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I tested the Jackery Explorer 3000 v2 and I’m impressed with just how much capacity this home back-up portable power station has without needing any extra batteries
2:07 pm | July 23, 2025
Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Pro | Comments: Off

Jackery is a mainstay of the power back-up industry being one of the original companies to offer such quality devices and products. I remember seeing their adverts some several years ago before the big boom of power stations.

So, I tested out the Jackery Explorer 3000 v2, packing in a 3072Wh of capacity with a combined max output of 3600W continuous load. Having tested plenty of the best portable power stations, it's notable that few offer one with nearly as much capacity without the use of add on batteries or output as this one.

Jackery Explorer 3000 V2 image 4

Image 4 (Image credit: Future)

Jackery Explorer 3000 V2: Unboxing

The Explorer 3000 v2 came in a non-descript brown cardboard box, opening it gave way to a satin printed box in the Jackery orange tone, on the side were some nice handles in order to lift the inner box out.

Placing it on the table came with a heavy thud, the Explorer 3000 is certainly weighty, but about the same as other lesser capacity power stations. Removing the Explorer 3000 isn’t hard, open the box, get the manual and power cable out the way, top protective lid off then just lift the Explorer 3000 out. Only the Explorer 3000, manual and AC power cable are provided.

Jackery Explorer 3000 V2 image 1

(Image credit: Future)

Jackery Explorer 3000 v2: First impressions

Switching it on for the first time shows that the Explorer 3000 had 28% charge, a typical charge amount I would expect for the product as the battery chemistry of LiFePO4 prefers around 30% for long term storage.

Jackery Explorer 3000 V2 image 5

IMAGE 5 (Image credit: Future)

Size wise, measuring in at 16.38 x 12.80 x 12.01in and weighing in at 59.5lb. I compared its size to the Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 if that was on your shortlist and whilst it is bigger in size, the Jackery Explorer 3000 v2 does come with extra capacity and output so needs somewhere to store all of that.

There are two large handles on either side for carrying it like a milk crate. It can be carried by one hand on one of the handles but some may find this difficult to do.

Jackery Explorer 3000 V2 image 6

(Image credit: Future)

The front of the power station is the main part with all the important functions, it has:

3 x UK AC outlets capable of delivering 230V at 50Hz in a Pure Sine Wave at 13Amps max, with a total power output of 3600W across all three sockets and can with stand sudden surge demands of up to 7200W for short periods of time.

2 x USB-A ports with 18W max on each

2 x USB-C ports with 100W max on each

1 x Cigarette Lighter Port at 12V with a max load of 10Amps

The left, top, bottom and backside haven’t got much and are bare, save for the back side having the product label.

On the right side is the “input side” with the following:

1 x AC input via the common IEC C13/14 power socket, able to accept 220v to 240v in coming AC at a max of 10A

2 x DC input via an 8020 DC plug which is able to support 16 volts to 60 volts at a max of 12A on a single port with a maximum over all of 1000W input on both barrels.

One disappointment is that the Explorer 3000 v2 all of the sockets have no covers or any ingress protection.

Jackery Explorer 3000 V2 image 11

(Image credit: Future)

The front also has the main screen status screen which can be used by the user for a glance at what’s going on. The center of the screen is dominated by the percentage of remaining battery life with a circle around it that shows if it is in use.

On the left of the screen is input and the right is output displaying the number of watts in coming or outgoing respectively on either AC or DC. There are other status symbols which only illuminate when is use such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and so on.

Jackery Explorer 3000 V2 image 13

(Image credit: Future)

Jackery Explorer 3000 V2: In use

I used the Explorer 3000 v2 on a few tasks through the house to see how it would fair and if any of these everyday household appliances would stress the battery. I ran an air fryer, induction hob, hair dryer and even an air heater, all separately of course and the Explorer 3000 powered on without a hitch. Each one using not much of the 3kWh of battery storage.

