialogue, strong connectivity options and solid EQ options at a low price, you’ll be well-served here. Read our full Panasonic SC-HTB100 review.
Amazon Fire TV Soundbar But here’s one that’s available in the US as well – the Amazon Fire TV Soundbar. This budget option supplies pretty impressive sound, as well as a simple setup process and ultra-compact build. Once again, there’s no Atmos and you’re unlikely to be blown away in the bass department, but this is still a very solid option. Read our full Amazon Fire TV Soundbar review.
Hisense HS214 review: How I tested
Tested for one week(s)
Used at home with the Hisense U7K TV
Predominantly used the HDMI ARC connectivity option
I put the Hisense HS214 to the test over a week-long period. I mainly used HDMI ARC when connecting the soundbar to my Hisense U7K TV – a model which had integrated support for the HS214 in its options menus.
While testing, I watched a number of TV shows, videos and movies – mainly using streaming services like Amazon Prime Video, Netflix and YouTube. I also played Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth on the Playstation 5 to judge the soundbar’s capabilities for gaming. In addition, I connected the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE to the Hisense HS214 using Bluetooth connectivity for playing music. I made sure to play tracks from the TechRadar testing playlist to assess the quality of the soundbar’s Music EQ configuration.
Wolf Man is the latest horror movie from Leigh Whannell, who’s known for horror hits including Insidious, Saw, and most recently, his adaptation of the Universal Monster movie The Invisible Man. Wolf Man was one of my most anticipated horror movies of 2025, and I'm pleased to say that Whannell has delivered once again, with a surprisingly heartfelt tale that takes us on a horrifying journey of grief and loss.
These themes are present throughout the whole movie, and it wastes no time in throwing us straight into the action after a family – parents Blake (Christopher Abbott) and Charlotte (Julia Garner), and their daughter Ginger (Matilda Firth) – are attacked by a creature during a full moon. The family end up barricading themselves into their isolated farmhouse hoping to protect themselves from the danger that lurks outside – but unknowingly, they’ve inadvertently locked dangerinside with them.
Blake’s body begins to deteriorate and transform into something monstrous, confronting the viewer with horror that is both physical and psychological. Much like The Substance, our favorite body horror of 2024, it doesn't shy away from the gory detail and physiological trauma of a human being metamorphosing into something utterly inhuman . Expect nails ripping off, a jaw being broken, and bones moving – and it sounds as dreadful as it looks, thanks to a sound design that leaves nothing to the imagination, and which really elevates the whole movie. And yet, as horrific as it is to witness, it's the psychological aspects of Blake's transformation that scared me the most. The loss of a person’s identity is a recurring theme across many body horrors; it’s perhaps captured best in the way that Jeff Goldblum’s scientist slowly loses his mind as he loses his humanity in The Fly, and in Wolf Man Whannell approaches a similarly traumatic metamorphosis through a very sympathetic lens.
Without giving too much away, Wolf Man uses some clever POV shifting so we get to experience Blake’s transformation through both human and wolf's eyes, with the latter making for some particularly distressing scenes. As he changes into a ferocious wild animal, Blake can no longer understand his terrified wife and daughter., everything is more heightened. Their inability to communicate cleverly mirrors Blake and Charlotte's already strained relationship.
(Image credit: Blumhouse)
The goal of a the original Universal Monster movies was to be scary, and the creature in the latest Wolf Man adaptation certainly is. There are some effective jump scares here, again thanks in part to the sound design, which are best experienced on a big screen, though some might argue that the movie is too reliant on the jump. I'm inclined to agree – and for me the psychological aspects of the story are just as frightening if not more so.
The creature design did seem to divide audiences when teasers for Wolf Man were first released, and while I do think it could have been a bit more, well, wolf-like in places, no horror movie has so far really managed to nail the werewolf, and any shortcomings in this department are easily made up for by Abbott’s performance as a man losing both his own humanity and the people he loves. I can easily forgive some slightly-off special effects when a story is as rich and thought-provoking as this, proving that sometimes raw, human emotion is the scariest thing of all. All three of the lead actors are fantastic, but 10-year-old Matilda Firth deserves a special shoutout for the way in which she skilfully navigates the terrifying, dark, jump-filled landscape of Wolf Man, displaying a confidence and maturity way beyond her years. Considering I'm approaching 30 and I watched a lot of this through my fingers, she's officially braver than me.
Wolf Man is quite a way to start 2025, and while January is not typically the season for horror, it's already set the bar high for scarier entries among the new movies we’re looking forward to this year. You’ll want to catch it in the theater for the best experience – but you might want to make sure there's not a full moon that night, as it could make for a nerve-jangling walk home.
The Thrustmaster T300RS GT Edition is a belt-driven racing wheel designed for PlayStation and PC. Considering it’s a GT Edition, this isn’t the most auspicious looking racing wheel. Its rather plain design isn’t helped by the lack of color. However, the leatherette material adds a touch of class and appears to be hard-wearing.
The pedals also feel durable, and feature plenty of adjustments. However, the base can slide around on smooth flooring, so rugs and carpets are best.
Installing the wheel base on a table is somewhat of a hassle, owing to the stiff fastening screw (at least on the unit I had), requiring some lubrication to make it easier. It’s also quite heavy, which means you’ll have to hold it in place while fixing it to a table. The clamping mechanism is also quite clunky, since it’s prone to moving out of position while installing, and gets in the way of the handle on the fastening screw.
Once installed, you should watch out for the self-calibration procedure that takes place as soon as you power it on, as the wheel spins quickly and forcefully. Thankfully, this is the only form of setup when using the T300 RS GT Edition with a PS5 – as you would expect from an officially licensed PlayStation product.
Things were a little more difficult on PC, though. The software tool doesn’t feel the most modern, and it took a few restarts to run correctly and update the firmware successfully. However, it does offer the settings and tweaks you would expect of one of the best racing wheels, including numerous force feedback options.
The T300RS GT Edition performs well in certain areas, but not so well in others. The steering is precise enough, and the pedals offer enough resistance without being too hard. There’s an optional conical stop you can install behind the brake pedal to lend a different sense of feedback, but I found this limited travel too much – which I found a tad too short to begin with.
The wheel can also feel very notchy, especially at the start of rotations; most noticeable when making the slow, gradual movements you might when playing more sedate driving sims. The paddles aren’t damped well enough either, feeling a little harsh in use.
While the button selection is good for PlayStation users, it’s a shame there are no rotary knobs for typical on-the-fly racing adjustments. And on PC, some buttons failed to work in my experience, although quite where the blame lies on this front isn’t exactly clear.
All of these are disappointments for a wheel of this price. The Thrustmaster T248, for instance, is considerably cheaper, yet we think it’s the best racing wheel overall thanks to its excellent performance-to-price ratio. You can of course spend a lot more on a racing wheel, such as the Thrustmaster T-GT II, but we think this is the best premium racing wheel around, as it rivals direct drive wheels – the zenith of racing wheel technology.
(Image credit: Future)
Thrustmaster T300RS GT Edition: Price and availability
$449.99 / £379.99 (about AU$725)
Available now in one color
Some rivals are cheaper
The T300RS GT Edition costs $449.99 / £379.99 (about AU$725) and is available now in one colorway. It comes with a pedal set but not an external shifter, although one can be connected.
This makes it quite a lot more expensive than the Thrustmaster T248, our pick as the best racing wheel overall. This wheel offers similarly good pedals and we liked the force feedback with certain games, but again we had some issues with the steering feel.
If you want a more luxury belt-driven experience, then the Thrustmaster T-GT II is one of the best in this category, and comes close to rivaling state-of-the-art direct drive wheels. We still found the rotation wasn’t as seamless as it could be, though, and it’s considerably more expensive than the T300RS GT Edition.
