Workable is an all-in-one hiring platform designed to streamline recruitment for businesses of all sizes. It offers AI-powered candidate sourcing, automated workflows, and collaborative hiring tools. View Deal
Workable started as a dedicated recruitment platform and Applicant Tracking System, so it’s got a focused and well-designed range of features, but its latest iteration has seen it take on HR giants for an additional fee.
It’s not the cheapest recruitment solution around, though, so it’s going to have to impress if businesses are going to find room for Workable in their budgets.
Thankfully, its extensive list of features certain back up its pricing, and the relatively affordable HR addition only adds to its strength.
To date, Workable has supported over 30,000 companies and 400 million people, with major companies like PWC, Starling Bank and Ryanair all customers. Operating in over 100 countries, it’s facilitated 2.1 million hires so far.
It operates out of three offices across the US (Boston) and Europe (UK and Greece), so it’s fair to expect Workable to have a good idea of what goes on in each region.
Post Your First Job in Minutes with ZipRecruiter Find qualified candidates and get distribution on at least 100 job sites with one click. Start your 4-day free trial today and then pay as low as $16/day after that.
Workable: Plans and pricing
Workable is one of the few companies that charges on a per-company basis, rather than per employee, and that’s likely to be able to factor in its recruitment services – which are extensive.
Standard plans can be paid for monthly (starting at $360), or with an annual commitment (starting at $299) for smaller organizations with 1-20 employees, but pricing goes all the way up to accommodate giants with 1,000+ workers.
The Premier plan is an annual-only subscription, starting at $599 per month – so double the Standard tier.
Texting, video interviews and assessments are covered in Premier, or can be added individually on Standard.
Then, there are the HR platforms. They come in from an extra $50 per month for Standard or $70 per month for Premier, with performance reviews included for higher-tier customers and optional for others.
Apart from those options, which are paid on Standard and included on Premier, the expensive plan also includes SSO login, premium support and custom account onboarding.
Prospective customers can also request a demo or start a free 15-day trial, which is about average. Some offer up to 30 days, but others offer nothing at all.
At the time of writing, no deals beyond annual subscriptions and bundles were available – no limited-time attractions to welcome new customers.
(Image credit: Workable)
Workable: Features
Workable has gone from being a fairly basic recruitment platform so a self-proclaimed all-in-one HR system that’s ready for the future.
That core recruitment and application tracking system remains, with support for job posting to more than 200 jobs boards globally.
It features an integrated page builder with jobs widgets for websites and social media campaign tools, because recruiters need to be across so many more platforms than ever before.
Workable also claims to have access to millions of candidates across multiple talent pools, so recruiters can benefit from both passive candidate sourcing and past candidate resurfacing.
This portion of the software integrates with the likes of LinkedIn and Indeed as well as Zoom and Teams for remote interviews, and as you’d expect from any future-first software, there’s a handy sprinkling of AI that helps with candidate screening.
Artificial intelligence also spans personalized emails, interview questions and salary estimations, among other applications.
Workable's Boolean contains plenty of search cheat sheets to boost online sourcing (Image credit: Workable)
Then, there’s the HR portion of the software, which is almost like ‘step two’ after the recruitment stage. It handles all the onboarding and keeps relevant HR information like employee records and profiles.
There are also time-related features built-in, like time off, attendance tracking and work scheduling.
Payroll processing with integration to third-party software like Xero is also covered. It’s not just limited to Xero, with more than 270 partners and integrations available on a growing list.
Workable has far too many features highlighted on its website to begin to list here, but browsing its web page not only shows you which tools you can expect, but how they’ll look. The company’s commitment to a clean and fluid design is highly evident, and we think it could be one of the best-looking options in its class, so if you’re used to working with other modern tech startups, then Workable should join your list.
Workable: Ease of use
Workable promises a rapid system setup with teams up and running at max velocity in days thanks to ongoing support from specialists, but don’t worry if you’re coming from a different platform rather than setting up new.
They’ve got you covered here, too, with options to import and migrate existing data.
Less about the features, though, because ease of use needs to cover the structure of the platform, and credit where credit’s due, Workable has designed an incredibly interactive and modern interface.
Many of the functionalities are built with no-code requirements, so it’s easy for non-tech-savvy HR workers to produce great results.
Rather than having multiple tabs open, the integration with third parties and job hosting platforms means everything is built into Workable’s friendly interface, which uses light typefaces, colors and visuals throughout to distinguish elements easily.
As you’d expect, the mobile app looks just as good. While functionality is more limited than the desktop version, it’s handy to have information available at a glance in your pocket, and the simplicity is very much welcome.
On the whole, existing customers seem to be happy with how easy the learning curve is and how thoughtfully and well-designed the platform is.
(Image credit: Workable)
Workable: Support
Workable knows how important simplicity is, which is why is promises a dedicated account manager for personalized assistance and strategic guidance.
That being said, the company claims that 85% of users have never needed to contact its agents, maybe because its software is so easy to work out.
This translates to fast response times across web chat, email or call, which is all handled in-house.
You’ve also got the usual suspects on a self-service learning portal, like guides and articles, video tutorials and courses to strengthen your knowledge, plus virtual training sessions back up everything you need to know.
(Image credit: Workable)
Workable: Final verdict
Workable is a straightforward recruitment tool with a good range of features that deliver a well-balanced approach across the entire recruitment process.
We think it’s a great option for all manner of companies, small and large, who need support with recruitment, onboarding and core HCM functionalities.
For that reason, it’s a worthy addition to growing companies and startups who are hugely focused on people.
Ease of use, fast deployment, built-in integrations and collaborations, and strong tracking are all standout features for Workable, which has become far more advanced compared with the core recruitment platform it used to be.
Workable is an all-in-one hiring platform designed to streamline recruitment for businesses of all sizes. It offers AI-powered candidate sourcing, automated workflows, and collaborative hiring tools. View Deal
Workable started as a dedicated recruitment platform and Applicant Tracking System, so it’s got a focused and well-designed range of features, but its latest iteration has seen it take on HR giants for an additional fee.
It’s not the cheapest recruitment solution around, though, so it’s going to have to impress if businesses are going to find room for Workable in their budgets.
Thankfully, its extensive list of features certain back up its pricing, and the relatively affordable HR addition only adds to its strength.
To date, Workable has supported over 30,000 companies and 400 million people, with major companies like PWC, Starling Bank and Ryanair all customers. Operating in over 100 countries, it’s facilitated 2.1 million hires so far.
It operates out of three offices across the US (Boston) and Europe (UK and Greece), so it’s fair to expect Workable to have a good idea of what goes on in each region.
Post Your First Job in Minutes with ZipRecruiter Find qualified candidates and get distribution on at least 100 job sites with one click. Start your 4-day free trial today and then pay as low as $16/day after that.
Workable: Plans and pricing
Workable is one of the few companies that charges on a per-company basis, rather than per employee, and that’s likely to be able to factor in its recruitment services – which are extensive.
Standard plans can be paid for monthly (starting at $360), or with an annual commitment (starting at $299) for smaller organizations with 1-20 employees, but pricing goes all the way up to accommodate giants with 1,000+ workers.
The Premier plan is an annual-only subscription, starting at $599 per month – so double the Standard tier.
Texting, video interviews and assessments are covered in Premier, or can be added individually on Standard.
Then, there are the HR platforms. They come in from an extra $50 per month for Standard or $70 per month for Premier, with performance reviews included for higher-tier customers and optional for others.
Apart from those options, which are paid on Standard and included on Premier, the expensive plan also includes SSO login, premium support and custom account onboarding.
Prospective customers can also request a demo or start a free 15-day trial, which is about average. Some offer up to 30 days, but others offer nothing at all.
At the time of writing, no deals beyond annual subscriptions and bundles were available – no limited-time attractions to welcome new customers.
(Image credit: Workable)
Workable: Features
Workable has gone from being a fairly basic recruitment platform so a self-proclaimed all-in-one HR system that’s ready for the future.
That core recruitment and application tracking system remains, with support for job posting to more than 200 jobs boards globally.
It features an integrated page builder with jobs widgets for websites and social media campaign tools, because recruiters need to be across so many more platforms than ever before.
Workable also claims to have access to millions of candidates across multiple talent pools, so recruiters can benefit from both passive candidate sourcing and past candidate resurfacing.
This portion of the software integrates with the likes of LinkedIn and Indeed as well as Zoom and Teams for remote interviews, and as you’d expect from any future-first software, there’s a handy sprinkling of AI that helps with candidate screening.
Artificial intelligence also spans personalized emails, interview questions and salary estimations, among other applications.
Workable's Boolean contains plenty of search cheat sheets to boost online sourcing (Image credit: Workable)
Then, there’s the HR portion of the software, which is almost like ‘step two’ after the recruitment stage. It handles all the onboarding and keeps relevant HR information like employee records and profiles.
There are also time-related features built-in, like time off, attendance tracking and work scheduling.
Payroll processing with integration to third-party software like Xero is also covered. It’s not just limited to Xero, with more than 270 partners and integrations available on a growing list.
Workable has far too many features highlighted on its website to begin to list here, but browsing its web page not only shows you which tools you can expect, but how they’ll look. The company’s commitment to a clean and fluid design is highly evident, and we think it could be one of the best-looking options in its class, so if you’re used to working with other modern tech startups, then Workable should join your list.
Workable: Ease of use
Workable promises a rapid system setup with teams up and running at max velocity in days thanks to ongoing support from specialists, but don’t worry if you’re coming from a different platform rather than setting up new.
They’ve got you covered here, too, with options to import and migrate existing data.
Less about the features, though, because ease of use needs to cover the structure of the platform, and credit where credit’s due, Workable has designed an incredibly interactive and modern interface.
Many of the functionalities are built with no-code requirements, so it’s easy for non-tech-savvy HR workers to produce great results.
Rather than having multiple tabs open, the integration with third parties and job hosting platforms means everything is built into Workable’s friendly interface, which uses light typefaces, colors and visuals throughout to distinguish elements easily.
As you’d expect, the mobile app looks just as good. While functionality is more limited than the desktop version, it’s handy to have information available at a glance in your pocket, and the simplicity is very much welcome.
On the whole, existing customers seem to be happy with how easy the learning curve is and how thoughtfully and well-designed the platform is.
(Image credit: Workable)
Workable: Support
Workable knows how important simplicity is, which is why is promises a dedicated account manager for personalized assistance and strategic guidance.
That being said, the company claims that 85% of users have never needed to contact its agents, maybe because its software is so easy to work out.
This translates to fast response times across web chat, email or call, which is all handled in-house.
You’ve also got the usual suspects on a self-service learning portal, like guides and articles, video tutorials and courses to strengthen your knowledge, plus virtual training sessions back up everything you need to know.
(Image credit: Workable)
Workable: Final verdict
Workable is a straightforward recruitment tool with a good range of features that deliver a well-balanced approach across the entire recruitment process.
We think it’s a great option for all manner of companies, small and large, who need support with recruitment, onboarding and core HCM functionalities.
For that reason, it’s a worthy addition to growing companies and startups who are hugely focused on people.
Ease of use, fast deployment, built-in integrations and collaborations, and strong tracking are all standout features for Workable, which has become far more advanced compared with the core recruitment platform it used to be.
The Acer Predator X32 X is not the first 32-inch 4K gaming monitor we've seen using Samsung's QD-OLED panel technology, but it does pack a particularly strong feature set at an awfully punchy price.
