For businesses, Proton VPN offers dedicated IP addresses and dedicated servers, which ensures better performance and security for employees accessing corporate networks. This is especially valuable for organizations that need consistent access to resources or want to ensure secure remote work. The VPN also integrates seamlessly with a variety of third-party tools and applications, providing flexibility in how you manage your team's connectivity; which can assist in obtaining security certifications such as ISO 27001, SOC2, etc. There is no need for specialized hardware, so deployment is fast, and for business users there is dedicated 24/7 support.
Its Secure Core architecture adds an extra layer of protection by routing traffic through multiple servers in privacy-friendly countries, safeguarding your data even if a VPN endpoint is compromised. When you connect through Proton VPN's Secure Core servers, your VPN connection takes two hops for added security. It first routes from your device to the Secure Core servers and then proceeds to the VPN server you've selected. Proton VPN emphasizes that its Secure Core servers are located in countries with strong privacy laws and are directly owned by Proton. These servers are housed in secure, high-security facilities, such as old military bases, ensuring that your data is protected from potential threats and unauthorized access. This of course is not the fastest way to surf the web, but is potentially one of the safest options. The auto re-connection option comes as standard across all pricing plans, which is a nice to have feature in a modern VPN solution.
(Image credit: Proton VPN)
Another noteworthy feature is NetShield, an advanced ad blocker that protects against malware, trackers, and ads. In short, it checks DNS requests more thoroughly and relies on a list of blocked sites and domains to avoid phishing and malware. Similarly, it blocks trackers and most of the ads you see on websites. While watching YouTube though, you will get ads served inside of videos unless you have YouTube Premium. Finally, the number of blocked ads and trackers we could not verify, but since we did not see ads that were otherwise served to us, we have to say that it works.
Pricing & Plans
(Image credit: Proton VPN)
If you’re looking to test drive Proton as a single user, we recommend you do so using the free version. It is understandably very limited in its functionality and does not offer the real taste of features that you will need as a business user. For business users of Proton Business VPN, there are three pricing plans, VPN Essentials, VPN Professional, and VPN Enterprise. If you’re looking for monthly payments, then the plans cost €8.99 per user and €11.99 per user, respectively. For the Enterprise plan, you need to get in touch with the sales team.
Additionally, if you’re looking to save some money, opting for 1-year pricing, you get a 22% and 17% discount, respectively. And for 2-year pricing, the discounts rise to 33% and 25% for the initial two plans. A dedicated server and IP will cost you an additional €35.99/month.
Performance
All VPNs will inevitably slow down the speed of your internet since you’re routing traffic through a server. This is also true for Proton VPN, however, the speed loss is negligible (depending on which server you’re using). You’re given the choice of using WireGuard, IKEv2, OpenVPN (TCP or UDP), and Stealth tunneling protocols to establish your connection. Thanks to its large network of international servers (over 4800 across 110 countries), you will have ample choices to protect your connection or avoid geo-restrictions.
If you’re using Chromium-based browsers or Firefox-based ones, you can use Proton’s browser extension which lets you browse or stream securely. The best part is that the extensions are available even for the free plan. We did not notice slowdowns in browsers (Chrome and Firefox) nor was there an additional slowdown in speeds when using the extensions. As with all Proton VPN products, the browser extension is open source, allowing anyone to inspect and verify its code for transparency and security. This extension makes it even easier for users to experience the benefits of Proton VPN’s no-logs policy, which is backed by Switzerland’s strong privacy laws.
Last but not least, if you plan on using Secure Core services for browsing, be ready to suffer a hefty speed penalty, since multi-hop connections do eat into speed; but for the most paranoid amongst us, speed is usually not priority number one.
Privacy & Security
Proton VPN’s privacy policy clearly states that it does not log any user activity or IP addresses, maintaining a strict no-logs policy. In the past, Proton VPN used to store timestamps of the last login, but this practice has since been discontinued. The fact that the VPN is based in Switzerland - a country with one of the strongest privacy laws in the world - will ensure that you are protected from government surveillance and third-party requests. In addition, a separate third-party audit confirmed that the provider has no significant flaws in their privacy policy.
Thanks to the DNS leak protection and kill switch features, your connection will remain secure even if the VPN drops for any reason. Furthermore, AES-265 encryption, coupled with multi-factor authentication, adds an extra layer of security. As a business user, you’re given the option to configure your gateways, segment your network, and isolate devices or resources easily.
Proton VPN apps include built-in defenses against man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks, particularly when operating over unsecured or potentially hostile networks. If such an attack attempt is detected, the app alerts the user and blocks connections to any suspicious servers, providing an added layer of security against malicious threats.
Alternatives
NordLayer jumps out as a strong alternative to Proton VPN, of course, it also commands premium pricing but does stand out when it comes to speed. Similar to Proton, NordLayer offers a rich feature set, with complex security features that complement any business looking to stay on the safer side of the internet. Browser extensions and mobile apps are easy to use, offer granular configuration, and thanks to its Firewall as a service option, it ticks all of the checkboxes for a Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) solution.
Twingate is another alternative that, like Proton, offers fast, scalable, and seamless deployment of services. Additionally, it offers flexible access policy configurations and comprehensive activity logging, focusing on businesses in regulated industries. Like NordLayer the focus was placed on the UX and UI part of the apps they offer, which are top-notch and very intuitive. In terms of pricing it beats out both Proton and NordLayer, but does come with different sets of features and options. Therefore, the best option is to initially figure out your needs, compare the offerings and then look at pricing to get the best feel for which VPN solution is right for your business.
Final Verdict
Proton Business VPN is a powerful business VPN solution that places a strong emphasis on being open source, highly regulated, and Swiss-based to ensure the highest level of privacy and security for its users. Over 5,000 business users trust Proton with their data, which is not a number to sneeze at.
Complex security features that extend from encryption, and log-in protection all the way to man-in-the-middle attack prevention speak to the level of detail Proton placed on security. Thanks to its Secure Core and NetShield features, businesses can ensure that phishing and malware are reduced to a minimum. Of course, there are some drawbacks in terms of speed if you simply decide to turn all of the advanced features on. However, if you focus on dedicated IP addresses and dedicated servers, and reserve the advanced features for remote workers coming from higher security risk areas, Proton can be an ideal companion. All in all, Proton makes a strong case for being one of the best solutions in the business VPN market.
Live Proxies was founded in 2020 to fulfill a growing need for proxy servers and IP addresses. These servers enable individuals and businesses to bypass geo-restrictions and scrape data from websites. They help users defy the increasing barriers on the internet.
This proxy provider offers over 10 million IPs across dozens of countries. Users can choose static or residential IP addresses to enjoy unrestricted access to the web. Our Live Proxies review will help you decide if it’s a good choice. It covers essential factors like pricing, customer support, ease of use, and features. Read on to learn about this proxy provider's features, pros, and cons.
Live Proxies: Plans and Pricing
(Image credit: Live Proxies)
Live Proxies offers three types of proxies; Rotating Residential, Static Residential, and Rotating Mobile. Each type has custom pricing, and there’s a separate B2B plan for businesses, which we’ll explore.
Users pay based on location, bandwidth, and number of IPs. For example, Live Proxies charges $70 for 200 U.S.A. IPs with a 4 GB bandwidth allocation for 30 days. However, the same allocation for random IPs (rather than the U.S. alone) costs $45. Extending the U.S.A. plan to 60 days costs $85, and doubling the bandwidth to 8 GB costs $100.
Static residential IPs have a similar pricing structure. Live Proxies charges $65 for 50 U.S.A. IPs with a 4 GB allocation for 30 days. Extending the plan to 8 GB for 45 days costs $110. The higher the bandwidth and subscription length, the more you’ll pay.
Rotating mobile proxies have similar pricing structures depending on location, bandwidth, and subscription length. However, the B2B plan has a simple pricing structure: Businesses pay at least $5,000 monthly to access the entire pool of 10 million+ IP addresses, unlike residential and mobile plans restricted by proxy location.
Live Proxies has a complicated pricing structure the average person might struggle to understand. Its plans are also costly compared to many competitors. We think Live Proxies will do users a favor by simplifying its pricing plans.
Live Proxies: Features
(Image credit: Live Proxies)
Proxy servers are physical internet-connected computers in different locations. You can route your online browsing through them to bypass geo-restrictions and scrape data. Live Proxies offers a broad network of 10 million+ IP addresses, although it’s not as extensive as some rivals. It offers three main types of proxies: rotating, static, and mobile.
Rotating
As the name suggests, rotating IPs “rotate” within specific schedules. You’ll switch to a new proxy IP at a set schedule, e.g., every hour or whenever you start a new browsing session. Live Proxies offers rotating proxies in many regions, although its IP pool is concentrated in the U.S.A., the U.K., and Canada.
Rotating proxies offer better anonymity, as the frequent change makes it difficult for websites to track your online behaviour. Suppose you want to scrape data from a real estate listing site with anti-scraping features. Rotating proxies makes it challenging for the website’s admins to track your usage pattern and detect the proxy. They’ll likely assume the rotating proxies come from different individuals visiting their website.
Better off, Live Proxies offers residential IP addresses from legitimate sources. Device owners around the globe agree to add their IP addresses to Live Proxies’ pool in exchange for benefits. Then, you can use these IP addresses to bypass website restrictions and scrape data.
The drawback is that rotating proxies are slower than static proxies. Frequent rotation increases the likelihood of encountering slow connections, and rotating IPs are more expensive than static IPs.
(Image credit: Live Proxies)
Static
As the name implies, static proxy IPs don’t change. You can use a static IP for as long as your subscription lasts. Live Proxies offers plans ranging from 30 to 60 days. You can choose a static IP from a specific country to bypass geo-restrictions. Suppose you aim to scrape data from a U.S.A.-centric real estate listing website; your best bet is choosing a domestic IP address.
For unclear reasons, most of Live Proxies' static IPs were listed as "sold out" during our test. Only U.S.A.-based static IP addresses were available, which we tested and observed excellent speed and performance. We think Live Proxies will help users by growing its static IP network to guarantee more availability.