Thrustmaster T300RS GT Edition: Specs
Thrustmaster T300RS GT Edition review: Design and features
Plain looks
Violent self-calibration
Useful software
The T300RS GT Edition cuts a rather bland figure, with a monochromatic colorway and a lackluster wheel design that fails to inspire or excite. Considering this is the variant officially licensed by PlayStation and the Gran Turismo series, I was expecting something a little more special.
The pedals are similarly plain, although the metal heads do lend an element of sophistication. There’s also an optional conical stop, which can be screwed in behind the brake pedal to offer a different level of resistance.
The wheel has a satisfactory feel to it, being neither too thick nor too thin. The leatherette finish feels hard-wearing but offers little in the way of padding. There’s also some perforation to help with grip, and I had no issue handling it securely.
Thrustmaster doesn’t give a weight for the wheel base alone, but it’s reasonably heavy with a bias towards the front, which can make installation a little tricky. The pedal base, on the other hand, is much lighter, which can be a problem for those with low-friction flooring, as I did find it was prone to sliding unless I had a carpet or rug underneath.
Installation wasn’t the most seamless experience. The wheel attaches to the base relatively easily, requiring several turns of the Quick Release ring before tightening a small screw to secure it in place. However, attaching the base to a table is more awkward. The fastening screw in the unit I had didn’t thread smoothly, requiring some lubrication to get it working correctly.
(Image credit: Future)
You have to hold the wheel up while you attach it, as it will fall forwards otherwise. This means tightening the fastening screw one-handed, or using your chest to prop it up while you turn it with both hands, which is the method I preferred. The handle for turning the screw kept getting in the way of the attachment system used to clamp the base to the table, which is an annoying design flaw. What’s more, this attachment system is prone to rotating out of position whilst fastening – another irksome fault.
The pedals do have a pleasing number of adjustments, made easily using the included Allen key. You can adjust the height, angle, and spacing, although I would’ve liked a wider range for the latter, as I found my legs were always too close together, but this could be a personal gripe not shared by others.
The self-calibration for the wheel begins as soon as the T300RS GT Edition is powered on and plugged in, and it took me by surprise: it’s sudden and quite forceful, so make sure to keep your hands completely clear of the wheel.
In order to adjust various calibration and force feedback settings, the Thrustmaster Control Panel for Windows is required. This failed to install on first try for me, although a couple of restarts seemed to fix the issue. The same was true of a required firmware update, but this was successful in the end.
Once up and running, the Thrustmaster Control Panel offers many of the usual customization options you’d expect of a racing wheel. You can set the maximum rotation angle and make multiple force feedback adjustments, with static settings for the constant and periodic forces, as well as dynamic ones for the spring and damper effects. All these are easy to make thanks to the basic layout of the UI.
I had no problem connecting the T300RS GT Edition to a PS5, making it as easy to use as the best PS5 racing wheels out there. The button layout on the wheel is also similar to a controller, which makes navigation simple. It’s a shame, however, that there are no rotary dials, useful for adjusting common racing settings such as traction control and brake balance.
The T300RS GT Edition offers a mixed performance. The steering feels accurate and precise, although the paddles were too clicky for my liking, lacking the satisfying action better damped switches offer.
The pedals provide enough resistance to let you feel how your inputs translate in-game, yet light enough to make them easy to press without fatigue. The clutch pedal offers just the right amount of travel; while I would’ve preferred a bit more for the brake pedal, it still offers enough control. It’s also reassuringly weighted, although I found the optional conical stop added too much resistance, and further decreased the already-wanting travel.
However, my chief grip with the T300RS GT Edition is the notchy feel of the steering wheel. No matter what you do with the settings in the Control Panel, this is always present. I found it particularly noticeable when making small movements close to the center of the axis, which you are likely to do in slower-paced driving sims, as opposed to outright racing sims.
(Image credit: Future)
The other settings available in the Control Panel do make a difference to performance. There’s plenty of scope within the force feedback for most gamers to find the right setup. The maximum setting was far too strong for me, with the wheel being too hard to turn and flailing wildly when losing traction in-game. As a result, I preferred having the overall strength setting quite low, at about 15%.
The buttons on the wheel all perform well enough, but don’t match the premium feel of those on the best PC controllers. I did have an issue with the POV hat failing to work with some PC games, but this could’ve been a fault with the game rather than with the input itself.
Should I buy the Thrustmaster T300RS GT Edition?
(Image credit: Future)
Buy it if...
You want good pedals The pedals of the T300RS GT Edition provide enough feel while being easy to actuate. The multiple adjustments are also useful, although I would’ve welcomed more range for the spacing.
You want multiple platform support The T300RS GT Edition works with three PlayStation consoles and PC, which means you can use it with plenty of high-end racing sims, from various Gran Turismo titles to Assetto Corsa.
Don't buy it if...
You want the best steering feel The T300RS GT Edition is rather notchy, especially at the start of its turns, so those who’ll be making slow, gentle movements might want to look elsewhere.
You want the best design The clamping system is quite awkward and not the best engineered solution. The pedal base also has a tendency to slide on smooth surfaces.
Also consider...
If the T300RS GT Edition doesn't sound right for you, then take a look at these excellent alternatives.
Thrustmaster T248 As the best racing wheel overall in our opinion, the T248 offers a perfect balance between price and performance. It’s considerably cheaper than the T300RS GT Edition, but we think it has great build quality and a useful feature set, all of which help to make it a great all-rounder for those embarking on their racing sim journey.
Thrustmaster T-GT II If you’re after another belt-driven wheel, then the Thrustmaster T-GT II is one of the best there is in our view. It even gives direct drive wheels a run for their money, which are the gold standard for sim racers. We were impressed with its excellent force feedback and extra buttons, making it a practical wheel. You will have to pay considerably more than the T300RS GT Edition for it, though.
I tested the T300RS GT Edition for about a week, during which time I used it on PC and PS5. I installed it myself and made sure to adjust as many hardware and software settings as possible, such as pedal positioning and force feedback. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to test the T300RS GT Edition with an external shifter.
I played Gran Turismo 7 on PS5 and Assetto Corsa on PC – two two-tier racing sims on their respective platforms. I also played American Truck Simulator to test the wheel for slower, more controlled steering and pedal movements.
I have been gaming for over 25 years, with racing sims being one of my favorite genres. I play numerous titles across various sub-categories such as F1, touring car racing, and rallying.
The Hisense 110UXN is the company’s flagship mini-LED TV and has a cinema-sized 110-inch screen. Hisense’s mini-LED TVs often sit among the best TVs, but the 110-inch is both amazing and frustrating.
A quick note – the model I tested is referred to as the Hisense 110UXN in the UK, and although it is essentially the same TV as the Hisense 110UX in the US, the latter's panel is said to have exceeded 10,000 nits brightness, whereas the UXN is capped at 10,000 nits. As a result, I will refer to it as the UXN, but it is the same TV as the 110UX in all but brightness.
Priced at $14,999 / £19,999 (roughly AU$24,300), the Hisense 110UXN, while cheap for a TV this size and with this level of technology, is still a premium-priced set that will outstretch most people’s budgets.
Picture quality on the 110-inch UXN is generally very good. It has dynamic, bold color, black levels matching the best OLED TVs, balanced contrast and lifelike detail. Brighter content looks amazing, but backlight blooming issues keep its picture from true greatness.
The 110-inch UXN’s sound is immersive, punchy and detailed. Pushed to higher volumes, it never distorts, demonstrating tight control. Dolby Atmos effects are limited in their presentation, however, often seeming lost in the mix, and bass sometimes feels limited. While most will be happy with the 110-inch UXN’s sound for everyday viewing, those looking for sound quality to match the picture may want to invest in one of the best soundbars.