As ever, the central appeal here is a stunning 32-inch QD-OLED panel with full 4K resolution and 240Hz refresh. That means you not only have a large, cinematic viewing experience. You also get great pixel density, and therefore super-sharp visuals with oodles of detail.
This isn't the very latest OLED technology, so there are some limitations that I'll come to shortly, but Acer has upped the ante over some of the similarly priced competition. Retailing for $1,199.99 (about £885 / AU$1,800), the Predator X32 X has really strong supporting features, including USB-C connectivity with 65W power delivery and a KVM switch, the latter allowing you to share this monitor with two PCs or maybe a PC and a console.
Just be sure to note that we're talking here about the Acer Predator X32 X and specifically the model with the Xbmiipphuzx suffix. It's distinct from the mere Acer Predator X32 V2bmiiphx, which is similar, but only runs at 165Hz and doesn't offer the USB-C and KVM switch. Oh, and also don't confuse this with the Acer Predator X32 X3, which seems very similar but is actually based on LG's competing WOLED panel tech.
Yes, it's all a bit confusing, and those alpha-numeric jumbles are a branding disgrace, but none of that prevents this monitor from going toe-to-toe with the best gaming monitors on the market right now.
Acer Predator X32 X: Price & availability
(Image credit: Future / Jeremy Laird)
How much does it cost? $1,199 (about £855/AU$1,800)
When is it available? Available now
Where can you get it? Available in the US and UK, with Australia availability TBD
While the MSRP on this monitor might be $1,199.99, Acer and other retailers have cut the price of this monitor by 25%, making it an even more attractive value for a 32-inch QD-OLED 4K display. View Deal
At $1,199.99 in the US (about £885/AU$1,800), this isn't the absolute cheapest 32-inch gaming monitor based on Samsung's 4K QD-OLED panel. It's also difficult to find in the UK right now, as some retailers like Amazon and Overclockers will have a listing for the monitor, but list it as unavailable and don't give current pricing. I've reached out to Acer about the stock issues in the UK and will update this review if and when I hear back from the company.
One of the things that makes the UK stock issues frustrating, though, is that the Predator X32 X is one of the most competitive 4K QD-OLED gaming monitors out there.
Few if any comparably priced 32-inch 4K OLEDs include both USB-C with power delivery and full KVM switch capability. If you want to share this monitor across, say, a gaming PC and a laptop, that's just perfect.
Even if you don't, you're paying little to nothing extra for the option to do something like that in the future. That makes this Acer a bit of a no-brainer if you're shopping among the various 32-inch QD-OLED gaming monitor options on the market right now, like the Alienware 32 AW3225QF or MSI MAG 321UPX.
Value: 4.5 / 5
Acer Predator X32 X: Specs
(Image credit: Future / Jeremy Laird)
Acer Predator X32 X Specifications
Screen size
31.5-inch diagonal
Resolution
3,840x2,160p
Panel technology
Samsung QD-OLED
Refresh rate
240Hz
Response time
0.03ms
Panel curve
1700R
HDR
HDR Black 400
Brightness
250 nits full screen, 1,000 nits in a 3% window
Features
HDMI 2.1 x2, DisplayPort 1.4, USB-C hub with 4x USB-A and 1x USB-C with 65W power delivery, USB-A hub, KVM switch
Acer Predator X32 X: Features
(Image credit: Future / Jeremy Laird)
USB-C with power delivery
KVM switch
Though I've seen plenty of best 4K monitors implement Samsung's QD-OLED panel tech, the Acer Predator X32 X is unusual in implementing a curved panel surface. It's fairly gentle at 1700R, but curved monitors aren't to absolutely everyone's taste.
For the record, it also comes with a glossy panel coating for maximum contrast. Again, there's a degree of personal preference in the whole glossy-versus-matte thing, so whether this is a plus or a minus will depend on which side of that divide you land.
More universally welcome is the excellent connectivity. As you'd expect, there's both HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4 (two of the former, one of the latter). But the extras start with USB-C with 65W power delivery.
(Image credit: Future / Jeremy Laird)
You can get USB-C interfaces with over 90 watts of power. But a high performance gaming laptop needs plenty more still. Few, if any, monitors can keep a true gaming laptop fully juiced. So, this Acer's USB-C interface still delivers on the premise of single-cable connectivity for a thin-and-light portable.
To that you can add a USB-A hub and KVM switch capability. That suits the broader capabilities of this monitor pretty handily. As a 4K 32-inch monitor, it's ideal for getting serious work done. But the 240Hz refresh and OLED panel tech are also fantastic for gaming.
With the KVM switch, you can attach both a gaming rig and, say, a work laptop, and seamlessly share a keyboard and mouse across both PCs. The Acer Predator X32 X isn't unique in this class to offer those features. But it is one of, if not the cheapest, we've seen to do so, and it's something not many of even the best monitors on the market don't offer.
Features: 4.5 / 5
Acer Predator X32 X: Design
(Image credit: Future / Jeremy Laird)
Narrow bezels
Good adjustability
Requires a large power adapter
Design considerations are always subjective. But there's no doubting the Acer Predator X32 X is unambiguously aimed at gamers, what with its sharp lines and RGB mood lighting. Minimalist and sleek it ain't.
That said, the most gamery design flourishes including the RGB lighting are at the rear. The front of the monitor is relatively low key with slim bezels on all four sides of the QD-OLED panel.
(Image credit: Future / Jeremy Laird)
Likewise, the "Predator" branding on the lower bezel is pretty small. So, it wouldn't actually look that out of place in a work environment.
It's also nicely engineered and has height, tilt and swivel adjustment. Overall, it feels well built and worthy of the relatively elevated price tag. Ergonomically, our only significant complaint is the massive external power brick. Integrated PSUs are just that little bit slicker and neater.
Design: 3.5 / 5
Acer Predator X32 X: Performance
(Image credit: Future / Jeremy Laird)
Perfect per-pixel lighting
Incredible fluid and responsive gameplay
Full-screen brightness can be somewhat muted
The Acer Predator X32 X doesn't throw up any huge surprises, performance-wise. For the most part, that's good news. I've seen lots of these 32-inch 4K gaming monitors using Samsung's QD-OLED technology, and they are pretty incredible, and that's just as true here as the rest of them.
The obvious upsides include perfect per-pixel lighting for infinite contrast and the spectacle of both very bright and very dark objects rendered with incredible precision on the screen at the same time. It's a trick that no LCD panel, even with local dimming, can pull off. Once you're used to the stunning HDR sizzle displays like this are capable of, it's hard to go back to even a really good IPS monitor.
To all that, you can add the advantages of full 4K resolution. That brings a fairly high pixel density of over 140DPI and means that the non-standard triangular RGB subpixel arrangement of QD-OLED technology is no longer a problem when it comes to clear text rendering. This thing is crispy.
(Image credit: Future / Jeremy Laird)
It's also incredibly detailed in games. Combine the aforementioned HDR thrills with 4K image detail and precision, plus the 240Hz refresh and ridiculously fast pixel response performance of all QD-OLED panels, and, well, it's an incredible experience. But not a perfect experience.
This isn't the very latest OLED panel tech, so full-screen brightness is limited to 250 nits. That's not terrible, but it does mean that brighter outdoor gaming scenes can look a little dull. This monitor only looks at its absolute best when it's showing a mix of brighter and darker image elements. Light up the whole screen, and the panel dimming algorithms kick in and reduce overall brightness.
Of course, that's true of all monitors based on Samsung's QD-OLED technology, as is the slight problem with how the panel performs in bright ambient conditions. Long story short, if you use this monitor in a really bright room, the panel itself can reflect a lot of light, which impacts perceived black levels and contrast.
It won't be a problem for most users. But it is worth bearing in mind, depending on where you're planning to use a monitor like this.
Performance: 4 / 5
Should you buy the Acer Predator X32 X?
(Image credit: Future / Jeremy Laird)
Acer Predator X32 X scorecard
Value
This isn't the absolute cheapest 4K 32-inch OLED we've seen. But it does have the best feature set yet at this attractive price point.
4.5 / 5
Design
The Acer Predator X32 X's slightly gamery design vibe won't be to all tastes. The external power brick is clumsy, too. But it's certainly well built.
3.5 / 5
Features
With plenty of ports, downstream USB power delivery, and KVM switching, there are a lot of things to like about this monitor besides the display itself.
4.5 / 5
Performance
This isn't the very latest QD-OLED technology. And some limitations remain. But the combination of HDR sizzle with 4K precision is still very special.
4 / 5
Final score
The very latest OLED tech is slightly superior. But it hasn't hit the 32-inch 4K segment yet and of the currently available options, this Acer might just be the best value.
4.13 / 5
Buy the Acer Predator X32 X if...
You want a 4K OLED experience Early OLED monitors had disappointing pixel density. But not this 4K beauty. It's sharp and precise with loads of image detail and super crispy font rendering.
You love HDR visuals When it comes to HDR thrills, you simply cannot beat the perfect per-pixel lighting of OLED technology. No LCD monitor even comes close.
Don't buy it if...
You want maximum full-screen brightness Full-screen brightness is still a relative OLED weakness, and this Acer is no different, maxing out at a relatively modest 250 nits.
You prefer flat monitor panels The Acer Predator X32 X is only gently curved with a 1700R radius. But if you prefer absolutely flat, there are lots of alternatives.
Acer Predator X32 X: Also consider
If my Acer Predator X32 X review has you considering other options, here are a few other monitors to consider...
Alienware AW3225QF This 32-inch 4K QD-OLED is almost identical, right down to its curved panel and USB-C port. But it's just that little bit more expensive.
MSI MPG 491CQP If you want to max-out your OLED screen size for similarl money, try this massive 49-inch QD-OLED monster. Just remember the pixel density is much, much lower.
I played all my favourite games on the Acer Predator X32 X. That includes everything from ray-traced graphics fests like Cyberpunk 2077 to online shooters including Counter-Strike 2.
I wanted to get a feel for everything from HDR performance, to pixel speed and responsiveness. Of course, this monitor is also great for getting serious stuff done, so I used it as my daily driver for a week, including work, web browsing and ye olde YouTube.
The QD-OLED panel tech used by Acer is familiar. I've reviewed at least five other 32-inch 4K monitors with the same panel, plus several with LG's competing WOLED tech. The Acer Predator X32 X didn't throw up any surprises. But that's mostly a good thing because it means the competitive pricing is especially appealing when you factor in the excellent connectivity.
Zoho can trace its origins back to 1996, when it started under the name AdvanceNet as a private corporation which it remains to this day. Some of its software products were introduced under the Zoho name, such as Zoho CRM in 2005, and the popular office collaboration suite, Zoho Docs in 2007.
By 2009, with over a million customers, and with the online office suite going strong, the company’s name was changed to Zoho. Its headquarters remain in Chennai, India, with a dozen additional global office locations, and growth has been strong withover 60,000 businesses supported worldwide.
Zoho People, their cloud-based HR application, first came to market in 2008. Zoho’s dozens of products are integrated under the Zoho One name to meet the entire spectrum of business needs. There are over 10,000 Zoho employees, they invest in R&D via the Zoho Schools of Learning, and they proudly claim that 15% of its engineers have been from that program.
Zoho’s time in the market has also allowed it to build out more than 1,000 interoperable integrations, which is a real success.
