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GoPro’s Max 2 sets the bar for 8K quality, but the 360 camera is not without its flaws

4:03 pm | September 23, 2025

Author: admin | Category: 360 Cameras Cameras Computers Gadgets | Comments: Off

GoPro Max 2: two-minute review

The GoPro Max 2 is GoPro's long-awaited return to the 360 camera arena, and it arrives with the rugged build quality and intuitive design philosophy that has made the brand synonymous with action cameras for over a decade.

It's a compact, square-bodied camera that takes clear design inspiration from its predecessor while incorporating lessons learned from rivals like the Insta360 X5 and DJI Osmo 360. The Max 2 is built tough – waterproof to 5m without additional housing and ready to handle the kind of punishment that extreme sports can dish out. What sets it apart from the competition is GoPro's decision to make the lenses fully user-replaceable without tools, a smart move given how vulnerable 360 camera lenses are to damage.

At $499.99 / £449.99 / AU$849.95, the Max 2 is priced between the DJI Osmo 360 and the premium Insta360 X5, offering a middle-ground option that should appeal to GoPro loyalists and newcomers alike.

The standout feature here is what GoPro calls “true 8K” recording; the Max 2 delivers genuine 8K capture with at least 3840 active pixels on each axis, and the results are undeniably sharp and vibrant in good lighting conditions.

GoPro Max 2 360 camera — (Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)

Design-wise, there's plenty to appreciate too: a bright 1.82-inch touchscreen, GoPro's famously simple two-button control scheme, built-in GPS, and compatibility with three separate mounting systems: the classic GoPro fingers, standard tripod threads, and the newer magnetic latch system. The camera feels reassuringly solid and well-balanced, whether in your hand or mounted on some other part of your body.

Video tops out at 8K 30fps in 360 mode, with 5.6K 60fps and 4K 100fps options for slow-motion work. The Max 2 also captures 29MP 360-degree stills and supports 10-bit color recording plus GP-Log flat profile for post-production color grading.

Performance is strong in daylight, delivering the punchy, colorful footage GoPro is known for, with minimal distortion, effective automatic stitching and selfie stick removal. However, the camera struggles more noticeably in low-light conditions compared to rivals that offer dedicated night modes, and thermal management can be an issue during extended recording sessions.

The Max 2 pairs with GoPro's established Quik mobile app for quick editing and sharing, plus the updated GoPro Player desktop software for more comprehensive post-production work. Both offer solid 360 video editing tools, though at present neither quite matches the sophistication of Insta360's software suite.

Ultimately, while the Max 2 doesn't revolutionize the 360 camera market, it delivers exactly what I’d expect from GoPro. This is a well-built, user-friendly camera that produces excellent results in the right conditions, and it’s backed up by an ecosystem of accessories and editing tools that make the whole experience relatively painless. GoPro is well truly back in the 360 camera game.

Look out for my in-depth GoPro Max 2 vs Insta360 X5 comparison, based on real tests, coming soon

GoPro Max 2 specs

DJI Osmo 360 specs
Type:	360 camera
Waterproof depth:	5m / 16ft
Screen:	1.82-inch touchscreen
Storage:	microSD
Connectivity:	USB-C, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth
Dimensions:	64 x 69.7 x 48.7mm / 2.4 x 1.4 x 3.2 inches
Weight:	195g / 6.88oz

GoPro Max 2: Price and availability

Launched worldwide on 23 September 2025
Pre-orders shipping 30 September 2025
Priced at $499.99 / £449.99 / AU$849.95

GoPro officially launched the Max 2 on September 23 2025, and it’s available to pre-order right away, with orders shipping from September 30.

It’s priced at $499.99 / £449.99 / AU$849.95 in a bundle that includes the camera and a single battery. At the time of writing I’ve not been informed of any bundles including accessories such as selfie sticks, microSD cards or extra batteries, but this section will be updated if that becomes the case.

This list price, which sits between the pricier Insta360 X5 and more affordable DJI Osmo 360, feels just about right to me. The Max 2 is a quality product and while being any cheaper would be a surprise, it’s clearly priced to compete with its closest rivals.

GoPro Max 2, DJI Osmo 360 and Insta360 X5 cameras — The GoPro Max 2 in the midst of its two main rivals, the DJI Osmo 360 and Insta360 X5 (Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)

Price score: 4/5

GoPro Max 2: Design

Waterproof to 5m / 16ft plus replaceable lenses
Mountable via tripod, magnetic latch or mounting fingers
1.82-inch rear touchscreen

The GoPro Max 2 looks similar to the original Max, favoring a squat, square design over the narrower candybar shape used by some 360 cameras. Constructed from tough plastic, it’s pretty discreet and unassuming, with the bright blue flashes of the GoPro logo and “Max 2” the only deviation from all-business dark grey. It’s slightly smaller than its closest recent rivals, the Insta360 X5 and DJI Osmo 360, but not to what I’d consider a significant degree.

As you’d expect from a GoPro camera, the Max 2 feels rugged and ready for adventure. While there’s no specific IP rating, GoPro says it’s waterproof to a depth of 5m and able to operate in cold temperatures. While the waterproof depth isn’t quite as impressive as on some rival cameras, GoPro told me a dive housing accessory offering more robust underwater protection is currently in development.

GoPro Max 2 with removed lens on wooden table — (Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)

Crucially, GoPro has also made its lenses fully user-replaceable – and without the need for a tool, either, in a move that beats even the Insta360 X5’s lens replacement system. With 360 cameras’ lenses protruding so far out of the body, they’re highly vulnerable to damage, so making them simple (and relatively cheap) to swap out if something goes wrong is a great move from GoPro.

That being said, I did notice some condensation inside the lens when I went from indoors to outdoors, and it affected image quality (you can see it in the cycling sections of the videos embedded below). This could be fixed by removing the lens and wiping it with a microfiber cloth, then replacing it, but I found it an annoying issue to deal with. It’s not something I’ve encountered on other 360 cameras, and I suspect it might be due to the removeable lens design.

GoPro Max 2 mounted on a person's head — The pop-out mounting fingers make attaching the Max 2 to hundreds of existing mounts very simple (Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)

The Max 2 is small and lightweight enough for easy mounting on everything from helmets to bikes to selfie sticks, and GoPro has thoughtfully made it compatible with three mounting options. You have classic GoPro mounting fingers, a rock-solid way to fix the camera to a huge range of first- and third-party mounts, as well a standard tripod thread and the newer GoPro magnetic latch mount.

Controls are beautifully simple. There are two large rubber buttons – one for power and switching shooting modes, another for image capture – and a bright and sharp 1.82-inch touchscreen for everything else. The Max 2’s UI is extremely simple and easy to get to grips with, even for someone (like me) who doesn’t shoot on GoPro cameras particularly often, and I doubt anyone even slightly familiar with action camera menu screens will struggle to master it quickly.

Design score: 5/5

GoPro Max 2: Performance and features

Editing via Quik and GoPro Player apps
Built-in GPS
1,960mAh battery offers around an hour of 8K 30fps capture

With no built-in storage, footage and photos captured on the Max 2 are stored on microSD card, and can be quickly transferred wirelessly to a mobile device running the Quik app for editing and sharing.

I think Quik’s 360 video editor is pretty good, and I was able to swiftly reframe clips using manual keyframes or AI-assisted object tracking, plus tweak the image settings to achieve the look I wanted. Finished videos and photos can be saved to a phone’s camera roll, directly shared to social media or exported to other devices.

It’s also possible to edit on desktop, of course, and the updated GoPro Player app supports keyframe reframing but not, interestingly, AI-assisted tracking or image tweaking. GoPro says it’s getting a new denoise setting too, but this was greyed out and unavailable when I tested the app due to my M2-powered MacBook Air being not quite up to the task.

GoPro has informed me that both Adobe Premiere and DaVinci Resolve will be getting plug-ins allowing users to directly import the Max 2’s 360 files. Premiere support is due to be live by the end of 2025, with Resolve to follow later on.

One thing the Max 2 has that its DJI and Insta360 rivals don’t is built-in GPS, enabling users to embed location data in their footage and photos. Most other cameras either require an optional module or tethering to a smartphone for geotagging, so the Max 2, like the original Max, offers an edge there.

Despite the large vent on one side, the Max 2 does get warm during use. When I left it recording video, it turned itself off to avoid overheating with both 8K 30fps and 5.6K 30fps recording. With the 8K footage, it recorded just under 30 minutes of footage before shutting down; it lasted almost 58 minutes when recording 5.6K footage. This was indoors at room temperature, and I did find that setting it up outdoors on a chilly autumn day allowed it to record for longer, as would actual outdoor pursuits scenarios.

GoPro doesn’t specify battery life from the 1,960mAh battery, but I managed to get just over an hour of 8K 30fps footage recorded when leaving the camera running outdoors. I think this performance is quite good given the bit rate and resolution of the videos being recorded, but those planning a long day of 360 shooting might want to invest in one or two extra batteries.

The Max 2, like the original Max, features six separate built-in mics, but here they offer directional audio capture. Neither the DJI Osmo 360 or Insta360 X5 offer six mics, but despite this I wouldn't necessarily say the Max 2 outright beats its rivals here: audio sounds absolutely fine in good conditions, but when the wind picks up the built-in wind reduction tech can't do much to suppress the noise.

GoPro says the Max 2 can be used with Apple AirPods and other Bluetooth earbuds for wireless mic input, and this may help avoid the wind issue, but bringing out a dedicated DJI Mic-style wireless mic may be the best solution the company could offer further down the line.

Performance score: 4/5

GoPro Max 2: Image quality

Captures 10-bit 8K 30fps / 5.6K 60fps / 4K 100fps video
29MP 360 photos and 12MP single-lens photos
Up to 300Mbps video bit rate with GoPro Labs

GoPro has been keen to point out that the Max 2 is the only 360 camera that records what it calls “true 8K” resolution 360 video. The company claims rivals like Insta360 and DJI are essentially fudging the numbers in order to claim 8K capture – either by counting unused or overlapped pixels, or by upscaling output to 8K from lower resolution sources – whereas the Max 2’s 360 output is truly 8K with at least 3840 active pixels on each axis for both sensors.

Video can be shot at up to 10-bit quality and in either a standard color profile or the flat GP-Log mode for post-shoot grading, and the maximum video bit rate is 120Mbps, or 300Mbps for users of GoPro Labs. For the purposes of this review, I stuck with 120Mbps. I did try out GP-Log, but GoPro has yet to release a LUT at the time of writing and I found grading the footage more of a slog than I'd like. Once the LUT is out things should get a lot easier there.

Video quality is generally very strong, whether recording in 8K (which is capped at 30fps) or 5.6K (which can go up to 60fps, offering users the potential to use 2x slow-motion; a 4K 100fps option is also available for those who want even more slow-motion potential). GoPro has established itself as delivering colors that look good straight out of the camera, as well as minimal distortion and flare.

Mostly that’s the case here, although I found that some of my 360 videos looked a touch overexposed and washed out in bright skies – likely as a result of having to set exposure for a full 360º view rather than in a single direction. User intervention, by setting the exposure manually, could improve things here, but in general the results are strong.

Still photos are similarly good-looking, and while I tweaked the below example slightly using the Quik app, it’s basically fresh out of the camera.

360 photograph of a harbour captured on GoPro Max 2 — (Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)

At night, the Max 2 isn’t as impressive. Both the DJI Osmo 360 and Insta360 X5 have dedicated low light modes for 360 video, but with the Max 2 you’re left with the standard mode, and it’s noisy and smeary after dark. It’s possible that using GP-Log and some clever settings before editing in post could yield better results; I didn’t have time to delve into this, so I can’t say for sure – but what I can say is that both the Osmo 360 and X5 make capturing usable low light footage very easy, while the Max 2 doesn’t.

So, if low light footage is a priority for you, the Max 2 may not be the ideal 360 camera. If, however, you're capturing footage in daylight and want the very cleanest, sharpest 8K around, I think it's the best at doing it.

The camera includes a wide range of capture modes besides standard 360 videos and photos: time lapse modes, dedicated single-lens shooting modes and more. I've included a quick clip I captured using the Night Lapse mode in the sample video above.

Image quality score: 5/5

GoPro Max 2: testing scorecard

GoPro Max 2
Attributes	Notes	Rating
Price	Cheaper than the Insta360 X5, slightly pricier than the DJI Osmo 360.	4/5
Design	Great mounting options, rugged build and easily replaced lenses. Just watch for the condensation.	5/5
Performance	Good apps and battery life, but can overheat.	4/5
Image quality	Beats the X5 and Osmo 360 in broad daylight, but can't match either in challenging after-dark conditions.	5/5

Should I buy the GoPro Max 2?

Buy it if...

You're invested in the GoPro ecosystem
Got boxes of GoPro mounts and a subscription? The Max 2 slots right into the GoPro range, so if you're already a fan you'll be at home immediately.

You're a risk-taker
The Max 2 is small and rugged, making it ideal for extreme sports. Its lenses are also very easy to replace in the field – no tool required.

You like things simple
The Max 2's minimal controls, simple app and great out-of-the-camera image quality make it one of the easiest 360 cameras to use.

Don't buy it if...

You shoot after dark or indoors
While it shines in broad daylight, the low light performance of the Max 2 just can't match that of its DJI and Insta360 rivals.

You want built-in storage
A small thing, but the Osmo 360's built-in storage means you don't need to fumble for microSD cards – with the Max 2, you do.

Also consider

Insta360 X5 action camera

Insta360 X5

The X5’s rugged build, replaceable lenses, low-light performance, ease of use and battery life have made it our top pick ahead of the Max 2's arrival. Its weight and profile aren't as wearable as the Max 2, however, and I think the Max 2's daylight image quality is slightly better.

Read our full Insta360 X5 review

Akaso 360 camera on a white background

Akaso 360

A cheap and cheerful alternative to the GoPro Max 2, Akaso's first 360 camera is surprisingly capable. Like the Max 2, it's designed with outdoor daytime use in mind, but its overall image quality level is several notches below.

Read our full Akaso 360 review

How I tested the DJI Osmo 360

Tested camera running v01.09.71 firmware for four days
Camera mounted on invisible selfie stick, helmet, bike and chest harness
Recorded videos day and night on foot and cycling

GoPro sent me a review sample of the Max 2 a week ahead of the launch date, and it was updated to run v01.09.71 firmware. This meant full launch features, as far as I'm aware, enabling me to test all the shooting modes and image quality – which I did by taking the camera out in the field mounted to various things (bike, head, helmet, chest, selfie stick).

I tested it in various lighting and weather conditions, editing the resulting videos and photos using both GoPro apps: the Quik mobile app and the GoPro Player desktop app (the latter on my M2 MacBook Air, which sadly wasn't powerful enough to make use of the app's Denoise feature).