The 110-inch UXN’s excellent gaming features including 4K 144Hz, VRR (with AMD FreeSync Premium Pro), Dolby Vision gaming and ALLM, rank it up there with the best gaming TVs. Performance-wise, the UXN is responsive, smooth, and a joy to play on. Gaming on a screen this big is a fun experience! It does only feature two HDMI 2.1 ports – something those with multiple consoles should keep in mind.
The 110-inch UXN sits at the top end of the TV market and is priced at a premium. For a screen this big, you may want to instead consider one of the best 4K projectors, many of which can be found for substantially less while delivering an equally large picture.
Hisense 110UXN review: Price & release date
(Image credit: Future)
Release date: November 2024
110-inch price: $15,000 / £20,000 / around AU$24,300
The Hisense 110UXN is Hisense’s flagship mini-LED TV for 2024 (smaller sizes were released at the end of 2023). It sits above the rest of the company’s ULED range, including the Hisense U8N, Hisense U7N and Hisense U6N.
Released in November 2024 in the US and December 2024 in the UK, the 110-inch UXN is a premium-priced TV, with initial launch prices of $20,000 and £20,000 in the US and UK, respectively. The 110-inch UXN has since fallen to $15,000 in the US.
Hisense 110UX review: Specs
Hisense 110UXN review: Benchmark results
Hisense 100UXN review: Features
(Image credit: Future)
Mini-LED panel with 40,000 local dimming zones
Dolby Vision and HDR10+ HDR support
Hi-View Engine X Processor
The Hisense 110-inch UXN uses a mini-LED panel with up to 40,000 local dimming zones. It features the company’s flagship Hi-View Engine X processor, which uses a 16-bit neural AI chipset to provide AI picture and sound options. Hisense claims the 110-inch UXN can hit 10,000 nits peak brightness (more on how I got on with that later), making it one of the brightest TVs available. It supports both the Dolby Vision IQ and HDR10+ HDR formats, as well as IMAX Enhanced.
For sound, the 110-inch UXN has a 4.2.2-channel speaker array, including both up-firing and side speakers, and supports both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X surround sound formats. It also has Hisense’s Hi-Concerto feature, which enables the TV’s built-in speakers to work with compatible Hisense soundbars and wireless speakers.
Gaming is well covered on the 110-inch UXN, with 4K 144Hz, VRR (AMD FreeSync Premium Pro included), ALLM and Dolby Vision gaming all accounted for. It’s said to support 240Hz at 1080p HD resolution, but I was unable to test this. It does only come with two HDMI 2.1 ports, as is currently the case for all non-LG and Samsung TVs.
The 110-inch UXN is a formidable TV, weighing 85kg (187 pounds) but has a surprisingly slim design for a TV of this size and a premium metal-finished frame.
Hisense’s smart TV platform depends on your region. The US and Australia get Google TV. For the UK, HIsense uses its own VIDAA smart TV platform, which has ample settings to customize picture and sound and provides access to all major streaming apps such as Netflix and UK-based streaming ones such as BBC iPlayer and ITVX. It also supports Freely in the UK, which allows for live broadcast TV to be streamed over Wi-Fi.
Features score: 4.5 / 5
Hisense 110UXN review: Picture quality
The Hisense 110UXN has bold, bright and vivid colors that make pictures jump off the screen. (Image credit: Future)
Superb detail and contrast
Bold, bright images
Picture requires some setup
Hisense claims that the 110-inch UXN can hit 10,000 nits of peak brightness and while I wasn’t quite able to confirm this, I did measure 9,600 nits on a 5% white HDR window pattern in Standard Mode. Crucially, however, this was achieved using the AI Brightness Burst adjustment in Picture Settings, which intermittently increases brightness.
Measured on the 10% HDR white window pattern we use for testing, the 110-inch UXN clocked in at 3,050 nits and 2,665 nits in Standard and Filmmaker modes, respectively. Fullscreen brightness measured using a 100% HDR white window pattern hit 941 nits in Standard – one of the highest fullscreen brightness results I’ve ever measured – and 628 nits in Filmmaker Mode.
Moving onto viewing, an HD stream of Fight Club on Disney Plus showed decent contrast and shadow detail, but textures were soft – unsurprising given the size of the screen. Generally, picture quality for SDR pictures was acceptable, but the TV’s upscaling didn’t do much to enhance the picture quality.
Watching 4K HDR programs on streaming services and Blu-ray, I had to tweak the picture settings a fair amount to get a picture I was happy with. If you’re going to purchase this TV, be prepared to invest time into getting the picture right. I found that turning off settings such as Ultra Resolution helped. For my HDR viewing, I generally stuck to Filmmaker Mode and Dolby Vision Dark for Dolby Vision movies. Those looking for a brighter picture can opt for Dolby Vision IQ, but note that you can’t alter the motion smoothing which is set to on by default in that mode.
Colors on the 100-inch UXN are vibrant, bright and accurate. Watching a 4K Dolby Vision stream of Star Wars: The Last Jedi on Disney Plus, the reds throughout the throne room fight scene had plenty of punch. Similarly, watching a 4K Blu-ray of La La Land, colors were dynamic and boosted by the TV’s high HDR brightness, which gave Mia’s yellow dress a vibrant glow against the dark backdrop in the ‘A Lovely Night’ scene.
The Hisense 110UXN delivers impressive contrast and detail, as shown here during a street shot in The Batman. (Image credit: Future)
Measuring the 110-inch UXN’s HDR color gamut coverage, it yielded 97.9% for UHDA-P3 and 84% for BT.2020, both of which are phenomenal results. It also achieved a 1.7 average (below 3 is good) for SDR color accuracy, another impressive result.
The 110-inch UXN’s black levels were deep and it displayed great shadow detail throughout testing. In the opening section of The Batman, details in clothing and objects were maintained in the dimly lit scenes. Contrast was also very good, with a solid balance between the darker backgrounds and lamp lights and torches.
The Batman is a challenging movie due to its low-light mastering (400 nits), and I could see backlight blooming around brighter objects and people during my viewing. Setting the local dimming to Medium or Low (High was the default) in picture settings helped to lessen the issue, though some blooming was still present throughout most content with darker scenes that I watched.
Picture detail was realistic and refined throughout my viewing. In Top Gun: Maverick, every facial mark and hair was visible in close-up shots in the cockpit. The same was true for the clothing in The Batman and La La Land, where fabric and textures looked authentic and accurate.
Motion was generally well handled by the 110-inch UXN. When watching sports including soccer and rugby, it displayed camera pans and fast-moving images with a good level of solidity, though it did benefit from the motion smoothing provided by the Standard preset. And when watching Top Gun: Maverick, the 110-inch UXN handled the chaotic flight sequences well with motion settings turned off.
Picture quality score: 4 / 5
Hisense 110UXN review: Sound quality
Side-mounted speakers on the 110UXN greatly help with spatial audio (Image credit: Future)
4.2.2-channel speaker array
Expansive, accurate sound
Bass sounds contained at times
The 110-inch UXN has a 4.2.2 channel, 102W built-in speaker array and supports Dolby Atmos and DTS. Two up-firing speakers sit at the top of the frame, and there are two side-firing speakers and two subwoofers on the rear.
I found the best sound mode for most viewing was Theater. Watching The Batman, screeching tyres and swerving traffic were accurately placed on screen during the Penguin-Batmobile car chase. In La La Land, the jazzy score was tightly controlled and had an excellent balance between the brash trumpets, warm bass tones and beating drums.
I did find that Dolby Atmos effects, while present, weren't very pronounced. In The Batman, the rain throughout the movie was audible but the effect wasn’t as powerful as what I’ve heard on some of the best OLED TVs. Bass was decent throughout, but it didn’t have the power I was expecting from two built-in subwoofers.