Zoho People: Plans and pricing
A significant plus of Zoho People is that the pricing is quite transparent for the five tiers offered for this software. We love that Zoho is still able to offer well-prices packages without having to create custom quotes that can be time-consuming and sometimes expensive.
Another advantage is the 30-day trial, which does not require a credit card. There is also a free tier, good for up to five users, which is barely matched by any other players in this space. At the other end of the spectrum a custom quote process is needed for organizations with over 500 users.
The lowest tier is the Essential HR one, which has a cost of $1.50 monthly for each user, and drops further to $1.25 monthly per user when paid annually. Even on this starter plan, the basics are covered with time off management, employee onboarding, and employee database management.
Heading up a tier takes us to Professional, at a cost of $2.50 per user monthly ($2 per user when paid annually). It includes all of the features of the lower plan, and adds in attendance marking via web, mobile, and facial recognition, overtime calculations, timesheets, and shift scheduling.
(Image credit: Zoho)
Next up is the Premium tier, at a cost of $3.50 per user monthly, with an available annual discount that lowers it to $3 per user with annual payment. The lower plan’s features are included, and the additional features include performance appraisals, a skill set matrix, self-appraisals, and advanced HR analytics.
Moving another notch up takes us to the Enterprise tier at a cost of $5 per user per month ($4.50 per user per month for paying annually). This tier brings forward all the features of the lower tiers, and adds employee query management, course management, appraisals, and a discussion forum.
At the top of this heap of tiers is the People Plus plan, which is available for $4.50/4 (Premium) or $10/9 (Enterprise). This plan takes Zoho People beyond what HR software should do with the added “Features” as additional Zoho software offerings, including Zoho Vault for password management, Zoho Recruit for talent acquisition and Zoho Expense for expense management.
If you’re a Zoho user, then Zoho One offers exceptional value for money. It starts at $45/month/employee ($37 with an annual commitment), and includes the full Zoho suite of 45+ apps.
Zoho People: Features
Zoho People has plenty of features of value to an HR department. As it is a cloud-based SaaS, there are advantages such as storage of data online, and the software being up to date.
It has one of the broadest feature sets in its class because Zoho is much more than an HR platform – it’s an entire work management platform whose functionalities span security and IT, bookkeeping and billing/invoicing… even secure email and document storage.
Paydays are stressful for an HR department, so Zoho People has an Attendance Tracker. This allows management to set the hours for the organization, and to track employee attendance.
Easily track employee attendance and shifts with Zoho People's Attendance Tracker (Image credit: Zoho)
Leveraging the power of data in the cloud, this allows employees- from wherever they may be, including remote ones- to be able to check in from anywhere with the goal of regularizing attendance.
Reports can then be generated for management, to track working hours, and provide information to make better decisions. Time can also be managed, with real time tracking of employee absences. Pay periods can also be flexibly configured.
Biometric integrations like facial recognition are also supported, as are shift scheduling, overtime, timesheets and client time tracking, so it should be able to handle most business types, both in-person and digitally.
Workers might not be so pleased about goal setting, competency tracking, feedback and performance appraisals, but these are all handled from within the Zoho ecosystem. Maybe they’ll prefer the compensation and salary revision tools, instead.
Zoho People: Ease of use
There is a “structured onboarding process,” to streamline incorporating new recruits into your organization. It starts with a new hire portal, and along the way there are checklists, and customizable workflows.
Through this portal, new hires can receive their offer letter, complete forms including tax forms, and review company policy. Forms can also be electronically signed for convenience. Managers can track the process via status-view reports.
Admins will love the reporting and analytics features – while they’re not quite as glanceable as other tools, they offer a lot more depth, which is far more useful on a business level.
Workers can access the tools they need from a neat mobile app, which includes attendance, leave applications and location tracking for field workers, all in a pretty easy-to-navigate UI.
Zoho has scaled far beyond the products it initially launched with – its success comes from the amount of expertise it gathered building out its first generation of products. As such, the software is generally stable and powerful.
If you’re already in the Zoho ecosystem, then adding Zoho People would be a really smart move. It integrates well with the likes of Zoho Payroll, Zoho Projects and Zoho CRM.
(Image credit: Zoho)
Zoho People: Support
The support for Zoho People offers a number of options, which are centered around the help center.
Here, you can check knowledge base articles, online documentation and even virtual classroom training to help you get to grips with Zoho’s extensive software options.
There is also a series of webinars, for example the on-demand offering “Strategic re-engineering of HR through and post Covid.”
Free and lower-tiered planed tend to have access to standard support, like ticket-based reports and contact with humans within business hours.
Premium and enterprise-grade customers get quicker support and dedicated handlers.
Support is generally considered to be effective, though users report varying wait times. Phone and chat support has also been criticized for not being consistent in multiple regions, so check your local options if support is important to you.
(Image credit: Zoho)
Zoho People: Final verdict
Zoho People offers plenty of features making it worthy of consideration. These include the upfront pricing with no less than five affordable tiers, not even counting the free tier for a business of under five employees with basic functions, the multiple support resources including webinars, and the flexible functionality, such as the new hire portal.
Some shortcomings do remain, such as the lack of direct support options and the fact that some prospective customers will need to get in touch for a quote.
With Zoho People integrating well with Zoho’s other software offerings, we consider it a strong entry into the HR software segment.
Whether you’re already using Zoho’s other software options or you’re a relatively new business that could benefit from its other offerings later on down the line, Zoho People is worthy of your consideration.
If you’re already using other platforms for things like bookkeeping, then consider other payroll and HR options that could offer better integrations with those.
With the best HR software, managing employees, payrolls, holiday leave, and most other things associated with the human resources sector can be simplified. Advanced software is a must for many companies, as it can save countless hours of manual data entry and planning.
BrightHR is a new company, launched in 2015, which launched with the aim to better serve SMBs, it already counts 100,000 businesses among its customers.
In our BrightHR review, we take a close look at this advanced HR software solution. It comes in various formats for businesses of all sizes, and it’s quite affordable as well.
However, there’s no US version. It’s currently only available to customers in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and Ireland.
BrightHR: Plans and pricing
BrightHR used to offer a couple of different tiers, but these days it’s gone down the same route that many other HR and payroll providers have gone down, and we’re not a fan.
You’ll need to get in contact with sales to get a quote, and we’d much rather be able to tell you exactly how much each plan costs to help with comparison.
The company promises to save customers money while providing them with the best value for their investment, with tailored subscriptions based on the number of employees and HR systems required, which suggests further customization could be available beyond basic tiers, hence the requirement for a quote.
Sales teams can also offer potential customers a demo to show them around the suite and point out valuable tools.
The staff management tools are excellent (Image credit: BrightHR)
BrightHR: Features
The BrightHR platform is packed full of advanced HR management features. We’ve touched on a few of the most popular below.
BrightHR offers an excellent selection of staff management tools, including a neat holiday planner. This enables employees to request holidays with the click of a button.
Workers manage this from their end so all admins have to do is approve or decline requests. By keeping all of this within the HR platform, it means managers shouldn’t be bugged by email requests.
On top of this, managers can also record absences and sick leave in just a few seconds.
The platform also allows documentation, like medical certificates, contracts and policies, to be uploaded into the system for safekeeping.
You, of course, get all of the business-oriented HR tools, too, like goal setting (including SMART goals), review and appraisal tools, one-to-one performance meeting templates and follow-ups.
The BrightHR dashboard is tidy and easy to navigate (Image credit: BrightHR)
Although it’s primarily a human capital management (HCM) system, it does have some tools to help ease the burden on finance teams too.
The BrightHR system also tracks various metrics to help you with payroll calculations, reducing the time you need to spend on admin processes. This includes overtime tracking, a complete record of paid and unpaid absences, and information about bonuses or other extra payments that you owe employees.
If you need assistance with your staff rosters, BrightHR’s rota planner will be extremely useful. Modifications can be made with the click of a button, and the system will automatically notify employees of any changes to their usual schedule or work location.
Another noteworthy feature is BrightHR’s unlimited cloud storage. This is designed to help businesses go paperless and features a range of tools to help you store, manage, and share digital files. In addition, files can be accessed from anywhere through the neat mobile app, which is available for both Android and iOS devices.
BrightHR also comes with a Certificate of Assurance from Cyber Essentials, to help protect the service from cyber attacks.
BrightHR: Ease of use
To sign up for a new BrightHR account, you need to simply select the package you want, navigate to the checkout page, and input the required information.
The BrightHR software itself is tidy and easy to navigate, presenting a range of HR management tools in one central hub.
We think its user interface is pretty slick compared with most other legacy HR platforms, so if you’re familiar with working in more digital-first ecosystems like Canva and Monday, you should enjoy the graphics and ease of navigation.
Dashboards and other consolidated views of things like leave, sickness and planned shifts present key information in glanceable formats, and users typically report minimal training requirements to get started.
On the end user side, workers can use the mobile apps which support leave requests, clocking in and out, and scheduling monitoring. In a digital-native economy where PCs are often replaced by smartphones, it’s good to see BrightHR recognising this and building what seems to be a pretty powerful app.
BrightHR offers a selection of self-help resources (Image credit: BrightHR)
BrightHR: Support
When it comes to customer service and support, BrightHR excels. There’s a great range of self-help resources available via the company’s Support Hub, including FAQs, video tutorials, and detailed user guides.
On top of this, you can sign up to weekly webinars, which cover various aspects of getting started with the platform. There’s a handy blog that’s regularly updated, and you can reach out to the customer service team via phone or online contact form if you need extra assistance.
Qualified experts are on hand by phone for employment law advice, and there’s a good document template library to help companies get set up with policies and so on pretty quickly.
Health and safety support, compliance guidance and common HR questions are also covered.
Phone support, online chats and emails make support pretty accessible, but support is generally easier to reach in the UK & Ireland. BrightHR also operates across Australia and New Zealand, plus Canada, but there’s no tailored package for the US.
(Image credit: BrightHR)
BrightHR: Final verdict
All things considered, BrightHR is a great option for those who need an advanced yet competitively priced HR management program. It boasts excellent prices, a great range of advanced tools, and a user-friendly, easy-to-navigate management interface.
While the lack of a US version does narrow its market a little, the markets it does serve are treated to an approachable interface and strong functionality.
The bottom line: if you don’t need a US-specific HR management program, BrightHR could be a perfect choice.
Consider BrightHR if you need HR, compliance, health and safety and employee wellbeing bundled into a neat package, or if you value an intuitive system with good desktop and mobile access.
BrightHR offers excellent service across the board, but there are certainly a few other platforms worth considering.
One of our favorites is Gusto, which covers virtually every aspect of HR management. It includes advanced tools for onboarding, insurance, wages, time-tracking, and more. Ultimately, it’s a great option for businesses looking for advanced all-in-one software.
Another popular choice is BambooHR, a platform that focuses on HR process automation. It also boasts leading security practices, making it a good choice for businesses dealing with sensitive information.
The Samsung S85F, the company’s entry-level OLED TV for 2025, could easily get overshadowed by its step-up siblings and more premium OLED competition. However, the S85F offers a good range of features and great performance at a more affordable price, with the 65-inch model I tested available for $1,499.99 / £1,899.99 / AU$1,999.99 several months after its release.
One thing to note in this review: I tested the 65-inch Samsung S85F, which in the UK, where I am based, uses a W-OLED panel. In the US, the 55- and 65-inch models instead use a QD-OLED panel.