Trying to push it further, I brought out my large 3HP Air compressor, plugged that in and gave it a whirl, that managed a max draw around 2250W. I was able to spray paint my entire shed in the day using only about 30% of the battery bringing it down from 100% to 70%.

Charging the power station can be tricky, assuming you have a normal electricity tariff at 20 cents per kWh, this means that charging the Explorer 3000 from 0 to 100% would cost you around a $1.05.

The Explorer 3000 v2 supports charge from Solar Panels, ideally you would use one of Jackery’s SolarSaga line of panels but their biggest one only output at around 200W, but you will need at least 2 or more as charging this on a single SolarSaga 200W will take approximately 22 hours assuming clear sunny sky and constantly repositioning the panels. Connecting up to four additional SolarSaga 200W panels will in essence reduce the number of hours needed to charge but a splitter is required.

One notable negative is that Jackery opted to use a DC8020 Connector and socket, so if you had spare solar panels or the rigid or foldable kind, you would need to source either an MC4 or XT60/90 connector to DC8020 adapter.

Charging via the AC cable is as simple as plugging it in, the Explorer 3000 detects power, turns its self on and starts charging at full speed unless you otherwise specify a lower charge speed or schedule it.

Somehow Jackery managed to essentially fit a DC to AC inverter capable of out putting 3600W in the space of a milk crate. In comparison, most inverters installed permanently in homes for solar power are of the 3.6kWh type with few being more than 4, 5 or even 6. Most homes, even larger 3-bedroom houses in the UK, draw around 250 to 300W on idle these days, imagine the savings if you ran a house on this during the day and charge it during the night on the right tariff.

Jackery Explorer 3000 V2: App

Once set up the unit, I delved into the app. A quick app download, registration and I was in. Adding the battery to the app was a simple and quick affair.

On the home screen you are greeted by your Jackery products, on this occasion the Explorer 3000 v2 and state of charge.

Tapping on the battery led me to the main status screen of the battery showing is state of charge, inputs, outputs, Wi-Fi signal strength, temperature and some basic controls.

Tapping on the cog on the top right led to more in depth controls and settings and through this the product specifications.

Using the app, I did find it a bit laggy. I would click on an icon to switch on say USB charging and about 5 seconds later the icon lit up and my phone acknowledge charge. I found I had to click back forth to see that it had done what I asked of it.

But to be honest, you will seldom be using the app, you would set up the battery the way you like it and just use it.

Jackery Explorer 3000 V2 image 18

(Image credit: Future)

Jackery Explorer 3000 v2: Final verdict

The Explorer 3000 v2 is another solid product by Jackery improving on the Explorer 2000 battery I recently reviewed.

Whilst most people will think of these products as camping or recreation products, like in my last review ill refer back to the power outages of Spain and Portugal earlier this year.

Perhaps having one of these at home isn’t a bad idea after all. An old saying comes to mind “I’d rather have it and not need it, than need it and not have it”.

High output and high storage mean that this is superb for most home uses in an emergency or using off peak charging to use during the day.

For more power solutions, we reviewed the best UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply).

I tested Dreame’s answer to the Dyson Airwrap and ended up as deflated as my curls
1:27 pm |
Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Hair Care Home Small Appliances | Comments: Off

Dreame AirStyle Pro: two-minute review

The Dreame AirStyle Pro is a multistyler that can operate as a dryer, or to create smooth, curly or bouncy styles using the various attachments supplied in the box. On paper, it looks like one for TechRadar's best hair styler roundup, but when I actually put it through its paces, a couple of design flaws quickly revealed themselves – and they're annoying enough to make this styler difficult to recommend.

The first is that the maximum temperature just isn't hot enough. I have collarbone-length, wavy hair that isn't overly thick, yet I wasn't able to use the Dreame AirStyle to dry it – it just took far too long. I also found that the styles created using the Dreame (in particular, the curls) lacked staying power. I'm as concerned about heat damage as the next person, but you do need some heat for these kinds of tools to be useful.