Overall, most people won’t feel the need to attach a soundbar to the 110-inch UXN. But, if you’re looking for sound to match the picture, you may want to invest in one.
Sound quality score: 4 / 5
Hisense 110UXN review: Design
Despite its imposing size and weight, the Hisense 110UXN is surprisingly slim (Image credit: Future)
Trim design and profile despite size
Weighty
Basic feet for a premium TV
The 110-inch UXN weighs a whopping 85kg (187 lbs) and comes with two carry handles on the rear for transportation. This is a hefty TV that will require multiple people for installation.
Despite its size, the 110-inch UXN is slimmer than you’d expect, and its trim bezel means most of the 110-inch screen is used to display pictures. It uses two support feet, which is typical for a TV this size.
Hisense’s remote is USB-C rechargeable and takes cues from Samsung’s SolarCell TV remote with a solar panel on the rear in place of traditional batteries. While it is a bit bottom-heavy, the remote has a nice, burnished steel look and a premium feel.
Design score: 4 / 5
Hisense 110UXN review: Smart TV & menus
VIDAA (Hisense's smart TV platform in the UK) is responsive on the 110UXN and has plenty of settings to customize the picture (Image credit: Future)
Google TV in the US and Australia, VIDAA in the UK
A good number of settings for picture customization
Slightly laggy navigation
The 100-inch UXN’s smart TV platform varies depending on your region. In the US and Australia, you get Google TV and if you’re in the UK, you get Hisense’s own VIDAA. I tested this in the UK so will be discussing VIDAA, but If you want to know about Google TV, check out our Hisense U8N review.
VIDAA has access to all the best streaming apps like Netflix, Disney Plus and Prime Video, and major UK streaming apps such as BBC iPlayer, ITVX and Channel 4. It also supports Freely, a service that enables you to watch broadcast TV live over Wi-Fi without the need for any cable or satellite dish. There are a good number of picture settings, something I found necessary to apply.
VIDAA ran more smoothly than on budget sets I’ve tested such as the Hisense U6N and Hisense U7N thanks to the 100-inch UXN’s stronger processor. VIDAA is not the most visually appealing smart TV platform, however, with menus that look a little bland and dated.
Smart TV & menus: 4 / 5
Hisense 110UXN review: Gaming
The Hisense 110UXN boasts an impressive list of gaming features and superb graphics (Image credit: Future)
16.1ms input lag time
Big-screen gaming is fun
A good number of gaming features
The 110-inch UXN only has two HDMI 2.1 ports but supports 4K 144Hz gaming, with VRR (AMD FreeSync Premium Pro), ALLM and Dolby Vision gaming all featured as well. There is no dedicated Game picture preset(other than Dolby Vision Game), with the TV’s Game Mode overlaying the existing picture presets. It also features a Game Menu where settings can be adjusted on-the-fly.
I found that Standard picture mode with Game Mode turned on suited gaming best. The 110-inch UXN’s input lag time measured 16.1ms at 4K 60Hz. (Gamers typically look for under 15ms.) However, I generally found the 110-inch UXN to be responsive and fun to play on. With Battlefield V on Xbox Series X, it handled chaotic gunfights and packed battle sections well. I did find when using the Game Mode menu that frame rates generally varied from 98Hz-120Hz, but this didn’t deter from my experience.
The 110-inch UXN displays graphics in a dynamic, bright and colorful manner. Playing a desert mission in Battlefield V, the vast waves of sand and bright blue skies all looked punchy and accurate.
Gaming score: 4.5 / 5
Hisense 110UXN review: Value
The Hisense 110UXN comes with Hisense's premium remote, which has a USB-C port and solar cell on the bottom rear, both for charging (Image credit: Future)
Very pricey
Significantly more expensive than ultra short throw projectors
Cheaper than large micro-LED and OLED TVs
At $15,000 / £20,000 (roughly AU$24,300), the 110-inch UXN is a super-premium mini-LED TV that will outstretch most people’s budgets. This is roughly the same price as one of the best projectors, the JVC DLA-NZ800, which retails for $14,999 / £14,999 (roughly AU$24,300). It’s also pricier than the best ultra short throw projectors such as the Samsung The Premiere 9, which costs $5,999 / £5,999 (roughly AU$9,750).
Although the 110-inch UXN is cheaper than 97-inch OLED models and larger micro-LED screens and offers uniquely high brightness levels and very good picture and sound quality, it still goes a step too far price-wise compared to other premium sets.
Value score: 3 / 5
Should you buy the Hisense 110UXN?
The Hisense 110UXN comes at a premium price that most won't be able to afford (Image credit: Future)
Buy it if...
You want cinema experience at home The 110UXN delivers a bold TV experience that's highlighted by its bright, colorful and detail-rich picture.
You want a giant-screen gaming TV The 110UXN combines a great list of gaming features, solid performance and stunning graphics to deliver a big-screen gaming experience that's downright fun.
Don't buy it if…
You're on a budget The 110UXN is unsurprisingly an expensive TV, outpricing premium 4K projectors, big screen OLEDs and other 98-inch-plus TVs by a substantial margin.
You don't want to spend time setting up the picture Out of the box, the 110UXN's picture needs tweaking. Expect to spend a lot of time in the settings getting it to look just right.
Also consider
Hisense U8N One of the step-down models from the UXN, the U8N is still delivers a bright, detailed and colorful picture with excellent gaming performance and comes in an 85-inch screen size. If you're looking for a cheaper, smaller alternative to the UXN, the U8N should be your first choice.
Samsung QN90D Though not as bright as the Hisense UXN or even the U8N, the Samsung QN90D delivers superb contrast and impressive motion handling and comes in a 98-inch screen size. It has more gaming features than the Hisense range as well. If you're a sports fan, the Samsung QN90D is one to consider.
Measurements taken using Portrait Displays' Calman color calibration software
I tested the Hisense 110UXN in a light-controlled cinema room at the headquarters of AWE, a Hisense TV distributor. I spent the first portion of my time with the UXN doing casual viewing to establish the most accurate picture mode, which in this case was Filmmaker Mode.
For my critical viewing, I used several reference scenes from both SDR (broadcast TV and streaming) and HDR sources (4K Blu-ray and streaming). I tested the UXN's picture for color, contrast, black level, detail, HDR performance and motion. I also used these same sources to test the UXN's audio performance. To play 4K Blu-rays, I used the Panasonic DP-UB820 4K Blu-ray player.
I also tested the UXN's gaming performance and features using an Xbox Series X.
After this, I moved on to objective testing, which involved taking measurements with Portrait Displays' Calman color calibration software, two colorimeters and a test pattern generator.
I used both SDR and HDR white window test patterns ranging from 1-100% in size to measure the UXN's brightness, focusing on 10% for peak brightness and 100% for full-screen brightness.
I then measured the UXN's color and grayscale accuracy, looking for an average measurement below 3. I also measured the UXN's HDR coverage of the UHDA-P3 and BT.2020 color spaces to see how accurately the UXN can display colors with ultra-high definition (UHD) sources.
Finally, I measured the UXN's input lag using a Leo Bodnar 4K HDMI input lag tester, with under 15ms representing an ideal result for gaming.
As the name suggests, the Govee Outdoor Projector Light is an outdoor-suitable projector, with smart capabilities allowing it to be controlled via the Govee Home app. It has a list price of $129.99 / £159.99 at Amazon, and is also available on the Govee UK website for a list price of £159.99, although at the time of writing Govee is offering Christmas deals, lowering the cost to £109.99. Presently, the Govee Outdoor Projector does not appear to be available on the US Govee website.