The S85F boasts a feature list that rivals the best TVs, particularly in terms of smart TV and gaming capabilities. That list also includes AI-based picture enhancement tools such as 4K AI Upscaling and Real Depth Enhancer, as well as an improved Tizen 9.0 smart TV platform.
Picture quality on the S85F comes close to rivaling the best OLED TVs. Colors are vibrant, and it delivers strong contrast with deep blacks and refined shadow detail. Textures are realistic with both 4K and HD sources, giving people and objects a 3D-like quality. Motion does require some setup, but once this is done, the picture is smooth and responsive. Brightness is lower than that of flagship OLEDs such as the Samsung S95F and LG G5, and even mid-range OLEDs like the LG C5, but that’s the one area where it falls short.
The S85F’s two 2-channel, 20W speaker array delivers decent bass and clear speech, and it accurately maps sound effects to the action on screen, but is otherwise just average. Some may find the S85F’s sound fine for day-to-day viewing, but I’d recommend adding one of the best soundbars.
The S85F carries a gaming feature set to match the best gaming TVs, and it has the performance to match. Its four HDMI 2.1 ports support 4K 120Hz, AMD FreeSync Premium and Nvidia G-Sync, ALLM, and HDR10+ gaming. Samsung’s Gaming Hub has access to tons of cloud gaming apps, and an ultra-low 9.4ms input lag time ensures responsive performance, regardless of the game.
Tizen 9.0, the latest version of Samsung’s smart TV platform, is arguably the best one to date. Navigation is smooth, there are AI-based tools for content recommendation, and there are plenty of settings to adjust the picture. Those settings can be a pain to find at times, but that doesn’t make Tizen 9.0 any less of a success.
The S85F is great value for money. It has a comprehensive list of features, strong performance for gaming and movies, and is affordably priced for an OLED TV. While step-up models such as the Samsung S90F and LG C5 can be had for a bit more money, the S85F is still a great value overall.
Samsung S85F review: Prices & release date
(Image credit: Future)
Release date: May 2025
55-inch: $1,399.99 / £1,399.99 / AU$2,499
65-inch: $1,999.99 / £2,099.99 / AU$3,299
77-inch: $2,799.99 / £2,799.99 / AU$4,999
83-inch: $4,499.99 / £3,799.99 / AU$6,999
The Samsung S85F is the entry-level OLED model in Samsung’s 2025 TV lineup, sitting below the mid-range Samsung S90F and flagship Samsung S95F. It is available in sizes ranging from 55 to 83 inches. The 65-inch model I tested launched at $1,999.99 / £2,099.99 / AU$3,299.
All models have dropped in price since launch. At the time of writing, the 65-inch model is selling for as low as $1,499.99 / £1,899.99 / AU$1,999.99, putting it in the same region as its closest rival, the LG B5 (65-inch priced at $1,399.99 / £1,899.99 / AU$2,695). I expect those prices to continue dropping throughout 2025.
Samsung S85F review: Specs
Screen type:
OLED
Refresh rate:
Up to 120Hz
HDR support:
HDR10+, HDR10, HLG
Audio support:
Dolby Atmos
Smart TV:
Tizen
HDMI ports:
4 x HDMI 2.1
Built-in tuner (US):
ATSC 1.0
Samsung S85F review: Benchmark results
Samsung S85F review: Features
The Samsung Gaming Hub (pictured) is one of the Samsung S85F's strongest features (Image credit: Future)
NQ4 AI Gen 2 Processor and W-OLED panel
4K 120Hz, AMD FreeSync Premium and Nvidia G-Sync
Vision AI tools
US models of the S85F use QD-OLED panels exclusively in the 55-inch and 65-inch screen sizes. In every other region, the S85F uses standard W-OLED panels across all sizes. Since I’m in the UK, I tested a 65-inch model with a W-OLED panel.
The S85F features Samsung’s NQ4 AI Gen 2 processor, which has picture enhancements such as 4K AI Upscaling and Real Depth Enhancer. Like all Samsung TVs, there is support for HDR10+, HDR10 and HLG high dynamic range formats, but not Dolby Vision.
A two-channel, 20W speaker array on the S85F supports Dolby Atmos, and there are sound-based AI tools such as Adaptive Sound and Active Voice Amplifier Pro. The S85F also supports Q-Symphony, which enables its speakers to be used in conjunction with compatible Samsung soundbars when connected.
Gaming is well supported on the S85F. The TV’s four HDMI 2.1 ports support 4K 120Hz, ALLM, HDR10+ gaming, and both AMD FreeSync Premium and Nvidia G-Sync. The S85F also features the Samsung Gaming Hub, a portal for cloud-based gaming services.
The S85F features Samsung’s Tizen smart TV platform, now on version 9.0. This provides AI tools for picture and sound enhancement, plus other features such as click to search and AI content recommendations. Tizen provides access to pretty much all major streaming apps, such as Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, and, in the UK, BBC iPlayer, ITVX, and other major UK-based streaming apps.
Features score: 5 / 5
Samsung S85F review: Picture quality
Colors and textures look great on the Samsung S85F, as shown here with Wicked(Image credit: Universal Pictures / Future)
Rich colors
Strong contrast and shadow detail
Middling brightness compared to other OLEDs
Measuring the S85F’s peak HDR brightness on a 10% white window pattern, it hit 777 nits in Filmmaker Mode and 818 nits in Standard mode. While that result is lower than mid-range OLED TVs such as the Samsung S90F, it was higher than the LG B5 (668 nits in Movie mode and 637 nits in Standard mode), which uses a similar panel.
The S85F’s fullscreen HDR brightness was just average, topping at 147 nits in Filmmaker Mode and 150 nits in Standard mode. This is again in the same region as the B5 (170 nits in Standard and 131 nits in Filmmaker), but much lower than what you’ll get with recent flagship OLEDs, which average around 300-plus nits on this test.
The S85F does an impressive job upscaling HD-quality movies and TV shows. A stream of Fight Club on Disney+ benefited from upscaled textures and showed good contrast. The same can’t be said for standard-definition content from apps like Samsung TV Plus and YouTube, however.
Color was among the S85F’s strong points. Viewed in the Movie picture mode, a scene from the 4K Blu-ray of Wicked, in which Elphaba stands under a pink tree, revealed vibrant pink flowers and a vivid green hue to Elphaba’s skin. Filmmaker Mode looked more natural, but picture highlights had more punch in Movie mode. A 4K stream of Elemental also demonstrated the S85F’s superb color, particularly in a scene where Ember repairs a broken vase.
Measuring the S85F’s HDR color gamut, it covered 98.1% of the DCI-P3 and 71.5% of the BT.2020 color spaces. While the former is a great result, the latter is lacking compared to other recent OLEDs, which have ranged from 74-81% in our tests.
The S85F delivers rich black levels and great contrast (Image credit: Future)
The S85F exhibited excellent contrast and shadow detail. Watching The Batman, specifically the opening crime scene in Mayor Mitchell’s house, there was a powerful balance between the light areas of torches and lamps and the dark floors and walls. Paintings were still visible on the walls in the darkest points of the scene, and so was Batman’s eye as he turned away from the camera. Shadows here were deep and rich throughout, with no signs of black crush.
Due to the S85F’s limited brightness and glossy screen, darker movies like The Batman were harder to watch in brighter viewing conditions, and were best saved for dim or pitch black viewing.
Black and white scenes from Oppenheimer also demonstrated the S85F’s excellent screen uniformity, displaying a good range of black, white and gray tones evenly across the screen.
Motion handling required some setup on the S85F. For sports, I found Standard mode with judder reduction set to 3-5 and blur redirection set to 2 to be the best settings, resulting in a smooth, but not overly smooth, picture. There was still some ghosting of the ball during a soccer game on Prime Video with these settings, but it was minimal. As for movies, a scene in No Time to Die where a camera pans across a hillside required the same motion settings to reduce judder.
Detail was one of the S85F’s other picture quality strengths. Almost everything I watched looked crisp and refined, taking on a realistic look without being too sharp. This gave people and objects a 3D-like quality, something helped along by the TV’s Real Depth Enhancer feature.
Picture quality score: 4.5 / 5
Samsung S85F review: Sound quality
The S85F features Samsung's Object Tracking Sound (OTS) Lite system for a more spatially accurate sound presentation (Image credit: Future)
Two-channel, 20W speaker array
Good accuracy and solid bass
Narrow soundstage
The S85F has a two-channel, 20W speaker system with Dolby Atmos support. There are two audio presets, Standard and Amplify, along with AI sound tools such as Adaptive Sound and Voice Amplifier Pro, both of which analyze the viewing environment and content on screen to adapt the sound.
Despite having a limited two-channel sound system, the S85F demonstrated solid bass. In the Batmobile/Penguin car chase from The Batman, it delivered the rumble of the Batmobile’s engine and the crunch of collisions with good impact and weight. The Object Tracking Sound (OTS) Lite system also did a great job of connecting sound with the action on screen, accurately mapping swerving tires, bullet sprays and blaring car horns. Speech was generally clear throughout my testing.
The S85F’s soundstage felt very narrow, however, with sound effects never really extending beyond the screen. While the S85F’s sound will be fine for day-to-day viewing, it deserves a soundbar to match its picture quality.
Sound quality score: 3.5 / 5
Samsung S85F review: Design
The S85F's support feet can be installed in two positions: wide or narrow (Image credit: Future)
Sleek design with trim frame
Wide and narrow support feet options
SolarCell remote
Like many Samsung TVs, the S85F has an appealing design, with its extra-slim build and bezel-less screen giving it a sleek, modern look. Its rear panel even has a navy/gray color that helps differentiate it from other TVs on the market.
There are wide and narrow installation options for the TV’s support feet. Wide is perfect for accommodating a soundbar, and the narrow position is for those who have a particularly small TV stand.
The S85F comes with Samsung’s SolarCell remote, which features both a USB-C port and a solar cell on the rear as charging options. A new addition is the AI button, which provides access to Vision AI settings, such as click to search when pressed. If you’re in the UK, you’ll get Samsung’s older remote with a numeric keypad as well.
Design score: 4.5 / 5
Samsung S85F review: Smart TV & menus
Tizen 9.0, the latest version of Samsung's smart TV platform, is the best one to date (Image credit: Future)
Tizen 9.0 platform
Responsive performance and clean layout
Some settings are buried in menus
Samsung’s Tizen smart TV platform has gone through several big changes over the last few years, and the new Tizen 9.0 is the best version to date. A quick menu provides easy access to settings such as picture mode, brightness, and sound output. There are also four useful hubs: Home, for streaming apps and content recommendations; Game, for gaming apps and settings; Daily+, for lifestyle apps such as office and health; and Ambient, which gives access to artwork, photos and videos that can be displayed in a low power mode.
Tizen 9.0 offers AI content recommendations based on your watch history, and its Samsung TV Plus app houses hundreds of free channels. For UK users, Samsung TV Plus serves as an alternative to Freeview. There is the option to create custom profiles for different users as well.
Tizen 9.0 may be a marked improvement over previous versions, but it’s still not perfect. While there are plenty of settings to adjust the picture, these can be tough to navigate. For instance, I was frustrated to find that settings I regularly use, such as Motion, were buried deep in sub-menus.
Tizen doesn’t quite beat LG’s webOS as the best smart TV platform, but it comes in a very close second.