The second issue is that the attachments don't clip on securely enough. They twist on, but there's no 'click' at the end of that motion, which means they have a tendency to twist off again as you're using them to style.

It's a shame because, as I've said, the Dreame AirStyle Pro shows plenty of promise. The attachments are varied and well designed, and include those all-important auto-wrap curl barrels that position this styler as an Airwrap alternative. It's also stylishly designed and comfortable to use, with controls that are well positioned.

Price-wise, it isn't cheap, but it's far more affordable than Dyson's Airwrap i.d., and in line with rival products. While the Dreame AirStyle Pro's issues might not be insurmountable – you could rope in one of the best hair dryers for the start of the styling process, and take extra care not to dislodge the attachments when styling – there's no real reason to choose it over a tool such as the Shark FlexStyle, which comes in at a similar price and doesn't suffer the Dreame AirStyle Pro's issues.

That's the short version; read on for my full Dreame AirStyle Pro review.

Dreame AirStyle Pro review: price & availability

  • List price: $399.99 / £299 / AU$599
  • Available: US / UK / Australia
  • Launched: May 2025

The Dreame AirStyle Pro is available worldwide, with a list price of $399.99 / £299 / AU$599. However, at time of writing, it was reduced in all territories to $279.99 / £269 / AU$399. Such widespread discounts suggest you won't often find it at full price.

By comparison, the Dyson Airwrap i.d. costs $599.99 / £479.99, while the Shark FlexStyle comes in at $279.99 / £269.99. While Dyson's styler delivers a step up in quality and features, it looks like Dreame is looking to position itself more directly as a competitor to Shark. (There are cheaper Dyson Airwrap dupes, but if you want one with the auto-wrap curl barrels, it will typically fall into a similar price bracket.)

While the AirStyle Pro looks good, feels high quality, and comes with a solid range of accessories, there are a couple of flaws at a functional level (a top temperature that's far too cool, and attachments that don't clip on securely) that make it difficult to recommend over the similarly priced Shark version.

There's a clear jump up in quality and functionality with the Dyson i.d., but I appreciate that not everyone is looking to splash that amount of cash on a styling tool (I compare all three in a bit more depth in this article, if you're interested).

  • Value for money score: 3 out of 5

Dreame AirStyle Pro specs

Weight (styler only, no cord):

0.6lbs / 0.3kg

Dimensions (styler only):

1.8 x 1.8 x 10.2in / 4.5 x 4.5 x 26cm

Cord:

9.2ft / 2.8m

Temperatures: 

2 (50C and 80C) + cool shot (room temperature)

Speeds:

3 (50m/s, 55m/s, 60m/s)

Wattage:

1,300W

Attachments:

Fast dryer, flyaway attachment, 32mm auto-wrap barrels (L+R), hard smoothing brush, soft smoothing brush, round volumizing brush

Dreame AirStyle Pro review: design

  • Tubular dryer with six styling attachments and storage box
  • Attachments twist on, but aren't secure enough
  • Stylish, premium design with leather-look finish

The Dreame AirStyle Pro has a similar look to most modern multistylers: it comprises a tube-shaped dryer onto which different attachments are clipped.

At the end of the barrel that you hold it are the controls. Two press buttons (with indicator lights) let you toggle though two temperatures and three windspeeds. Slightly unusually, the "cool shot" isn't a separate button, but included as an extension of the on/off slider.

Closeup of button controls on Dreame AirStyle Pro styler

(Image credit: Future)

At the base is a removable filter cage, covering a stainless steel mesh filter that traps any fine hair and particles and keeps them out of the motor. Dreame provides a cleaner brush to help with maintenance. The cable is 9.2ft / 2.8m.

Closeup of open filter cage on Dreame AirStyle Pro styler

(Image credit: Future)

If you want to use the AirStyle Pro as just a dryer, you clip on the fast dryer attachment. This widens the airflow to 90-degrees to the dryer.