The Govee Outdoor Projector Light is a sizable 6.7 x 7.9 x 11.8 inches / 300 x 170 x 200 mm and weighs 4.4lb / 2kg. The majority of the projector is made from black plastic, which looks and feels a little on the cheap side, but it seems sturdy enough. The adjustment bolt worked well, allowing me to adjust the angle of the projection with ease, and the weight of the metal stand proved heavy enough that I could place it on the floor without it toppling.
(Image credit: Cesci Angell / Future)
Does the face of this projector look kind of like Wall-E going through his cyber-goth phase to anyone else? No? Just me, then. Moving swiftly on: the Govee Outdoor Projector Light is suitable for outdoor use thanks to the IP65-rated control box and IP44-rated adapter. There is the option to fix it to a metal base plate or a plastic ground stake to suit different requirements, and it can project up to 749 sq ft / 255 sq meters depending on the distance between the projector and the surface it’s projecting onto.
The Govee Outdoor Projector Light syncs up to the Govee Home app, which, if you’ve already read my review of the Govee Table Lamp 2, you’ll know I’m a big fan of. The app has a user-friendly and attractive interface, with easy-to-locate settings making it easy for me to customize effects. Within the app, there are a range of useful features including a timer and Matter, Alexa, and Google connectivity, so you won’t need to venture out into the cold to switch things up.
(Image credit: Cesci Angell / Future)
I spent a lot of time checking out the various settings to see how well they performed. First, I experimented by changing the colors of the Aurora, a projection of colorful waves, and the modes, with options like breathe and gradient available. The results were mixed, as I found that even if I only had pinks and purples in my color selection, there was always blue and green in the projection. I didn’t mind these colors, but I found it odd that these remained present, even when they weren’t in my chosen color palette. It was a shame that the AI bot insisted on adding the laser dots to anything it generated and, while there was the option to edit the result, this was limited to the colors of the aurora, so the bright green laser pattern remained.
Many of the preset scenes have the option of different speeds; on the fastest setting, the themed patterns appear and disappear quicker, and the colorful wave-like scenes move and change color at a faster pace. I couldn’t find a way to remove or alter the backgrounds of the themed patterns at first; I’d have liked to have the option to project the snowflake icons on their own. I explored the DIY and AI scene creators but sadly they don’t use these shapes; they only work with the colored lighting and the laser dots. I found the laser dots, which the Govee app refers to as stars, to be a little harsh on the eyes, but I was able to amend the brightness and color combination in the operations section, which made them a bit less of an eyesore.
(Image credit: Future)
Eventually, I found a way to project the themed patterns alone, although color choices were limited. Hidden within the operations tab, it was possible to change the projection of the default red, green, and blue laser dots. I assigned each color to show a snowflake and turned off the aurora set to play in the background, and voila, simple snowflakes. I did wish there was the option to select white or other colors though, as there is a somewhat cheap aesthetic about the colors when they appear together, although the remaining blue snowflakes after turning the red and green off looked nice enough. I also discovered I could turn off or adjust the orbit speed, so the icons would remain static or move slower, and I could also adjust the breathing speed to customize how long the projection stayed up before fading out during each cycle.
(Image credit: Cesci Angell / Future)
Overall, my experience of the Govee Outdoor Projector Light was underwhelming and frustrating at times. It can generate some nice, colorful lighting, so if you’re just looking for a smart light that’ll add a little pizazz to your outside space it’s fine, but if you’re looking for something that you can customize with ease and can project attractive patterns onto your home’s exterior, this likely isn’t the outdoor projector for you. We love testing smart lights here at TechRadar, so if you do too, I’d recommend checking out our pick of the best smart lights to see if anything takes your fancy.
Govee Outdoor Projector Light review: Price and specs
Should I buy the Govee Outdoor Projector Light?
Buy it if...
You want an outdoor projector you can control from your couch Thanks to its Wi-Fi and Matter connectivity, this outdoor projector is easy to control via the Govee Home app or smart home devices such as Alexa and Google Assistant.
You want to add a bit of color Despite my niggles with the sometimes glitchy and limited customization options, the Aurora projections are satisfyingly pretty to look at.
Don't buy it if...
You want sophisticated themed projections Although it may be capable of keeping the kids entertained for a moment, the themed patterns are a little simple and unimaginative. If you're thinking of showcasing minimal but high-quality snowflakes onto your house, you might want to think again.
You want to perfect your projections A surprising result considering the fantastic customizations available from other Govee products via the app, the settings for the Outdoor Projector aren't as intuitive, and projections often seem to have a mind of their own.
Govee Outdoor Projector Light review: Also consider
Govee Permanent Outdoor Lights 2 If you'd rather opt for a permanent fix that can be used all year round then these outdoor smart lights may catch your eye. Simple to install using 3M sticky pads and clips, these IP67 lights can be easily controlled via the Govee Home app, so you can change things up whenever you feel like it. Check out this article if you'd like to learn more about them.
How I tested the Govee Outdoor Projector Light
I tested the Govee Outdoor Projector Light for one week
I evaluated how easy it was to set up and sync with the Govee Home app
I tested the different features and customizable settings
I used the Govee Outdoor Projector Light to add some brightness and color to a white-washed cinderblock wall and in a darkened room.
I assessed the quality of the materials and how easy it was to put together.
I explored the various presets within the app, fine-tuning the projections by changing the settings of the presets and creating my own via various features in the app.
The Sony MDR-EX15AP are an extremely cheap pair of wired earbuds – the type that you’d pick up at the airport after forgetting your pesky Bluetooth ones for your flight (or leaving them at home, on charge). They have a list price of just $19.99 / £10 / AU$29.95 – but are often available for even less. So, I think it’s fair to say you can’t expect phenomenal audio, noise isolation or build quality from the Sony MDR-EX15AP. But what you would hope for is clean sound, a comfortable fit and an attractive design – which for the most part, you get here.
Let’s start where it matters most, audio quality. A lot of ultra-cheap earbuds are guilty of supplying tinny, often grating or even muffled sound, but luckily the Sony MDR-EX15AP didn’t burden me with such issues. For the majority of the time, audio was fairly clean and didn’t come through sounding distorted or harsh. This wasn’t necessarily the case at top volumes, where things could admittedly get a little edgy, but I rarely felt the need to crank things up towards 100%.
Does that mean you get impressive audio, though? Not exactly. The soundstage can get a little cluttered when listening with the Sony MDR-EX15AP. For instance, I tuned in to Summer Soul by Cero and found that vocals lacked prominence and would sometimes have to wrestle with other sounds in the mid-range for my attention – an issue that you won’t encounter with some of the best wired earbuds.
Similarly when listening to Komm, Susser Todd by Arianne, sound could get bloated during climactic sections of the song, in part down to imperfect instrument separation. For example, the plodding bassline got a little muddied with main and backing vocals towards the end of the track and rhythmic claps didn’t have that crisp snap that more premium buds can supply.
So, again, the audiophiles among you may well find fault in the audio department here, but it’s very rare to get a nuanced listen out of earbuds this cheap. And in terms of the basics, these wired earbuds perform decently anyway. For example, when listening to Relentless by Grant Nelson, higher-pitched percussion elements were pretty well behaved – I didn’t get that grating, harsh effect until going towards the top end of the volume scale. In I Want You by Moloko, I also found the bass to be pleasingly warm and relatively impactful, even if the buds struggled to uncover the complexities of the layered synths, vocals, percussion (and more) to my ears.
So sound is pretty average overall and, for this price, that suits me just fine. But what of the noise isolation? Now I have to say, this actually surprised me a fair bit because the Sony MDR-EX15AP actually blockade external noise pretty effectively. Are these going to offer the isolation you’d get from some of the best wireless earbuds with ANC? No. But the gel eartips (there are small, medium, and large sizes included) create a pretty firm seal, which ensured that colleagues nattering, the sound of typing and the whirr of an air purifier were all considerably dulled.