First reviewed September 2025

The DJI Osmo Nano delivers all the pro features I actually need in an action camera, without the gimmicks

3:00 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Action Cameras Cameras Computers Gadgets | Tags: DJI, HLG, LCD, US | Comments: Off

DJI Osmo Nano: two-minute review

The DJI Osmo Nano is the latest in the brand's line of action cameras. Rather than building on a predecessor it's a whole new concept in its own right, although it shares the same-sized 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor as the DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro, which landed at the end of 2024.

The range of best action cameras is more diverse today than it was even just a few years ago. The one-block shops of design like the GoPro Hero 13 Black are still popular, for sensible reasons like ruggedness and extended battery times, but modular designs like the Osmo Nano and the new Insta360 Go Ultra are becoming more common.

Why? We don't just want to hold our action cams or use a fiddly mount to attach them to our bike handlebars anymore. The content creation universe is continuing to grow, and so is the number and variety of places where we need our cameras to go.

In a nutshell, the Osmo Nano is a light, wearable action camera. You can wear it around your neck, on your head, on a hat or helmet, plonk it on your car, bike, or even attach it to your dog. It's remarkably small, and at 52g it's a gram lighter than its main competitor, the Insta360 Go Ultra, released a month before it.

The product is modular in design and built as a two-piece system, with a tiny, standalone camera unit that pairs with the Multifunctional Vision Dock underneath. The dock acts as a remote, screen, and charging station, with a small but bright 1.9-inch display to help you compose shots and adjust settings.

The DJI Osmo Nano held by a female photographer in a pink top — (Image credit: Lauren Scott)

These two parts join together via two clips and a strong magnetic system, and it's this magnet that also allows the camera to snap onto DJI's various accessories, for a wide range of hands-free, wearable mounting options.

Although the camera is a fully IPX8-rated unit that's waterproof down to 10m, the dock is only IPX4-rated for splash resistance, which limits its use in heavy rain or near a body of water – a totally rugged design this is not.

Inside the camera is a 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor, which captures a dynamic range of up to 13.5 stops according to DJI. I haven't done any calculations with my test images on this, but I did find great levels of detail and color in bright sky highlights as well as darker, shadowy areas like tunnels. I was genuinely impressed by the level of detail and tone the camera could capture, particularly for a sensor this small (in full-frame terms).

Check out our DJI Osmo Nano vs Insta360 Go Ultra write-up to see how the small action cams compare

For me, DJI has always been a brand for what I'd call 'serious' creators, and that's something I'm pleased to see the brand has leaned into with the Osmo Nano. There aren't any 'fun' filters or gimmicks in the menus. Instead, the settings are pared back to sensible and helpful options; voice controls and gestures to start recording all work very well to make hands-free shooting that much easier.

A big draw for professionals is the color performance. I was surprised to discover that the Osmo Nano can record in 10-bit color with D-Log M and HLG profiles – a pro-level feature that gives you more leeway for color grading in post-production, if you want to edit manually rather than relying on the automatic outputs from the DJI Mimo app. In 10-bit, I found videos were punchy but still well-balanced.

Screenshots from the DJI Mimo app — (Image credit: Lauren Scott)

Performance-wise, the Osmo Nano delivers exceptionally well in some areas but underwhelms in others. The promise of rapid file transfer holds up, with the 128GB version clocking transfer speeds of up to 600MB/s over a USB 3.1 connection. This is a huge time-saver.

Battery life, however, is a clear limitation. While DJI claims up to 90 minutes from the camera and 200 minutes with the dock, I found that shooting at 4K/60fps got me closer to just 60 minutes of continuous recording. On the upside, the dock's ability to fast-charge the camera to 80% in about 20 minutes means you can be back to shooting in no time.

The RockSteady 3.0 and HorizonBalancing stabilization features work well for walking or light activity, and even when I tried recording star jumps and high-intensity workouts, the footage was stable in sports mode. Audio quality is good all-round too, and two built-in microphones capture immersive stereo sound, with decent but not brilliant wind reduction. Another plus for more advanced creators is the ability to pair the Nano with two mics separately, and you won't need receivers if they're from DJI.

While the image quality is good for a camera this small, it’s still bound by the limitations of its form factor. The fixed 143-degree ultra-wide field of view is great for first-person shots, but obviously lacks the versatility of a more zoomed-in lens. And while DJI's SuperNight mode for low-light shooting is better than ever, it's limited to 30fps and 8-bit color.

A female photographer wearing the DJI Osmo Nano on a headband — (Image credit: Lauren Scott)

The Osmo Nano is pricing is really aggressive, coming in much cheaper than the Insta360 Go Ultra and the GoPro Hero 13 Black – and that's with built-in storage too, meaning you can start shooting straight out of the box.

It's not necessarily the most charming camera I've tested, but it's thoroughly dependable and sensible, and for that reason I found it growing on me, while the low price sweetens the deal. The DJI Mimo app is less intuitive than Insta360's, and AI edits are a little less exciting, but it's smart and stable, and puts a clear live feed with access to settings at your fingertips on your smartphone.

DJI isn't marketing the Osmo Nano for family users, and it lacks some of the fun features of the Insta360 lineup, plus Toddler Titan mode for capturing kids. While charging is fairly speedy it doesn't charge as quickly as its main competitor, the Insta360 Go Ultra, either, but the camera does last longer.

If you need a fully rugged and all-in-one device for more extreme sports or environments, the GoPro Hero 13 Black or the DJI Action 5 Pro might be a better choice. But this is a well-thought-out, truly wearable action camera for creators who want to experiment with unique perspectives, and need a B-camera for places their main camera can't go, for a B-cam price.

The DJI Osmo Nano being worn on a pendant in front of a woman's shirt — (Image credit: Lauren Scott)

DJI Osmo Nano: specs

DJI Osmo Nano specs
Sensor	1/1.3-inch CMOS
Max Resolution	35MP (6880 x 5160) photos 4K, 60fps footage
Weight	Camera: 2.54oz / 53g Vision dock: 3.8oz / 72g
Dimensions	Camera: 57 x 29 x 28mm Vision Dock: 59 x 42 x 22mm
ISO Range	100–25600
Lens	FOV: 143 degrees Aperture: f/2.8 Focus: 0.35m to ∞
Operating Time	Camera: 90 mins* Camera + Multifunctional Vision Dock: 200 mins*
Connectivity	Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB-C 3.1
Storage	64GB/128GB built-in microSD card, up to 1TB
Waterproofing	Camera: 33ft (10m) Vision Dock: IPX4-Rated

DJI Osmo Nano: Price and availability

Launched worldwide on September 23 2025, except US
Osmo Nano Standard Combo (64GB) costs £239 / AU$529
Osmo Nano Standard Combo (128GB) costs £259 / AU$589

The DJI Osmo Nano was announced on August 23, 2025, and is now shipping from DJI’s online store and authorized retailers, including Amazon. It won't be available officially in the United States at launch. A DJI Spokesperson told TechRadar that "DJI remains dedicated to the US market and is optimizing our strategy to best serve our customers amidst evolving local conditions."

There are two standard combos to choose between, broken down by the internal storage capacity: the Osmo Nano Standard Combo at 64GB (£239 / AU$529) or 128GB (£259 / AU$589).

Each combo comes with the same content, including the Osmo Nano Camera, Multifunctional Vision Dock, Magnetic Hat Clip, Magnetic Lanyard, a protective case, USB-C cable (USB 3.1), and a Dual-Direction Magnetic Ball-Joint Adapter Mount. The protective case is more just a plastic sheath rather than substantial padded protection.

That price puts it way below the Insta360 Go Ultra Standard Combo ($449.99 / £369 / AU$759), which is more impressive given that you get built-in storage too. It's also less than the GoPro Hero 13 Black (now available for around $359.99 / £315).

Price score 5/5

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A female photographer holding the DJI Osmo Nano action camera — (Image credit: Lauren Scott)

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DJI Osmo Nano: Design

Standalone camera is waterproof, dock is splashproof
Magnetic base connects easily to mounts
The camera weighs 1.83oz / 52g

The DJI Osmo Nano camera is oblong-shaped, about half as wide as it is long. It sits comfortably between your thumb and forefinger in either portrait or landscape mode, but I didn't find it as pocketable as the Insta360 Go Ultra because of its extra depth.

Without the dock, the Osmo is a light, wearable action camera at just 52g. Adding the dock, by way of two secure mounting clips and a magnetic, adds another 72g and turns the camera into a more complete action companion. It's small, but I found the combo top-heavy on uneven surfaces, making low-level shots without a mount more difficult.

There's just one built-in OLED HD touchscreen on the dock, rather than a screen at the front and back, or a flippable design like the Insta360 Go Ultra. This means you have to detach and remount the camera every time you want to go from shooting your environment to talking to the camera (if you want to see yourself, that is). Unlike the Go Ultra, which simply plops back into place with strong magnets, flipping the Osmo Nano around is a bit fiddly.

The design is gray and plastic, which is familiar territory for both DJI and action cams in general. The body is subtly textured though, meaning it's easy to grab onto with cold, wet or sweaty hands. Ruggedness is key for an action camera, but only the wearable part of the Osmo Nano is waterproof. The camera is IPX8-rated for submersion up to 10 metres underwater.

The dock is only splash, rain and likely sweat resistant, and I wouldn't fancy its chances in a heavy rain shower. This is a shame, because it limits potential usage and introduces a little caution to creativity when shooting. It's also a far cry from DJI's Action 5 Pro, which is verified down to 20m / 65ft.

While the dock isn't waterproof, you can use the whole product in temperatures of -20C to 45C (-4F to 113F), so you're good for everything from winter sports to desert treks. A lens cover screws over the main lens, so if you damage or scratch it a replacement costs a fraction of buying a whole new unit.

The Osmo Nano has just two physical controls: there's a big red record button on the top of the camera and another on one side of the dock. These also act as power switches, and they require some force to push down so that you're not likely to press them accidentally. That's it, other than a small flap that opens up on the other side of the dock to reveal the USB 3.1 port for charging and transferring files, plus the microSD slot, which takes up to a 1TB card.

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The LCD screen on the DJI Osmo Nano in the sunshine — (Image credit: Lauren Scott)

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I didn't find the DJI Osmo Nano as enjoyable or easy to navigate as other action cameras I've tested. You swipe up to access video settings, down for the main menu, and left to change the shooting mode. To toggle Pro Mode on or off, you tap the slider icon on the right side of the screen.

It's not rocket science, but at 1.96 inches the small screen means you need to be extra precise with your touch gestures to bring up menus and dial in settings. My partner – who has bigger hands and fingers than I – sometimes had to tap the screen a few times to activate settings.

The menus are mainly black and white with yellow accents, and I found this less eye-catching than the GoPro or Insta360 ecosystems, although that may be more a matter of personal preference. Some settings are also overlaid on the live picture and can be difficult to read. The camera doesn't have the same detailed tutorials and guides that you get when you start using the Insta360 Go Ultra, although I'm sure DJI fans will have no trouble finding their way around.

Design score: 4/5

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DJI Osmo Nano: Performance and features

Quick-edit videos on the DJI Osmo Mimo app
Standalone camera charges 80% in about 20 mins
In-built storage and takes microSD cards up to 2TB

The performance of the Osmo Nano is hard to pin down. In some areas I felt it delivered exceptionally well, but in others it was a bit underwhelming. The rapid file transfer ended up being surprisingly helpful, and in my tests with the 128GB version DJI's claim of up to 600 MB/s transfer speed over USB 3.1 holds up, and I found it a huge time-saver compared to sending lots of files wirelessly.

The camera's battery life is a limitation, though, particularly when shooting at higher resolutions like 4K/60fps. I got closer to 60 minutes of continuous recording here – rather than the 90 minutes that DJI claims at 1080p/24fps – which isn't bad for its size, but lags behind the multi-hour endurance of larger cameras like the Osmo Action 5 Pro. The dock can top up the battery on the go, and I was also impressed by its ability to charge to 80% in just 20 minutes, especially if you're as bad as I am at remembering to charge your gear before a shoot.

You then get up to 200 minutes of 1080p/24fps video from the dock, but in reality, I found this closer to two hours once the screen and Wi-Fi are on and you've powered the camera up and down a few times.

If you tend to record short clips throughout a longer day, it's nothing to worry about. If you're the type of shooter to record continuously, you may lament the fact that there aren't replaceable batteries to swap out when you run out of juice. I left the camera running for my battery tests during a particularly warm day, and although it felt hot to the touch during, it never overheated to the point of turning off.

The Osmo Nano is equipped with DJI's RockSteady 3.0 stabilization and HorizonBalancing. It handles a fair amount of shake, but it's not on the same level as a dedicated gimbal like the Osmo Pocket series. In footage of fast-paced, high-impact activities like running on trails you'll still see some micro-jitters, but for walking shots it's pretty impressive.

Using different mounts will dictate how stable your results are. Using the pendant seemed to cause me more wobbles than handholding the camera, for example, but the head mount gave me super-smooth footage when running. It's worth noting that there are different levels of stabilization, with daily, sport, or anti-motion blur options. You can also turn off image stabilization to save battery, or if you're using a secondary DJI product to keep things stable.

The DJI Osmo Nano performs really well in remote shooting scenarios without a phone. The voice commands, like 'start recording', work almost instantaneously in a quiet environment, but require you to shout when it's loud (not a great look in a city center). I found that gestures worked well too, and I liked being able to pat the camera when it was powered off to start recording, or nod my head when it was mounted on my head. Much more subtle.

The Osmo Nano has two built-in microphones for stereo sound, and I found the audio straight out of the camera surprisingly immersive. It picks up sound from a variety of directions when you're shooting in a public place, but still hones in on your voice when you're speaking to the camera clearly.

Like all action cameras, the audio quality sounds muffled underwater, but the clarity returns more quickly than others I've tested when you pull the camera back out into fresh air. There are lower and stronger wind reduction modes, and both did a decent job of reducing disturbance when I captured some clips on a blustery countryside walk, without removing the noise entirely (see the clips below). My voice was clear and free from distortion, but it's not the perfect solution for clean audio; for that, you'll need a separate mic.

A major draw is the ability to connect the Osmo Nano directly to DJI's wireless microphones without needing a separate receiver. I haven't been able to try this yet, but I can see it being convenient for creators who want to capture high-quality audio, especially those already with DJI mics.

Performance score: 4/5

DJI Osmo Nano: Image quality

1/1.3-inch sensor
Video up to 4K/120fps and 35MP photos
10-bit D-Log M and HLG color profile options

The Osmo Nano has a 1/1.3-inch sensor, the same size as you'll find in the Osmo Action 5 Pro and just a fraction smaller than the one in the Insta360 Go Ultra. Video headlines include 4K at 60fps in 16:9 format, and 4K 120fps slow-mo footage, which expands to 1080p 240fps.

The specs are one thing, but the proof is in the pudding; or in this case, in the videos and shots you get from the camera. Overall, I think the image quality is good for an action camera of this size. As ever, it won’t completely replace a full-sized or full-frame camera, but that's not the expectation here. The fixed 143-degree ultra-wide field of view is perfect for first-person POV shots, and I could fit a whole wedding group in the frame (I don't have permission to include the sample shot in the review, sadly), but it's not easy to zoom in on the scene should you want to get closer in.