Aside from that, the key attachments are the 32mm auto-wrap curl barrels. Used on slightly damp hair, they attract the strands around the barrel, shaping them into curls as they dry. The idea being that this damp to dry styling is far better for your hair than using traditional hot tongs.

If you want to switch from clockwise to anticlockwise curls then you'll need to swap over the barrels. Currently, the only styler of this kind that can achieve two directions of curl on one barrel is the Dyson Airwrap; all the cheaper alternatives require a manual swap-over.

All the attachments for the Dreame AirStyle Pro, lined up on a shelf in reviewer's bathroom

(Image credit: Future)

Elsewhere, there's an impressive range of attachments. Alongside the fast dryer and auto-wrap barrels (L+R), you get a flyaway attachment, hard smoothing brush, soft smoothing brush, and round volumizing brush.

To attach a tool to the dryer section, you line up spots on the base of the attachments, then twist to clip them on. Most examples of this kind of styler have a release switch around the back, but there isn't one here – you simply twist in terms of opposite direction to take off the attachment. Unfortunately, this setup isn't that secure, and in my time with the tool I often experienced attachments becoming loose mid-styling.

  • Design score: 3.5 out of 5

Dreame AirStyle Pro review: performance

  • Not hot enough to be used as a hair dryer
  • Controls are well positioned and easy to use
  • Attachments work well, but lack of heat limits performance

I started by using the Dreame AirStyle Pro with the fast dryer attachment – and I immediately ran into problems. While the windspeed felt decent, it just wasn't getting hot enough to dry hair, even on the higher of the two temperatures. (For context, I have collarbone-length hair that I'd towel-dried from wet, so it wasn't soaking.) After several long minutes of ineffectually waving the AirStyle over my head, I gave up and switched to a dedicated hair dryer.

Dreame AirStyle Pro with dryer attachment on

(Image credit: Future)

I wondered if my review model was faulty, but a closer look at the specs revealed this wasn't the case. The AirStyle's two heat options are 122ºF / 50ºC and 176ºF / 80ºC. In comparison, the Airwrap has a low heat setting of 140ºF / 60ºC and a high heat setting of 194ºF / 90ºC.

That cooler temperature might be better for your hair, but for anyone other than those with super-fine hair, the AirStyle Pro will prove ineffective and you'll need to have a separate hair dryer on hand for this part of the styling process.

Tester holding Dreame AirStyle Pro with curl barrel attached

(Image credit: Future)

I then tried out the auto-wrap curlers. They worked well, effectively pulling around the barrels and holding it there as it finished drying. In this part, they were similar to the Airwrap (although the Airwrap has some extra features to make the process more straightforward). As a general rule, auto-wrapped curls don't last as long as those created using hot tongs, but I found the curls created with the AirStyle Pro dropped especially quickly – again, I think this is something to do with the lower temperatures used.

Dreame AirStyle Pro in display case on shelf in reviewer's bathroom

(Image credit: Future)

On the plus side, the styler is comfortable to hold and balanced in weight. The buttons are well positioned, making them easy to find mid-styling and difficult to press accidentally.

I especially like the way the cool shot is activated. It's at the top of the on/off slider, so you can easily locate the raised button by feel alone, and since it's spring-loaded, it pings back when you let go.

Display case for Dreame AirStyle Pro on shelf in reviewer's bathroom

(Image credit: Future)

Over the course of my review period, I tested out all the other attachments. Broadly, I felt they were well designed and did what they were meant to do. However, as mentioned, they don't attach securely – they simply twist on and off, with no clipping involved.

This proved an issue when doing anything that involved twisting the tool, and when creating curls using the round volumizing brush, I found it became loose and fell off on more than one occasion.

The hard smoothing brush and soft smoothing brush both feature prongs that can pivot slightly – I'm not sure of their purpose – and they worked well in practice. In fact, the two are virtually identical, except the latter has bobbles on the end of the prongs, so I'm not sure I needed both.