Another department that impressed me was the EX15AP’s appearance. I’m a big fan of the glossy finish applied to the buds themselves and the multi-toned blue colorway that I tested out looked very elegant indeed. You can also get these buds in Black, Pink or White, so there’s an option for everyone. Build quality is perhaps not the strongest though; I found the wire to be fairly flimsy and a bit cheap looking, but that didn’t take away from the elegance of the buds all too much.
Something that I wasn’t massively keen on, however, was the EX15AP’s remote and mic. This is the only thing that separates this model from the slightly cheaper Sony MDR-EX15LP, but it’s not amazing. First of all, the controller only has a play/pause button, no volume controls. That means you’ll have to reach into your pocket to adjust volume on your source device, which is annoying if you’re out on a walk or run, for instance. The mic isn’t good either – when taking a voice recording there was an almost underwater sound to my voice, rendering the inbuilt controller pretty lackluster overall.
One more design issue is that these buds don’t have a waterproof rating. A lot of the more recent models to come to the market have an IPX4 or higher rating, meaning they’re resistant to sweat and rain – handy for outdoor listening. But you don’t get any pledges on resistance to elements here, so if you’re searching for some rough and ready buds for all environments, you’ll have to look further.
So, overall the Sony MDR-EX15AP are a decent pair of earbuds, that offer adequate, albeit unremarkable audio, a pleasing design and impressive noise isolation. There’s nothing particularly standout other than their exceptionally low price, but there doesn’t have to be. If you just need a backup pair of wired buds or need a quick solution for keeping the tunes flowing for your travels, you could certainly do worse.
If you have a little more cash to play with and a device with USB-C, I’d instead opt for the SoundMagic E80D, which are still, in my view, some of the best cheaper wired buds on the market. Apple device users might prefer the Apple Earpods USB-C, Lightning or 3.5mm variant too – but these popular Sony buds are still worth considering for those on a slightly tighter budget.
(Image credit: Future)
Sony MDR-EX15AP review: Price and release date
List price of $19.99 / £10 / AU$29.95
Often available for a fair bit less, though
Launched in 2014
Sony doesn’t always like to make it easy with product names and the Sony MDR-EX15AP as a moniker is no exception. This model is essentially the same as the Sony MDR-EX15LP; it just adds a microphone into the mix. For that privilege, you have to pay a bit more: the EX15AP carry a list price of $19.99 / £10 / AU$29.95.
Of course, they are still very much on the ultra-cheap side of the price spectrum, especially from a trusted name is audio. However, you can often find them for even less. They are often available for less than $10 / £8 on Amazon US and UK respectively, so they’re ideal for a small gift or if you need a cheap option after forgetting your wireless earbuds for a flight, for instance.
Sony MDR-EX15AP review: Specs
(Image credit: Future)
Should you buy the Sony MDR-EX15AP?
Buy them if...
You need a quick audio solution If you’re set to travel and need some budget buds for a flight or train journey, these will almost certainly get the job done. Audio quality isn’t amazing, but it’s not usually grating or anything, making these a solid solution if you’re on the go and want to listen to your favorite tracks or podcasts.
You want some incredibly cheap buds The big draw of the Sony MDR-EX15AP is their ultra-low price. If you’re not too fussed about mic quality issues and middling audio quality, you’ll likely be satisfied with these.
Don't buy them if...
You’re an audiophile If you’re more picky about audio, you will find these Sony buds underwhelming. Sure, for the price you pay, you’re not going to expect wonders from them. But if you spend a little more on the SoundMagic E11C (see ‘Also Consider’) you can seriously level-up your wired listening experiences.
You want buds for workouts These buds don’t have a waterproof rating, so if you’re going to be sweating away or running in the rain, they may accrue damage. There are plenty of cheap options on the market with an IPX4 rating or above, so make sure to shop around.
Sony MDR-EX15AP review: Also consider
SoundMagic E11C OK, so you might not quite get premium audio here, but the SoundMagic E11C will offer a strong step-up quality wise if that’s what you’re after. With an elegant design, good noise isolation and a temptingly low price, you can’t go wrong with these. Read our full SoundMagic E11C review.
Skullcandy Set USB-C Most modern handsets only have a USB-C port and although there are some exceptions – like the Motorola Moto G55 5G – that means you’ll have to use an adapter for these. So, why not opt for a budget pair of USB-C earbuds instead? The Skullcandy Set USB-C offer a beautiful, sleek design, attractive colour options and solid all-round audio, all at a budget price. They’re also water and sweat resistant thanks to their IPX4 rating. Read our full Skullcandy Set USB-C review.
Sony MDR-EX15AP review: How I tested
(Image credit: Future)
Tested for two weeks
Used in the office and while outdoors
Predominantly tested using Tidal on FiiO M11S
I put the Sony MDR-EX15AP to the test over the course of two weeks. I usually listened to music with them via Tidal on my Windows laptop, but I also tried them out using Spotify on the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE. I trialled the EX15AP in the office, at home and while walking near busy roads to judge noise-isolation capabilities.
After first plugging these buds in, I made sure to run through tracks in the TechRadar testing playlist, which contains songs from a variety of genres – though I also spent hours tuning into songs from my personal library.
The Anker 621 Magnetic Battery is one of the simpler wireless power banks that Anker makes. It offers a 5,000mAh capacity and up to 12W of total power output. It also features a MagSafe charging pad for the iPhone 12 series and beyond, which offers up to 7.5W of charging power, as well as a USB-C port for wired charging.
The MagSafe area is slightly padded with a PU leatherette that feels durable. It showed no signs of wear during our tests, as some other soft-touch charging pads have.
The Anker 621 MagGo has a simple, clean look with soft edges. The two-tone pale blue color scheme also adds an element of vibrancy missing from many other of the best power banks, and other variants are available, including white, green, and purple. This makes the 621 a good match for the stylish designs of the best iPhones.
The only interface is a charging and battery life indicator, represented by small LED dots that are easy to comprehend. There are four dots indicating the battery life of the 621, and a singular dot that flashes to indicate charging activity.
One of the standout aspects of the Anker 621 is its form: it’s impressively thin and light, making it great to travel with and it’s much easier to use your iPhone while it's attached, compared to other, heavier MagSafe power banks.
However, the price you pay for this portability is the reduced capacity, as the Anker 621 is only rated at 5,000mAh. During our tests, it managed to charge an iPhone 13 Pro in about two hours, reducing the power bank’s battery indicator to two LED dots, indicating a battery level between 25%-50%.
When using the USB-C port for wired charging, the 621 charged a Pixel 7a from half to full in just over an hour, again losing between 50-75% of battery life in the process. Charging the bank itself took about 2 hours and 40 minutes, which is a reasonable speed for a bank of this size.
If you’re looking for a power bank that lets you easily use and charge your iPhone at the same time, then the 621 could be ideal, given how thin and light it is. The vibrant colorways also make it an accessory you’d be happy to flaunt alongside your device.
(Image credit: Future)
Anker 621 Magnetic Battery (MagGo) review: Price & specs
(Image credit: Future)
Should I buy the Anker 621 Magnetic Battery (MagGo)?
Buy it if…
You want to make a fashion statement The vibrant, two-tone color schemes of the 621, along with its sleek design, means it can match your iPhone for style.
You want to pocket your power bank The thin and light construction of the 621 means it slips into your pocket effortlessly. It’s also much easier to use your iPhone with it attached compared to other MagSafe power banks.
Don't buy it if…
You want a large capacity At 5,000mAh, the 621 is on the lower end of the capacity spectrum, which means you’ll get slightly fewer charges out of it. It still performs with admirable speed, though.