I tested the Osmo Nano in all weather and lighting scenarios. DJI touts the wide dynamic range of the Osmo Nano, but in direct sunshine I noticed some banding where the highlights had been clipped. You can see this in the video above, which was a test of the one-tap editing feature in the DJI Mimo app.

4K resolution is sharp and punchy, and even in 8-bit color mode the camera seems to capture vibrant blue skies and leafy greens, and handles quick changes in light (coming out of a dark tunnel, from indoors to outdoors) well; however, while I like a bit of lens flare, this is one area that could be handled better. It tended to keep my face exposed when I was talking to the camera, but this wasn't set up anywhere in the camera. If I were to generalize, I'd say footage comes out darker than Insta360's Go Ultra, possibly for greater leeway when editing, where the Insta option is designed for near-automatic use.

DJI's SuperNight mode does a decent job of reducing noise in low light, but it only works at up to 30fps and with 8-bit color, which might limit its utility for serious cinematographers. It’s the best night image quality in a wearable camera I’ve seen, but it’s still bound by the laws of physics – a smaller lens and sensor will always have certain limitations compared to a larger, more dedicated camera. There's some AI-smoothing being applied to reduce noise in low-light footage, but this is less obvious to the untrained eye, and less muddy than some night modes I've seen on earlier action cameras.

DJI's automatic horizon leveling (which can be calibrated) is pretty flawless, and the RockSteady image stabilization is most impressive in sports mode. To really test it out, I wore the camera on DJI's headband mount and recorded the first five minutes of a high-intensity workout. Throughout a gruelling round of burpies, star jumps and squats, the footage was stable and smooth (almost unnaturally so). Trail runs, dog walks, and cycle clips were all just as usable, but the handheld results are slightly more jittery than using a dedicated mount.

Photos from the camera have a medium-range megapixel count (the maximum resolution is 35MP and you can shoot in a 16:9 or 4:3 ratio), and as to their quality, I said the same thing about Insta360 Go Ultra's photo results: they're good enough to insert into videos, but I probably wouldn't use them for standalone social posts or prints as a creator. Consider them as an additive rather than a standalone feature, and you won't be disappointed.

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Test shots in low-light from the DJI Osmo Nano — (Image credit: Lauren Scott)

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Sample shots from the Insta360 Go Ultra and DJI Osmo Nano action cameras showing a black retriever in a field — (Image credit: Lauren Scott)

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Test shot in bright sunshine from the DJI Osmo Nano — (Image credit: Lauren Scott)

Impressively, the Osmo Nano gives you the option of recording footage with a flat color profile (DJI's D-Log M setting), designed to preserve the maximum color and brightness info in the video file, especially in lights and darks.

While the footage out of the camera is desaturated in this mode, I found you had far more wiggle room to adjust the colors, contrast, and saturation to achieve a specific, cinematic look without losing any of the detail captured in the original scene. This is also going to benefit creators shooting a project with the Osmo Nano alongside other cameras who want their edited work to look consistent.

Image quality score: 4/5

DJI Osmo Nano: testing scorecard

DJI Osmo Nano
Attributes	Notes	Rating
Price	Much cheaper than the Insta360 Go Ultra, and that includes helpful built-in storage.	5/5
Design	Unexciting but functional, and it's a shame the dock is only splash-proof. The lens replacement adds ruggedness.	4/5
Performance & features	Fewer filters and modes than the Insta360 Go Ultra, but you get the option of manual controls. The DJI Osmo app makes quick, clever edits.	4/5
Image quality	In daylight, colors are vivid and dynamic range is good. Stabilization is excellent, and low light footage is fine. Slow-mo could be crisper.	4/5

Should I buy the DJI Osmo Nano?

Buy it if...

You want a camera that 'disappears'
The Osmo Nano is small enough to be worn on a pendant, hat, or headband, thanks to its small size and weight. The magnetic mount allows for quirky mounting solutions like lamp posts, cars, and even washing machines.

You already own DJI products
To boost the sound quality, you can connect the Nano directly to two DJI microphone transmitters without needing a receiver. If you've already got a DJI mic, gimbal or camera, sticking with the brand also means greater familiarity with the app.

Don't buy it if...

You like a roomy LCD screen
At less than two inches, I found the Osmo Nano's LCD touchscreen a little small for composing shots and reviewing footage. You can use your phone for a larger live view, but this isn't always convenient.

You want a fully waterproof solution
The Nano's Vision Dock is only splashproof, and this made me uncomfortable while shooting in the rain or near water. If you're a real action lover, I'd recommend a camera with a more rugged build.

Also consider

The Insta360 Go Ultra on a white background

Insta360 Go Ultra

The Insta360 Go Ultra has a similar form factor, with a separate camera and action pod. The flip-up screen is more vlog-friendly and bigger at 2.5 inches, while the camera weighs the same as the Osmo Nano but is more square and shallow (which I found easier to mount). Pricing and image quality are similar, but it's a slightly more fun action camera that's great for the whole family.

Read my full Insta360 Go Ultra review

GoPro Hero 13 Black action camera on a white background

GoPro Hero 13 Black

The GoPro Hero 13 Black is still the flagship of action cams and one I'd recommend for serious filmmakers. It's chunkier than the Osmo, but it also has magnetic mounting. GoPro also has the widest range of mount accessories to open up creative shooting opportunities, and it's possible to squeeze 1.5 hours of 5.3K video from the battery, for recording with fewer interruptions.

Read our full GoPro Hero 13 Black review

The DJI Osmo Nano camera held by a female photographer in a pink top — (Image credit: Lauren Scott)

How I tested the DJI Osmo Nano

I tested the camera for two weeks pre-embargo
I wore it on walks and runs, and mounted it for drives
I recorded videos at all settings and in all modes

DJI sent me a full-production Osmo Nano for review around two weeks before its release date, and I used it at least once a day – often much more – during this period. I always like a camera to become a natural part of my workflow, rather than carrying out one intense period of testing, so that I uncover the nuances for a more informed and helpful review.

I tried all the camera's modes, used it with and without the dock, and mounted it on the magnetic pendant and headband. I mainly used the DJI Mimo app to edit footage right from my iPhone 15 Pro.

First reviewed September 2025

I tested the Baseus Security S2 – a camera powered by a solar panel that rotates to follow the sun – and it really works

2:10 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Home Home Security Smart Home | Comments: Off

Baseus Security S2 Outdoor Camera 4K: two-minute review

Founded around 15 years ago, Shenzen-based Baseus Security is one of a number of Chinese brands whose products are now available across the world. Under review here is a new model, the Baseus Security S2 - an outdoor camera with a twist (quite literally). It’s the follow up model to the 2024 Baseus S1 Pro which was billed as the world’s first 4K security camera with a sun-powered tracking system.

Like its predecessor, the S2 also features an innovative twisting solar panel above the main camera unit to maximize power from the sun. However, the big difference is that the video resolution of this latest model has been improved from 2K to 4K. Rather than 8GB of local storage, the S2 upgrade also features a MicroSD card slot capable of storing up to 256GB local storage.

Baseus Security S2 Outdoor Camera 4K — (Image credit: Chris Price)

That’s particularly useful in avoiding costly monthly cloud storage fees and reducing a potential cybersecurity risk (hackers have been known to access video footage from security cameras stored in the cloud). Unfortunately, however, the memory card isn’t provided as standard so you will have to buy it separately.

Designed to be installed on the outside of a property with an unhindered view of the sky, the S2 comes with a reasonably sturdy mount complete with wall plugs and screws. Once installed, a process that takes around 20-30 mins, it’s simply a case of downloading the iOS/Android app and adding the camera via the QR code on the side of the device.

Whereas some outdoor models are dual-band Wi-Fi compatible (some will even work on 4G/5G cellular networks), the S2 is only compatible with the 2.4GHz, not the 5GHz, band. That said, we didn’t have any issues connecting the camera at the end of the garden to the broadband repeater at the back of the house. With an IP67 waterproof rating, the Baseus Security S2 can, claims the manufacturer, be used in temperatures from -20 degrees centigrade to 50 degrees centigrade – though it never got above 25 degrees centigrade during my testing.

Once the app is installed, it’s simply a case of tailoring the camera’s settings to suit your setup. This includes naming the camera depending on where it’s located (eg backyard) and checking to see if it captures all the areas you need it to.

The field of view of the Baseus camera is 145° which should be wide enough for most applications. You can set up privacy zones to exclude certain areas (handy to prevent accidentally capturing your neighbour’s property) as well as activity zones to detect motion in certain parts of the frame.

Whereas many outdoor security cameras are overly sensitive capturing footage of passing cars, even swaying tree branches, this doesn’t seem to be an issue with the Baseus Security S2. Although it is possible to adjust sensitivity between 1 and 5 we found on the standard 3 setting the camera it didn’t trigger any false positives. Baseus claims the inclusion of radar detection in addition to standard PIR (passive infra-red) detection, reduces false alerts by 99% so you only get relevant notifications.

Best of all are the facial recognition settings which enable you to add the images and names of family members or house mates on the app. It will then detect when it sees these faces on the camera and send you an alert telling you who it has spotted. It’s a feature that is now available on other outdoor security cameras but you usually have to pay a monthly subscription fee for it. With the Baseus, you can even set up motion alerts if the camera spots a vehicle or a pet. Alternatively, these can be excluded if you want to reduce the number of notifications you receive.

Baseus Security S2 Outdoor Camera 4K: price and availability

How much does it cost? Baseus Security S2 £199, $US129, $AU129
When is it available? Available since July 2025
Where is it available? UK/US/AUS

Generally, outdoor security cameras and video doorbells are fairly cheap to buy. That’s because manufacturers can subsidize the price of them with monthly subscriptions, costing anywhere between £2.50 and £15 a month.

Not so the Baseus Security S2 outdoor camera. Rather than being stored in the cloud for a monthly fee, your footage is stored locally on a MicroSD card. And while you will have to buy a MicroSD card if haven’t got one already (I paid £10.99 for a 128GB Samsung EVO Select with SD adaptor), this is still a far cheaper option than being locked into an expensive subscription.

What’s more, the camera offers smart detection/facial recognition features as standard which are normally only available to premium users paying a subscription fee. Plus of course another bonus is the inclusion of solar panel.

That said, the Baseus Security S2 certainly isn’t the cheapest model on the block, particularly in the UK where prices are significantly more expensive than in the US and Australia. It’s also a lot more expensive than its predecessor, the Security S1, which you can currently get for £59 from Amazon. Like the S2, the S1 also features a rotating solar panel. However, the key differences are that it is only offers 2K resolution and 8GB of built-in storage rather than up to 256GB via a MicroSD card.

Value score: 4/5

Baseus Security S2 Outdoor Camera 4K: design

Simple installation
Flexible battery/solar power options
Sleek design

Looking more like a Bluetooth speaker than a conventional security camera, the all-white Baseus Security S2 is long tubular design with an innovative rotating solar panel mounted on top. Screws and wall plugs are provided for mounting the bracket on the wall and the camera can be angled easily to obtain the optimum view.

I had worried that the long and narrow design might make the camera a little unstable when mounted on my wooden summer house, but actually this wasn’t a problem at all. Set up didn’t take too long either (less than half an hour), though obviously if you are mounting on a brick wall you will need to use a drill and wall plugs for installation, which will take longer.

Underneath the device is a USB-C socket for charging the camera up via the mains (a 7800mAh rechargeable battery is built in), as well as a slot for a MicroSD card. Up to 256GB is supported but we used a 128GB card for recording. There’s also a sync button for use during set up and a modest-sized speaker underneath.

On the front of the camera there are PIR and radar sensors for detecting movement more accurately, a small microphone for two-way audio and a powerful spotlight capable of illuminating the night at distances of up to 12 meters.

Next to the circular radar sensor is a similar shaped camera lens, giving the impression of two eyes on a face! Capable of recording in 4K and providing a 145° Horizontal field, the camera displays a flashing blue light on the front of the camera when recording footage. Finally, there’s the solar panel on top of the camera which auto tracks the sun moving 40° to the left or the right from the horizontal position depending on the sun’s location.

Design score: 4.5/5

Baseus Security S2 Outdoor Camera 4K: performance

Excellent 4K image quality
Stable video connection
Smart detection is still work in progress

Never having tested a Baseus security camera before I didn’t really know what to expect. However, I was more than pleasantly surprised. There are really two main issues with outdoor security cameras.

Firstly, images can sometimes be a little unstable because of the longer distances between the router and the camera. Secondly, when you do eventually get a stable image, the onboard sensors are usually so sensitive that they end up recording far too much, draining the battery and creating lots of false alerts.

Not so the Baseus. On both counts, performance was flawless. Despite it only being compatible with 2.4GHz and not the 5GHz Wi-Fi frequency I didn’t have any signal problems at all.

What’s more, it also triggered fewer false alerts than other cameras I’ve tested, in part because of the combination of PIR (passive infra-red) and radar technologies to detect movement. Images are superbly detailed during the day and the spotlight is excellent for illuminating the garden at night to ensure high quality footage in the dark.

That’s not to say everything was perfect. When testing the camera’s two-way audio talking to my wife in the garden, I didn’t think the speaker was the best. Also it’s fair to say that the smart detection/facial recognition system (billed as being in beta) is still a work in progress.

During testing I added images from my phone’s camera roll of family members and friends to see if it recognzsed them when it saw them on camera. Sometimes it did, especially when standing right next to the camera, but often it didn’t. One on occasion it even mistook me for my dog which was a little odd (we don’t look much alike).

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Undoubtedly, what’s really good about the Baseus device is the rotating solar panel. While living in the UK and testing at the beginning of Autumn/Fall wasn’t ideal for testing, we had enough sun to get a pretty good idea of the panel’s performance. After a week of rainy days, power had dropped to 85% but just four days of sunshine was enough to bring it back up to 96%.

Considering I installed the camera practically under the eaves of a summer house and it only received around three hours of direct sunlight a day it really wasn’t bad at all. Usefully, a solar panel image appears on the display to show you when the camera is being powered by the sun and with the detection statistics option in the app you can see how much solar is contributing to the device’s overall power – a nice touch.

Performance score: 4.5/5

Should you buy the Baseus Security S2 Outdoor Camera 4K?

Baseus Security S2 Outdoor Camera 4K score card
Attribute	Notes	Score
Value	In the UK, the camera isn’t particularly cheap (although it works out cheaper in the US and Australia). However, the main bonus is you don’t have to pay an expensive monthly subscription so it does work out better in the long run.	4/5
Design	A white tubular design, the Baseus Security S2 is a pretty classy looking security camera. Best of is the solar panel above that rotates towards the sun to maximize power.	4.5/5
Performance	Picture quality is excellent and thanks to the inclusion of radar there are far fewer false alerts than with many cameras. However, facial recognition technology is still a work in progress.	4.5/5
Overall	An excellent outdoor security camera with an innovative rotating solar panel. Though it’s a little more expensive than some models, the lack of a monthly subscription fee means in the long term it’s much better value.	4.5/5

Buy it if

You want to maximize power from the sun

A large rotating solar panel means that this outdoor camera is able to maximize power from the sun so you shouldn’t need to charge it very often especially if you live in sunny climes.