Mobile
Mobile proxies are IPs sourced from mobile devices (smartphones and tablets). They have various use cases, such as managing multiple social media accounts without risking restrictions or verifying whether ads are displayed correctly to mobile users. Live Proxies offers reliable mobile proxies, although they’re costly.
B2B
Live Proxies offers a simplified proxy IP plan for businesses. Companies can access the entire pool of 10 million+ proxy IPs across 55 countries for a monthly fee. This plan best suits companies with large proxy needs, such as a price comparison website scraping data from numerous sources.
Live Proxies: Ease of Use
We didn’t observe any hiccups when testing Live Proxies. Its interface is easy to understand, with features neatly arranged on the left side and the main dashboard on the right. The dashboard sports a white background plus a few shades of blue to highlight features. Everything is set up in a way that a layperson can quickly grasp.
(Image credit: Live Proxies )
Customer Support
Live Proxies offers decent customer support, starting with a detailed knowledge base with answers to common issues. If you need further help, you can submit a ticket and expect a response within 48 hours. However, there’s no direct live chat or telephone support.
(Image credit: Live proxies)
Live Proxies: The Competition
Live Proxies performed on par with most rival proxy tools we’ve tested. Its proxy IPs provide excellent speed and performance. The drawback is its limited pool of 10 million IPs across 55 countries, compared to rivals like Oxylabs, which has 102 million IPs across 195 countries and Bright Data, which has 72 million IPs across 195 countries.
Live Proxies: Final Verdict
Live Proxies is one of the best proxy providers in terms of speed and performance. It’s ideal for large-scale data scraping tasks where speed is paramount. It’s also suitable for individual use cases where speed is crucial, e.g., for downloading files. The drawback is that Live Proxies charges higher prices than most rivals.
The OdinLake brand is slowly becoming more popular in the world of professional ergonomic furniture. I've tried their chairs, and within the first few seconds of sitting in their flagship chair, the Ergo Plus 743, I was mind-blown at just how good it was. The OdinLake Electric Standing Desk is no different. Right after building, I was thrilled at how good this desk looked and felt. The desk is sturdy, raises and lowers smoothly, has a decent controller, and the wood desktop is durable and can handle heavy use.
OdinLake S450: Price and Availability
Depending on size and customization, the OdinLake Electric Standing Desk ranges from $449 to $699. OdinLake sells directly from its website. However, they offer frequent discounts and promotions, so make sure that if you pick one of these up, you watch out for that. I chose the wood top, which is unique from all the best standing desks I have reviewed, as it's not just a walnut, oak, maple, etc. This one looks like reclaimed wood, its boards torn apart and put together again, this time as a tabletop. For this variant, the desktop itself is made from MDF wood. However, it still feels quite sturdy and will last.
(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)
OdinLake S450: Unboxing and First Impressions
OdinLake ships their desks in well-packaged boxes that include clear assembly instructions. Each package contains the desktop as a solid piece, the motorized legs, and a control panel. Assembling the desk was straightforward and took only about 30 minutes from start to finish. Initially, I was unsure about the quality since this was the first time I had worked with OdinLake, but once I saw the desk, I was convinced that it was a reputable company. After taking some time to adjust the height settings, trying out the height presets, and setting up a workstation for my team, I am confident in recommending the OdinLake Electric Standing Desk.
(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)
OdinLake S450: Design and Build Quality
Specs
Height Range: 24.2 - 49.8 in| Multiple Sizes: 47x24in, 55x27in, 60x30in Desktop thickness: 1 inch Materials: include wood, maple, or laminate finishes
The OdinLake Electric Standing Desk features an overall minimalistic design. I chose a tabletop with a bolder finish, but the overall aesthetic remains simple and clean. There are no overly complex components or intricate connections, and the controller is straightforward. Currently, one of my team members uses this desk as his everyday workspace, and it has been working great for him, even though he could be more tech-savvy. He needed a simple desk, and this one fits the bill perfectly.
The desk boasts a minimalistic design while incorporating modern aesthetics and features that people expect from a standing desk. After all, no one wants to hand-crank a standing desk—at least, no one I've met. The ability to easily adjust the height and save presets is a great advantage.
The frame is sturdily constructed with a weight capacity of 275 lbs. While I wouldn't recommend jumping on it (given that I weigh around 210 lbs), I have complete confidence that a standard desk setup won't cause any issues. As shown in the photos, my team has a typical setup on this desk, and there have been no problems whatsoever.
Ultimately, that's what matters: reliability. Additionally, the desk includes an anti-collision safety feature that prevents accidents. This ensures that your beloved coffee won't spill onto your equally beloved laptop, whether a small child walks by while the desk is lowering or if the desk accidentally hits your chair.
(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)
OdinLake S450: In use
For day-to-day operations, the OdinLake Electric Standing Desk has been excellent. It seamlessly transitions between sitting and standing, and thanks to the built-in height presets, it makes this easy. If I've learned anything about standing desks, I am much more likely to stand during the day if there is a frictionless way to move from height to height. And, since the OdinLake Electric Standing desk has presets, I find myself wanting to stand more often, and so does my team member who regularly uses this desk since it's as easy as just pressing a button, not holding something while standing and moving your chair out of the way and adjusting.
Another massive benefit to a quality desk is the noise levels when adjusting. This desk is pretty quiet, meaning that if you are in an office space, it won't distract your co-workers, spouse at home, roommates, cat, or creepy neighbor on the other side of your apartment wall.
A huge tip I can offer with standing desks is that grabbing a monitor arm is a game changer if you plan to use a monitor. We even grabbed a laptop arm for this desk to get my team member's laptop off the desk, leaving room for what he needed on the desk and getting the computer up to eye height. Monitor arms aren't super expensive, but they are super beneficial. I'd suggest looking into one or a monitor/desk shelf like one from Balolo, Grovemade, Hexcal, Oakywood, UGMONK, etc. Much like getting a suitable desk, getting the right accessories on that desk is worth it. Just throwing a monitor on the basic arm on a desk works, but getting it to the correct height, with a more minimalist look, is huge, or adding a desk shelf and monitor arm for some storage and desk space is also a considerable step up. Check whatever desk company you are buying from if they have desk shelves and monitor arms that work for you, and if not, make sure to check out some of those companies previously mentioned for some desk shelves.
(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)
OdinLake S450: Final verdict
The OdinLake Standing Desk S450 is an excellent investment for those seeking a high-quality, reliable standing desk. While it carries a premium price tag, its sturdy build, ease of use, and customization options make it a worthwhile choice for professionals and home users alike. My team and I have spent a lot of time with this desk so far, and we have spotted zero issues, even with heavy daily use. So, we can confidently recommend this desk as a solid option.
When I reviewed the Arc A770 and A750, I said that these Alchemist GPUs were impressive first efforts for Intel's Arc range, but not yet at the level that they needed to be to compete with the likes of Nvidia and AMD in discrete graphics.
Well, with the release of the new Intel Arc B580 (2nd-gen Battlemage), there's no doubt that Intel has produced one of the best graphics cards of this generation, and given gamers on a budget an absolute gift just in time for the holidays.
For starters, let's talk about the price of this GPU. At just $249.99 / £249.99 / AU$439, the Arc B580 undercuts both Nvidia's and AMD's budget offerings, the RTX 4060 and RX 7600, while offering substantially better performance, making its value proposition untouchable at this price range.
While I'll dig deeper into the performance in a bit, I'll cut to the chase and point out the simple fact that neither the RTX 4060 nor the RX 7600 can game at 1440p without severely compromising graphics quality. Not only can the B580 perform this feat, it does so brilliantly.
This comes down to some very straightforward spec choices that Intel made with its Battlemage debut that, especially in hindsight, make Nvidia and AMD's respective decisions even more baffling. First, with a VRAM pool of 12GB, the B580 can hold the larger texture files needed for 1440p gaming, whereas the RTX 4060 Ti cannot, due to its 8GB VRAM loadout.
Then there's the B580's wider 192-bit memory interface, compared to the RTX 4060 Ti's and RX 7600 XT's 128-bit. While this might seem like an obscure spec, it's the secret sauce for the B580. This beefier interface allows it to process those larger texture files much faster than its competitors, so this GPU can fully leverage its bigger VRAM pool in a way that Nvidia and AMD's competing cards simply can't, even with larger VRAM configurations.
Boiling all this down, you end up with a budget-class GPU that can get you fast 1440p framerates the likes of which we haven't seen since the RTX 3060 Ti.
Even more impressive, in my mind, is that I did not encounter a single game where there was some kind of quirk or hiccup caused by the driver. With the Arc Alchemist cards last year, there were issues with some games not running well because of inadequate driver support, or a game's reliance on an older version of DirectX that the Alchemist GPUs weren't optimized for. I didn't encounter any of those problems this time around. The Intel graphics team's long, hard work on getting Arc's drivers up to par has definitely paid off.
If there's a criticism I can make of this graphics card, it's that its creative performance isn't as good as Nvidia's. But given the entire creative world's reliance on Nvidia's bespoke CUDA instruction set, neither Intel nor AMD were ever really going to be able to compete here.
Fortunately, the Intel Arc B580 is a graphics card for gaming, and for any gamer looking to play at 1440p resolution on the cheap, the B580 is really the only graphics card that can do it, making it the only GPU you should be considering at this price point.
Intel Arc B580: Price & availability
(Image credit: Future / John Loeffler)
The Intel Arc B580 is available in the US, UK, and Australia, and has been from December 13, 2024, starting at $249.99, £249.99, and AU$439 respectively. Third-party graphics card partners like Acer, ASRock, and others will have their own variants of the B580, and their prices may be higher, depending on the card.
The closest competition for the Arc B580 in terms of price are the Nvidia RTX 4060 and AMD RX 7600, both of which have a $20-$50 higher MSRP. And while Nvidia and AMD are preparing to roll out their next-gen graphics cards starting next month, it will still be a few months after the initial flagship launches before either company's budget offerings are announced. So, the B580 is the only current-gen GPU available for under $250 / £250 / AU$450 at the moment, and will likely remain so for many months to come.