You want a hard charging surface Although we didn’t experience any wear and tear with the PU faux leather MagSafe pad, you might want to avoid the 621 if you want something ultra-durable.
Anker 621 Magnetic Battery (MagGo) review: Also consider
Anker MagGo Power Bank (10K) Imagine this product, but with twice the capacity and faster charging, plus a display for exact charge level, and a little kickstand too. If you like that thought, then you probably want the Anker MagGo Power Bank (10K) instead – though it's more expensive and heavier, naturally.View Deal
If you want to bring multiple devices back to life at once, the UGreen Nexode Pro 65W Charger could be a good fit for you. This charger has three ports – two of which are USB-C and the other USB-A – and boasts a maximum total power output of 65W.
That 65W will likely be enough to access fast-charging on your handset, even with all three slots in use. That’s because the USB-C Port 1 has a solid maximum output of 45W when triple charging, with the other two able to provide up to 15W. If you’re hoping to get top charging speeds on three particularly power-hungry devices, though, this may not be quite enough power. Thankfully, there are stronger alternatives, like the Anker Prime 100W GaN Wall Charger (3 Ports), which boasts a higher total power output.
Actual charging performance is strong here, though. To test charging speed, I plugged the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE into USB-C Port 1, the Soundcore Space One Pro into USB-C Port 2 and the LG Tone Free T90S into the USB-A slot. Even with all three ports in use, the Samsung phone was able to go from 0% - 100% in the expected timeframe of approximately 80 minutes – that’s what you’d expect from some of the best iPhone chargers and best Android phone chargers.
On top of that, this charger is pretty small in size – it doesn’t protrude too far out of a socket – ideal if you’re working with a tight space. That’s in part, thanks to the use of GaN technology, which offers improved energy efficiency and a more compact build than typical silicon chargers. One issue I did have design-wise, however, is that the plug’s prongs are not foldable. So, if you want to slip the charger into your pocket, you may feel the prongs poking into your side – that’s not ideal. In addition, the look of the UGreen Nexode Pro 65W is perhaps not the prettiest. The main body of the charger is an attractive silver cuboid, but the adapter on the front appears somewhat shoehorned on – resulting in a slightly awkward look.
Overall, though, this is still a solid quality, fast-charging plug. OK, its list price of $55.99 / £44.99 (about AU$85) is admittedly quite steep – especially given the very similar, but non-GaN Anker 335 Charger (67W) is just $35.99 / £36.99 (about AU$55) and it comes with a USB-C to USB-C cable. But again, the UGreen Nexode Pro 65W 3-Port Charger will almost certainly please you performance-wise – just don’t expect class-leading value or design.
(Image credit: Future)
UGreen Nexode Pro 65W 3-Port Charger review: Price & specs
(Image credit: Future)
Should I buy the UGreen Nexode Pro 65W 3-Port Charger?
Buy it if…
You want to charge multiple devices at once This charger has three ports so you could charge your phone, laptop and tablet all at once – or any devices you have for that matter. With a total power output of 67W, you should have more than enough to access fast-charging on most modern handsets, even if you’re juicing up another two devices alongside it.
You want to use USB-A and USB-C cables A lot of smartphones in the last few years have come with USB-A to USB-C charging cables. If you still want to make use of yours rather than being confined to USB-C to USB-C alternatives alone, this is an option worth considering.
Don't buy it if…
You want ultimate portability Although the actual charger is pleasingly compact – in part thanks to the use of GaN technology – its prongs aren’t foldable. That’s not ideal if you want to slip the charger into your pocket, as the prongs can poke into you. Thankfully, there are tons of chargers from UGreen itself, Anker, and many more that opt for a foldable design – far more practical and portable in my view.
You’re on a tight budget If you want a triple-port charger but don’t want to spend quite so much, fear not – there are some other strong alternative options out there. For instance, the Anker 335 Charger (67W) has a list price of $35.99 / £36.99 (about AU$55) but offers a slightly higher maximum power output and the same port configuration (2x USB-C; 1x USB-A). More on this below…
UGreen Nexode Pro 65W 3-Port Charger: Also consider
Anker 335 Charger (67W) If you’re looking for a cheaper option that still packs a decent amount of power, the Anker 335 Charger (67W) could be a better option for you. You get three charging ports, but also a USB-C to USB-C cable and foldable prongs – adding a lot of value. This doesn’t use GaN technology, so it’s not as hi-tech or small-bodied as the UGreen Nexode Pro 65W, though. Read our full Anker 335 Charger (67W) review.
The Yeedi C12 Combo is an everything-but-the-kitchen-sink solution to vacuuming. The base station matches that of the Yeedi C12 Pro Plus, but with the more basic, mopless C12 robot vacuum, along with a cordless stick vacuum that can also mop, and accessories that can be added to the cordless vacuum for use as a handheld. It's quite the all-in-one tool.
The idea is fairly unique at time of writing, and its execution is perfectly decent but not amazing – don't expect the bot's performance to match that of the best robot vacuums nor the manual stick vac to be as powerful as today's best cordless vacuums.
Both the robot vacuum and stick vacuum have plenty of suction to do the job, and the robot vacuum's mapping and object avoidance are good. Mopping is also fine, although I don't love the way it's implemented here – the way the mop attachment fits on the wand makes the vacuum harder to push, and the mop pad takes a while to soak through properly. Perhaps more of an issue is that the mopping is manual at all, especially because most modern robovacs (even cheap ones) tend include an automatic mopping function. I also had a few niggles with the build quality: the latch that connects the handheld portion of the stick vacuum to the telescopic tube doesn't seem to work well.
However, none of these compromises are deal-breakers for me. Thanks to the relatively affordable price, its shortcomings are worth overlooking considering the savings you'll make compared to purchasing each vacuum type individually. That's the short version; read on for my full Yeedi C12 Combo review.
(Image credit: Future)
Yeedi C12 Combo review: price & availability
Launched: September 2024
List price: $699.99 / (about £560 / AU$1,110)
Available: US only
The Yeedi C12 Combo launched in September 2024 and is only currently available in the US.
For a price tag of $699.99 / (about £560 / AU$1,110), you're getting quite a lot with the Yeedi C12 Combo. For that price, you're getting a robot vacuum (albeit a fairly basic one with no mopping capabilities), a cordless stick vacuum that can also mop, and comes with accessory tools to use as a handheld, and a base station that auto-empties the dust cups of both vacuums.
TechRadar's price bands are different for manual and robotic vacuums. For a manual vacuum the mid-range is $250-$500 (above that is premium, below is budget), whereas for robovacs mid-range is $400-$800. Considering you're getting two appliances included here, it's averaging out at very decent value for money – it averages out at mid-range or budget for both parts.
At time of writing, the closest that I've seen to the Yeedi C12 Combo all-in-one system is the Ecovacs Deebot T30S Combo, which has a much higher MSRP of $1,199.99 / AU$2,299 (about £950), and only has a handheld vacuum as opposed to a stick vacuum. For that, there is the Ecovacs Deebot T30S Combo Complete for $200 more. Since we haven't reviewed that configuration, I can't speak to how good the stick vacuum is, but it's worth highlighting that it's double the price of the Yeedi C12 Combo reviewed here.
Now, most people already have a vacuum of some sort in their home, so an all-in-one system might not be as appealing. That is, unless you really want everything you clean up to auto-empty into the same place to only be emptied into the trash every couple months. If you already have a stick or upright vacuum that you like, the Yeedi C12 Pro Plus might serve you better. It's priced just a little lower at $599.99 (about £470 / AU$900) and allows for the robot vacuum to handle the mopping.