You want high quality images

Boasting 4K resolution, the Baseus device provides some of the sharpest images I’ve ever seen from an outdoor camera. Connectivity is very good too.

Don't buy it if

You want to locate it in a shaded area

Of course you can still power the security camera from the mains via the USB-C socket if you are located in the shade. But where this device really comes into its own is with the solar panel.

You just want a cheap solution

Costing nearly £200 in the UK, there are simply much cheaper options out there. However, always bear in mind that you may need to pay a monthly subscription fee with some devices.

Baseus Security S2 Outdoor Camera 4K: also consider

Camera	Baseus Security S2 4K	Reolink Altas PT Ultra	Eufy 4K S330 Security Camera	Ring Outdoor Cam Plus
Subscription price	None	From £3.49 a month	None	From £4.99 a month
Viewing angle	145 degrees horizontal	355-degree pan / 90-degree tilt camera view	360-degree view	140 degrees horizontal
Network connection	Wi-Fi (2.4GHz)	Wi-Fi (2.4GHz/5GHz)	Wi-Fi/4G	Wi-Fi (2.4GHz/5GHz)
Audio	Two-way audio	Two-way audio	Two-way audio	Two-way audio
Video	4K video resolution	4K video resolution	4K video resolution	2,560 x 1,440 (2K)
Power	Battery, solar	Battery, solar	Battery, solar	Mains, battery, solar
Hardware price	£199 (with built-in solar panel)	£229 (with solar panel)	£189 (with solar panel)	£69 (£99 with solar panel )

Reolink Altas PT Ultra

A very advanced home and business security solution boasting a large rechargeable battery and solar panel. Can record footage 12 hours a day for over a week with colour night vision facility.

Read our full Reolink Altas PT Ulta review

Eufy 4K S330 Security Camera

An extremely innovative battery and solar-powered camera, the Eufy can be used with the supplied 4G Sim card to capture recordings - ideal for those who live in areas with poor Wi-Fi/broadband.

Read our full Eufy 4K S330 Security Camera review

How I tested the Baseus Security S2 Outdoor Camera 4K:

I used the camera outdoors
I installed it myself
I tested the facial recognition technology with family and friends

To test any outdoor security camera you really need to use it regularly over a period of time to get used to its quirks and idiosyncrasies. I decided to use this camera for a period of two weeks in the back garden. It was placed on my summer house at a height of about 2.5 metres and connected to a wireless repeater in my kitchen around 13 metres away.

During this period, we experienced a range of weather conditions to challenge the IP-67 rating of the camera. This included heavy rain and cloud followed by a period of around 4 to 5 days of sunshine. It was during this sunny period that the solar power really came into its own, charging the battery back to nearly 100% despite regular daily alerts via the app.

I was won over by this affordable cordless vacuum’s lightweight build and excellent edge cleaning

1:37 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Home Small Appliances Vacuums | Comments: Off

Levoit LVAC-300 cordless: two-minute review

The Levoit LVAC-300 is a simple, cordless stick vacuum designed to deliver effective cleaning for an affordable price. I tested it out for three weeks and while its cleaning powers aren't up there with the best cordless vacuums on the market, it's still a solid performer for the price. California-based (Chinese-owned) Levoit may be best known for its purifiers and fans, but this cordless proves it knows what it's doing on floors, too.

In my tests, the LVAC-300 was strong on hard floors and low-pile rugs, quieter than expected, and was especially good at cleaning the edges of rooms. It's also lightweight and easy to maneuver – in fact, it can even stand upright on its own. There are are few compromises, however. It's not great at cleaning thicker rugs, the floorhead gets in a tangle when faced with long hair, and the filter clogs quickly too.

It won't be the best vacuum cleaner for everyone, but the LVAC-300 is perfect for frugal shoppers who have mostly hard floors are aren’t easily wooed by fancy frills or cutting-edge tech. That's the short version; read on for my full Levoit LVAC-300 review.

Levoit LVAC-300 vacuum being used on hard floor — The black, bronze and silver livery is easy on the eye, if not swoon-worthy (Image credit: Future)

Levoit LVAC-300 cordless review: price & availability

List price: US $349.99/ GBP £249.99
Launch date: March 2025
Availability: US and UK

In the US, the Levoit LVAC-300 hit shelves in Spring 2025, following an official debut at CES in Las Vegas. It has a list price of $349.99, but the good news is you’ll almost never pay that. Levoit’s own site, Amazon and Best Buy regularly kick it down to around $269.99, and I even spotted it for $249 in a recent Prime Day sale.

The LVAC-300 went on sale in the UK a few months later, with an RRP of £249.99. Again, it’s worth digging around – you can find it closer to £199 if you know where to look (spoiler, head to Amazon). Discounts aren’t quite as plentiful as in the States, but it’s worth keeping an eye out around major shopping events.

Either way, you're getting a bit of a steal for a cordless that promises 60 minutes’ runtime, comes with a motorized floor head, mini brush, crevice tool and wall mount in the box. Filters and spare batteries are extra, but that’s standard practice, even when you shell out twice as much. At this price point it sits in the lower-mid range; not a bargain basement buy, but without the wallet-burning tag of a Dyson.

All told, the LVAC-300 seems fairly priced for what you’re getting. It’s not going to out-muscle a top-end Shark or Dyson (especially on thick carpet), but for everyday cleaning it’s quietly capable. It feels well pitched for anyone wanting a competent cordless without the bling of flashier brands.

Value for money score: 4 out of 5

Levoit LVAC-300 cordless specs

Weight:	6.6 lbs / 3kg
Dimensions (H x W x D):	43.3 x 9.8 x 7.7in / 110 x 24.9 x 19.6cm
Floorhead width:	10in / 25.4cm
Filter:	HEPA
Bin capacity:	0.8 quarts / 0.75L
Battery:	21.6V 3.0Ah
Max runtime:	60 minutes
Charge time:	3.5-4 hours

Levoit LVAC-300 cordless review: design

Light and easy to swing about, though the grip position is odd at first
Aesthetics not exactly premium, but inoffensive
Small info screen, and buttons to scroll between the 3 power modes

Unboxing the Levoit LVAC-300 cordless was a total delight. It arrived in the tiniest box imaginable – I genuinely thought half the vacuum was missing. Turns out Levoit has cleverly shoehorned it in to save on packaging waste. Slot the pieces together, give it three hours to charge, and you’re good to go. Easy.

The Levoit LVAC-300 cordless is also refreshingly lightweight. The handle is angled slightly oddly, which threw the ergonomics off for me, but I got used to it quickly enough. Looks-wise, I’d describe this as 'utility chic'. I’ve certainly tested uglier vacuums, but this one won’t be winning any design awards. The plastics felt a smidge cheap, especially when swapping out tools, and the buttons have all the glamour of an office photocopier (showing my age there).

Levoit LVA-300 vacuum in box on marble counter — Carbon footprint-friendly compact packaging (mug for scale!) (Image credit: Future)

And then there’s the quirky design choice of perching the bin above the main wand – rather than tucking it neatly underneath in the more familiar style. It looked a bit back-to-front to my eye – although, to be fair, this is the configuration used in the best Dyson vacuums these days. On the plus side, you do get an unfiltered view of the dust, hair and fluff collecting, which is always satisfying, not to mention useful for avoiding overfilling.

Levoit LVACC-300 vacuum being used to clean under a sofa — Because the bin is on the top size, it can get very low to the floor (Image credit: Future)

The control panel is pretty basic. A little lozenge-shaped screen, a chunky on/off button right under your thumb, and two smaller buttons to scroll between Eco, Mid and Turbo modes. The screen also shows battery life, mode, and warnings for blockages – though you’ll need good eyesight to notice them. That’s it. No apps, no smart integrations – refreshingly simple.

Levoit LVAC-300 vacuum with Crevice tool being used to clean curtains — The 2-in-1 nozzle is a nifty bit of multitasking design (Image credit: Future)

The LVAC-300 only ships with two extra tools: a 2-in-1 crevice nozzle with a slide-down brush and a mini motorized brush. That doesn’t sound like much, but in practice, between them, these tools handled everything I threw at them.

Some vacuums ship with a wide variety of random detail tools, but I think that's unnecessary – they'll generally end up cluttering my utility cupboard, never to be used. The main floorhead here is the real workhorse anyway, with a powered multi-surface brush, rubber fins and an anti-tangle roller designed to shrug off hair-wrap.

Design score: 3.5 out of 5

Levoit LVAC-300 cordless review: performance

Maneuvers like a dream – light, nimble and even stands up on its own
Filters clogged quickly and occasionally dirt made it past them
Cleaning power is solid, but it's not great with hair and larger debris

Using the Levoit LVAC-300 cordless day-to-day was a breeze. It’s light enough that my RSI-riddled wrist didn’t complain (even on the staircase), and it corners beautifully, picking up right to the edges. I loved that it stands upright on its own and reclines with a little nudge of your foot, which meant I could steer it one-handed while my other hand shoved chairs and pets out of the way.

Levoit LVAC-300 in bedroom — The freestanding design is far easier than resting on the floor while you move obstacles. (Image credit: Future)

Because the bin sits above the hose, you can also get it completely flat to the floor and reach right under sofas. On the downside, it defaults to Eco mode every time you turn it on, which drove me a bit bonkers. I always had to ramp it up manually, and I really missed my Miele DuoFlex’s Auto mode, which adapts to different floor types so I can vacuum while listening to my audiobook rather than paying attention to the task in hand.

It also clattered noisily over my reclaimed terracotta tiles, though suction didn’t seem affected. Noise-wise, I measured it between 61-68 decibels, which is actually quieter than most cordless vacs I’ve tested. Eco is almost gentle on the ears, and even Turbo never reached eardrum-spitting territory.

Close up of full dust cup on Levoit LVAC-300 vacuum — The 0.75L bin is relatively generous for this type of vacuum (Image credit: Future)

Emptying the bin was blissfully mess-free. No dust clouds, no digging about with a wooden spoon handle or kebab stick. Plus, every component is washable, which makes maintenance straightforward.

The only downer is that the filters clogged quickly during testing. They’re simple enough to rinse under the tap, but with no spares included, the vacuum had to sit idle while they dried. Worryingly, some dirt and dog hair somehow managed to get past the two filters and were gathered around the motor entrance. At this point I did need my trusty kebab stick to clear it away.

(And don’t get me started on the sticky residue left behind when I tried to peel the maintenance instruction sticker off the bin canister. Very upsetting.)

Hair that has got past the filter on the Levoit LVAC-300 vacuum — The double filters should have stopped this debris getting through (Image credit: Future)

Hair proved quite the challenge for this cordless, despite promises of a no-wrap roller. I dumped an entire brush’s worth of my daughters’ long locks onto the floor (yuck) and set the LVAC-300 loose. It managed a fair amount, but the roller inevitably clumped up. In good news, the Levoit’s brush bar pops out in seconds, so a quick snip with the scissors and I was back in business.

Hair wrapped around the roller on the Levoit LVA-300 vacuum — I wasn't impressed by the no-wrap roller (Image credit: Future)

Suction tests

Now for the fun bit: the tests. I started with fine dust; a teabag’s worth scattered across my wooden engineered flooring. On eco, the LVAC-300 gobbled it up in a single pass, even from the grooves between planks. On carpet, Eco barely made a dent, so I cranked it to Turbo. Better, but a faint smudge of tea leaves still lingered, like my husband’s five o’clock shadow – and I am afraid I had to reach for my Miele to get the carpet fully clean again.

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Levoit LVAC-300 vacuum review — (Image credit: Future)

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Next came 30g of oats to represent bigger debris. On hard floors, the LVAC-300 struggled at first because the floorhead acted more like a snowplough than a vacuum, pushing the oats into little drifts. Lifting the head slightly and hovering over the oats worked, but it’s not ideal. Turbo helped, but I still had to chase some strays.

Again, this isn’t unique – even Dyson vacuums sometimes bulldoze big debris across tile – but the best Shark vacuums tend to have edge here, with heads that are better designed to funnel large bits straight into the suction path. Switch to carpet, however, and the LVAC-300 was surprisingly effective, scooping up oats cleanly even on Eco.

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The edge cleaning test was genuinely impressive. I lined a corner with tea leaves, expecting to need the crevice tool, but the LVAC-300 slurped up every last bit in Eco mode. Honestly, it matched my Miele here, which is high praise – so many cordless models leave frustrating crumbs in the corners. I also tried it over the sheepskin rug in our spare bedroom and it did an admirable job of fluffing up the fleece without the rollerbrush getting blocked and stopping rotating, which made a refreshing change.

Levoit LVAC-300 vacuum cleaning up to the edge of a room — The edge cleaning test was a complete success (Image credit: Future)

In summary, the LVAC-300 did what it promised and offered reasonable suction, easy handling and quieter operation than many. It doesn’t quite topple the big names in every test, but it put up a very respectable fight at a far friendlier price. Fine dust removal on carpet could have been better, but for everyday cleaning it got the job done with minimal fuss and zero arm ache.

Performance score: 3.5 out of 5

Levoit LVAC-300 cordless review: battery

41 minutes in Eco, 22 minutes in Mid, 14 minutes in Turbo
Just under 4 hours to recharge, with flexible charging options
Easily enough juice for a decent clean on one charge

Levoit reckons you’ll get 60 minutes out of the LVAC-300 in Eco mode, but that figure is with the nozzle attachment, not the powered floorhead, which is a little misleading. I have never spent an hour vacuuming with a nozzle in my life.

The fine print in the User Manual promises 40 minutes with the floorhead attached, which was pretty accurate. My stopwatch recorded 41 minutes in Eco mode with the floor head, which was good enough for me. I’d actually run out of things to vacuum and left it buzzing on the floor just to see it die.

Turbo gave me 14 minutes, which doesn’t sound like much but was plenty to whip round the ground floor and staircase of my four-bed family home. For a cordless at any price point, that’s seriously respectable.

Recharging takes around four hours, which is par for the course. I like that you can either click it onto the dock or pop the battery out and plug it in elsewhere, so you’re not at the mercy of having a wall socket in the perfect spot.

Despite the 60 minute 'fake news' on Levoit's marketing, the battery life impressed me. I got through a full clean on a single charge without breaking a sweat, and that’s really all most people will need. However, there are models – even in this budget-friendly bracket – that offer longer runtimes if you need them.

Battery life score: 3.5 out of 5

Should you buy the Levoit LVAC-300 cordless?

Attribute	Notes	Rating
Value	Strong mid-range pricing with regular discounts. Offers features you’d usually pay more for, though can’t quite match pricier rivals on power.	4/5
Design	Lightweight and easy to maneuver, though the styling is a bit basic. Simple controls and easy setup win it back points.	3.5/5
Performance	Excellent on hard floors and edges, but struggles with fine dirt on carpet, and long hair in general. Overall solid cleaning results.	3.5/5
Battery	40 minutes in Eco with the main floorhead is decent but other models give you longer. A solid 16 mins in Turbo mode.	3.5/5

Buy it if...