Value: 5/5
Intel Arc B580: Specifications
(Image credit: Future / John Loeffler)
Intel Arc B580: Architecture & features
(Image credit: Future / John Loeffler)
The Intel Arc B580 is the first discrete GPU from Intel based on its new Xe2 graphics architecture, codenamed Battlemage, and there are a lot of low-level changes over the previous-gen Intel Arc Alchemist. Many of these are small tweaks to the architectural design, such as the move from SIMD32 to SIMD16 instructions, but when taken together, all of these small changes add up to a major overhaul of the GPU.
That, in addition to using TSMC's 5nm process, means that even though the GPU itself has become physically smaller in just about every measure, it's much more powerful.
The B580 has a roughly 17% reduction in compute units from the Arc A580 and about 10% fewer transistors, but Intel says that its various architectural changes produce about 70% better performance per compute unit (or Xe core, as Intel calls it). I haven't tested or reviewed the Intel Arc A580, so I can't say for certain if that claim holds up, but there has definitely been a major performance gain gen-on-gen based on my experience with the higher-end Arc Alchemist cards. We also can't ignore the substantially faster boost clock of 2,850MHz, up from 1,700MHz for the A580.
Outside of the GPU architecture, there is also a smaller memory bus, with the A580's 256-bit interface dropping down to 192-bit for the B580, but the B580 features a 50% increase in its video memory pool, as well as a faster memory clock.
Specs & features: 4.5 / 5
Intel Arc B580: Design
(Image credit: Future / John Loeffler)
The Intel Arc B580 Limited Edition reference card is what you'd call the 'base' version of this GPU, but don't call it basic.
Despite its all-black-with-white-accent-lettering appearance, this is a good-looking graphics card, much like the initial Arc Alchemist GPUs before it, thanks to its matte, textured black shroud, dual-fan cooling, and rather understated aesthetic.
In a PC component world full of ostentatious, overly aggressive and flashy designs, there is something almost respectable about a graphics card in 2024 that presents itself without gimmicks, almost daring you to underestimate its capabilities due to its lack of RGB.
That said, there is one noticeable difference with this graphics card's design: the open 'window' over the internal heatsink to help with airflow and cooling. Unfortunately, the HWInfo64 utility I use to measure temperature and power draw for the GPUs I review couldn't read the Arc B580 during testing, so I can't tell you how much of a difference this window makes compared to something like the Intel Arc A750—but it certainly won't hurt its thermals.
Beyond that, the card also sports a single 8-pin power connector, in keeping with its 190W TBP, so you can pretty much guarantee that if you already have a discrete GPU in your system, you'll have the available power cables from your PSU required to use this GPU.
It's also not a very large graphics card, though it is larger than some RTX 4060 and RX 7600 GPUs (it's about 10.7-inches / 272mm), though third-party variants might be more compact. In any case, it's a dual-slot card, so it'll fit in place as an upgrade for just about any graphics card you have in your PC currently.
Design: 4.5 / 5
Intel Arc B580: Performance
(Image credit: Future / John Loeffler)
OK, so now we come to why I am absolutely in love with this graphics card: performance.
Unfortunately, I don't have an Intel Arc A580 card on hand to compare this GPU to, so I can't directly measure how the B580 stacks up to its predecessor. But I can compare the B580 to its current competition, as well as the Intel Arc A750, which prior to this release was selling at, or somewhat below, the price of this graphics card, and has comparable specs.
In terms of pure synthetic performance, the Arc B580 comes in second to the Nvidia RTX 4060 Ti, performing about 10% slower overall. That said, there were some tests, like 3DMark Fire Strike Ultra, Wild Life Extreme (and Wild Life Extreme Unlimited), and Time Spy Extreme where the extra VRAM allowed the Arc B580 to pull ahead of the much more expensive Nvidia RTX 4060 Ti. The Arc B580 did manage to outperform the RTX 4060 by about 12%, however.
Creative workloads aren't the Arc B580's strongest area, with Nvidia's RTX 4060 and RTX 4060 Ti performing substantially better. This might change once PugetBench for Creators Photoshop benchmark gets updated however, as it crashed during every single test I ran, regardless of which graphics card I was using.
Notably, the Intel Arc B580 encoded 4K video to 1080p at a faster rate using Intel's H.264 codec in Handbrake 1.61 than all of the other cards tested using Nvidia or AMD's H.264 options, so this is something for game streamers to consider if they're looking for a card to process their video on the fly.
But what really matters with this GPU is gaming, and if you compare this graphics card's 1080p performance to the competition, you'll have to go with the nearly 40% more expensive Nvidia RTX 4060 Ti in order to beat it, and it's not a crushing defeat for Intel. While I found the Arc B580 is about 17% slower than the RTX 4060 Ti on average at 1080p (with no ray tracing or upscaling), it's still hitting 82 FPS on average overall and actually has a slightly higher minimum/1% FPS performance of just under 60 FPS.
The AMD RX 7600 XT, Intel Arc A750, and Nvidia RTX 4060 don't even come close to reaching these kinds of numbers, with the Arc B580 scoring a roughly 30% faster average 1080p FPS and an incredible 52% faster minimum/1% FPS advantage over the Nvidia RTX 4060, which comes in a very distant third place among the five GPUs being tested. All in all, it's an impressive performance from the Intel Battlemage graphics card.
Also worth noting is that the Intel Arc B580's ray-tracing performance is noticeably better than AMD's, and not that far behind Nvidia's, though its upscaling performance lags a bit behind AMD and Nvidia at 1080p.
Even more impressive, though, is this card's 1440p performance.
Typically, if you're going to buy any 1440p GPU, not even the best 1440p graphics card, you should expect to pay at least $400-$500 (about £320-£400 / AU$600-AU$750). And to really qualify as a 1440p GPU, you need to hit an average of 60 FPS overall, with an average FPS floor of about 40 FPS. Anything less than that, and you're going to have an uneven experience game-to-game.
In this regard, the only two graphics cards I tested that qualify are the Nvidia RTX 4060 Ti and the Intel Arc B580, and they are very close to each other in terms of 1440p performance. (I can give an honorable mention to the Nvidia RTX 4060, which almost got there, but not quite).
While Nvidia has certain built-in advantages owing to its status as the premiere GPU brand (so pretty much any game is optimized for Nvidia hardware by default), at 1440p it only barely ekes out a win over the Intel Arc B580. And that's ultimately down to its stronger native ray-tracing performance—a scenario which pretty much no one opts for. If you're going to use ray tracing, you're going to use upscaling, and in that situation, the RTX 4060 Ti and Arc B580 are effectively tied at 1440p.
And this 1440p performance in particular is why I'm so enthusiastic about this graphics card. While this is the performance section of the review, I can't help but talk about the value that this card represents for gamers—especially the growing number of 1440p-aspiring gamers out there.
Prior to the Intel Arc B580, gaming at 1440p—which is the PC gaming sweet spot; believe me, I've extensively tested nearly every GPU of the past four years at 1440p—was something reserved for the petit bourgeois of PC gamers. These are the folks not rich enough to really go in for the best 4K graphics cards, but they've got enough money to buy a 1440p monitor and a graphics card powerful enough to drive it.
This used to mean something approaching a grand just for these two items alone, locking a lot of gamers into incremental 1080p advances for two successive generations. No more.
Now, with an entry-level 1440p monitor coming in under $300 /£300 / AU$450, it's entirely possible to upgrade your rig for 1440p gaming for about $500 / £500 / AU$750 with this specific graphics card (and only this graphics card), which is absolutely doable for a hell of a lot of gamers out there who are still languishing at 1080p.
Ultimately, this, more than anything, raises the Intel Arc B580 into S-Tier for me, even though Nvidia's $399.99 RTX 4060 Ti GPU gets slightly better performance. The Nvidia RTX 4060 Ti just doesn't offer this kind of value for the vast majority of gamers out there, and even with its improved performance since its launch, the 4060 Ti is still very hard to recommend.
The Nvidia RTX 4060, meanwhile, can't keep up with the B580 despite being 20% more expensive. And with the AMD RX 7600 XT, laden with its $329.99 MSRP (about £250 / AU$480 RRP), falling noticeably behind the B580, the RX 7600 (which I haven't had a chance to retest yet) doesn't stand a chance (and has a slightly more expensive MSRP).
And, it has to be emphasized, I experienced none of the driver issues with the Intel Arc B580 that I did when I originally reviewed the Intel Arc A750 and Arc A770. Every game I tested ran perfectly well, even if something like Black Myth Wukong ran much better on the two Nvidia cards than it did on Intel's GPUs. Tweak some settings and you'll be good to go.
This was something that just wasn't the case with the previous-gen Arc graphics cards at launch, and it truly held Intel back at the time. In one of my Intel Arc Alchemist reviews, I compared that generation of graphics cards to fantastic journeyman efforts that were good, but maybe not ready to be put out on the show floor. No more. Intel has absolutely graduated to full GPU maker status, and has done so with a card more affordable than the cheapest graphics cards its competition has to offer.
Simply put, for a lot of cash-strapped gamers out there, the Intel Arc B580's performance at this price is nothing short of a miracle, and it makes me question how Intel of all companies was able to pull this off while AMD and Nvidia have not.
Even if you don't buy an Intel Arc B580, give Intel its due for introducing this kind of competition into the graphics card market. If Intel can keep this up for the B570, and hopefully the B770 and B750, then Nvidia and AMD will have no choice but to rein in their price inflation with the next-gen cards they plan to offer next year, making it a win-win for every gamer looking to upgrade.
Performance: 4.5 / 5
Intel Arc B580: Should you buy it?
(Image credit: Future / John Loeffler)
Buy the Intel Arc B580 if...
You want an extremely affordable 1440p graphics card A 1440p graphics card can be quite expensive, but the Intel Arc B580 is incredibly affordable.