Smart TV & menus score: 4.5 / 5
Samsung S85F review: Gaming
The S85F has a stacked list of gaming features and delivers great performance. (Image credit: Future)
Four HDMI 2.1 ports
4K 120Hz, FreeSync Premium and Nvidia G-Sync
9.4ms input lag time
The S85F carries a near-full stock of gaming features across its four HDMI 2.1 ports. These include support for 4K 120Hz, VRR including AMD FreeSync Premium and Nvidia G-Sync (the latter a first for Samsung TVs), HDR10+ gaming and ALLM.
Samsung’s Gaming Hub offers cloud-based gaming services such as Xbox, Nvidia GeForce Now, and Luna, along with gaming-related content. It also allows for quick access to connected gaming devices such as consoles.
With an ultra-low 9.4ms measured input lag, gaming performance on the S85F is smooth and responsive. In even the most chaotic battle sequences in Battlefield V, I found it was snappy and responded to my inputs quickly with no signs of stutter or screen tearing.
Gaming score: 5 / 5
Samsung S85F review: Value
The S85F comes with Samsung's SolarCell remote (Image credit: Future)
Competitively priced for an entry-level OLED
Strong features and performance for price
Better value in US due to QD-OLED panel
I’ve seen the 65-inch S85F I tested selling for $1,499.99 / £1,899.99 / AU$1,999.99. While this is good value for an OLED TV of this size in the UK and Australia, it’s even better value in the US, since that size uses a QD-OLED panel that can potentially provide even better performance.
The S85F is competitively priced with its main rival, the LG B5, which costs $1,399.99 / £1,899.99 / AU$2,695 for the 65-inch model. I expect these two will compete on price for the remainder of the year, particularly during Black Friday.
The step-up Samsung S90F (which also uses a QD-OLED panel in the 65-inch size in both the US and the UK) is available for $1,699.99 / £2,099.99 / AU$4,295, meaning it’s a good value. And at $1,699.99 / £2,099.99 / AU$4,295, the LG C5, LG’s mid-range OLED, is priced the same as the S90F. For a bit more money, both these models offer better performance, with higher picture brightness.
Value score: 4.5 / 5
Should you buy the Samsung S85F?
(Image credit: Future)
Samsung S85F
Attributes
Notes
Rating
Features
A strong array of features for both gaming and smart TV
5/5
Picture quality
Excellent color and contrast plus realistic textures, but lacks brightness of more premium OLEDs
4.5/5
Sound quality
Solid bass performance and accurate mapping, but a narrow soundstage
3.5/5
Design
Slim, sleek design with two-position stand gives TV a more premium look than its price would suggest
4.5/5
Smart TV and menus
Best iteration of Tizen to date, with useful menus and settings and smooth performance, but some settings are buried in menus
4.5/5
Gaming
4K 120Hz and full VRR support plus ultra-responsive performance and Samsung Gaming Hub
5/5
Value
A great value TV that has all the features and performance most people will want
4.5/5
Buy it if...
You want a great OLED picture for less The S85F delivers bold colors, crisp textures and strong contrast for a cheaper price than most other 2025 OLED TVs.
You want a great TV for gaming The S85F has four HDMI 2.1 ports that support 4K 120Hz, FreeSync Premium and Nvidia G-Sync, and it delivers ultra-smooth performance.
You want value for money An impressive picture, a full list of gaming features and plenty of smart tools and features make the S85F great value for money.
Don't buy it if…
You want to watch in a bright room The S85F doesn't have the high brightness of premium OLEDs, and its screen is reflective in brighter viewing conditions.
You want Dolby Vision support Samsung TVs don't support Dolby Vision for movies or gaming, and the S85F is no exception. It does support HDR10+, however.
You want the best built-in sound While fine for day-to-day viewing, the S85F's built-in sound can't compare with a soundbar, with even affordable models beating it.
Also consider
Samsung S85F
LG B5
LG C5
Samsung S90F
Price (65-inch)
$1,999.99 / £2,099.99 / AU$3,299
$1,999.99 / £2,499 / AU$3,299
$2,699 / £2,699 / AU$4,299
$2,499 / £2,699 / AU$4,299
Screen type
OLED (QD-OLED on 55- and 65-inch models in the US)
OLED
OLED
QD-OLED (65-inch only)
Refresh rate
120Hz
120Hz
144Hz
144Hz
HDR support
HDR10+/HDR10/HLG
Dolby Vision/HDR10/HLG
Dolby Vision/HDR10/HLG
HDR10+/HDR10/HLG
Smart TV
Tizen
webOS 25
webOS25
Tizen
HDMI ports
4 x HDMI 2.1
4 x HDMI 2.1
4 x HDMI 2.1
4 x HDMI 2.1
LG B5 The Samsung S85F's closest rival, the LG B5 offers similar brightness, features, performance, and even price. The B5 does support Dolby Vision HDR, but not the HDR10+ format.
LG C5 The LG C5 is brighter than the S85F, so it's better suited to watching in well-lit rooms. It also has better processing speed and built-in sound. It is, however, a step-up in price, and the S85F carries many of the same gaming features and performance.
Samsung 65-inch S90F The step-up model over the S85F, the Samsung S90F uses a QD-OLED panel in its 65-inch model, and that gives higher brightness, along with better contrast and color detail. It also supports a 144Hz refresh rate for gaming.
Tested in our testing room in varying lighting conditions
Tested using HDR and SDR sources
Measurements taken using Portrait Displays' Calman color calibration software
Before conducting my testing, I spent some time casually viewing the S85F to establish its best picture modes, settling on a mix of Filmmaker Mode and Movie mode, with Standard for sports.
I conducted subjective testing by watching reference SDR (DVD, Blu-ray) and HDR (4K Blu-ray and streaming) sources to test the S85F's picture quality, focusing on color, contrast, textures, upscaling, shadow detail and motion handling.
I next conducted objective testing, taking measurements using specialized equipment: a Klein K-10 A colorimeter, with a Jeti Spectraval 1501 used to profile it and a Murideo 8K Six G Metal test pattern generator, with Portrait Displays' Calman color calibration software to record the results.
I measured the S85F's HDR and SDR brightness on 1-100% white window patterns, focusing on 10% (peak) and 100% (fullscreen) brightness.
Next, I measured the S85F's color and grayscale accuracy, looking for a Delta-E (the margin for error between the test pattern and what's displayed on screen) average below 3. I also measured the S85F's DCI-P3 and BT.2020 HDR color gamut coverage.
Finally, I measured the S85F's input lag using a Leo Bodnar 4K HDMI Input Lag tester.
In Romanian, the word ‘Alba’ translates to ‘first light’. Instantly, this makes me think of new beginnings; of fresh experiences. And so, in come the Meze Audio Alba – an affordable pair of in-ear monitors aiming to be the first light for entry-level audiophiles, everywhere.
And I’m not going to beat around the bush here, Meze Audio absolutely nailed it with this model. These IEMs have a list price of $159 / £139 / AU$239, meaning they’re easily on the budget side of things. But very little about these in-ears feels or sounds budget to me.
First of all, these deliver fantastic sound quality – the most important quality needed to compete with the best wired earbuds around. If you’re new to the world of audiophile sound, you’ll be wowed with awesome attention to detail right across the frequency range, as well as clear, surprisingly expansive audio output.
Meze itself describes the Alba as having “a neutral sound profile with an added touch of warmth” – and that’s a largely accurate description in my view. Mids never sound recessed, treble is expressive, and bass is impressively weighty given these IEMs' small size. I certainly sensed that slight preference towards low-frequency sounds when listening to Overflow by Kolter, where the meaty, spacey bass hit with serious impact.
When tuning into Where Do We Go From Here by Jamiroquai, lead vocals were pleasingly clear in the overall mix, while rhythm guitar was effortlessly separated and afforded plenty of room to breathe. Groovy bass and percussion was also excellently defined, helping the track’s funk-infused character to flow, without compromise.
You’ll get a dynamic, detailed listen from the Alba too. I tried playing Rains again by Solji, and every breath came through clearly, while delicate vocals remained controlled and emotive throughout.
In fact, my only slight issue with these IEMs sonically speaking, is that higher-pitched treble sounds can get a little harsh at higher volumes. For instance, I listened to Straight From The Underground by Riordan, and snappy percussion sounded a little edgy as I ventured into the upper echelons of loudness. Again, though, these offer a great listen overall.
(Image credit: Future)
Beyond sound, these IEMs continue to plate up serious quality. They’re made up of zinc alloy and anodized aluminium parts, and the outer casing is intended to represent the appearance of a pearl. In hand, the Alba feel far more luxurious than their price would suggest. As much as I love the Sennheiser IE 200, their plastic casing doesn’t come close to the Alba’s more durable, flashy design.
In addition, the braided cable is elegant and even felt nice to run through my fingers. It is a little prone to tangling, especially after taking out of the satisfyingly compact carry case (included in the box). And if you want a volume controller for on-the-go use, you’re out of luck here – you’ll need to consider a third-party option.
Back to the good stuff: there are a couple of connectivity options here. You can either use the standard 3.5mm connector, or make use of the included custom-made USB-C adapter. This has a built-in DAC and AMP, ensuring you can access hi-res audio on the go, even with your smartphone. It also has an LED light that shines if you’re connected up properly – nice touch! It's worth noting, though, that there’s no 4.4mm adapter in the box.
I was also very pleased with the comfort and fit of the Meze Audio Alba. I typically use the Sony WH-1000XM6 to listen to my music, as I can often find in-ear options to feel a little tiresome after an hour or two. But not these. They fit snugly for me, and are lightweight enough to feel non-invasive. There are a range of different-sized eartips in the box, too, so you can find the perfect seal.
Of course, you don’t get the benefits of active noise cancellation with wired IEMs – something you’d expect from the best wireless earbuds. But that firm seal was all I needed to unearth the full benefits of the Alba’s passive noise isolation abilities. Even when listening at middling volumes, chatter around the office and passing by vehicles were dulled significantly, helping me to remain immersed in my music.
So, all in all, I think it’s clear. The Meze Audio Alba are a brilliant option for anyone looking to enter the audiophile world, with a low price, stunning looks, and detailed sound. They’ll help you see your favorite songs in a new light. And for that alone, they’re well deserving of my recommendation.
(Image credit: Future)
Meze Audio Alba review: price and release date
$159 / £139 / AU$239
Launched in June 2024
The Meze Audio Alba are a highly affordable pair of IEMs, coming in with a list price of $159 / £139 / AU$239. Interestingly, they appear to be regularly priced a little higher than this in both the UK and Australia, but only by a small margin. They were released in June 2024, and are available in a single colorway.
Meze Audio Alba review: specs
Drivers
10.8mm dynamic
Weight
14g
Frequency range
15Hz-25kHz
Connectivity
3.5mm; USB-C
(Image credit: Future)
Should I buy the Meze Audio Alba?
Attributes
Notes
Rating
Features
Brilliant USB-C adapter, great passive noise isolation, detachable cable, no in-line controller or mic.
4.5/5
Sound quality
Well separated, defined sound with impressive bass and attention to detail.
4.5/5
Design
Gorgeous outer casing, beautiful braided cable, a little prone to tangling.
4.5/5
Value
Phenomenally priced for the luxurious sound and looks on offer.
5/5
Buy them if...
You want audiophile-grade audio on a budget The Meze Audio Alba plate up high-standard audio at a pretty low price, making them an incredible option for anyone looking for an entry point into the audiophile world.
You want to stand out from the crowd One of the things I like most about these IEMs is their gorgeous looks. Their zinc alloy and anodized aluminium parts make for a premium look, while the neatly braided cable and silver details top off a gorgeous set of in-ears.