You have mostly hard floors

The LVAC-300 performed very well on hard floors, and is especially impressive at clearing dirt from the edges of rooms. It's also lightweight and very easy to wrangle.

You're on a budget

At list price the LVAC is mid-range, but big discounts are rare and can deliver very strong value for money.

You appreciate a simple life

If the thought of downloading an app to run a vacuum makes you want to lie down in a dark room, take note. Big on/off button, three modes, no Wi-Fi pairing fails. Even your nan could suss it out.

Don't buy it if...

You have lots of carpet

This vacuum struggled a little with cleaning carpets. Turbo helps, but it’s still not great at dragging dust out of thicker pile, no matter how much time you spend dragging it back and forth.

You're obsessed with high-end tech

If you want a vacuum that looks like it belongs in an Apple Store, step away. The LVAC-300 is more functional than fantasy.

You live with Rapunzel

Although it had no problem with pet hair, long human hair wrapped around the roller like a clingy baby koala that isn’t ready to leave its mum.

How I tested the Levoit LVAC-300 cordless

I lived with the Levoit LVAC-300 as my main vacuum for nearly three weeks, putting it through its paces in our four-bed home, which is home to our family of four, plus two dogs and a budgie. That meant daily whizzes around the kitchen and hallway (the main crumb/fluff zones), plus regular runs up the stairs, rugs and on the wool bedroom carpets to see how it coped. I timed battery life in each mode with my Garmin watch and used a decibel app on my phone to check out noise levels.

I also made sure to test all the attachments: the mini motorized brush was drafted in for sofas and pet beds, while the crevice tool was sent hunting for dust bunnies under radiators and cobwebs along the curtain rails. The main floorhead got the biggest workout, smashing through a mix of pet hair, school-run debris and general family chaos. I played around with setup, docking and charging too, trying both the wall mount (admittedly not screwed to the wall but I recreated the effect just fine propped against the wall) and popping the battery out to plug it in elsewhere.

In short, I didn’t just whizz it round the house for 10 minutes before hitting the keyboard, both set tests and real-life use was long and thorough, and I really got to know this impressive little vacuum during the process.

Read more about how we test vacuum cleaners

First reviewed September 2025

Questyle’s tiny wireless DAC is the Bluetooth audio upgrade your phone so desperately needs

11:30 pm | September 22, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Audio Computers DACs Gadgets Hi-Fi | Tags: Apple Music, DAC, Google Pixel | Comments: Off

Questyle QCC Dongle Pro: Two-minute review

You may not realise it, but your phone and your wireless headphones don’t always agree on how good your music should sound. It’s a question of compatibility, and it can be a thorny issue.

Bluetooth audio codecs are the invisible lines of code that translate your music (whether streamed from a subscription service or stored locally on your phone) into something that can be transmitted wirelessly to your headphones, earbuds, or portable speakers.

All Bluetooth products support SBC, a codec that provides basic 'vanilla' audio quality, but when it comes to high-quality advanced codecs, like LDAC and aptX Adaptive (which preserve far more of your music’s detail), it’s the wild west out there. Some Android handsets support both. Some just support one. iPhones (in fact, all Apple devices) support neither. Support on the headphones/earbuds side of the equation can be equally messy – and it doesn't always follow that the more you pay, the more codecs your buds (or cans) will support.

So wouldn’t it be nice if there were a tiny, simple (yet powerful) gadget you could plug into any phone, tablet, computer, or game console that would assure you’ve always got support for these codecs? Behold – the Questyle QCC Dongle Pro.

Plug it in, open the app, and pair your headphones. Done. You’re now listening wirelessly at the highest possible quality (perhaps even losslessly) and you didn’t even have to mess around in Android’s Developer Options.

All of this makes the Questyle QCC Dongle Pro a very attractive little accessory for anyone who wants to maximize their listening experience.

One of the best portable DACs around – and more specifically, one of the best wireless Bluetooth DACs we've tested? Let's get to it.

The Questyle QCC Dongle Pro with a smartphone to denote size, on a light wooden table — Oh, it's red and no mistake (Image credit: Future)

Questyle QCC Dongle Pro review: Price and release date

Release date: August 29, 2025
Price: $99 (around £70; AU$150)

$99 may seem like a lot for what you get. After all, it is tiny – and this device doesn’t make music or even play music; it just makes the music you already have access to sound better, with no guesswork.

I’ve also tried the $50 FiiO BT11, a nearly identical-looking product that, on paper at least, does all the same things. But it’s so maddeningly difficult to use, I’d happily pay the difference for the QCC Dongle Pro.

Still, there is another option. If you don’t need LDAC (perhaps because your Android phone already supports it), you can get the aptX-family-only QCC Dongle for $69 and save yourself some cash.

Elsewhere (and if you've got hard-to-drive headphones and a little more to spend), we love the FiiO BTR17 for its amplification powers on top of its codec mastery, and TR's audio editor still uses the FiiO BTR7 – both around $200 / £175 / AU$279.

Questyle QCC Dongle Pro review: Specs

Questyle QCC Dongle Pro: specs
Dimensions	25mm x 10mm x 15mm
Weight	2.5 grams
Supported codecs	SBC, aptX, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive (including aptX Lossless), LDAC
Supported interfaces	USB-C, USB-A (UAC 1, UAC 2)
System compatibility	WinXP/Vista/Win7/Win8/Win10/Win11/Linux/Android/HarmonyOS/macOS/iOS/iPadOS
Bluetooth version	5.4
Power draw	37mA

Questyle QCC Dongle Pro review: Features

Excellent codec support
Easy, intuitive app
Works with almost all USB-equipped devices

A helpful app lets you control the dongle’s two main functions: getting it paired with your headphones and picking which codec and optional settings you want to use. An LED on the QCC Dongle Pro gives visual feedback on its pairing status as well as which family of codec is currently in use – a reassuring feature.

Better yet, as long as your headphones or earbuds support Bluetooth Multipoint, it’s possible to connect them to the dongle and your phone simultaneously. Doing so maintains your ability to adjust the headphones’ settings via their mobile app (if any).

Oh, and one more thing: the dongle also supports USB Audio Class 1 (UAC 1), which is a spec-speak way of saying you can use it as a wireless audio transmitter with gaming consoles like Nintendo Switch and PlayStation families – devices that don’t play nicely with run-of-the-mill USB Bluetooth dongles. Full disclosure: I didn’t test this feature.

You can use it as a transmitter for a PC or Mac, too, though with one caveat: there’s no Windows or macOS app, so you’ll need to initially pair your preferred headphones using the mobile app on a phone, then move the dongle over to your PC. It will automatically re-pair with your headphones and then you simply need to choose the Dongle Pro from your computer’s sound output menu.

Worried about the Dongle Pro sapping your phone’s battery life? Don’t be. With a 37mA draw, Questyle estimates that even if you used it intensively (e.g., with LDAC) for 10 hours straight, you’d only dent an iPhone 16’s full battery capacity by about 10%. Using aptX Adaptive would consume less juice. I didn’t notice any impact on my day-to-day use of my iPhone.

Questyle QCC Dongle Pro three screen-grabs of a smartphone running the QCC Dongle Pro, on blue background — The bulk of my testing was done with the Sennheiser IE900 or the Austrian Audio 'The Composer' (Image credit: Questyle)

The QCC Dongle Pro is so easy and effective that it’s hard to find flaws. But if I were to nitpick, I’d point to the fact that the Questyle app doesn’t give audio nerds as much control over codec behavior as, say, Android’s Developer Options, or the uber-handy Bluetooth Codec Changer app.

For instance, purists often want to avoid additional resampling between their source of digital music and the output that gets to their headphones. With the apps/settings I mentioned above, you can set LDAC’s bit-depth and sampling rate to match that of your source. The QCC Dongle Pro doesn’t provide this level of control. The same goes for LDAC’s bitrate; however, you can nonetheless choose to favour sound quality over connection stability, which should accomplish the same thing.

I might also note that the dongle can’t support simultaneous Bluetooth connections. So if you were hoping to connect a set of wireless earbuds using LDAC and a set of headphones using aptX HD so you can hear the difference, I’m afraid you’ll have to find another way of satisfying your inner scientist.

Features score: 4.5 / 5

Questyle QCC Dongle Pro review: Design

Tiny and featherweight
Fits most phone cases
Might block adjacent ports

The QCC Dongle Pro can plug directly into any device that can output audio over USB. At 2.5 grams, it weighs less than half as much as a single AirPods Pro earpiece. On its own, it will snap into USB-C ports, and a small ledge lets it protrude about two millimeters, making it compatible with many 3rd-party protective phone cases. It also comes with an adapter for gadgets that are still rocking USB-A ports. The only devices it can’t support are older iPhones/iPads with Lightning ports.

It’s a phone-friendly design, as long as you don’t mind using wireless charging while it’s plugged in. For laptops, especially those like the Apple MacBook Air with just two, closely spaced USB-C ports, the Dongle Pro forces the same choice, but without the fallback of wireless charging: You can have better Bluetooth audio or you can charge your computer, but not both.

Design score: 4.5 / 5

Questyle QCC Dongle Pro review: Sound quality

Perfect match for LDAC/aptX devices
Lets you choose which codec to use when more than one will work

How does it perform? Brilliantly. Which is to say, when I use it on an iPhone 16 in either LDAC or aptX Lossless mode, with a compatible set of headphones, and then compare it to a phone with these codecs built in (e.g., Motorola ThinkPhone), they sound the same to me. I’m not sure I could ask for anything more.

Sony’s WH-1000XM6 (LDAC) revealed the subtle details in Dire Straits’ You And Your Friend that tend to go missing when listening via AAC. Similarly, Sennheiser’s aptX Lossless compatible Momentum True Wireless 4 Earbuds were able to tame the blurry bass notes and crunchy highs that I typically hear when playing Bob Dylan’s Man in the Long Black Coat.

Given how convenient it is to pop the Dongle Pro into the bottom of my iPhone, I can easily see it becoming a permanent fixture in my daily listening life.

Sound quality score: 5 / 5

Questyle QCC Dongle Pro review: Value

Pricey compared to other transmitters
Unmatched codec support
Perfect size/shape for mobile use

Though a pricey little device, you need to look at the QCC Dongle Pro in the context of your other options.

Most companies that make USB-C Bluetooth transmitters that sell for between $25-$55 on Amazon come with one or more compromises. They’re primarily intended for PC use, so they’re often equipped with a USB-A interface. Even the ones with USB-C tend to stick out too far and could easily snap off during portable use. The Dongle Pro’s one direct competitor, the $50 FiiO BT11, is a bargain by comparison – but I found it much harder to use.

Value score: 4/5

Should you buy the Questyle QCC Dongle Pro?

Attribute	Notes	Rating
Features	Gives any phone or PC the most popular hi-res Bluetooth audio codecs.	4 / 5
Sound quality	Works as well as any phone with these codecs built in.	5 / 5
Design	Tiny, lightweight, and elegant. If only it were a tad narrower, it would be perfect.	4.5 / 5
Value	Pricey, but worth it.	4 / 5

Buy it if...

You’re the kind of person who wants to maximize sound quality
For now, wired connections are still better than Bluetooth, but with the Questyle QCC Dongle Pro (and compatible headphones), you may not hear the difference.

You own a recent iPhone
iPhones don't come with LDAC or aptX baked in, and this is arguably the easiest (and smallest) way to get those onboard. View Deal

Don't buy it if...

You don’t know (and don’t care) about codecs
If you're not bothered about lossless/hi-res audio, or compression – as long as your headphones just work –
the QCC Dongle Pro isn't for you. Its only reason to exist is to serve those who care deeply about sound. If that’s not you, great! You’ve got one less device in your life.

You’re an iPhone 14 (or older) owner
Without Lightning compatibility, the QCC Dongle Pro only works with USB-C-equipped iPhones (and iPads).

Questyle QCC Dongle Pro review: Also consider

Product	Questyle QCC Dongle Pro	FiiO BTR11
Dimensions	25mm x 10mm x 15mm	28mm x 9mm x 21mm
Weight	2.5 grams	3 grams
Supported codecs	SBC, aptX, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive (including aptX Lossless), LDAC	SBC, aptX, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive (including aptX Lossless), LDAC
Supported interfaces	USB-C, USB-A (UAC 1, UAC 2)	USB-C, USB-A (UAC 1, UAC 2)
System compatibility	WinXP/Vista/Win7/Win8/Win10/Win11/Linux/Android/HarmonyOS/macOS/iOS/iPadOS	WinXP/Vista/Win7/Win8/Win10/Win11/Linux/Android/HarmonyOS/macOS/iOS/iPadOS
Bluetooth version	5.4	5.4
Power draw	37mA (LDAC)	22mA (static)

FiiO BTR11
On paper, this very affordable ($50) dongle is a carbon copy of the QCC Dongle Pro, so why wouldn’t you just buy it instead? Well, if you’re only interested in using it with an Android phone, it’s definitely worth considering.

That’s because, unlike the QCC Dongle Pro, the BT11 isn’t Apple MFi certified. I’m not saying a product has to be MFi certified to work with iPhones, but in this case, it seems to make a big difference.

Whereas the QCC Dongle Pro just works when you plug it into an iPhone, I found the BT11 suffered from lag and, at times, couldn’t communicate with its companion app at all.

This is unfortunate since the BT11 has one skill the QCC Dongle Pro lacks: the ability to connect to two or more audio devices simultaneously.

Its construction and design aren’t as nice as the Dongle Pro, nor is it as sleek (it sticks out further from the USB-C port). Still, for half the price, maybe that doesn’t matter.
Read more about FiiO BTR11 and FiiO's other DACs

How I tested the Questyle QCC Dongle Pro

Tested for 2 weeks
Used it at home and while at the gym
Predominantly tested using Apple Music on an Apple iPhone 16, but also: Google Pixel 7 Pro, Apple MacBook Air M1

Testing the Questyle QCC Dongle Pro was primarily a case of comparisons. In other words, how easy was it to use, and how did the sound quality compare to a smartphone with the same Bluetooth Codecs built in?

To do this, I paired the Dongle Pro first with the Sony WH-1000XM6 (to test LDAC performance) and then with the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 Earbuds (to test aptX Adaptive/Lossless), with the Dongle Pro plugged into an iPhone 16.

Since both devices support Bluetooth Multipoint, I was able to pair them simultaneously with a Motorola ThinkPhone, which supports both codec families.

While using the same Apple Music Playlist on both the iPhone and the ThinkPhone, I swapped back and forth between these two sources, listening for any perceptible differences. I couldn’t detect any.