You're looking for great gaming performance The Intel Arc B580 delivers incredible framerates for the price.
Don't buy it if...
You're looking for a budget creative GPU While the B580 isn't terrible, if you're looking for a GPU for creative work, there are better cards out there.
You want a cheap GPU for AI workloads The Intel Arc B580 might have dedicated AI hardware, but it still lags behind Nvidia by a good amount.
Also consider
Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 The Nvidia RTX 4060 is a better option for a lot of creative tasks on a budget, though its gaming performance isn't as strong despite the higher price.
Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 Ti If you want a strong 1080p and 1440p gaming GPU, but also need some muscle for creative or machine learning/AI workloads, this card is what you'll want, so long as you're willing to pay the extra premium in the price.
Over the course of about three weeks, I used the Intel Arc B580 as my primary workstation GPU when I wasn't actively benchmarking it.
This included using the graphics card for various creative workloads like Adobe Photoshop and light video encoding work.
I also used the B580 for some in-depth game testing, including titles like Black Myth Wukong, Satisfactory, and other recently released games.
I've been doing graphics card reviews for TechRadar for more than two years now, and I've done extensive GPU testing previous to that on a personal basis as a lifelong PC gamer. In addition, my computer science coursework for my Master's degree utilized GPUs very heavily for machine learning and other computational workloads, and as a result, I know my way around every aspect of a GPU. As such, you can rest assured that my testing process is both thorough and sound.
The Lenovo ThinkPad X12 Detachable Gen 2 is Lenovo's answer to the Microsoft Surface, perhaps even the Microsoft Surface Pro. Regardless, Lenovo has positioned this 12.3-inch detachable computer as a fantastic choice for business users who need a lightweight and durable device.
The ThinkPad line-up has been a favorite of many for years, and the X12 Detachable Gen 2 has potential to be great. But how does this sleek two-in-one compare to the best business laptops around? I put it to the test.
Lenovo ThinkPad X12 Detachable Gen 2: Price and Availability
The Lenovo ThinkPad X12 Detachable starts at $1,430 but can easily cross $2,000 once you start upgrading elements of the computer. The best place to grab this device would be through Lenovo or any other partner. However, you can frequently find them for sale at other computer retailers. One great benefit to the pricing on this model is that the keyboard and precision pen are included in the order.
(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)
Lenovo ThinkPad X12 Detachable Gen 2: Unboxing and First Impressions
Lenovo's ThinkPad X12 Detachable Gen 2 comes in fairly minimalist packaging, including the detachable keyboard and precision pen, packaged separately from the slab of glass that is the ThinkPad X12 Gen 2. Right off the bat, especially with the keyboard detached, the computer feels incredibly light and minimalist. At first glance, believing it's a fully-baked computer can be challenging. However, I noticed all of the iconic ThinkPad aesthetics and realized this was just a detachable ThinkPad computer.
The keyboard attaches easily, and the precision pen has a lovely home to store it when not in use. Everything feels like it intentionally goes together, though as a heavy iPad user, it feels silly not to magnetically attach the pen to the top of the device, much like I do on my iPads.
The kickstand on the back of the computer works well. It's the same as I have seen on other and similar devices.
(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)
Lenovo ThinkPad X12 Detachable Gen 2: Design and Build Quality
Specs
CPU: Intel Core Ultra 5/7 RAM: Up to 32GB Storage: Up to 1TB SSD Screen: 12.3-inch FHD+ IPS touchscreen with Gorilla Glass protection Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, optional LTE
The Lenovo ThinkPad X12 Detachable Gen 2 has a Magnesium-aluminum body with a sleek matte black finish across the entire device case. Lenovo has an excellent build quality with this device, and even though the keyboard may pop off easily if not magnetically holding to the screen while folded up in clamshell, the device boasts the MIL-STD 810H standard. It is an excellent piece of mind for a computer that is this easy to carry around and used to have this level of durability and rigidity.
As briefly mentioned, the ThinkPad X12 Detachable Gen 2 is a detachable computer, meaning it's a slab, much like a tablet, with a keyboard that can be magnetically attached to operate more like a computer. This keyboard features a Trackpoint and backlighting in addition to a standard trackpad.
One thing worth noting is that while this device can look and feel and even be described much like an iPad with a Magic Keyboard, an Android tablet with a Bluetooth keyboard case, or similar, this is very much a full-blown computer; it just has a different form factor than a standard laptop (or even the best ThinkPad laptops).
(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)
Lenovo ThinkPad X12 Detachable Gen 2: In use
Laptops have become commonplace in our day-to-day lives. Laptops in 2024 have a near-perfect balance between impressive power and portability. However, modularity has yet to be perfected, where a device can be multiple. It's still commonplace to see people with tablets, computers, laptops, and desktops, especially in the professional world.
What the Lenovo ThinkPad X12 Detachable Gen 2 is attempting to do is to create the perfect all-in-one device. And while it's not ideal, it's heading in the right direction. I like having a laptop and a tablet separate. But this is an excellent option for those looking for that all-in-one design. I don't love the kickstand, though I understand why it's there.
Additionally, I don't love the flimsy feeling of a keyboard, but then again, I'm coming from a place where my everyday driver is a classic laptop where the screen is thin, and the bulk of the computer comes from under the keyboard; this design changes that and puts the bulk under the display.
(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)
Performance-wise, the X12 Detachable Gen 2 is good but could be better. It works well for basic productivity but then struggles with intensive tasks, plus the battery is not as good as I can get in a "comparable" laptop.
I stand with this device because if you are looking for a quality device that can act as both a tablet and a laptop, Lenovo's ThinkPad X12 Detachable Gen 2 is worth considering. However, if you are looking for a productivity laptop, something other than this might fit you. And, if you're looking for a tablet, this is not what you're looking for.
(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)
Lenovo ThinkPad X12 Detachable Gen 2: Final verdict
The ThinkPad X12 Detachable Gen 2 scores high in durability and design but falters in performance and battery life. While a compelling choice for ThinkPad enthusiasts, other options may provide better value for performance-focused users. Right now, these 2-in-1 machines feel like they are a decent computer and a decent tablet rather than a great version of either of those two things.
The Blink Outdoor 4 is an outdoor-intended camera that offers weather resistance and a simple, easily fixed square design that's perfect for placing up in the corner of a roof or sitting on a windowsill. Its best feature is a phenomenal two-year battery life, powered by two easily replaceable AA batteries – though if you really want, the camera can be powered via a USB-C connection.
Available for $99 / £92.24 / AU$149, this outdoor, battery-powered camera may be attractive just for its low cost. Blink is Amazon’s budget home security brand, and unlike its premium brand Ring, Blink is focused on affordability. Still, the camera works quite well and has a worthwhile range of features. With the included Sync Module 2, offline video capture and storage can be facilitated, provided you have a USB-A device connected (below 256GB).
Aside from this offline solution, you may instead wish to subscribe to one of Blink’s paid memberships, which offer additional features like unlimited 60-day cloud storage and photo capture. However, for most of my time with the Blink Outdoor 4, I used the free subscription with the Sync Module 2, and found it to be a perfectly fine experience.
Setting up the Blink Outdoor 4 was extremely easy. Everything happens through the Blink app for Android and Apple handsets, where you’re prompted to set up an account (you can link to your Amazon account in the app). Pairing your Outdoor 4 with your Sync Module comes next – and as long as they’re both on the same Wi-Fi network, everything works seamlessly. You can place the Sync Module 2 anywhere in your home provided it has power.
After setup, I could check-in on the camera at any time through an always-online live feed. This offers decent (if a bit grainy and motion blurry) 1080p stream, along with two-way audio with sound quality that isn’t terrible, but isn’t the clearest either. Motion-triggered notifications are available with all three subscriptions, but motion event recording, live view recording and person detection are restricted to paid subscriptions.
Motion detection is reliable and you are given the option to turn up the sensitivity in the settings (you can even adjust retrigger time between events). Person detection is serviceable and I generally didn’t have any problems with it, testing it both inside and out.
On the hardware side, the Blink Outdoor 4 is easily mounted on the outside of a home with the included bracket, and its IP65 rating gives it a fair amount of resistance to the elements. A basic mounting kit and power adapter is included in the box, but I’ve happily had the Outdoor 4 sitting on my windowsill over the past couple of months with no mount attached.
Adjusting privacy zones in the app is easy, but selection is limited to an array of rectangular zones on the display (privacy zones will be completely greyed out). The same goes for setting activity zones, though you are given slightly more depth of customization with this setting.
In terms of quality, you may be left unimpressed with the Blink Outdoor 4 if you’re after a replacement for a premium outdoor camera from Ring or Eufy. The 1080p resolution is perfectly fine for a first time home camera, but it’s no premium device. Selecting the ‘best picture quality’ setting will resolve some issues with moving object blur, but you may still find it a bit too grainy. Improving the video quality does reduce battery life. It may be unattractive to you if you already have a robust security system, and it's more intended as a first-time device.
Overall, you’ll be impressed with the Blink Outdoor 4 if you’re after a cheap and reliable battery-powered camera for outdoor or indoor use. It’s not the best security camera on the market but it’s a good entry-level pick for a security-minded homebody. Check out our article on the best home security cameras if you’re shopping for an alternative.
Blink Outdoor 4: price and availability
(Image credit: Zachariah Kelly / TechRadar)
List price: $99 / £92.24 / AU$149
Availability: US, UK, and Australia
Release date: November 2023 (October 2024 in Australia)
The Blink Outdoor 4 is available at quite a low price when compared to other home security cameras, but it’s designed to be an affordable solution. It's been available in the US and UK since November 2023, but only made its way to Australia (along with the Blink brand) in October 2024.
Directly compared to its predecessor, the Outdoor 3, the Outdoor 4 sports a slightly wider field of view (143 degrees versus 110), upgraded night infrared vision, better motion detection, dual-zone motion alerts and person detection. Additional purchases for things such as mounts may be required depending on where you want to place the Outdoor 4 in your home.