Don't buy them if...
You want in-line controls or a mic for casual listening If you’re buying these purely for casual listening, the lack of an in-line controller could be frustrating, particularly when you’re on the go. Having said that, these do feature a detachable cable, so you may be able to identify a suitable third-party replacement if you want a controller and a mic.
You want the best tangle-resistant cable I had a great time with the Alba, but I did find that its cable was a touch prone to tangling. The tangle resistant nature of the Sennheiser IE 200 cable may be preferable if you don’t want to spend time unfurling your buds on almost every use.
Meze Audio Alba: also consider
Meze Audio Alba
Sennheiser IE 200
Activo Volcano
Price
$159 / £139 / AU$239
$149.95 / £129.99 / AU$239.95
$80 / £99 (about AU$120)
Drivers
10.8mm dynamic
7mm dynamic
1x 8mm, 2x 6mm dynamic triple-driver
Weight
14g
4g (per bud)
5g (per bud)
Frequency range
15Hz-25kHz
6Hz-20kHz
20Hz-20kHz
Connectivity
3.5mm; USB-C
3.5mm
3.5mm; 4.4mm; USB-C
Sennheiser IE 200 I love the Sennheiser IE 200 and they really do feel like the natural competitor to the Meze Alba. With an entry-level price-point, attractive braided cable, and small-sized outer casing, the likeness is there for all to see. The IE 200 offer pleasing low-end weight, fantastic instrument separation, and a beautifully lightweight feel. They aren’t as premium-looking as the Alba, but they’re still a top-tier pair of affordable IEMs. Read our full Sennheiser IE 200 review.
Activo Volcano The Activo Volcano are an exceptionally low-priced set of IEMs for anyone interested in entering the audiophile world. They supply prominent bass, multiple connectivity options, a secure fit, and a detachable cable. They are a little large for my liking, and they won’t offer the most neutral sound on the market, but they’re still a solid budget option. Read our full Activo Volcano review.
How I tested the Meze Audio Alba
(Image credit: Future)
Tested for two weeks
Used in the office and while out and about
Predominantly tested using Tidal
I tested the Meze Audio Alba in-ear monitors across the course of two weeks, after a thorough run-in. I predominantly used their 3.5mm connectivity option, while hooked up to my laptop – but I also tried the USB-C dongle with my phone when listening on the go.
Most of the time, I used the Alba while playing tracks via Tidal, in order to access higher-res music files. On Tidal, I ran through the TechRadar testing playlist, which features tracks from a wide range of genres. However, I also played a number of tracks from my own personal library, including some go-to tunes I use for testing audio gear.
Where appropriate, I compared the Meze Audio Alba side-by-side with the Sennheiser IE 200 on aspects such as sound quality, design, and features.
More generally, I’ve tested tons of products here at TechRadar, where I largely focus on the audio-visual segment. I’ve reviewed everything from all-action party speakers, such as the LG xboom Stage 301, through to premium IEMs, like the Sennheiser IE 600. As a result, I have a strong understanding of what is required for audio gear to stand out in a highly competitive market, and what makes a product great, rather than good.
I really didn’t know what to make of the Whoop MG; I loved it and disliked it in equal measure. On the one hand, it’s a brilliant fitness tool, with a simple-yet-deep interface boasting comprehensive metrics. It’s got an in-app workout builder worthy of any of the best fitness apps, and an intuitive journaling mechanism. The journal entries you record feed into your recovery and strain information in a simple, clever way.
It’s really easy to use; being screenless, you hardly interact with it at all beyond taking the occasional ECG scan or switching off its haptic alarm with a few taps. Instead, all the interaction is done via the app, with the app sending through push notifications when it’s time for bed, or when the app needs a piece of information clarified with a quick journal entry.
Despite its limited interface, it’s a sophisticated tool, packing a host of heart health features including ECG to test for atrial fibrillation (the MG in its name stands for Medical Grade) and estimated blood pressure, which requires calibration with a cuff. Its new Healthspan tool gives you the Whoop Age metric, which is similar to Fitness Age on one of the best Garmin watches, or Metabolic Age on continuous glucose monitors like Abbott’s Lingo.
On the other hand, certain aspects of the tracker stop me short from recommending it for everyone. For one thing, the price for the Whoop MG – it’s only available on its premium Life subscription, with the medical-grade heart-screening features – is extortionate.
The lower-tier wearable, the Whoop 5.0, starts at a much more reasonable £169 / $199 / AU$299 per year. For this price, you can get a Whoop One subscription, which gives you the Whoop 5.0 device but locks metrics like Stress and Whoop Age behind a paywall. Instead, you get those (along with a nicer band and the wireless charger) with a Whoop Peak membership, which costs £229 / $239 / AU$419 per year. Then at the top end you get the Whoop Life subscription plan at £349 / $359 / AU$629 per year for life, which comes with the premium Whoop MG device with heart screening and ECG features. Stop paying at any tier level, and your Whoop reverts to an inert hunk of plastic at the end of your membership.
I tested the top-tier, super-premium Whoop MG, but the hardware is fiddly at times. Unbuckling the strap causes the metal clasp to come completely detached more often than not, the alarm is hard to turn off at times, while taking ECGs failed as often as it succeeded. Looking around the web, these aren’t isolated incidents.
It’s an impressive, sophisticated fitness tracker that some people will love, but I came away disliking it. While I appreciate that some people will see the subscription-based model as a monthly health investment, at this premium tier I don’t think the value is there, unless you’re very wealthy and extremely athletic or concerned about monitoring your health. Essentially, that makes it Batman’s ideal fitness tracker.
Whoop MG: Price and availability
(Image credit: Future)
Whoop Life (MG): £349 / $359 / AU$629 per year
Whoop Peak (5.0): £229 / $239 / AU$419 per year
Whoop One (5.0): £169 / $199 / AU$299 per year
The Whoop MG’s value score, from the outset, is hampered by the membership scheme, especially as Whoop promised existing members free upgrades to the 5.0, turned back on that promise, then doubled back again after user outcry.
The Whoop MG device I’m testing is only available with the Whoop Life subscription, the most expensive tier.
The Whoop 5.0, without an ECG, blood pressure or Heart Screener features and more accurate, starts at the basic Whoop One tier (£169 / $199 / AU$299 per year), which offers Strain, Recovery, Sleep, VO2 Max, heart rate zones, steps, Strength Trainer, menstrual cycle insights and journal features. However, you don’t get the Whoop MG’s premium band and wireless charger, and software features Whoop Age, Stress and Health Monitor, which are locked behind a paywall.
For an extra $40 / £60 / AU$120 per year you can get Whoop Peak, which adds those hardware and software features back in. Now, all that you’re missing are the heart health features and improved accuracy for stats like menstrual cycle insights with the improved sensor array, which you get by spending another $120 / £120 / AU$210 per year on top of the Whoop Peak price for Whoop Life (£349 / $359 / AU$629 per year).
As we’re reviewing the Whoop MG, I’ll be focusing on this most expensive price tier, and to spend this sort of money on a wearable is far from unheard of – as a one-off payment, that is. To spend it annually is mad to me. Even though the app is terrific, it would have to do everything, pack GPS for better running insights, and make my coffee in the morning for me to consider this a good deal.
Things get a little better as you go down the tiers, as once you break down the cost by month, a subscription that aids your health and fitness in the way Whoop does starts to sound more reasonable. But even the best smartwatches, many of which offer excellent fitness credentials of their own, are a one-time payment – meaning Whoop will eventually out-cost them.
Value score: 2/5
Whoop MG: Design
(Image credit: Max Delaney / TechRadar)
Excellent app user experience
Totally screenless
Poor clasp
First things first: anyone who’s seen a Whoop device before will know it’s not a smartwatch. It’s a completely screenless plastic fitness tracker with its sensor array on the underside, wrapped using a Superknit or Coreknit polyester-fabric wristband over the top of the device. A bicep Coreknit band is also available. I like the screenless design – it’s distraction-free, and very easy to wear day-to-day.
Holding it all together is a stainless-steel buckle with a crossbar on one end to hook the fabric band, and two short pins to attach to the tracking device on the other end. This was one of my main hardware frustrations: I get that you’re not supposed to take the band off that often, but when I unclipped the band the buckle came off completely maybe one out of every three times. I had to forcibly bent the metal a couple of times to get it to stay put.
The design of the app, however, is very good – it’s one of the most user-friendly fitness apps I’ve tried in a long time. It’s easy to navigate, using color and circular graphs to provide clear context for your reams of data. The workout builder and journal functionality are intuitive and feed into other metrics. The only issue I had is that when viewing detailed heart rate graphs, the app inexplicably shifts to landscape mode.
Design score: 3.5/5
Whoop MG: Features
(Image credit: Max Delaney / TechRadar)
Automatic workout detection
Very detailed, comprehensive metrics
Workout builder
Whoop’s screenless ‘set-and-forget’ tracker is possible thanks to its advanced activity detection functionalities. Once the software learns what kind of workouts you take part in most often, it’s very good at anticipating your movements, tracking and logging them as the correct workouts. Towards the end of my testing, it successfully logged running and weightlifting workouts separately, without prompting.
Speaking of weightlifting, the workout builder is intuitive and fantastic to use, both as a diary of your strength-training progress and a way for the app to better pinpoint the amount of strain the workout placed on your body. I was able to create routines in advance and assign them to workout instances, and I was able to create and edit them on the fly if I had to go up or down a weight during a lift, for example.
Only a few very specific movements were missing, such as resistance band-assisted pull-ups, but for the most part its workout library was vast and comprehensive.
The Whoop Coach AI chatbot was also surprisingly useful, putting my personal statistics into context with its library of science-based advice.
The Whoop MG has an ECG feature, automatically exporting an ECG report that you can share with a doctor. Its blood pressure detection requires prior calibration with a blood pressure cuff for it to work, then estimates your blood pressure fluctuations based on other metrics. Otherwise, your step count, calorie burn, heart rate, sleep duration and more are folded into a trio of metrics, each scored out of 100: sleep, a measure of your overall sleep quality; recovery, the percentage of which your body has recovered from exertion or stress; and strain, which is how much stress you’re putting on your body during the day.
A ‘strain threshold’ is calculated based on your recovery and activity levels, indicating how strenuous your day should and can be before it veers into detrimental territory. Detailed graphs plot your stress, relation between strain and recovery, daily heart rate and more. With such a mass of information, it would be so easy for this to become confusing, but Whoop does a great job of packing a lot of information into the app without it feeling impenetrable.
Features score: 4/5
Whoop MG: Performance
(Image credit: Future)
Battery life is excellent
Accurate heart rate and sleep tracking
Geared for optimization
I found the Whoop matched up closely during testing with other wrist-based devices such as the Apple Watch Ultra 2 when it comes to heart rate tracking: in other words, it’s as good as it gets on your wrist. The sleep tracking was also accurate, recording without fail each time I woke up in the middle of the night.
Battery life was excellent. I averaged about nine days with the Whoop MG before I needed to use the attached charger, and even then I just clipped it on while I worked at my desk, and charged the device up without taking it off.
Generally, it was a terrific device, and I enjoyed my time with the Whoop. Its metrics aren’t just detailed, they’re actionable, offering plenty of context rather than spewing forth useless numbers in a vacuum. It doesn’t just tell you your sleep score, but also how to improve it.