Value for money score: 4 out of 5
Yeedi C12 Combo specs
Yeedi C12 Combo review: design
Robot vacuum relatively basic in design (no mopping)
Manual vacuum comprises telescopic wand, handheld vacuum, mop and other attachments
Large base station docks both parts, and auto-empties the bins of both
The Yeedi C12 Combo comes in all black except for some splashes of red, most notably the HEPA filters visible through the clear dustbins in the base station and stick vacuum, and the silver telescopic tube of the stick vacuum. It's attractive and a bit more striking than most robot vacuum setups.
(Image credit: Future)
Both the stick vacuum and robot vacuum auto-empty into the somewhat sizable base station, which has to be pretty big as it also cradles the handheld portion of the stick vacuum as well as hiding the accessory tools in a compartment below it. (In fact, the dock dustbin is relatively small, compared to the market standard.) My only real complaint with the dock design is that the tools compartment doesn't clip back into place all that easily when putting the accessory tools back.
The (smallish) dustbin in the dock contains a HEPA filter (Image credit: Future)
The robot vacuum itself is fairly basic. It has one side brush and a v-shaped anti-tangle brushroll with a lid held on magnetically to hide a pairing button and the small dustbin inside. It's probably the most basic part of this whole thing. There are three uncovered buttons visible through the lid: return home, power, and XXX. All basic stuff.
As far as the cordless stick vacuum goes, it's composed of two major components. The telescopic tube and the handheld vacuum. The telescopic wand and the floorhead are attached as one piece – this is a little unusual; generally you'd be able to swap detail tools onto the end of a stick vacuum's wand for cleaning up high. It's worth noting that the floorhead, which has a v-shaped brushroll like the robot vacuum, features headlamps to illuminate dirt and debris in front of it.
Headlights help illuminate dirt on the floor (Image credit: Future)
This cordless stick vacuum transforms into a mop – albeit in a much simpler way than most of today's best wet-dry vacuums. The attachment for mopping goes under the vac's wheels and covers them so you have to push a little harder to move the vacuum. The attachment is a small clean water reservoir with a mop pad that attaches via velcro to the bottom of it that needs to be dampened before use.
The mop attachment (shown) clips on top of the stick vac's floorhead (Image credit: Future)
The telescopic tube, which clips into the side of the base station when the handheld is sitting in the base station to empty and charge, has one glaring issue and that's the fact that the latch to connect or remove the tube from the handheld feels very flimsy. It doesn't clip very easily into place when placing the handheld into it, and it doesn't easily disengage when pressed to pull the handheld out.
On the bright side, the two accessory tools clip in nicely. And since the handheld portion of the stick vacuum isn't too heavy, using it to clean higher-up areas or upholstery is not fatiguing.
Design score: 3.5 out of 5
Yeedi C12 Combo review: performance
Robot vacuum has powerful suction
Robot vacuum is loud in operation
Stick vacuum is powerful, but has some issues with mopping
I was surprised to find that the robot vacuum portion of the Yeedi C12 Combo did not do mopping – most robovacs these days have mopping abilities; even the cheap ones. While there's a lot going on with this all-in-one package, robo-mopping is definitely a crucial feature when striving for convenience.
That said, the robot vacuum does a fairly good job at what it's tasked to do. It has quite good suction as I was able to test with some cereal, granulated sugar, and flour, which it mostly scooped up in one pass (there was a little residual sugar left over). After all, it does have a powerful 10,000Pa of suction on tap.
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I tested the robovac on different sized particles (Image credit: Future)
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There was a little flour left after the first pass (Image credit: Future)
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Pickup on carpet was decent (Image credit: Future)
The robovac's object avoidance is decent as well; it danced around most objects fairly deftly. I'm hesitant to say it's amazing since there were instances, mainly with the dog dishes, where the vacuum would push something around for a second before backing off and going around. However, it didn't get stuck on anything other than cables (the regular enemy of robot vacuums).
The robovac avoided most obstacles (Image credit: Future)
The robovac's brushroll is anti-tangle, so I didn't have to worry about hair getting wrapped around it. Strangely, the robot vacuum is really quite loud in operation at the highest setting (there are three), measuring a whopping 68 dB.
Stick vacuum
Moving on to the stick vacuum. This also has three settings, and performed well in TechRadar's suction tests. I did the same cereal, sugar, flour test with it and got everything up in one go. And it was easy to move around and use without the mopping attachment.
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The stick vac picked up all of this in one pass (Image credit: Future)
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Maneuverability is good (Image credit: Future)
Overall, I'm not a huge fan of the way the mopping is implemented here. With the mopping attachment, the manual vacuum requires a bit more pushing as the main two wheels are covered by the attachment. You also have to wet the mop pad before use, so that the water soaks through efficiently.
Unsurprisingly at this price, there's no automatic washing and drying of the mop pad, as you'll find on pricier hybrid robovac docks. That means you'll need to remember to clean it or you'll end up with a moldy mop pad, and by extension, potentially also moldy smelling floors.
Regarding the actual performance of the mopping attachment, it did seem a little streaky with the first few pushes, so I had to do a second pass on the first areas that I cleaned. But once I got going, it did a decent job of mopping.
Lastly, I do want to mention that both the robot vacuum and stick vacuum did well on carpet, especially the latter which I only needed to do one pass around the litter box to clean up some escaped litter.
Performance score: 4 out of 5
Yeedi C12 Combo review: app
Mapping is easy to edit
App is straightforward and easy to use
Somewhat limited features
When I reviewed my first Yeedi product, I had issues with the company's app in regards to limitations on map editing. That's no longer the case. From accurately mapping my space to allowing me to divide and combine rooms the way I need, I find the current app straightforward and hassle-free. It can even save up to three maps.
In fact, I would describe the whole app that way. It's easy to navigate and manipulate. Not only can I schedule cleanings, but I can create the order in which rooms are addressed. Of course, the reason it's so easy to use is partly because the robot vacuum itself is somewhat basic. There's no voice assistant support, so you won't be connecting this to Alexa or Google Home, for instance. And since there's no mopping capability on the robot vacuum, you don't have to deal with any of the related controls that pop up in the app on those models.
App score: 4 out of 5
Should you buy the Yeedi C12 Combo?
Buy it if...
You want an all-in-one vacuuming system
There aren't many of these around and certainly not at this price. If you want to be able to turn on a robot vacuum and use a stick vacuum that self-empty into the same place, then this is for you.
You want to manually mop
The mopping attachment for the stick vacuum allows a lot of control over mopping your floors in a way that's more convenient than traditional mops.
You want powerful suction
Both the robot vacuum and stick vacuum have quite a bit of power and are able to suck up all sorts of dirt and debris with ease.
Don't buy it if...
You want unparalleled quality
While the Yeedi C12 Combo is nice, it comes with some compromises to meet its price point. If you want the best possible robot vacuum, there are better options out there, even from Yeedi.
You want robot vacuum mopping
Having hands-off mopping is a very nice and convenient feature. If that's important to you, you won't find it here and will have to look elsewhere.
Yeedi C12 Combo review: alternatives to consider
Ecovacs Deebot T30S Combo
It might be more expensive, but the Ecovacs Deebot T30S Combo is an upgrade of sorts. Not only does it do a great job vacuuming and mopping – it has that extendable mop pad to get edges – but it also comes with a handheld vacuum for some extra deep or spot cleaning prowess.
The Yeedi C12 Pro Plus is simultaneously more pared down than its big brother reviewed here and more feature-filled as the robot vacuum has mopping capabilities. It's not the best with edges, but it's good with hair. It's also slightly cheaper.
To test the Yeedi C12 Combo, I used it for a week to vacuum and mop the hardwood floors and a bath mat (to simulate carpeting) in my house. I ran TechRadar's standard suction tests, using fine debris and bigger debris. I also tested all the features listed in the app, particularly its mapping. I took note of how well the vacuum cleaned the edges of a room as well as around obstacles.