Being able to store all footage locally is a huge plus, but note that you’ll need to use the included Sync Module 2 and your own USB-A storage device (up to 256GB). Stored footage can be viewed through the Blink app.
Value score: 4 / 5
Blink Outdoor 4 subscription offers
(Image credit: Zachariah Kelly / TechRadar)
Blink has two subscription tiers to choose from, both offering unlimited recording cloud storage for up to 60 days. Monthly or yearly billing is available.
Blink Basic: $3p/m | £2.50p/m | AU$4.95p/m
Blink Plus: $10p/m | £8p/m | AU$15p/m
Blink Basic includes support for one device, motion event recording, live view recording, automatic local storage backups, instant video access, video sharing, person detection and photo capture. Blink Plus includes all Basic features, along with unlimited device inclusion, moments capture, notification snoozing and 10% off Blink devices.
Blink Outdoor 4: specifications
Blink Outdoor 4: design and features
(Image credit: Zachariah Kelly / TechRadar)
Easy setup
No privacy cover
No remote control capabilities
Setup for the Blink Outdoor 4 couldn’t be more simple. After slotting in the batteries, all I had to do was download the app, scan the barcode on the back of the device, and follow the prompted steps. Setup for the Sync Module 2 is similarly simple.
The Blink Outdoor 4 is only available in Black, and though a basic mounting kit is included in the box, you can get by with just sitting the Outdoor 4 on a flat surface. There’s no motorized movement, meaning you’ll need to make any position adjustments by hand.
The basic mounting kit can be screwed into the wall or ceiling, but note that you’ll likely want it to be within easy reach to replace the batteries. There’s no privacy cover and no ability to simply cut recording unless you physically remove the batteries.
Setting privacy zones is easy enough, but you may be left underwhelmed by the lack of customization. Zones can only be created as collections of rectangles, as can activity zones (though activity zones are given slightly smaller rectangles to modify, allowing for greater coverage control). If you so wish, you can disable video recording or disable the audio connection.
Design and features score: 4/5
Blink Outdoor 4: performance
(Image credit: Zachariah Kelly / TechRadar)
Two years of battery life
Some lag and pixelization
Can be positioned almost anywhere
I reviewed the Blink Outdoor 4 in two different positions – sitting atop my lounge room shelves (keeping an eye on the room) and sitting on the windowsill (keeping an eye on my front door/lawn). In these spots, I tried out all the different recording qualities and, predictably, was most satisfied with the highest quality selection. Two years of battery life is quite a long time to begin with, so I’m not too worried about running the device flat too quickly.
Accessing these settings is easy. Go to the app, then tap the three dots displayed in the corner of the camera’s view, then click device settings. If you have multiple devices set up, you may want to tap the settings icon in the bottom right corner, then access Device and System Settings, then tap the ‘System’ you want to edit, followed by ‘All Devices’, then the camera you want to modify.
All of the video quality options are quite acceptable for the price. Graininess and blurred movements are fine at this end of the market, and ultimately the quality was never so insufficient that the camera was unusable. The camera is set to ‘Standard’ mode out of the box, with lower quality ‘Saver’ mode and ‘Best’ also available. Night vision was also sufficiently capable, but it’s not presented in colour, owing to the lack of an LED light on the device.
(Image credit: Zachariah Kelly / Future)
Audio quality was fine and is most comparable to a standard intercom buzzer for an apartment. Back and forth communication is easy with microphones and speakers on both ends (on the camera and on your smartphone), but Ring fans may find it lower quality than what they’re used to. Motion sensitivity was fine, and for the duration of my review, I had it set to the default setting of five. I could turn the sensitivity up if I wished, but I found no need.
It’d be nice if the Blink Outdoor 4 had the option to view footage on a browser or computer, or any device without the smartphone app. Being limited to your small phone screen for your home security is disappointing, so hopefully this is changed at some point.
Finally, obviously the two year battery life is an estimation provided by Amazon. Unfortunately I’m not a time traveller, so I can’t provide a good estimation of my own on this – though over my two months of use, it hasn’t had any battery issues (the battery is still reportedly ‘OK’ in the app with no percentage offered). Most of my use was inside however, so I could have easily gotten by with USB-C delivered power.
Performance score: 3.5/5
Should I buy the Blink Outdoor 4?
Buy it if…
You want a security camera that saves locally
Though you have to bring your own storage device, the included Sync Module 2 allows you to store footage for ready access.View Deal
You want to save money
The Blink Outdoor 4 is built to save you money and you get decent value with what’s on offer.View Deal
You want a long battery life, wireless camera
Two years of battery life with two AA batteries is nothing to balk at!View Deal
Don't buy it if...
You already have a robust home security system
The Blink Outdoor 4 isn’t compatible with anything outside of the Blink ecosystem (apart from access through Alexa). It doesn’t mix with Ring, despite being owned by the same company.View Deal
You want the highest quality footage
Recording at a maximum of 1080p, the Blink Outdoor 4 doesn’t shoot the highest quality footage, and you may find videos grainy and blurry at times.View Deal
You dislike using apps only
Though the Blink camera app is quite well designed, you can’t currently access your camera system through a computer app or browser, meaning you’re limited to a smartphone or tablet display when previewing footage.View Deal
Blink Outdoor 4: also consider
Blink Mini 2
A sibling to the Outdoor 4, the Mini 2 is a wired-only alternative, capable of shooting in the same resolution and sold at a cheaper price point. It might be more attractive if you intend to place the device indoors, but setting it up outside will require extra handiwork. Read our Blink Mini 2 review.View Deal
Arlo Ultra 2
Shooting at up to 4K and offering HDR night vision, the Arlo Ultra 2 is a more premium wireless outdoor camera than the Outdoor 4. That being said, its six month battery life is nothing compared to the Outdoor 4’s two years of charge, and it’s considerably more expensive. Read our Arlo Ultra 2 review.View Deal
How I tested the Blink Outdoor 4
Tested it over two months in my home
Assessed the device on sound and video quality
Set it up in several different spots in several different configurations
From the moment I received the Blink Outdoor 4, I got to work testing it. I put it through its paces as a casual device, not putting it into a hardcore testing environment and instead treating it as something I would use in my own home.
For most of my review period, the Outdoor 4 was positioned at the top of my shelves, looking over my lounge room. It was given a decently lit and sized room to allow for motion and person capture, and I was given the ability to test privacy and activity zoning with a lot of freedom.
I tested audio quality by giving the camera to a friend and going to the next room, allowing us to have a conversation over the two devices. I frequently checked the camera through the app and would use it to make sure I closed my front door.
I assessed the Blink Outdoor 4 as a first time device, as somebody who has never had a home security camera.
Functions: Print, scan, copy, mobile fax (send only)
Connectivity: USB, Wi-Fi
Data storage slots: none
Print speed: 15ppm (mono)
Max paper size: Letter/A4
Max print quality: 4,800 x 1,200 dpi
Memory: 128MB
Apple AirPrint: yes
Consumables included: 5 x 80ml ink bottles (8,000 color or 6,000 black pages)
Dimensions/Weight: 723 x 435 x 285 mm (WxDxH)/71.4lb/32.4kg
The HP Smart Tank 7001 (or 7005 in the UK and Europe) is a refillable inkjet aimed at the home or the office. It’s a neat desktop design with enough room for 250 sheets of Letter paper in its protruding tray and a Letter-sized scanner bed on top. Self-healing dual-band wi-fi and Bluetooth are built in and it can auto-duplex, but there’s no multipurpose input tray and no touchscreen.
If that seems mean for a printer costing around US$260 (£230), remember that this is a supertank, so you’ll save money on ink in the long term and there’s a generous amount of ink in the box. But Smart Tank makes up a relatively small part of HP’s printer line-up so let’s see how it compares to the best ink tank printers, from MegaTanks to EcoTanks, currently crowding the market.
HP Smart Tank 7001: Design and build
(Image credit: HP)
The HP Smart Tank 7001 (let's stick with the US name now) looks pretty sharp with its crisp lines, light basalt livery and seamlessly integrated ink tanks. It’s only a pity the paper tray sticks out at the front like that, because it makes the footprint larger than that of its two nearest rivals, the Canon PIXMA G3270 and Epson EcoTank ET-2850. But being larger, does enable it to hold more paper. With room for 250 sheets of Letter, or A4 paper instead of the 100-sheet capacity of its peers, it could serve an office more efficiently. The four ink reservoirs are about the same size as those of the Canon and Epson, holding 70ml of each colored ink and 135ml of black. That’s enough to keep you printing for two years, according to HP in the US. In the UK, HP says three years because there’s one extra bottle in the box, so I’ll take both claims with a very large pinch of salt. Clear plastic windows into these tanks make it easy to check your levels at a glance, which is important because running out of ink can allow problematic air bubbles into the system. The tiny two-line display is not backlit, so it’s harder to see, as are the small black buttons of the up-facing control panel.
The plastic casing and the various plastic flaps all feel rather flimsy, especially the scanner cover. The glass scanner platen is also Letter-sized, offering a more satisfactory way to scan documents than a phone camera. There’s a connection at the back for a USB data cable, but no front USB Host port and no Ethernet port. Lift up the scanner and you’ll see the lids of the four ink tanks and the two moving printheads. Unlike Epson and Canon’s printers, these print heads are replaceable, which could be an advantage.
HP Smart Tank 7001: Features & specifications
(Image credit: HP)
Compared to the best all-in-one printers at this price point, the features list might look a little thin, but remember that this is a supertank so you’re benefiting from the low running cost and plentiful inbox ink. There’s no touchscreen, for example, no USB Host port, no ADF (automatic document feed), no NFC and no multipurpose input. It’s a similar story with Epson and Canon’s entry-level ink tanks. It does come with dual-band wi-fi with Apple AirPrint compatibility and a scanner. It does not possess an inbuilt fax modem, but it can receive and print a fax by using the HP Smart app to harness your smartphone. If you want to send a fax, you’ll need to step up to the $400 HP Smart Tank 7602, which also sports an ADF.