However, I don’t think I’m necessarily the target audience for this device – I know it’s optimal, but I do not want to go to bed at 9pm, no matter what Whoop thinks my sleep need is. As it was telling me to wind down for the night, I was ramping up: I’d worked late, cooked late, and then had to do the dishes and sort some paperwork I’d been putting off. Only changing my goals in the app from “reach my sleep need” to “improve my sleep” stopped the Whoop MG from nagging me with push notifications at 8:30pm.
Well, almost. When I did take the device off, inside of 15 minutes, and without fail, I got a push notification telling me to reattach it, which irked me to no end. This is one of the most comprehensive fitness trackers I’ve ever tried, and certainly the best option for workout and recovery tracking if you don’t care about detailed running metrics; but it’s for the optimization-obsessed, and those who can afford its exorbitant annual fees.
Performance: 4/5
Scorecard
Category
Comment
Score
Value
The super-premium Whoop Life subscription is not great value.
2/5
Design
Wonderful app UX, so-so construction.
3.5/5
Features
Varied and comprehensive.
4/5
Performance
Detailed and usable metrics produce actionable advice
4/5
Whoop MG: Should I buy?
Buy it if...
You’re obsessed with performing better
Whoop is for the truly dedicated, who want every part of their lives dialled in for elite performance.
You want distraction-free fitness
No screen? No problem. Whoop’s sleek tracker is unobtrusive and light.
Money is no object
The Whoop MG’s top-end subscription tier is very expensive.
Don't buy it if...
You’re an endurance athlete
Without GPS, Whoop can’t give you the speed and distance information you need, only the stress a run or other activity places on your body.
You’re on a budget
Obviously.
Also consider
We're currently testing the Polar Loop and Amazfit Helio Strap, both screenless fitness trackers new for 2025 pitched as Whoop competitors. Check back soon for our full reviews on both devices.
How I tested
I wore the Whoop MG for 21 days, testing its medical ECG feature, building workouts, wearing it almost constantly, asking questions of its chatbot, and exploring the app in detail. I compared it against the Apple Watch Ultra 2 on a hike, wearing one device on each wrist.
The Sony Bravia Projector 7 (VPL-XW5100ES) joins Sony’s projector lineup following the Bravia Projector 9 and Bravia Projector 8. It’s the cheapest of the three but still comes in at a staggering $9,999 / £6,999 / AU$13,999. Compared to popular consumer projectors like the $2,999 Hisense C2 Ultra, that is a huge leap. But the Bravia Projector 7 is specialty hardware designed for die-hard cinema fans with plans for a robust home theater, and in that context, it’s fairly priced.
Like other higher-end examples of the best projectors, the Bravia Projector 7 is somewhat simple – it’sjust a projector. There’s no Google TV or other streaming platform built in, and there’s no sound system or even audio output ports. The few ports the Bravia Projector 7 does have are a pair of 4K 120Hz-capable HDMI 2.1 inputs plus a smattering of ports used for custom installation.
Though it’s just a projector, it’s a truly excellent one. It has flexible optics with a wide zoom range as well as vertical and horizontal lens shift, making it easy to align the projection. The picture you’ll get on your screen is also stunning: bright, colorful, and with the deepest black levels I can recall seeing from a projector.
While I’d love to see a wider color gamut and support for more HDR formats, these never felt like more than minor shortcomings during my time with the Bravia Projector 7, which never failed to impress. If you’re considering a projector for a dedicated, high-end home theater, it should be on your list.
Sony Bravia Projector 7 review: Price & release date
The Bravia Projector 7 features manual focus and zoom adjustments on its lens (Image credit: Future)
Release date: June 2025
Price: $9,999 / £6,999 / AU$13,999
The Bravia Projector 7 launch trailed behind the Projector 8 and 9, and though its price also trails behind those models, it is decidedly a luxury home theater product. The Bravia Projector 7 comes in at $9,999 / £6,999 / AU$13,999.
Dials on the projector's top provide 71% vertical and 25% horizontal lens shift adjustments (Image credit: Future)
Sony Bravia Projector 7 review: Design & features
The projector's connections include two HDMI 2.1 ports with 4K 120Hz and ALLM support (Image credit: Future)
Large footprint
No audio capabilities or smart TV
Flexible optics
The Bravia Projector 7 is a sizable home theater projector on the scale of the Epson LS12000 and BenQ W5800. This isn’t one of those compact lifestyle projectors, and it’s even larger than some of the ultra short throw projectors I’ve tested. The upside to this size is that the Bravia Projector 7 runs quietly, and it can still fit onto a (sizable) mantle or shelf at the back of a room, but it is better suited to ceiling mounting.
Thankfully, the Bravia Projector 7 is flexible about placement. The lens has a 1.6x zoom range, letting it shift from a modest throw ratio of 1.38 to a longer 2.21. It also has vertical and horizontal lens shift, offering 71% shifting vertically and 25% horizontally in either direction. You manually adjust focus and zoom using rings around the lens, and lens shift with a set of dials hidden under a small panel on the projector’s top.
In addition to these optical adjustments, the Bravia Projector 7 supports digital keystone, though for a projector of this caliber, it’s worth just ensuring proper alignment.
On one side, the Bravia Projector 7 includes several controls in case you misplace the remote control. There is also a series of ports, though most of these are for professional features, like networking and special triggers. Two HDMI 2.1 ports will accept a 4K 120Hz input, but these are for video input only. Neither offers eARC to pass on an audio signal. And with no other form of audio output, the projector doesn’t play well with streaming sticks or even some home theater PCs if they lack a quality audio output of their own.
The Bravia Projector 7 includes a large remote control with a fully backlit keypad. It includes buttons to access preset picture profiles, along with sharpness, brightness, and contrast. A large directional control is also built into the remote and includes a toggle to let the projector display a test pattern to help line up and focus the picture.
Design & features score: 4/5
Sony Bravia Projector 7 review: Picture quality
Image 1 of 3
The Bravia Projector 7's picture is characterized by crisp 4K detail and deep blacks (Image credit: Future)
Image 2 of 3
(Image credit: Future)
Image 3 of 3
(Image credit: Future)
Bright and sharp picture
Deep blacks
Support for 4K 120Hz
Inside, the Bravia Projector 7 is built around a laser diode light source and features a native 4K SXRD optical system. While it’s still not quite on the level of triple-laser projectors for color gamut coverage, the picture is still simply stunning. As much as I’d love to see that extra bit of color, the quality is otherwise the best I've ever seen.
Blacks on the Bravia Projector 7 are simply exceptional. I can’t recall another projector I’ve seen that so thoroughly sank into darkness when displaying shadows. Letterbox bars presented by the Bravia Projector 7 looked so dim as to be indistinguishable from the surrounding walls, which were only illuminated by the light bouncing around the room from the projector itself during my evaluation. The Bravia Projector 7 has such good black levels that you will really want to invest in some light-absorbing materials or dark paint to reduce reflected room light’s impact on the picture.
The projector also gets bright enough for various uses in the daytime, even with daylight coming in through multiple windows. Cartoons, bright video games, and even web-browsing were all possible. You won’t want to watch darker content in this environment, though. But given this is a projector intended for a specialized viewing setup, I don’t think a few blackout curtains would be a tall order.
Basic adjustments and menu nav controls are located on the side (Image credit: Future)
The Projector 7 uses Sony’s XR Processor for projector, and the resulting image is fantastically crisp, with the optics making even fine text appear clear from edge to edge. And that includes objects in motion. Panning shots looked fluid, avoiding stuttering and judder but also artifacts such as the soap opera effect that plagues many systems trying to smooth motion. The Bravia Projector 7 was also happy to game at 4K 120Hz, with smooth visuals and only faint ghosting, and its ALLM feature ensured any input lag was negligible.
Even though the HDR support doesn’t go beyond HDR10, the Projector 7’s XR Dynamic Tone Mapping provides features to enhance the look of HDR content, including three selectable tone mapping modes. An XR Deep Black feature also contributes by ensuring blacks look deep and highlights get maximum brightness punch. For example, when the earth ships decelerate as they approach Pandora in Avatar: The Way of Water, the picture looked simply stunning with the deep black of space contrasted with brilliant flames.
Picture quality score: 4.5/5
Sony Bravia Projector 7 review: Value
(Image credit: Future)
High price tag
Price is still competitive for category
Performance equivalent to competition
The Bravia Projector 7 is expensive, and you are only getting a display for the money with no speakers (or a way to output audio to speakers), and no smart platform for streaming. That may be a tough pill to swallow for some, but the Bravia Projector 7 isn’t meant for someone who wants anything less than a masterful home theater setup. And the display that you’re getting is a truly exceptional one.
There’s no getting past this being a big investment, both for the projector and for all the other elements you’ll need to make the most of the Sony Bravia Projector 7. And there are plenty of projectors that won’t look half bad next to the Bravia Projector 7 while being way less expensive.
So while it’s tough to say the Bravia Projector 7 is a great value, that still can’t undercut its greatness. And the truth is, the Bravia Projector 7 is still a bargain next to some, like the Epson QL7000, and it’s a comparably priced and worthy rival to the JVC DLA-NZ700.
Value score: 3.5/5
Should I buy the Sony Bravia Projector 7?
(Image credit: Future)
Sony Bravia Projector 7
Attributes
Notes
Rating
Design and features
Fairly huge, but it's smartly designed, and the adjustable optics allow for positioning flexibility
4/5
Picture quality
The picture quality is absolutely brilliant, and I haven’t seen such a deep black from a projector before. Its ability to run at 4K 120Hz for gaming also adds to the experience
4.5/5
Value
It’s not cheap, but the picture is great and the price is comparable to some of the other dedicated home theater projector options out there
3.5/5
Buy it if...
You want a truly gorgeous picture The Bravia Projector 7 can provide a sharp, clean image with powerful contrast, great color, and impressive motion handling. View Deal
You have the rest of your home theater sorted This projector requires more elements to make a complete home theater. If you’ve already got the sound, the seating, the light mitigation, and video sources in place, this is a great drop-in solution, especially with its flexible optics.View Deal
You know you’re going big with the picture The value of a projector really soars as you move to bigger and bigger pictures. And the Bravia Projector 7 is happy to go even bigger than 100 inches while still maintaining a brilliant image.View Deal
Don't buy it if...
You just want to plunk it down in your living room Tapping this projector’s full capabilities takes some effort. Just about any stray light or reflective surface in the room is going to degrade picture quality, and then you won’t be getting all of what you’ve paid for.View Deal
You like a simple setup The Bravia Projector 7 is meant for complete home theater setups with an A/V receiver routing video and audio signals, and cables and wires running all over the room. If that doesn’t sound appealing, you would probably be better suited by a different projector.View Deal
You don’t like watching in a dark room This projector’s extremely deep black levels are probably its greatest aspect, but you won’t appreciate them unless you black out your room almost completely. If you prefer watching with some lights on, look instead for a brighter model designed to work in a range of lighting conditions. View Deal
Also consider
Comparison: projectors
Sony Bravia Projector 7
Epson Pro Cinema LS12000
Hisense C2 Ultra
JVC DLA-NZ700
Price:
$9,999
$5,000
$2,999
$8.999
Screen sizes supported:
90 to 130 inches
50 to 130 inches
65-300 inches
30 to 150 inches
Brightness (specified):
2,400 lumens
2,500 lumens
3,000 lumens
2,300 lumens
HDR support
HDR10, HLG
HDR10, HDR10+, HLG
Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HLG
HDR10, HDR10+, HLG
Optical technology:
Laser SXRD
Laser 3LCD
RGB Laser DLP
Laser D-ILA
Smart TV:
n/a
n/a
Vidaa OS
n/a
Connections:
2x HDMI 2.1
2x HDMI 2.1 (1 with eARC)
2x HDMI 2.1 (1 with eARC)
2x HDMI 2.0
Epson LS12000
The Epson LS12000 falls into a similar category as the Bravia Projector 7. It’s similarly large, but it’s significantly less expensive. It also supports eARC, potentially simplifying setup for users who won’t opt for an A/V receiver. Its picture is also stunning, though less colorful. It also features similar optical adjustments, helping with setup simplicity.