For additional testing, I swapped the dongle over to my MacBook Air and a Google Pixel 7 Pro. Both performed without issue.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed September 2025

Silent Hill f will either be your game of the year or one of the worst games you’ve ever played – and I still can’t decide which it is for me

10:01 am |

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

Silent Hill f is one of the most imaginative, compelling, and striking experiences I’ve had this year. Neobards has also made one of the most tedious, infuriating, and badly designed survival horror games I’ve ever played. We’ve all seen fascinating ideas mired by flawed mechanics countless times in the past, but it’s been a long time since I’ve wanted to completely walk away from a game just as much as I want to press on to see what revelations it has for me.

It’s this back-and-forth that I’m struggling to reconcile when settling on what I really think about Silent Hill f. Some will despise it for its dire combat, inconsistent atmosphere, and poor execution. To others, this will be a game of the year contender, with its beguiling mythology, gorgeous cinematic direction, and audacious design choices. I support the argument from both sides.

Review info

Platform reviewed: PS5
Available on: PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PC
Release date: September 25, 2025

We play as Hinako, a young adult in 1960s Japan. She’s dealing with an abusive alcoholic father, a despondent mother, and a previously tight-knit friendship group that’s starting to show some cracks as emotions and hormones run high. The game’s themes are heavy, with gender, puberty, marriage, motherhood, family, friendship, and maturity just some of the topics that cult-favorite writer Ryukishi07 engages with throughout the story. I don’t have enough praise for the daring and uncompromising ways it engages with these big ideas.

Beautiful nightmare

A scarecrow monster from Silent Hill f — (Image credit: Konami)

It helps that the outstanding performances, stellar cinematic presentation, and moody music elevate many of the game’s biggest story beats and give them the weight they deserve. Silent Hill f may sometimes look a bit plain, but it certainly knows how to frame some grotesque and gorgeous imagery or give a performance the time and attention it needs to shine, especially in the game’s original Japanese dub.

Best bit

Hinako walking through a dark environment in Silent Hill f — (Image credit: Konami)

It's hard to talk about my favorite part of Silent Hill f because it's all to do with the game's ending. Obviously, I won't spoil anything here, but the strong writing, excellent performances, and big story revelations in the final few hours do so much to rescue the game from the drudgery of its repeatedly tedious combat sections. So much so that I was compelled to start a second playthrough to seek out what I'd missed.

It’s a shame the same can’t be said for all of the game’s environments, which swing from the signature foggy alleyways and disgusting visera-covered hallways of the series, to places that are too bright, too mundane, and too, well, clean.

There were brief moments where I was creeped out by the atmosphere (those scarecrows are pure nightmare fuel), but mostly I felt like a tourist taking a casual stroll through a town or temple in some inclement weather. That's a shame for a series that has mastered creating a feeling of dread with every step so many times in the past.

Silent Hill f also mixes up the exploration with a smattering of puzzles that we’ve come to expect from these games. These range from neat little brainteasers to cryptic nonsense, sometimes actually making less sense than what’s supposed to be the easier puzzle difficulty.

What also doesn’t help with the pacing is the way the game jumps between what is ostensibly the real world and a mystical otherworld throughout. Naturally, the two are intrinsically linked, but the transitions between the two are often contrived or completely unexplained, giving the game an inelegant and disjointed structure.

But these disappointing missteps are nothing in comparison to the one element that Silent Hill f gets severely wrong: the combat.

Lost in the fog

Hinako facing off against an enemy in Silent Hill f — (Image credit: Konami)

The majority of Silent Hill protagonists have (intentionally) never been adept at fighting, which has led to a series of awkward and cumbersome combat systems. Most of them, though, are serviceable. Silent Hill f’s is one of the worst I’ve experienced.

It’s all melee-based and a basic light and heavy attack affair, but it layers on unnecessary system after unnecessary system to try and stretch out of its terrible combat mechanics. There’s stamina, there’s a sanity bar, there are focus attacks, there’s weapon durability, there’s perfect dodges, and counterattacks. All of this mess just to try and bolster the simple act of whacking a horrific manifestation with a lead pipe.

None of it helps. It’s painfully slow and frustratingly sludgy, like Hinako is always trying to swing through mud. Hits have no satisfying impact unless you charge up attacks every time, which you will have to do continuously, because it's the only consistent way to stun and kill enemies with any speed.

Enemies, meanwhile, are such jittery and erratic nightmares that it’s impossible to read them, and the dodge is so janky or the window to counter so small that by the time you realise an attack is coming in, it’s too late, you’ve already been slashed or spat on or lunged at. The dodge is the most hilarious and out-of-place choice, which sees Hinako dart about six feet in a straight line in any direction in a split second, like she’s borrowed powers from Goku.

Hinako walking through an old school in Silent Hill f — (Image credit: Konami)

Some sections thankfully make the combat far more trivial in some unique and utterly bonkers ways that I won’t spoil. Ultimately, that’s still not much better, as it’s just as unsatisfying as it’s always been; it just requires less thought to get through it.

Every time I had to deal with the game’s combat, I thought it would be better just to let the Silent Hill fog take me. It wouldn’t be quite as bad if you could simply run past all enemies, but the game regularly forces you to engage with it, with creatures that block your path, walls that only drop once certain enemies are killed, and entire combat gauntlets that are thematically interesting but mechanically horrid.

And that brings me back to the dichotomy that makes Silent Hill f a curiosity that’s so hard to judge. There will be staunch defenders of this game for all of the incredible work it does with characters, story, and presentation. Others will be quick to trash it as a clunky, poorly designed, and maddening experience.

As is always the case with these things, I feel that the truth is somewhere in the middle. At times, it filled me with rage, but I’d be lying if I didn’t admit that it captivated me in equal measure.

Should you play Silent Hill f?

Play it if…

You want a thematically rich story
Silent Hill f takes the same approach as other greats in the series by telling a remarkable, complex, and gruelling personal story through the lens of psychological horror, with multiple layers to uncover.

You want to play something unique
For all of its flaws, there's little else out there quite like Silent Hill f, and for that reason, I'm glad that it exists. If you want to experience something different from the norm, creatively ambitious and uncompromising in its vision, you owe it to yourself to give it a go.

You miss the PS2 era
At times, Silent Hill f feels like it comes from an entirely different generation of gaming, where bold ideas and creative risks led the way over things like, well, precise and well-refined game design.

Don’t play it if…

You can't look past janky combat
I know I'm going on about this a lot, but the combat in Silent Hill f is so monotonous and unwieldy that it almost put me off the game entirely. If the issues sound too frustrating for you to look past, then you may find it too aggravating to play.

You don't enjoy repeat playthroughs
The story of Silent Hill f does offer a conclusion after you complete the game for the first time, but like Nier Automata and other works by Ryukishi07, there is still much more to uncover after the credits roll.

Accessibility

Silent Hill f doesn't have an extensive list of accessibility options. There are three filters for green, red, and blue color blindness, as well as subtitle customisation options to change the font, size, and color. There are also three different controller layouts to choose from on console, but you cannot create your own custom layout or edit specific button bindings.

The game has separate difficulty settings for the combat and puzzles, ranging from a standard 'Story' option, a more difficult 'Hard' mode, and the most challenging 'Lost in the Fog' setting. These cannot be changed once you begin the game.

How I reviewed Silent Hill f

I played Silent Hill f for around 14 hours on a PlayStation 5 Pro on a Samsung S90C OLED TV using a DualSense Wireless Controller and playing audio through a Samsung HW-Q930C soundbar. In that time, I completed the game twice, with my first playthrough clocking in at a little over eight hours.

The game does not have different graphics modes to choose from, but performance was excellent throughout, although I got the impression that cutscenes were disappointingly locked to 30 frames per second (fps).

The Terra Kaffe TK-02 brings the high-end coffee shop to your home

4:00 pm | September 21, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Coffee Machines Computers Gadgets Home Small Appliances | Comments: Off

Terra Kaffe TK-02: two-minute review

Who knew excellent coffee could be so easy? Fill up the water tank and pour your bag of whole coffee beans into the hopper. If you like milk-based drinks, put your milk of choice into the milk carafe and attach it to the machine. The Terra Kaffe TK-02 will craft your favorite drink that rivals your local coffee shop with just a tap.

Choose from a limited menu on the Terra Kaffe TK-02's screen, or select from a longer list in the app. Create custom beverages to suit your personal taste. You can also teach (Amazon assistant) Alexa to brew your drink of choice on your voice command.

Terra Kaffe TK-02 making a flat white — (Image credit: Karen Freeman / Future)

While it's certainly not perfect, this is the be-all, end-all coffee maker that replaces the two Nespresso machines, drip coffee machine, and coffee grinder I had in my coffee nook. The Terra Kaffe TK-02 is an expensive machine, though one could argue that if this gets you to eliminate your daily coffee shop runs it could pay for itself in a couple of years or less. The footprint is pretty large, though not nearly as big as the four machines it replaces for me. And like any coffee machine, it does require regular cleaning and maintenance, though none of it is difficult.

The bottom line is this: I've tested a lot of coffee machines in my personal and professional life, but I have never made better-tasting coffee and espresso drinks more quickly and easily than I have with the Terra Kaffe TK-02.

Flat white coffee — (Image credit: Karen Freeman / Future)

Terra Kaffe TK-02: price and availability

Available at Terra Kaffe and several high-end online and brick-and-mortar retailers
Retails for $1,995 (£1,461 / AU$2,991)
Terra Kaffe has a rental program

You can purchase the Terra Kaffe TK-02 directly from Terra Kaffe's website, where it retails for $1,995 (£1,461 / AU$2,991). Currently, there is a $300 discount offer if you pair the machine with a coffee subscription. You can also rent the machine from Terra Kaffe for $119 per month.

Other places you can purchase the machine include high-end retailers like Bloomingdales, Nordstrom, CB2, and Seattle Coffee Gear. The Terra Kaffe TK-02 is available in two colors: black and white.

Terra Kaffe TK-02 on counter — (Image credit: Karen Freeman / Future)

Terra Kaffe TK-02: specs

Name	Terra Kaffe TK-02
Type	Automatic
Dimensions (D x W x H)	17.5” (D) x 10.4” (W) x 14.3” (H) / 44.45 cm (D) x 26.42 cm (W) x 36.32 cm (H)
Weight	29.5 lbs / 13.38 kg
Water reservoir capacity	75 fl oz / 2.22 liters
Milk frother	Yes
Bars of pressure	9

Terra Kaffe TK-02: design

Modern, sleek design
Everything you need except coffee and cups included
So easy to use

The Terra Kaffe TK-02 is sleek and modern, basically a giant rectangular cube with a drip tray sticking out the front. It's not immediately identifiable as a coffee machine, on looks alone. I tested the white model, but it also comes in black. I'd recommend the black version if you don't have a strong preference, since white shows the coffee spatters. The touchscreen on the top left front of the machine comes awake when you tap it.

Terra Kaffe TK-02 with all its accessories — (Image credit: Karen Freeman / Future)

The Terra Kaffe TK-02 is pretty big and heavy, at 17.5” (D) x 10.4” (W) x 14.3” (H) / 44.45 cm (D) x 26.42 cm (W) x 36.32 cm (H) and weighing in at 29.5 lbs / 13.38 kg. Still, it easily fits into my coffee nook with plenty of room to spare. And it takes up a lot less room than the four machines I had in there previously. My husband likes to use his own beans, so his coffee grinder and drip machine, plus my two pod machines (both coffee and espresso) were previously filling up that entire nook. The Terra Kaffe TK-02 eliminates the need for all the other machines.

It comes with a milk carafe that hooks up to the Terra Kaffe TK-02 to make lattes and other milk drinks, a wooden spoon for measuring ground coffee, a water filter, cleaning solution, and descaling solution.

Terra Kaffe TK-02 top of machine — (Image credit: Karen Freeman / Future)

There are two coffee compartments on top. The main hopper holds up to 16 ounces (a typical bag) of whole bean coffee. A smaller, secondary compartment is for pre-ground coffee. If you use this option, add just one scoop of ground coffee and select the pre-ground coffee option from the brewing menu. Note that Terra Kaffe does not recommend using oily or flavored coffee beans.

A dial on the right side of the machine adjust the amount of steam you get in your milk. Dial it to the top to just heat your milk, or dial it to the bottom marker to froth.

Terra Kaffe TK-02 water tank — (Image credit: Karen Freeman / Future)

The water tank sits behind a door on the front of the machine. As with all maintenance, the Terra Kaffe TK-02 will alert you when the water is running low, though the water level is visible even with the door closed.

The touch screen is the brain of the machine, and it will also let you know when the grounds container (which holds nine pucks) or drip tray needs to be emptied, when you need to descale or deep clean the machine, and when you need to refill the coffee hopper.

Terra Kaffe TK-02 removing grounds — (Image credit: Karen Freeman / Future)

Design score: 4.5/5

Terra Kaffe TK-02: performance

Crafts amazing coffee and espresso drinks
Steam or froth your milk of choice
Could not be easier to use

What you really want from a coffee machine is delicious coffee, and the Terra Kaffe TK-02 delivers. You probably also want flexibility to create different kinds of beverages, easy/quick brewing, and easy clean-up. You get all of that with this machine. There are definitely some quirks, but overall, this machine's performance is excellent.

Double espresso over ice in front of Terra Kaffe TK-02 — (Image credit: Karen Freeman / Future)

The Terra Kaffe TK-02 has lots of pre-set coffee and espresso settings, but any of them can be altered to your tastes. You can adjust the grind size, the amount of coffee, the amount of water, and the amount of milk. When making espresso, you can choose between "TK Standard" and "TK Specialty" brew. The TK Specialty tastes slightly stronger to me, so I reached out the company and they confirmed that it is indeed a stronger brew.

You can create your own custom beverages to your exact specifications, so the possibilities are nearly endless. You can only put 10 drinks at a time on the machine's touchscreen menu, but it's easy enough to add and remove your favorites in the Terra Kaffe app.

Terra Kaffee TK-02 brewing iced coffee — (Image credit: Karen Freeman / Future)

I brewed an iced coffee, which comes out at a slightly lower temperature and is specially designed for drinking over ice. I found it a bit weak, so I just changed the recipe, reducing the amount of water and increasing the amount of coffee. That made it perfect for my tastes. I also created a drink just for my husband, which is basically a standard Americano with an extra two shots of espresso. You can literally create anything and make it an option on your touchscreen menu.

The touchscreen menu is limited to ten drinks, so put your ten favorites there. You can still access plenty more (or create more anytime) easily with the Terra Kaffe app. You can teach your Alexa Amazon Assistant to work your Terra Kaffe TK-02, but I found that connection to be rather inconsistent.

The machine has to be on already; Alexa won't turn it on. Then you have to ask Alexa to launch the machine, because if you just ask to brew right away, she won't get it. Even then, sometimes she doesn't do what you ask. And she keeps asking you questions when you're done brewing, which is kind of annoying. Frankly, I found myself not really using Alexa much; both the touchscreen and the app are so easy to use. I open the app and wake the machine while I'm still in bed; by the time I get downstairs, the Terra Kaffe TK-02 is ready to brew.