One thing the HP Smart Tank 7001 does offer over and above the competition is Bluetooth, which I found to be a real advantage during the initial setup procedure.
HP Smart Tank 7001: Setup and operation
(Image credit: HP)
The setup process for the HP Smart Tank 7001 is similar to any new inkjet, except for two extra steps. You have to pour your ink from bottles into the tanks and attach the two printheads. The easiest way to get started is to download HP’s companion app called HP Smart and use that to get your printer onto your local wi-fi network. Making a wi-fi connection with a new printer always feels like it’s in the hands of the gods, but Bluetooth connecting is more reliable. Letting your smartphone then share your wi-fi details saves you from having to type in the password, something that would take ages using the printer’s primitive non-touchscreen display.
Pouring ink into the tanks is not too fiddly, but neither is it completely fool-proof, as it is with Canon and Epson’s systems. I’ve read user reviews where new owners have spilled ink and even poured it into the wrong tank, so be careful! I found that pouring in three quarters of each bottle was not enough to satisfy the HP’s sensors. Unlike Canon and Epson, you need to fill to the brim to proceed with setup. The only disadvantage of a ink tank printer is that transporting them when the tanks are full is a potential hazard.
In operation, the HP Smart Tank 7001 is fine, although there’s no denying that it would be easier with a touchscreen interface. The two-line display is not easy to see. HP are probably assuming that we’ll all be using the app on our smartphones and laptops to control the printer and to be fair, that is the best way to do it. HP Smart works equally well on iOS, Android, Windows, Mac and Chrome. The only problems I encountered were paper jams, or to be precise, the printer’s failure to turn pages in order to print the other side when auto duplexing. This happened any time the paper in the tray was less than perfectly flat.
HP Smart Tank 7001: Performance
(Image credit: HP)
The HP Smart Tank 7001 performed some tasks well, and others poorly. Consecutive pages of text appear at a rapid and reliable rate of 15 per minute in simplex mode and the characters look black and bold with no overrun. At point size four, everything is still legible and whenever I try to smudge the print with my thumb as the pages emerge, the pigment ink is already set and smudge resistant. The same is true in draft mode. The print is just slightly paler and less sharp, but still acceptable. The problem comes when auto duplexing as any slight crease in the paper prevents the printer from turning the page successfully. After printing one side, the paper is thrust out and drawn back in ready to turn, except that it cannot seem to align the paper in order to pull it all the way in. You can play tug of war with the stricken page until it’s aligned correctly, but most of the time the printer gives up and flashes an error message instead. From trawling user reviews, I can see I’m not the only one to experience this problem.
In simplex mode, the HP printed successfully on a range of paper stock, from 4” x 6” glossy photo paper to card up to 200g/m2 in weight. That’s not actually very thick and the fact that its rivals can handle 300g/m2 card suggests that the HP just isn’t very good at handling paper. Printing in color shows how vibrant HP’s ink is. Color documents really catch the eye with their bright reds and blues. With photos on photo paper, the colors look a little too bright making them feel unrealistic. So, while photos are initially quite pleasing for their strong detail and bold colors, they don’t stack up against photos from a dedicated photo printer.
The scanner worked flawlessly despite the disconcerting way its light flashes the whole time the scanner lid is open. You can hit the copy button on the machine or scan using the HP Smart app where you have the option of choosing the number of copies and to reduce or enlarge them. The scan resolution is 1,200dpi and the duplicates look almost as sharp and only slightly paler than the original.
HP Smart Tank 7001: Consumables
(Image credit: HP)
HP’s bottled ink is around 80 percent cheaper than its cartridge ink, but it’s essentially the same stuff. In this case, the three colors, cyan, magenta and yellow are dye-based while black is a pigment. That’s quite common with office inkjets where a pigment black, which is more resistant to smudging and fading, works best for black and white text handouts, while dyes are better suited to color images.
There are five or six ink bottles in the box depending on where you purchased the printer. The 135-ml bottle of black ink (HP 32XL) yields 6,000 monochrome pages, while the three 70ml bottles of C/M/Y should yield 8,000 color pages. That’s an order of magnitude more than the ink in one of HP’s inkjet cartridges.
HP Smart Tank 7001: Maintenance
Just like any of the best inkjet printers, ink tank printers don’t like being left unused for long periods because the liquid ink dries on the printhead, clogging the nozzles. To clean it you can usually just run a printhead cleaning cycle or two, and because bottled ink is relatively cheap, that’s less of a problem for supertanks. This printer is somewhat unusual in having two replaceable printheads, one black and one tricolor. Assuming this doesn’t mean they are prone to failing, it suggests that the printer’s operational life can be extended by simply buying new print heads, which are reasonably priced.
HP Smart Tank 7001: Final verdict
(Image credit: HP)
Supertank printers often appear overpriced because we’re used to cartridge-based inkjets being subsidized by the inflated cost of their cartridges, but that razor-and-blades business model does not apply here. Comparing the HP Smart Tank 7001/7005 with other supertanks suggests that it’s pretty fair value. There’s no touchscreen display, no NFC, no ADF and only one input, but it does have other features. There’s a decent Letter-sized scanner and strong wireless connectivity with dual-band wi-fi and Bluetooth. The 250-sheet paper capacity beats its nearest supertank rivals and there’s a useful amount of bottled ink in the box.
It prints both monochrome and color documents well and fairly quickly too, but it’s not great with photographs, which look a bit garish. And it’s not great at handling paper stock. The 200g/m2 card limitation is very light and the trouble it had during the test in turning over imperfect sheets of paper while duplexing is a concern. There’s no doubt HP’s bottled ink printer offers better value than a comparable cartridge-bound HP, but it faces strong competition from other supertanks by Canon and Epson. Canon’s equivalent offers better photo quality, while Epson beats HP on overall performance. However, with its higher paper capacity and faster print speed, the HP Smart Tank 7001/7005 is better qualified for an office job.
Find a unit for the home and office in our round-up of the best home printers around.
The Precision 5690 is considered a flagship in Dell's Mobile Workstation line-up, and for good reason. And like all the best mobile workstations we've reviewed, this heavy-duty laptop caters to professionals who need the extra power, even at the cost. These individuals who need this kind of computer need exceptional portable computing power. The Precision 5690 boasts the latest Intel Meteor Lake processors, AI integration, NVIDIA's Ada-generation GPU, and a fantastic build quality, making it a highly versatile tool for even the most demanding tasks. Granted, it does take some design inspiration from the ever-popular Dell XPS range and some from the competitors at Apple; the Precision 5690 stands tall as a fantastic contender for serious productivity and workload.
Dell Precision 5690: Price and Availability
The base model costs around $2,300 and includes an Intel Core Ultra 5, integrated graphics, and an FHD+ non-touch display. Our test model is spec'd out with an Intel Core Ultra 9 185H 2.5GHz processor with 64GB of RAM, Windows 11 Pro, an NVIDIA RTX 5000 Ada Generation GPU, 4TB of internal storage, and a 4K OLED display. This test model comes in around $6,500.
(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)
Dell Precision 5690: Unboxing and First Impressions
Though this computer is quite robust in power, the packaging for the Dell Precision 5690 is humble. Its minimalistic approach reflects Dell's commitment to sustainability with recycled materials. Within the product box are the laptop, a 165W USB-C Charger, a USB-C to USB-A dongle, and some protective papers ensuring the computer makes it to you without a scratch. From the moment I took the protective sleeve off, I loved the anodized aluminum chassis. It looks premium and feels like it can be used daily and shouldn't get destroyed. it's right up there with the best business laptops I've tried.
(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)
Dell Precision 5690: Design and Build Quality
Specs
CPU: Intel Core Ultra 9 185H, 16 cores. GPU: NVIDIA RTX 5000 Ada with 16GB GDDR6. Display: 16-inch UHD+ OLED, 3840 x 2400, 400 nits, 100% DCI-P3. RAM: Up to 64GB LPDDR5x. Storage: Configurable up to 8TB SSD. Connectivity: Intel Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, two Thunderbolt 4 ports, HDMI 2.1, SD card reader.
The Dell Precision 5690 showcases a sleek yet professional design made of a Titan Gray anodized aluminum case material. It's hefty, yet it is pretty portable for the workstation at only 4.5 lbs. Just as importantly, it can maintain a sturdy build with overall minimal flex. This is not a flimsy device, which is excellent for those who use their laptops daily. It can be used without worrying about snapping or breaking the first time used in the real world.
Coming from a guy with a personal MacBook Pro, I am particular about my touchpads; I don't put up with anything less than excellent. And the Precision 5690's touchpad is fantastic. It has a tremendously wide shape and fantastic haptic feedback and feel in general. Further, the keyboard is another thing that needs to be excellent for a laptop to be genuinely great since part of the reason people choose a laptop over a desktop is to be able to use it on the go. If the keyboard is excellent and built-in, that's one less thing that needs to be carried alongside the laptop, further bulking up the otherwise portable setup. Much like the touchpad, the keyboard is also great on this computer. Granted, it's no Keychron custom mechanical keyboard, but it's a fantastic keyboard with backlit keys. If it had a numpad, it might've been perfect.
(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)
Dell Precision 5690: In use
I'll say it one more time. I am used to working on a MacBook Pro day in and out. So, I frequently compare laptops I test to that as a litmus test. The Dell Precision 5690 has made me confident that I could run with just the Precision 5690 and fly through every single thing in my workflow with the slightest of ease and then some, with only having to re-learn keyboard shortcuts. Jokes aside, this machine is incredible. Yes, there are even more powerful computers. Yes, there are more portable laptops, too. Many laptops are "more" of one thing or another, but the Dell Precision 5690 has been one of those unique computers that fits the sweet spot of being a device that does everything well.