  • Performance score: 2.5 out of 5

Should you buy the Dreame AirStyle Pro?

Attribute

Notes

Rating

Value

Not cheap but relatively affordable. In line with other similarly designed tools that perform better.

3 / 5

Design

Looks stylish and is comfortable to use. Attachments are varied and well designed, except for the fact they don't clip on securely.

3.5 / 5

Performance

Maximum temperature too cool for effective drying, and means curls drop quickly. Attachments can also fall off in use.

2.5 / 5

Buy it if...

You have very fine hair
Those with fine or short hair may find the AirStyle Pro's cooler temperatures in hair dryer mode perfect for their hair type.

You want an stylish tool
With its tasteful tan, faux-leather finish, this is one of the most stylish hair tools I've tested.

You're worried about heat damage
The Dreame AirStyle Pro gets far less hot than rival stylers I've tested, so if you have heat-damaged hair and don't trust yourself to stick to lower temperatures, it might be a good pick.

Don't buy it if...

You have thicker or longer hair
The AirStyle Pro's lower temperatures likely won't cut it to dry and style thicker or longer hair.

You have tangle-prone hair
I found the attachments here didn't clip on very securely, so those with denser or more tangle-prone hair might find themselves losing tools while they try to style.

Dreame Airstyle Pro (reviewed)

Dyson Airwrap i.d.

Shark FlexStyle

Weight (styler only, no cord):

0.6lbs / 0.3kg

1.4lbs / 0.6kg XXCHECK

1.5 lbs / 0.7kg

Styler dimensions (L x W):

10.2 x 1.8in / 26 x 4.5cm

10.7 x 1.9in / 27.2 x 4.8cm

11.3 x 1.7in / 28.7 x 4.4cm

Cord:

9.2ft / 2.8m

8.5 ft / 2.7m

8ft / 2.4m

Temperatures: 

2 + cool shot

2 + cool shot

3 + cool shot

Speeds:

3

3

3

Wattage:

1,300W

1,300W

1,400W (US), 1,600W (UK)

List price:

$399.99 / £299 / AU$599

$599.99 / £479.99 / AU$849

$279.99 / £269.99 / AU$499.99

Dyson Airwrap i.d.

The Airwrap i.d. is king in this category, both in terms of price and features. This multistyler comes with a switch that launches an automated wrap > curl > cool shot sequence, for maximum ease. It can also do clockwise and anticlockwise curls on the same barrel.

Read my full Dyson Airwrap i.d. review

Shark FlexStyle

The FlexStyle is a very similar proposition to the AirStyle in that it isn't as good as the original AirWrap, but it's a solid alternative if you don't want to spend megabucks. It looks slightly less stylish than the AirStyle but is all-round a more effective tool in my opinion.

Read my full Shark FlexStyle review

How I tested the Dreame Airstyle Pro

I used the AirStyle Pro as my main styling tool for a week. During this time I used it to dry my hair, and tested all the different attachments, paying particular attention to the auto-wrap curlers. I compared the styling results to what I managed to achieve with other similar stylers I've tested – including the Dyson Airwrap i.d. and Shark FlexStyle. I also assessed how easy the styler was to use and the effectiveness of its design and features.

Read more about how we test

  • First reviewed July 2025
BisectHosting review
12:02 pm |
Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Pro Website Hosting | Comments: Off

BisectHosting has been around since 2011 as a child company of Venture Node LLC and was registered in Ohio. The company focuses on providing the best Minecraft server hosting but also covers several other games including Rust, Terraria, 7 Days to Die, Valheim, ARK: Survival Evolved and many more.

Relatively unusually for a game hosting provider, BisectHosting also provides other web hosting services such as shared hosting, VPSand dedicated server hostingto those who want to launch their own website.