Terra Kaffe TK-02 brewing a macchiato — (Image credit: Karen Freeman / Future)

Though I'm not really a milky coffee drinker, I did test out a number of milk-based drinks such as latte, cappuccino, macchiato, and flat white. They were all quite good, the milk frother heats and froths the milk as you'd expect. How much foam you get can also depend on the sort of milk you use. I used 2% dairy milk.

Terra Kaffe TK-02 brewed latte — (Image credit: Karen Freeman /Future)

The Terra Kaffe TK-02 automatically grinds your beans to the correct size for the type of coffee you're brewing. For drip coffee, the beans will be ground on the coarser side. For espresso, you'll get a finer grind. Both of those can be adjusted to your preferences. Like all the best espresso machines, the Terra Kaffe TK-02 brews espresso at 9 bars of pressure.

If you prefer to use pre-ground beans, you put them in a separate designated hopper and select the pre-ground beans option before brewing. This is helpful for the occasional cup of decaf or using gifted grounds, but otherwise I'd stick to fresh whole beans.

Terra Kaffe TK-02 brewing Americano — (Image credit: Karen Freeman / Future)

Cleaning is pretty simple, but the machine does require regular attention. The Terra Kaffe TK-02 self-rinses frequently. I got in the habit of keeping a cup under the spout when not in use to catch the majority of rinse cycles. You can expect the machine to rinse out a few ounces of water when warming up, and again when shutting down. It also just rinses itself at random times.

We drink four cups a day on average, and even with the cup under the spout, I still have to empty the drip tray roughly daily. This is because water comes out directly into the drip tray sometimes too. If you froth milk, you'll need to run a rinse of the milk system right after. As you might expect, the water tank needs to be refilled pretty frequently as well.

Cleaning up the grounds couldn't be easier. All of the grounds end up as pucks in the grounds bin, you just have to pull it out and dump it roughly every nine brew sessions.

At some point, I'll need to do a deep clean and a descale. But in several weeks of use, it has not come up yet. You do not have to guess when to do any of this maintenance, as the machine will let you know when to do it and offer guidance if you're not sure how to go about it.

Terra Kaffe TK-02 cappuccino — (Image credit: Karen Freeman / Future)

Performance score: 5/5

Should you buy the Terra Kaffe TK-02?

Terra Kaffe TK-02 score card
Attribute	Notes	Score
Value	It's expensive, but is it cheaper than your daily coffee shop runs?	4/5
Design	It's cleverly designed and looks sleek on your countertop.	4.5/5
Performance	There's no learning curve. Brewing amazing coffee and espresso drinks is so easy.	5/5

Buy it if

You want delicious coffee and espresso drinks

Both the coffee and espresso are just delicious. Drip coffee, iced coffee, espresso, Americano, latte, cappuccino, macchiato, flat white: all amazing. I have no notes.

You want to kick the daily coffee shop habit

I can't imagine wanting to pay for a drink in a shop when the Terra Kaffe TK-02 is at home. Other than buying your whole coffee beans of choice, you might not even go to the coffee shop anymore.

You want easy

It literally couldn't be easier to make coffee from whole beans. Touch a button or tell Alexa to make your drink of choice in seconds. It's no harder than a pod machine but offers so many more options and produces excellent results.

Don't buy it if

You don't have it in the budget

If you have an expensive coffee shop habit and do the math, you might find that the Terra Kaffe TK-02 pays for itself—eventually. But this machine is quite pricey, even if you do a monthly rental.

You don't have space

While the Terra Kaffe TK-02 fits quite nicely in my coffee nook, it's not a small machine by any means. If you have a smaller kitchen, you'll need to decide how much counter space you can give up.

Terra Kaffe TK-02: also consider

Jura J10

In a similar price range but slightly cheaper, the Jura J10 makes all the espresso drinks you'd expect. But its specialty is incorporating your favorite flavored syrups into your milk foam.

Read our full Jura J10 review

De'Longhi La Specialista Touch

Looking for something smaller and cheaper? A semi-automatic espresso machine like this one might be for you. It has a built-in frothing wand, coffee bean grinder, and touch screen. It makes nine different drinks with ease.

Read our full De'Longhi La Specialista Touch review

How I tested the Terra Kaffe TK-02

Over the course of two weeks, I brewed multiple variations of coffee, espresso, iced coffee, and Americanos. I also made espresso-based milk drinks such as latte, cappuccino, macchiato, and flat white using cold 2% dairy milk. I performed maintenance on the Terra Kaffe TK-02 as directed by the machine: emptying the drip tray, refilling the water, emptying the coffee grounds, and adding new coffee beans.

First reviewed September 2025

I tested the Creative Chat Wireless business headset – and I love the comfort, cost, and call quality

9:47 am |

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

The Chat Wireless from Creative is a lightweight Bluetooth headset designed for business use. It doesn't seek to reinvent the wheel, but instead deliver exceptional comfort and crystal-clear audio at what I'd consider to be a very fair price.

As a chap who lives inside his headphones - for everything from conference calls to music playback and gaming sessions - I was keen to see how well they performed.

Spoiler alert: they're definitely worth a look if you're a professional. Yes, I have issues with the buttons, but the design, price, and overall quality of the audio and noise-canceling mic are excellent.

Creative Chat Wireless: Price & availability

The Creative Chat Wireless headset is currently priced at $70 from Creative’s official US site - while in the UK, it’s retailing for £50 via Creative.

I’m also seeing it available on Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk for the same price.

Compared to alternatives, it’s priced pretty much at the low- to mid-range - it’s certainly not as pricey as offerings like the Jabra Evolve 2 65 Flex I’ve reviewed, which far surpasses the $150 mark.

Creative Chat Wireless: Design & features

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The Creative Chat Wireless headset during our review — (Image credit: Creative // Future)

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The design of the Chat Wireless headset is par for the course and in line with what I’d expect from a unit at this price. Inside the box, there’s the headset itself, a USB cable, the USB dongle, and a quick start manual.

In hand, the headset is impressively lightweight with plenty of give to fit a range of head sizes. The band is made of a firm plastic, neatly rounded on one side, which I think gives it an attractive, premium style compared to bland, budget headsets. Encompassing the top is padding for a more comfortable fit. As an accent, there’s bronze-colored metal connecting it to the pads.

I found the earcups well-cushioned, with a foam interior covered with a synthetic material. They fit nicely over the ear, but don’t envelope them in the way casual consumer headphones do. These also swivel inward for easier storage - although they aren’t foldable and don’t come with a case.

On the left earcup is a USB-C port for charging and separate volume up and down buttons. I particularly like how they’re positioned on either side of the band, so I wasn’t blindly fumbling for the correct one.

It’s also home to the stowable microphone, which rotates both ways and features a physical mute button. At the base of the mic is a Call button, used to turn the unit on and off or entering Bluetooth pairing mode.

All in all, the headset boasts a simple and efficient design with all the core features you’d expect.

Creative Chat Wireless: Performance

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I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: the Chat Wireless is light, tipping the scales at 0.3lb / 137g when I weighed them. It’s the sort of headset you can easily wear all day (and I did) without discomfort. If you’re taking a lot of calls, they’re pitch-perfect in this regard.

When wearing the headset, it’s surprisingly firm on the ears - and while there’s no noise-cancelling on the earcups, the snug fit did prevent extraneous background noise filtering in.

I found audio quality to be excellent, with just the right amount of bass and treble, while voices had the correct timbre. I used these for video calls using both Bluetooth and the USB dongle, as well as hooking up via Bluetooth to my phone to listen to music and podcasts, and a Nintendo Switch 2 while playing games. Each time, I experienced no tinniness here, which I sometimes find from cheaper devices.

Microphone quality came out incredibly clear. There is noise-canceling on the mic and in my own tests, this worked well. Which is useful, as I have an especially vocal cat that likes to make its presence known during calls. I experienced absolutely no issues throughout my use, and yes, the mute button on mic works instantly and well (a perennial fear of mine). A discrete voice will whisper in your ear to let you know when it’s muted or unmuted, and the LED simultaneously switches from blue (unmute) to white (mute), too.

All button presses feel soft and pleasant - neither too clicky nor too mushy, but somewhere in between. However, I did find when attempting to adjust the volume, I had to be quite firm in order for it to register. Light taps just won’t work here.

This wasn’t the case with the Call button, which was immediately responsive when answering calls and hanging up. Other features like holding the volume buttons to skip tracks during playback or tapping the Call button to play or pause worked well.

Where I did run into problems, though, was when hitting this button multiple times to activate the various functions, like redial or opening my AI assistant. It took some time to figure out the appropriate amount of time between each click. It needs to be neither rapid nor too drawn out. Experimentation is recommended.

But where it really counts - audio and mic quality - I was highly impressed, and confident I was being heard. Never once did I have to ask “Can everyone hear me?” or “Is this thing on?”

Creative Chat Wireless: Final verdict

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Whenever I’m reviewing a device like this, I ask myself: Would I buy this with my own hard-earned cash? And, considering the cost and the overall audio experience, this one is a resounding yes. It’s impressively lightweight, and ideal for professionals in an office or home office setting.

I do have some issues with the buttons, which could be more responsive - but to some degree that might be user error on my part - and some may wish for extra features like a foldable design or a storage case. And if you prefer a wired connection, these aren’t the ones for you, as they’re wireless-only.

But for a low- to mid-range wireless unit that makes meetings more bearable, especially if you're using them all day, they’re one of the best Bluetooth headsets I’ve used.

Should I buy the Creative Chat Wireless?

Buy it if...

✅ You wear a headset all day: The Chat Wireless is pleasantly lightweight for all-day use, and the earpads feel snug over the ear without pressing against them too hard. I found them to be very comfortable, even after wearing them for hours at a time.

✅ You want a well-priced headset with all the core features: It’s not overloaded with unnecessary features or expensive technology, but audio quality is great and the buttons deliver a multitude of additional functions for navigating calls and playback.

Don't buy it if...

❌ You need wired and wireless connection: As the name suggests, this headset is wireless only using Bluetooth 5.4 or the USB dongle. Creative does sell the Chat USB, which has a slightly thicker design but near-identical price with - you guessed it - a wired USB connection.

❌ You want noise-canceling audio: While the mic does have noise cancelation, the earcups don’t have this feature. I didn’t find this to be an issue even in somewhat active rooms, but it may be a deal-breaker for those in noisy workspaces.

For more top picks, we've reviewed the best headsets for conference calls.

After a year of searching, I’ve finally found a rival for my favorite earbuds

12:30 am |

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

Skullcandy Method 360: One minute review

As my editor at TechRadar well knows, I’ve spent the last year enamored with the Nothing Ear (a) as the best earbuds you can buy for a relatively affordable price, and nothing has come close to toppling these svelte and low-cost buds.

That’s all changed now though, because the Skullcandy Method 360 give their year-and-change older rivals a run for their money. And I see them being the new big buds that, going forward, I shall compare all contemporaries too.

These buds from American audio company Skullcandy are dead ringers for the brand’s cheap Dime Evo buds, coming in the same novel carry case, but I’ve already got to correct myself: these aren’t just from Skullcandy, but from another key player too.

In a big partnership, top audio dog Bose contributed to the sound of the Method 360, and it shows. These have the energy of Skullcandy buds but the audio precision of Bose ones, and the fantastic audio quality shows that the Method 360 benefits from the best of both worlds.

While Skullcandy boasts that the Method 360 have ‘Sound by Bose’, the design of the new buds also bears more than a passing resemblance to recent Bose earpieces too, especially with a gel fin around the buds to help them stick in your ear. Whether this was another case of the Bose helping hand or just a total coincidence, it’s welcome, with the Method 360 staying in the ear reliably even during workouts. They’re comfortable too, letting you listen for long bouts without your ears getting achy.

Design of the buds may be great, but the carry case itself provides problems: namely, that it’s absolutely huge. It’s a massive long tube which hides an inner shell that you slide out to retrieve the earbuds, and it’s far too big to easily fit in trouser pockets. According to promotional images Skullcandy sees you using the O-ring to strap the case to your bag, or perhaps your trousers, but the sheer size would make that about as unwieldy as walking about with a scabbard.

A few rough edges show their face in the feature set too: the app often failed to connect to the earbuds, even when they readily connected to my phone without issues, which was irritating when I wanted to change ANC mode. Plus, the voice announcer on the buds is both terrifyingly loud and surprisingly low-res, making me wonder if I’d accidentally been sent a pair of Method 360 which had been cursed by the Babadook.

Are these flaws enough to ruin the Skullcandy? Not by any means, they’re just minor gripes, and ones that give me something to write about to seem even-handed too. But they do little to counteract the real strengths of the Method 360: its reliable fit, its fantastic sound and its affordable nature.

Skullcandy Method 360 review: Specifications

Component	Value
Water resistant	IPX4
Battery life (quoted)	11 hours (earbuds), 29 hours (total)
Bluetooth type	Bluetooth 5.3
Weight	11g / Charging case: 77g
Driver	12mm

Skullcandy Method 360 review: Price and availability

The Skullcandy Method 360 on a shelf. — (Image credit: Future)

Announced in April '25
RRP $119 / £99 / AU$189
Priced against mid-range rivals

Skullcandy announced the Method 360 in April 2025 and put them on sale straight away afterwards.

The official price of the buds is $119 / £99 / AU$189, although they were cheaper for their first few weeks of existence thanks to introductory pricing. When considering their value, though, we’ll consider this official price.

At that price these can be considered mid-range buds, with the aforementioned Nothing Ear (a) costing more or less (depending on region) at $99 / £99 / AU$192. Their other big rival at that price is the WF-C710N which has an RRP exactly the same as the Skullcandy and we’ll get more into the differences in our comparison section below.

Skullcandy Method 360 review: Design

Huge case that's fiddly to insert buds into
Buds are comfortable and fit reliably
Range of color options

The worst part of the Skullcandy Method 360 is its case. It’s absolutely huge – you’ve got no chance of fitting this thing in your trouser pocket and it was even a squeeze fitting it into the folds of my jacket. It’s significantly bigger than the case of any other earbud I’ve tested recently, making it a pain for portability.

That’s a shame because it’s a bit more interesting-looking than your generic clamshell earbud case. It uses what Skullcandy calls ‘Clip It and Rip It’; this means that there’s an internal column holding the earbuds which you reveal by sliding it out of a protective tube. There’s an O-ring which lets you clip the case to a bag or, according to Skullcandy, trouser belt loop, which also makes it easy to do this sliding action.

It’s an interesting design which Skullcandy has used before, but two extra things beyond the size damn the case. Firstly, the charging port is on the bottom of the internal column so if you slide this column up, the charging port is hidden by the external case – it’s quite a procedure to keep charging while you remove the buds. Secondly, the buds only fit in their respective slots if you insert them at just the right angle, and it’s hard enough to tell which bud goes in which slot, let alone which angle to put them in at (there are a faint ‘L’ and ‘R’ to solve the first problem but it could be made more clear). These are the single most frustrating earbuds I’ve ever tested in terms of returning them to the case after use, and I constantly wasted time trying to rotate the buds to work out how to get them into their gap.