It performs very well in all categories it's intended to. I've taken this as my only laptop for several days now, and I have zero hangups or hiccups when it comes to getting work done on this laptop, which is across all the various types of tasks I do. I have been able to do admin work, emails, spreadsheets, web-browsing, and project management, along with also getting a photo and some video editing done; I've been able to run programs, try my hand at some coding, I've gamed, I have run remote desktops, I have run benchmarks to know that this could be a serious contender even in engineering and running massive code bases, deliver exceptional performance across CAD, and CGI work,
And through all that, this laptop is still portable enough that I don't mind throwing it in a backpack and carrying it to wherever work takes me that day. Even the battery is excellent for this kind of machine. I'll keep a power bank and charger in my bag because that's the kind of person I am, but I don't feel like I need to top off every couple of hours; I can buckle down for a long working session without the anxiety of getting charged.
(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)
Because of the 4K OLED display, I enjoy using this display. Some professional laptops opt for a 1080p display, which is fine, but then I go from my iPhone 16 Pro's beautiful display and I find myself wishing for a better screen. I don't have this issue here. With the Precision 5690, that beautiful screen makes watching content feel right, and adds a little extra to editing photos and videos.
(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)
Dell Precision 5690: Final verdict
The Dell Precision 5690 is a workstation marvel, combining portability with uncompromising performance. While its price and limited port options may deter some, its sheer power, stunning display, and premium build make it a no-brainer for professionals needing the best. Whether you’re an architect, data scientist, creative professional, or someone who needs reliable power in their primary machine, the Precision 5690 delivers impressive results that justify its premium price tag.
Rode's Wireless Micro is its smallest-ever wireless mic system, designed squarely for smartphone content creators, especially vloggers. It's the audio giant's simplest wireless mic yet: you can be up and running within seconds and recording smartphone-beating audio quality, all the while being cable-free and discreet.
It's a complete kit that includes two mics (also called transmitters) with magnetic attachments, plus one receiver, all of which are stored in a charging case – these components are available in black or white finishes. Additionally, you get two windshields plus a charging cable, though neither of those fit in the case.
Collectively, the mics, receiver and charging case are a featherweight 3.6oz / 102g, with each mic weighing just 0.42oz / 12g and measuring 40 x 20 x 17mm. It's a properly tiny kit, and even though the mic units are physically larger than the rival DJI Mic Mini's, the whole kit is much smaller, and purpose-built for smartphones.
If you're looking for a compact, dedicated wireless mic that'll deliver excellent audio for your smartphone vlogs, the Rode Wireless Micro is hard to beat.
The Rode Wireless Micro kit is tiny and weighs just 102g all told. (Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)
Rode Wireless Micro: price and release date
$149 / £134 / AU$259 for the compete kit with 2x mics, receiver and charging case
Receiver available in USB-C and Lightning versions
Available now, in black or white finishes
The Rode Wireless Micro's list price is $149 / £134 / AU$259, and for that you get a compact charging case with two transmitters (mics, with magnetic attachments), plus one receiver, all in black or white. Also in the box are two wind shields and the necessary charging cable. You'll need to select which version of the receiver you need, USB-C or Lightning, because the connector is built-in.
Unlike the rival DJI Mic Mini, the components are not available separately, and I think Rode is missing a trick here, because not every user needs two mics. However, probably nine out of 10 users will want the complete kit, and for those the Rode Wireless Micro is excellent value.
The transmitters (mics) are tiny and pack Rode's patent-pending acoustic chamber, though they don't have internal storage or Bluetooth connectivity (Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)
Rode Wireless Micro: specs
The Rode Wireless Micro is available as a complete kit only, with charging case, one receiver, two mics, charging cable and windshields (Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)
Rode Wireless Micro: Design
The whole kit weighs just 102g and fits in a tiny charging case
Components are available in black or white finishes
Receiver has a USB-C or Lightning adapter built in
Rode has designed the Wireless Micro to be the most straightforward user experience possible for smartphone content creators, and it's done an excellent job of it – you couldn't hope for an easier-to-use and more reliable wireless mic.
The mics and receiver are automatically paired by virtue of living in the same charging hub. You simply plug the receiver into your phone and then follow the message that flashes up on your phone's screen.
If you have Rode's free app installed (available for iOS and Android) you'll be taken to the app, where you can pair the mics and receiver, and choose to how route the receiver input: split for left and right channels, or merge audio into one channel. You can also update the mic's firmware through the app and check sound levels.
For me, using a Google Pixel 6, I needed to select the wired mic option in my phone's video menu in the camera app (it otherwise automatically selects the phone's built-in mic). But once those options are all sorted, setup is complete and away you go.
You can be up and running in seconds after plugging the receiver into your smartphone's charging port, and armed with a wireless mic system that takes care of all the audio levels for you – Rode says its Intelligent GainAssist technology gets "perfect audio every time".
(Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)
The mics can clip onto clothing, or attach magnetically with a strong hold through thin clothing, and they're available in black or white, so you can choose the finish that's likely to blend in with your clothing better.
The connection type is built in to the receiver, so you need to select the USB-C or Lightning version at the time or purchase, and there's full compatibility with both Android and iPhone models. The DJI Mic Mini, on the other hand, has a slot to fix the USB-C or Lightning connector into place, so you only need one receiver even if you use both connection types (though the Lightning adapter is a separate purchase).
The DJI Mic Mini also features Bluetooth connectivity, and you can therefore bypass the receiver altogether for 16-bit audio (although a receiver provides a stabler connection and, in the Mic Mini's case, 24-bit audio), whereas the Wireless Micro relies on its receiver.
Wind shields are built into the mics as part of Rode's patent-pending acoustic chamber design, plus there are additional furry windshields in the box that clip around the receiver for clearer outdoor recording on breezy days, although these additional windshields won't fit into the charging case.
It's been a couple of decades since my hair looked like this (Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)
Rode Wireless Micro: Performance
Transmission range is over 100m
7 hours operating time, charging case can provide another two charges
No noise reduction, but Intelligent Gain Assist gets you clear vocals
My experience with the Rode Wireless Micro has been as headache-free as I could hope for. Once I had the Rode app installed (though you don't have to usethe app to use the mic), I was up and running and capturing high-quality 24-bit audio with my Google Pixel 6 phone in a matter of seconds.
Rode says the Wireless Micro's transmission range is over 100m, which is harder than you might think to fully test in the real world; how often – and indeed, why – would you need to record audio onto a phone camera from over 100m away?
The upshot is that for vlogging, the Wireless Micro provides a stable and reliable connection, with an operating time for each mic being around seven hours.
That operating time can be extended through the charging case, which features a 490mAh battery and can charge a transmitter an additional two times, effectively delivering an overall operating time of 21 hours. In short, with a charged case you'll have enough juice for a weekend of vlogging.
The Rode Wireless Micro has a patent-pending acoustic chamber design (Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)
If you want to know a few of the technicals, the Wireless Micro features 24-bit audio, a 20Hz to 20kHz frequency range, a maximum 135db SPL, a 73db signal-to-noise ratio and an A-Weighted equivalent noise of 21dBA. For reference, those specs are roughly similar to those of the Rode Wireless ME, a pricier wireless mic that also works with cameras.
Rode's 'Intelligent GainAssist' tech automatically controls audio levels for well-balanced sound, enhancing vocals, and freeing you to focus on creating. You miss out on noise reduction, but unless you're in particularly loud environments it's not a problem – I've been able to get clear recordings of my voice in a noisy soccer stadium, even if the animated crowd added to the video's feel.
I've recorded vlogs in a range of scenarios; indoors, outdoors, and in noisy environments, and I've been very happy with how crisp my voice sounds. Put simply, if you want better audio without the fuss, this Rode mic is sure to delight.
Should I buy the Rode Wireless Micro?
Buy it if…
You’re looking to up your the audio quality of your smartphone videos The latest smartphones are delivering better and better audio quality, especially with features such as speech enhancement, but the Wireless Micro will give you next-level audio quality. If you vlog, you needa mic like this.
You want a simple wireless mic for smartphones
The Wireless Micro is as simple as it gets: plug in the receiver, which is auto synced to the mics from the charging case, select the wired mic option, and you're connected. It's a matter of seconds.
You want a discreet wireless mic system
The receiver sits flush against the profile of your phone, completely out of the way, while the mics themselves are small and discreet, and available in two colors to blend in with clothing.
Don’t buy it if…
You need a mic for cameras too
The Wireless Micro is for phones only. If you think you might also use cameras to create content then the DJI Mic Mini, or alternatives, are probably the better bet.
You want some degree of manual control and audio-level monitoring
With its simplicity come restrictions – there's no real way to manually adjust audio levels, while you can't easily monitor levels while recording, as you can with larger receivers that feature an LCD display.
You want to buy components separately
At the time of writing, the Wireless Micro is only available as a kit. If you lose or break one of the mics, or switch between Lightning and USB-C connections, you'll need to buy the whole package again.
Rode Wireless Micro: also consider
DJI Mic Mini The Wireless Micro's obvious rival is the Mic Mini, which is a more versatile tool in that you can use it with cameras as well as phones, plus it features Bluetooth connectivity, and you you can dial in audio levels manually using the receiver. However, the Mic Mini's receiver is bulkier, and more awkward to keep connected to a phone. The Mic Mini could have more staying power, but the Wireless Micro is superb for those only using their phones.
If you're operating at a pro level and want audio quality a cut above the Wireless Micro's, and are prepared to do a little work in the editing suite, then the pricier Mic 2 is the better bet, especially if you're shooting with cameras as much as you are phones. However, if you shoot exclusively with a phone and want a simple option that's ready in seconds, you'll appreciate the simplicity that comes with the Rode Wireless Micro.
Used regularly for over a month in quiet and noisy environments
Tested alongside the rival DJI Mic Mini
Paired primarily with a Google Pixel 6
There aren't a lot of ways in which you can test the Rode Wireless Micro: it handles audio levels, clipping and vocal enhancement automatically, and that's it appeal for most users. The mics and transmitter are auto-synced through the charging case, you plug the receiver into your phone, and away you go.