If you’re wondering what you can get for a fraction of the price, the Hisense C2 Ultra is the perfect example. It’s incredibly bright, almost obscenely colorful (even more so than the Bravia), thanks to its triple-laser light source, and quite versatile. It supports a beautiful 4K image, but can also switch over to 1080p/240Hz visuals for gaming. And it has built-in speakers and Google TV for all-in-one capabilities. It may not be as pixel-perfect a projector as the Bravia Projector 7, but it’s a stunning projector nonetheless.
For $1,000 less, this projector gives you a very similar machine with excellent imagery, deep blacks, potent HDR capabilities, and a competitive color gamut. You’ll miss out on 4K 120Hz capabilities, though, and getting this projector’s 97% DCI-P3 color gamut requires enabling a filter that reduces brightness.
Tested at home in multiple, real-world viewing conditions
Presented the display with a variety of media and formats
I have tested numerous projectors and displays over the last half-decade
I tested the Sony Bravia Projector 7 at home, in real-world conditions. This saw it faced with ambient light coming in from numerous windows, and in-room lighting,. The projector was tested both against a bare, white wall and an Akia Screens CineWhite screen. It was presented with streamed content, HDR and non-HDR, and PC gameplay.
My testing evaluates the projector’s performance with respect to its price and competition from other models I and colleagues at TechRadar have tested.
I have been testing projectors since 2021 and displays for even longer.
Between various budget and more premium gaming monitor offerings within the 27-inch 1440p market, the Cooler Master Tempest GP2711 could serve as a fine middle-ground.
Its $499 / UK £429 / AU $999 price point and capabilities are good enough to please anyone on both sides of the spectrum, while image quality looks fantastic thanks to the display's quantum dot technology.
When viewing content or gaming in SDR or HDR, the high 600 nits brightness makes colors pop, especially thanks to the 99% sRGB and 95% DCI-P3 color gamut coverage. Once you add nice contrast and deep blacks into the mix, the GP2711 has so much going for it.
Gaming performance is more than enough to satisfy enthusiasts and aspiring e-sports gamers as well. Having a max 165Hz refresh rate alongside 1ms response time should be more than enough for intense sessions of Fortnite or Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III.
For its variable refresh rate solution, the GP2711 is compatible with AMD FreeSync to prevent screen tearing. Then there are other features like an on-screen crosshair and other types of overlays.
Though it lacks a few contemporary features of the very best gaming monitors, the GP2711 offers some solid extras. Gamers and streamers will be happy to know that it has KVM capabilities, which allow users to use the same keyboard and mouse to control two different devices without the need for an extra monitor.
While having built-in speakers are always a plus, the ones in the GP2711 offer fairly disappointing audio quality but are good enough for looking at YouTube videos or social content in a quiet room from time to time.
Taken all together, then, the Cooler Master Tempest GP2711 should be on any gamer's shortlist if they want to pick up one of the best 1440p monitors on the market right now.
Where can you buy it? You can buy it in the US, UK, and Australia
The Cooler Master Tempest GP2711 is currently available across the U.S., UK, and AU for $499 / UK £429 / AU $999, respectively. Outside of the usual online retailers like Amazon and Newegg, the gaming monitor can be purchased through various links on the Cooler Master website in various territories.
At its price, the GP2711 serves as the best bang-for-buck purchase for anyone on a budget looking for a 27-inch 1440p gaming monitor.
Value: 4.5 / 5
Cooler Master Tempest GP2711: Specs
(Image credit: Future / John Loeffler)
Cooler Master Tempest GP2711 specifications
Screen size
27-inch
Aspect ratio
16:9
Resolution
2560x1440
Brightness
600 nits (Typical)
Response time
4ms (GtG), 1ms (MPRT)
Viewing angle
178°/178°
Contrast ratio
3000:1 (Typ.), 3,000,000:1 (HDR)
Color support
DCI-P3 95%, Adobe RGB 93.5%, sRGB 99%, 130% Area Ratio
From putting it together to using it day-to-day, the Cooler Master Tempest GP2711 blends ease of use with functionality. All users have to do is connect the base to the neck and both clip onto the back panel.
At 14lbs, it’s pretty easy to lug around as well. It's fairly adjustable with swivel, height, and pivot poseability. In addition, you can also spin the display 90 degrees to put it into portrait mode.
To power the GP2711, there’s a small brick adapter that doesn’t feel long enough, but it gets the job done in connecting to the power port on the back panel.
(Image credit: Future / John Loeffler)
Other ports include two HDMI 2.0 ports, one DisplayPort 1.4 port, one upstream USB-B port, two USB-A ports, one USB-C, and a 3.5mm headset jack. This is a good enough port setup for multiplatform gamers with additional consoles or streamers due to KVM, which is accessible through the power button.
The small thumbstick on the back allows navigation of the in-display menu. Here, users can change various settings like color, HDR, volume control for the built-in speakers, features like adaptive sync, and more. Moving around in the menu feels good between the speedy software and the thumbstick.
The overall black design is fairly boring but works well enough. Don’t expect any fancy RGB lighting or the like. The actual display screen features thin right, left, and top bezels alongside the larger logo chin. The back is slightly bulky, but that’s due to a unique heatsink and thermal back cover that reduces the need for fans.
Design:4 / 5
Cooler Master Tempest GP2711: Features
(Image credit: Future / John Loeffler)
KVM capabilities
No genre-specific color presets
Built-in speakers aren't great
Don’t expect a ton of features on the Cooler Master Tempest GP2711, but there are some noteworthy extras.
The built-in speakers are nothing special, as they don’t get really loud and aren’t sonically nuanced for finer audio. The speakers have a hollow sound that’s good enough to watch an occasional YouTube video and the like in a quiet room, but even on a casual level, most PC gamers will have some type of gaming headset, so this isn't really a dealbreaker.
If your audio setup isn’t already connected to their desktop, the GP2711 has a 3.5mm headphone jack for audio output.
KVM allows users to use a keyboard and mouse across two devices, and this is a huge deal for streamers. It works pretty well, and users can hit the thumbstick right for various ways to utilize the feature, including USB-B and USB-C.
The thumbstick also reveals various overlay modes you can use, including different crosshairs for better aiming when playing shooters, a frames-per-second monitor, and a timer for speedruns.
Don’t expect anything outside of that, though. There aren’t any genre-specific color settings or modes, so gamers who have particular color settings when playing League of Legends compared to Call of Duty: Warzone are going to manually make in-display adjustments for each game, which could be problematic.
Features: 4 / 5
Cooler Master Tempest GP2711: Performance
(Image credit: Future / John Loeffler)
If the Cooler Master Tempest GP2711 doesn’t knock everything out of the park, its highlight is both image quality and gaming performance.
When Cooler Master called this gaming monitor a “Play-Work-Movie Solution,” they weren’t playing. Off the rip, the 600 nits brightness goes a long way in providing remarkable image quality for both SDR and HDR. Colors are bold, crisp, and the contrast is just right.
Playing visually arresting games with great art design like Alan Wake II, The Legend of Kenzera: ZAU, and Children of the Sun, among others, look stunning, and these visuals do a lot to help immersion.
Most importantly, having a high brightness allows the GP2711 to look phenomenal regardless of lighting conditions in a room. As mentioned previously, the gaming monitor doesn’t have any genre-specific settings, which means color correction will have to be done before playing a particular game, but thankfully, the default settings are more than good enough for a wide range of genres.
Gamers who are also content creators will also like the GP2711's 99% sRGB and 95% DCI-P3 color gamut coverage. This means color accuracy is pretty nice when using Adobe Suite software like Photoshop and Premiere Pro. Meanwhile, watching video content on the GP2711 was a great experience with deep blacks and sharp contrast.
Gaming performance is impressive with its 165Hz refresh rate alongside response time that sits between 4ms (GtG) and 1ms (MPRT). The GP2711 is good enough of a display to play more competitive games like Fortnite or Marvel Rivals. Using a controller or keyboard and mouse for various games felt buttery smooth without any noticeable latency.
When it comes to games pushing image quality and performance, even games like Forza Motorsport handle both well. Having AMD FreeSync compatibility also does a fine job in preventing screen tearing, too. For its very accessible price point, the GP2711 means absolute business.
Performance:4.5 / 5
Should I buy the Cooler Master Tempest GP2711?
Cooler Master Tempest GP2711 Scorecard
Notes
Rating
Value
$499 is a good sweet spot for the Cooler Master Tempest GP2711 while having just enough extras.
4.5/ 5
Design
Design is fairly boring but set-up is easy, has plenty of ports and navigating the in-display menu is nice.
4/ 5
Features
The GP2711 isn't as feature rich as many other monitors, but it has some great features that streamers will love.
4 / 5
Performance
Image quality in SDR and HDR is pretty respectable for its price. Meanwhile, performance works splendidly thanks to a 165Hz refresh rate.
4.5/ 5
Final score
The Cooler Master Tempest GP2711 plays a good middle ground between price and functionality making it a serious recommendation.
4.25 / 5
Buy the Cooler Master Tempest GP2711 if…
You need a great 1440p gaming monitor at a great price The Cooler Master Tempest GP2711 is definitely something to keep on your shortlist if you're on a tighter budget.
You want KVM capability Not all gaming monitors have KVM, but for those who need to work between devices quickly, it really is essential.
You want great image quality and performance The GP2711 makes good use of mini-LED and high brightness for fantastic image quality. Add great response time and a 165Hz refresh rate, and this is great for those just getting into esports.
Don’t buy it if…
You want better built-in speakers The speakers on the GP2711 aren't loud and aren't really good.
You need the extras that come with other monitors Outside of KVM and some graphic overlays, this doesn't offer much in the way of added features.
Also Consider
Gigabyte GS32QC If you're on a tighter budget and want solid 1440p gaming, the Gigabyte GS32QC is a great option for a much lower price.
Asus ROG Strix XG27ACS If you're looking for the best overall 1440p gaming monitor for a reasonable price, the Asus ROG Strix XG27ACS offers exactly what you need without many of the more expensive bells and whistles.
During the two weeks I used the Cooler Master Tempest GP2711, it was my day-to-day monitor for daily activities like browsing with Google Chrome and using Slack for communication purposes. I also used it for work purposes, editing documents with Google Docs, managing projects via Asana, and coordinating social media activities using tools like Hootsuite.
To assess the overall image quality, I played visually rich games like Alan Wake II, The Legend of Kenzera: ZAU, and Children of the Sun. To test performance and gaming enhancement features I relied mostly on titles like Fortnite and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III.
I’ve spent the past several years covering monitors alongside other PC components for Techradar, among many other publications, so I am very well equipped to assess the strengths and weaknesses of a gaming monitor like this.