It’s not just me on this latter point: Skullcandy’s listing for the Method ANC has an FAQ question and one query is “How do I put my Method 360 ANC earbuds back in the case?” complete with a surprisingly in-depth 5-point answer. Skullcandy: if earbud users need to go through five steps to put an earbud in the case, perhaps there’s a better way of doing things. I also presented my much-smarter girlfriend with the buds and the case and she too found it akin to solving a Rubix cube.

At least Skullcandy has done something I love in earbuds: offered multiple color options. As well as the standards of black and white there’s bright red, a sandy hue which Skullcandy calls ‘Primer’ and your grandma’s favorite option: leopard print.

Now onto the buds themselves: they seem to work as a medley of the two core types of in-ear buds with large bodies which stay in your ears with a silicon ridge, but they also have a slight, dumpy stem. Whatever color of case you fit, affects the buds too, though in the case of leopard print it’s just on one surface.

The buds weigh 11g so they’re among the heaviest earbuds I’ve tested, but in the grand scheme of things a couple of grams doesn’t make much difference on the ears. And that tells – not once in my testing did the buds fall out of my ears, even though I went on runs with them and took them to the gym. I’m going to point towards their fin as the reason for this, with the material of the tip also making them stay in my ear snug. In the box you get an array of sizes for both too.

Both buds have touch controls, activated if you tap the right spot on the body of the bud (if you look at the picture, it’s just below the slight ridge, around where the LED light is). This worked fine in picking up fingertips but I found it quite hard to reliably tap the correct spot when I wanted to pause music.

The buds both have an IPX4 rating making them protected against splashes of water, which essentially means they’re safe against sweat or a light drizzle of rain but nothing stronger (or wetter).

Design score: 3.5/5

Skullcandy Method 360 review: Features

Good on-bud battery life
ANC is strong, but not competition-beating
Skull-IQ app for extra features

With a case of its size, you’d expect the Skullcandy Method 360 to have a battery life longer than creation. And it’s definitely good, though set your expectations a little lower than ‘forever’.

According to Skullcandy, the bud battery life reaches 11 hours with ANC off or 9 hours with it turned on, with the case providing an extra 23 or 29 respectively. From my testing I’d say Skullcandy’s figures are, if anything, a touch conservative – either way those are respectable figures

You’re offered the two standard noise cancellation modes we often see: standard ANC and ‘Stay-Aware’, both with a slider letting you change intensity mode (before you ask the same question I did: higher intensity affects the strength of ANC, not of background noise allowed through).

Regardless of which option you pick, the ANC is strong and capable, and you’ll struggle to find better at this price point. It’s so effective, however, that Stay-Aware often failed to let through the kinds of loud nearby sounds that these ambient modes are designed to do. In fact I didn’t notice a huge difference between ANC and Stay-Aware most of the time.

You can download the Skull-IQ app on your phone or tablet to get extra features for the earbuds. Some of these are ability to toggle ANC and change what tapping the buds does, but there are a few more.

One of these is nigh-on mandatory at this point: an equalizer. You get several presets here but there’s also a five-band custom option. While that’s not as complex as we normally see in equalizers, I honestly don’t mind, as it’s a lot more simple for the average earbud user to get their head around.

Beyond that we’ve got features for low latency audio (useful for gaming), multipoint pairing to connect to multiple devices at once, the ability to use your earbud as a remote trigger for your smartphone camera and Spotify Tap, which lets you press and hold an earbud to instantly play from a certain Spotify playlist.

A few features I like to see are absent like Find My Earbuds, listening tests or earbud fit tests, but the features you do get work well… unlike the way you control them.

One thing that I’d love to see Skullcandy fix with the app is its reliability. A fair few times I’d boot it up while listening to music only to be told that the earbuds weren’t in use – one time this incorrect message was ironically covered up by my phone system’s own notification telling me the buds’ battery life. I’d have to either refresh the app, or give up on plans to change the EQ or noise cancellation.

On the topic of annoying features: the voice announcer, which tells you when the buds are connected when you put them in as well as when you change ANC modes, is both incredibly low-res and incredibly loud. Calm down please, announcer!

Features score: 4/5

Skullcandy Method 360 review: Sound performance

12mm drivers
Bose tuning pays off
Energetic sound with meaty bass

As I said in the introduction, Bose helped with the tuning of the Skullcandy Method 360 (though possibly not in lending the 12mm drivers, which are actually bigger than the ones we normally see Bose use in its earbuds).

This helping hand shows because the Method 360 are some of the best-sounding earbuds I’ve ever tested for their price. And, more obviously, they faintly resemble the tone of the Bose QuietComfort Buds from last year, in that music sounds rich, meaty and full (which I doubled down on by activating the bass booster EQ repeatedly through testing, though it’s far from necessary).

That’s not to say that the buds are just for bass-heads, as mids were just as energetic and electric as lower-frequency sounds. I found the audio profile perfect for punchy and fast-paced rock music which fits well with the Skullcandy branding. Treble could have been a little more glistening though and, while not audibly falling behind in the mix, it did lack a little zest when other parts of a song were going full-force.

If you like listening to high-velocity music, you’ll be glad to know that the Method 360 gets very loud, and I didn’t even test it at its top volume.

The Skullcandy also has a fairly pronounced sound stage, perhaps not as dramatic as the aforementioned Bose buds, but still great compared to many same-priced rivals. Instruments aren’t just panned left or right but to varying degrees around you, and audio was clear enough that I could hear the sound of fingers on guitar glissando or the type of drumstick a drummer would use.

Here’s where I’d discuss audio codecs or connection types but neither Skullcandy’s website nor the Skull-IQ app make any mention of them, so I’ve got to presume that high-res music isn’t supported.

Sound performance score: 4/5

Skullcandy Method 360 review: Value

The Skullcandy Method 360 are great value for money because in two big ways, they rival alternatives which you'd be spending twice the price on.

Both the sound quality and precision-designed fit feel like features you'd normally have to pay way more for. Yet here you go, finding them at a mid-range price. Good job!

Value score: 4/5

Skullcandy Method 360 review: scorecard

Category	Comment	Score
Value	They hold a candle to some pricier rivals with aplomb.	4/5
Design	Some of the best-designed earbuds you can find, marred by one of the most annoying charging cases out there.	3.5/5
Features	The Method 360 has a range of features, and most of them work pretty well.	4/5
Sound	An energetic sound which stands apart from other similar-priced rivals.	4/5

Skullcandy Method 360: Should I buy?

Buy them if...

Ear fit is important

The Skullcandy fit the bill if you find that other earbuds keep falling out, or you need something reliable for running.

You like fast-paced rocking music

The Method 360's audio balance lends itself well to energetic music that gets the blood pumping (although it's great for other genres too).

You need to listen for long periods of time

It's not a headline feature but the Method 360 battery life is quite a step above average, for the buds at least, making them solid options for long-term listening.

Don't buy them if...

You need a svelte carry case

If you want a carry case you can easily slip in a trouser pocket, the Skullcandy will disappoint.

You want a detailed equalizer

If you like tinkering with the minutiae of your audio, the Skull-IQ 5-band equalizer might not give you enough control over how music sounds.

Also consider

Component	Skullcandy Method 360	Nothing Ear (a)	WF-C710N
Water resistant	IPX4	IP54	IP54
Battery life (ANC off)	11 hours (earbuds), 29 hours (total)	9.5 hours (earbuds), 42.5 hours (total)	12 hours (buds); 30 hours (case)
Bluetooth type	Bluetooth 5.3	Bluetooth 5.3	Bluetooth 5.3
Weight	11g (buds) 77g (case)	4.8g (buds) 39.6g (case)	5.2g (buds) 38g (case)
Driver	12mm	11mm	5mm

Nothing Ear (a)

These ever-so-slightly-cheaper alternatives to the Skullcandy have equally powerful bass and a lovely slender carry case. The fit isn't as solid as the Method 360's though, nor is the battery life as good.

Read our full Nothing Ear (a) review

Sony WF-C710N

These newer mid-rangers from Sony cost the exact same as the Skullcandy with a similar feature set too. The design is the main difference.

Read our full Sony WF-C710N review

How I tested

I used the Skullcandy Method 360 for about two weeks before writing this review.

For the most part of the review, the headphones were paired with my Android phone for Spotify streaming as well as the occasional gaming and Netflix. I listened to music at home and in quiet environments, but also took the buds for a spin at the gym and on runs.

I've been reviewing products for TechRadar since the beginning of 2019 and have tested countless headphones amongst other gadgets. I've also used past Skullcandy options not for review purposes, but simply through having bought them myself.

Genki Aegis Shield: review

The Genki Aegis Shield has a pretty sublime namesake. In Ancient Greek mythology, Aegis sometimes refers to the shield of a deity, such as the thunder god, Zeus, or the goddess of wisdom, Athena. It is, then, a word that symbolizes protection of the highest order. And so, in comes the Genki Aegis Shield – a screen protector for the Nintendo Switch 2. Can it really offer divine levels of protection? I tested it to find out.

Out of the box, there was a lot going on. You get two screen protectors, an application frame, screen wipes, a microfiber cloth, and even a squeegee (great word, isn’t it). The application frame is pretty large compared to some others I’ve used, and it wasn’t the firmest around our Switch 2 – but it was still perfectly able to get the job done. There’s a lot of plastic here, with elements like a D-pad frame and play button etched into the application tool.

The application was fairly straightforward overall. The instructions weren’t as comprehensive as I’ve seen on other models, but the steps are accompanied by pictures to support your installation. I simply had to slot the frame onto the Nintendo Switch 2, pull a release tab out, swipe across the protector, and remove the frame.

Person pulling tab attached to the Genki Aegis Shield — (Image credit: Future)

After a bit of squeegee action, I was able to get all of the air bubbles out from under the Aegis Shield, ensuring a clean, well-aligned application.

At some angles, I could see a little bit of inconsistency on the left edge of the screen protector, but otherwise, the end result was fairly discreet. Of course, you may not encounter this minor hiccup, but it’s worth flagging.

Genki Aegis Shield with Mario Kart World on display — (Image credit: Future)

Next came the damage test, and the Aegis Shield nailed it. I tried scraping a key across the protector, applying increasing pressure over time. But even when pressing pretty hard, the key glided across the surface with almost no resistance, and never left a single mark. Genki itself claims to have tested a drill on the screen, so this thing should be able to withstand all kinds of action.

Image 1 of 2

Person attempting to scratch Genki Aegis Shield with a key — Before... (Image credit: Future)

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Genki Aegis Shield after scratch test — ...and after! (Image credit: Future)

One thing that I picked up on is that the Aegis Shield was pretty prone to picking up obvious fingerprint marks – even when I compared it to the DBrand Prism 2.0 screen protector for Switch 2. However, all it takes is a quick wipe with the microfiber cloth, and you can cast those pesky marks away.

Elsewhere, this is a strong performer. When playing Mario Kart World, the protector didn’t inhibit display clarity whatsoever. No parts of the Switch 2’s screen were obscured, foggy, or discolored, which was very pleasing indeed. When picking at the corners of the protector, it also remained comfortable in place, so it’s safe to say that it’s a secure pick.

Fingerprints on the Genki Aegis Shield — (Image credit: Future)

And when you consider this model is only $19.99 / £17 / AU$35, it’s great value for money. It’s considerably cheaper than that DBrand model I referenced, and in the same ballpark as the impressive Belkin TemperedGlass screen protector that we tried out during batch testing.

Yes, the application frame may seem a little overkill. I could see a small inconsistency on one edge of the screen, and you will notice fingerprints fairly easily. But still, you get a clear display and plenty of toughness at a reasonable price. For that alone, this is a model worth checking out.

Genki Aegis Shield review: price & specs

Price	$19.99 / £17 / AU$35
Number of screen protectors	2
Material	Tempered glass
Application type	Drop-in-place frame
Additional items	Microfiber cloth, screen wipes, squeegee

Genki Aegis Shield with Switch 2 console and cleaning tools — (Image credit: Future)

Should I buy the Genki Aegis Shield?

Attributes	Notes	Rating
Ease of application	Instructions could be a touch clearer, but fairly straightforward, tiny inconsistency on the left edge of the screen post-application.	3.5/5
Design	Application tool is quite large, but easy enough to use, fingerprints picked up easily, but cleaning tools work well.	3.5/5
Toughness	Easily withstood key scraping, with no signs of scratching or wear.	5/5
Value	Despite a couple of quirks, you’re getting a tough, low-priced protector.	4.5/5

Buy it if...

You’re looking for reliable protection
After scraping the screen protector with a key, I didn’t see even a spec of damage. And believe me, I pressed pretty hard. Genki itself claims to have put the Aegis Shield through a drill test, so I think it’s safe to say you won’t have to worry all too much about scratches.

You’re on a budget
At just $19.99 / £17 / AU$35, the Aegis Shield is a great budget-friendly option. You get two screen protectors in the box and all the cleaning tools you could possibly need, so this model offers plenty of bang for your buck.

Don't buy it if...

You want the most seamless application possible
During testing, the application frame was a little larger and clunkier than some other models I’ve used. Meanwhile, the instructions are fairly easy to follow, but not the most detailed. So, if you want the most seamless application possible, the Aegis Shield may not quite hit the spot.

You’re looking for something fingerprint-proof
This screen protector picked up fingerprints a little easier than the DBrand Prism 2.0, for example, which may frustrate some. Having said that, there is a microfiber cloth included in the box if you ever need to give the surface a quick clean.

Genki Aegis Shield review: also consider

Belkin TemperedGlass Screen Protector for Nintendo Switch 2
During batch testing, we were really impressed with the Belkin TemperedGlass screen protector. There’s no chunky plastic mechanism, just a basic frame. On top of that, the instructions are easy to follow, the application feels smooth, and the end result looks great. It's even cheaper than the Aegis Shield too – what’s not to like?

How I tested the Genki Aegis Shield

Person holding application frame on the Genki Aegis Shield — (Image credit: Future)

Applied the screen protector using the written instructions
Tested its effect on display, fingerprint resistance, and how easy it is to damage
Tested by a lifelong gamer

For the Genki Aegis Shield, I used TechRadar's standardized process for testing Nintendo Switch 2 screen protectors. First off, we apply the screen protector using the included instructions. Then, we test the protector's impact on the console's display by assessing aspects like brightness and viewing angles.

After this, we test how the surface copes against fingerprints, before scratching the model with a set of keys and attempting to peel at the edges. Ultimately, all of this helps us to judge ease of application, durability, and general build quality.

But let's talk about my experience. I've tested more than a hundred products at TechRadar – everything from gaming accessories, such as the Hori Piranha Plant Camera for Nintendo Switch 2, through to other screen protectors, like the DBrand Prism 2.0.

On top of that, I'm a lifelong gamer with a massive love for Nintendo. I own a Switch 2 personally, and have reviewed a number of games for the platform, including Drag x Drive and Raidou Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army.

First reviewed: September 2025
Read more about how we test

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