I did however make sure to test the audio quality of the Wireless Micro in mixed environments – the quiet indoors, the still outdoors, in wind, and in noisy environments. I was also reviewing the DJI Mic Mini at the same time, and so was able to run comparison tests to see which came out on top.
Almost all tests were done by pairing the Wireless Micro to my Google Pixel 6.
You're hardly short of options if you're looking for a new wireless mic. My recent favorite is the DJI Mic 2, which is one of the best wireless mics on the market, boasting pro-quality features such as 32-bit float audio. However, for many content creators, especially those who shoot mostly with a smartphone, the Mic 2 is overkill. That's where the Bluetooth-equipped DJI Mic Mini steps in: it's a smaller, simpler and cheaper alternative, with the same DJI reliability that I've come to appreciate over years of using its devices.
The Mic Mini is positively tiny, weighing just 0.35oz / 10g (without magnet), and it pairs easily with smartphones and cameras for better quality audio on the fly. Oh, and it's half the price of the Mic 2.
Its natural rival is the recently announced Rode Wireless Micro; however Rode's new wireless mic is only for smartphones, whereas the Mic Mini can be used with cameras too, via its 3.5mm jack, which means it's more versatile. It's not a sweeping victory for the Mic Mini, though – if you're onlygoing to shoot with a smartphone, the Rode Wireless Micro might be the better pick because its receiver is tiny and sits flush along the underside of your phone, whereas the Mic Mini's receiver sticks out awkwardly.
Audiophiles will probably prefer the Mic 2 over the Mic Mini too, not just for its pro audio quality with forgiving 32-bit float capability, but because the transmitters feature built-in storage and can be used independently, while you can monitor levels on the receiver's LCD touch display for peace of mind.
Having used all three of the above mics extensively, I would personally go for the Mic Mini. The audio quality from all three is fantastic, but for outright ease of use, value, reliability, andversatility for phones and cameras, it's the one that ticks all the boxes. DJI has created another trustworthy wireless mic; and trust me, reliability is an unsung attribute. I've ditched many other wireless mics for letting me down at crucial moments, leaving me without proper audio. I would have no such concerns with the Mic Mini, and it earns my five-star seal of approval.
The Mic Mini transmitters are tiny and discreet, much more so than the DJI Mic 2's. It's also available in white. (Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)
DJI Mic Mini: price and release date
$169 / £145 / AU$245 for the compete kit with 2x mics, receiver and charging case
Components available individually
Available now
DJI sells the Mic Mini components individually but also as a complete kit, whereas the Rode Wireless Micro is a complete kit only, and you need to select the USB-C or Lightning receiver version.
The Mic Mini transmitters (mics) are available in Infinity Black or Arctic White. One transmitter costs $59 / £49 / AU$69, a transmitter with receiver costs $89 / £79 / $AU125, while the complete kit, which includes two transmitters, a receiver and a charging case, costs $169 / £145 / AU$245. The complete kit is probably your best bet if you're starting from scratch.
The receiver is attached to a phone using a USB-C connector, but if you're using an iPhone with Lightning port you'll need to purchase the adapter separately for $19 / £19 / AU$39. When connecting to a camera, you use a 3.5mm jack instead.
The list price for the kit is similar to that of the Rode Wireless Micro, despite the Mic Mini's greater versatility – it's roughly $15 / £10 / AU$20 more than Rode's offering – while it's around half the price of DJI's Mic 2. I think it's excellent value.
The complete kit includes the charging case, two transmitters, one receiver and a USB-C connector for the receiver. There are also windshields and USB-C cable in the box. (Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)
DJI Mic Mini: specs
Components can be bought separately; the transmitters by themselves, or a single transmitter with receiver (a small charging doc is included in absence of the charging case). (Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)
DJI Mic Mini: Design
Tiny, discreet and available in black or white
Easy clip or magnetic attachment
Receiver with manual audio levels gain, but no monitoring
The neat thing about DJI's Mic Mini is that there are several ways you can connect to your phone or camera, and several ways to buy; individual components, a mic and receiver kit, or the complete kit which contains two mics (with magnets), one receiver, a charging case, plus wind muffs for the mics.
I had the complete kit for this review with USB-C connector, though technically you only need a single mic to get going with the Mic Mini because it can connect to your phone via Bluetooth. For manual control of audio levels, plus the added stability and richer audio quality, I prefer connecting a phone to the mic through the Mic Mini receiver, rather than relying on Bluetooth.
The mics, also called transmitters, are tiny and easily droppable, but they attach easily to clothing using the built-in clip, or the magnetic mount, one half of which fixes to the back of the clip, with the other half going inside your jacket or similar – DJI knows how to make a powerful magnet with a reliable hold. If you want a discreet mic in your shots, you'll struggle to find a smaller alternative, plus you can buy the mics in black or white to blend in with clothing.
When using a camera, you can slot the receiver into the camera's hotshoe / coldshoe and then connect it using a 3.5mm jack (the cable is provided). The receiver is a good fit for cameras, but it is a little awkward with a phone when attached via the phone's USB-C / Lightning port, because it sticks out a lot and the connection feels a little loose (see image below).
The receiver is a simpler offering compared to the one you get with the Mic 2. It features a power button, pairing button, 3.5mm jack and a ±12db audio level dial. That's it. The Mic 2 receiver features a basic LCD touch display through which you can monitor audio levels for both mics and make more advanced audio adjustments. The bulkier Mic 2 transmitters also feature built-in storage, and can be used independently of your camera of choice, or used as a backup device.
The receiver is a little clunky when attached to a phone. It's a better fit slotting into the hotshoe / coldshoe of a camera (Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)
DJI Mic Mini: Performance
Two-level noise reduction, and Automatic Limiting to prevent audio clipping
11.5 hours battery life (transmitter), 10.5 hours battery life (receiver)
Omnidirectional audio and up to 400m range
Where DJI's wireless mics differ here is that the pricier Mic 2 features 32-bit float audio that can more effectively avoid clipping when your audio suddenly gets loud, and internal storage for direct recording so that you can use it independently of a camera or as a backup, while its receiver features a display to let you monitor audio levels.
The Mic Mini is a much simpler device, with its receiver offering basic manual ±12db audio level control, but otherwise it's really for those who want the mic to capture excellent quality audio with minimal fuss.
I used the Mic Mini complete kit over several weeks and found it to be completely reliable and glitch-free, whatever phone or camera I paired it with. It's transmission range is rated up to 400m (with clear line of sight), which is plenty enough for any conceivable scenario – I've never been even close to that distance from my camera when recording audio wirelessly.
As for audio quality, I've recorded clips using a Bluetooth connection and the receiver in the quiet indoors, outside in the wind, and in noisy environments, and in general the Mic Mini captures clear audio in any of those scenarios. Vocals aren't quite as rich as with the Mic 2, but for 99% of people the difference won't be noticeable. You should also note that audio drops from 24-bit to 16-bit if you connect via Bluetooth, so there's not quite the same richness in vocal quality.
Having such relatively limited control over audio settings was a little disconcerting at first, especially compared to using the Mic 2, but the real plus to the Mic Mini is its sheer simplicity – you can rely on its connectivity and two-level noise reduction to do the job, including the one-touch denoise control when in particularly loud environments.
What I didn't do for this test was pair the Mic Mini kit with a DJI camera, such as the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 – a top-rated vlogging camera – or the Osmo Action 5 Pro. Doing so affords additional benefits courtesy of the DJI ecosystem – for one, the cameras have a built-in receiver, so you only need a transmitter from the Mic Mini kit. I've previously paired the Mic 2 with the Osmo Pocket 3 and found the experience completely seamless, so if you're using a DJI camera it makes sense to opt for a DJI mic over rivals.
The transmitters have just a power and a pair buttons, while the receiver also includes a ±12db audio level control (Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)
Should I buy the DJI Mic Mini?
Buy it if…
You want a simple wireless mic for phones and cameras
DJI has stripped back the design and audio modes from its pro Mic 2 to create a simple wireless mic for phones and cameras that you'll trust, and can generally keep in auto.
You want a discreet mic
I find the DJI Mic 2 mics a little bulky and cumbersome; the Mic Mini mics, which are available in black or white, are much more discreet.
You want flexible buying choice
DJI offers the Mic Mini as a complete kit, a half kit, or the components individually, meaning you don't need to overspend for what you won't use, or if you need to replace just a single item in the future.
Don’t buy it if…
You only shoot with a phone
The Rode Wireless Micro is even simpler and its receiver is purpose-made for use with smartphones, whereas the Mic Mini's receiver is a little bulkier.
You want some form of manual control
The Mic Mini is for those who want an automated mic with minimal fuss, and are happy to rely on its quality without needing peace of mind from features such as audio-level monitoring.
You want the absolute best audio quality
The pricier Mic 2 offers richer sound with more depth, and fully avoids clipping in particularly challenging environments.
DJI Mic Mini: also consider
Rode Wireless Micro
If you're hoping for a fuss-free mic and only shoot with a smartphone, the Rode Wireless Micro is the sensible choice. However, if you might branch out to vlogging with a camera, or want more flexible buying choice, then the Mic Mini is the clear way to go.
If you want audio quality a cut above the Mic Mini's, and are prepared to do a little work in the editing suite, the the pricier Mic 2 is the better bet, especially if you're mainly shooting with pro mirrorless cameras. However, if you shoot more often with a phone, you'll appreciate the simplicity that comes with the Mic Mini.
I've been using the DJI Mic Mini on and off for months, both with mirrorless cameras like the Panasonic Lumix GH5 and smartphones such as the Google Pixel 6. I've paired the Mic Mini to a phone using Bluetooth and via the receiver attached to my phone. I haven't used the Mic Mini with DJI cameras such as the Osmo Pocket 3 and Osmo Action 5 Pro (though I have used the Mic 2 with them), for which the compatibility is even easier given they both feature a built-in receiver.
I've made sure to test the mic in a range of environments: the quiet of indoors, in still outdoor conditions and in wind, and in noisy places too, with and without denoise applied. I've also been able to compare it directly to the Rode Wireless Micro which I was testing at the same time.