BisectHosting’s main website is a good example of a user-friendly approach done right, where you’ll be able to find everything you need within a reach of a click or two. It has 20 server locations around the world with the majority in Europe and USA, but others scattered across the globe. Bear in mind that some of these are only accessible for those signing up to a Premium plan.

With strong claims of being the ultimate destination for seemingly everything, I dived into BisectHosting to see how well it works as a Minecraft server provider, looking at its pricing, how easy it is to use, and more.

BisectHosting pricing plans.

There are many Minecraft pricing plans. (Image credit: BisectHosting)

BisectHosting plans and pricing

For those interested in Minecraft server hosting only, BisectHosting offers forty packages in total (a half of which are “Budget” while the other half belongs to “Premium” ones), which is such a considerable amount of choices that we were struck with analysis paralysis straight away.

Even the budget-friendly ones are chock-full of features that are fundamental in Minecraft, including custom JAR support, full FTP access, free MySQL, a free subdomain, free DDoS protection and more. The most affordable “Budget” plan will cost you mere $5.98 per month and provide 2GB of RAM and support for up to 12 slots, in addition to everything mentioned above.  

Apart from Minecraft, there are fitting packages for other popular multiplayer games including: Terraria, Valheim, ARK: Survival Evolved, Left 4 Dead 2, Counter Strike: Global Offensive, 7 Days to Die, Rust, Counter Strike: Source, Arma 3, Garry's Mod and Team Fortress 2.

Besides gaming-focused hosting, BisectHosting offers a few options for those looking to host a website (or several of them) which include shared hosting (that start at $2.99 per month), VPS (from $4 a month) and dedicated server hosting solutions (from $109 a month).

All hosting packages (with the exception of dedicated ones) come with 3-day money-back guarantee. Although it is far below the industry’s standard, at least there is one being actually offered.

As for payment methods, BisectHosting currently accepts credit cards, PayPal, and Paysafecard.

Control Panel

You can manage your Minecraft server from BisectHosting's modified control panel (Image credit: BisectHosting)

Ease of use

One thing BisectHosting provides all of its users with is an abundance of choice, with something being offered to suit most tastes. Whether you want hosting for a small multiplayer community or a large one, BisectHosting should get you covered with its unlimited slots.

Those who are on the lookout for Minecraft server hosting services can select from Bedrock (mobile) and Java (original) edition, with more pre-designed packages being provided for Java. Whichever you opt for, the following step is to select a plan and check all of its details, such as data center location, billing cycle and add-ons.

If you aren’t hell bent on saving a few bucks, you could go with the most pocket-friendly out of the “Premium” packages, since they come with all features you could wish for without the need to pay extra for each of them. The most noteworthy are: unlimited slots, NVMe SSD space, dedicated IP, daily backups, Sponge installation and modpack updates and installations. Of course, all of “Budget” server features are included in this one as well.  

Creating an account with BisectHosting will require you to provide a number of personal details (although nothing out of the ordinary) and since instant setup is one of their key features, your server will be ready to use in the blink of an eye.

All server hosting plans come with a highly modified version of MultiCraft as your control panel, and which variation you’ll get depends on whether you chose a plan from the “Budget” or “Premium” section. Both control panels share the same easy-to-use functionality and will enable fast navigation for Java and Bedrock users alike. Even if you haven't used any version of MultiCraft before, with its user-friendly interface you should be able to swiftly find ways to customize your server by installing modpacks, plugins, server JARs and much more.

Performance

We used GTmetrix to measure the uptime and response time of our BisectHosting server (Image credit: GTmetrix)

Speed and experience

In order to fulfil its goal and become one of the best Minecraft server providers out there, BisectHosting should present us with close to perfect performance, even more so since they claim that NVMe or SSDs are used exclusively to run all of their game servers. After testing the speed of BisectHosting’s main website by utilizing GTmetrix as our tool we got somewhat expected and highly satisfactory results. All vital web metrics related to speed performance were well above the average, resulting in near-perfect an A (99%)

Although BisectHosting offers no uptime guarantee, according to the results we got after monitoring it for a month (via UptimeRobot) it should be close to 100%. No major oscillations were recorded in response time and not a single second of downtime on top of everything. Admittedly, one month of perfect performance doesn’t have to be indicative of a whole year, but it sure seems like a good start. 

Support

As reported by a large number of their users (and supported by our own first-hand experience) BisectHosting’s customer support team is one of their major selling points. Not only they are at your disposal around-the-clock, but the persons in charge are responsive, resourceful and very respectful in their approach to customers. This “dream team” can be reached via support ticket and live chat.

Support

You can find answers to common problems in BisectHosting's knowledgebase (Image credit: BisectHosting)

If you want to be more self-sufficient, you’ll find a major source of information in BisectHosting’s knowledgebase. It currently contains 139 articles in total which are split into ten corresponding categories (Billing Panel, Domain Management, Game Servers, Minecraft Java/Bedrock Servers and so forth). As far as we can see, most of these articles are easy-to-follow and often supplemented with pictures or video tutorials from BisectHosting’s official YouTube channel.

We should give a special mention to their YouTube channel as well, since it is only less than a year old and, yet, it is overflowing with how-to videos which seem to be coming out on a weekly basis.

The competition

When placed side by side, Shockbyte and BisectHosting seem quite similar in terms of pricing, features and support, but there are small differences that might be decisive for some users. Shockbyte is more famous for its overall performance (which means high response time, low latency and lag improbabilities), while BisectHosting’s technical team is doing a better job with support for unlimited domains, SSL certificates and backups.

Both Apex Hosting and BisectHosting offer servers of all sizes with a myriad of additional options. However, the cheapest Minecraft server hosting option with Apex Hosting will cost you $4.49 per month (and for the first month only, after which it will rise to $5.99), while with BisectHosting it’s merely $2.99 per month. On the other hand, with Apex Hosting you’ll get a somewhat longer money-back guarantee.

Besides game server hosting, BisectHosting provides a shared web hosting option with a few attractive features and pricing that is a match for Bluehost’s. The cheapest plans with both hosts come at quite an attractive price, which is $2.95 per month with Bluehost and $2.99 with BisectHosting. However, with Bluehost’s plan you’ll get free domain registration, a free SSL certificate and CDN, which is hard to beat.

HostGator is a great alternative both to Bluehost and BisectHosting for all those looking for a simple-to-use yet feature-packed hosting service equally fit for individual users and small businesses. As expected, even with its cheapest plan, HostGator provides users with a wide array of beginner-friendly and useful features (free domain registration, one-click installs, a free SSL certificate, free domain and website transfer, free MySQL and script transfer, and a generous 45-day money back guarantee), so it might be a better choice.  

Final verdict

On the question if BisectHosting is likely to make your gaming dreams come alive, we would have to say “yes, probably”. It offers a great diversity with its Minecraft packages, a full set of favorable features, prompt and proficient customer support and all at a pocket-friendly price.

Its web hosting packages are, however, another matter and leave out some of the beginner-friendly bonuses we are accustomed to see with other providers. Newcomers who would like to get some of those benefits are better off with fan-favorites such as HostGator, Hostinger or Bluehost.

Apex Hosting review
11:39 am |
Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Pro Website Hosting | Comments: Off

Apex Hosting is a US-based company which launched in 2013. Its goal according to the site is to "deliver the highest level of customer support to our Minecraft server hosting clients". It makes sense then to see it feature prominently in our look at the best Minecraft server hosting. Registered in Florida, USA, its main office is situated in Sarasota with data centres across 18 locations around the world .

These include six locations in the USA (Portland, Las Vegas, San Jose, Dallas, Vint Hill and Miami), and one each in the following countries: Canada (Montreal), Brazil (Sao Paulo), the UK (London), France (Gravelines), Poland (Warsaw), Germany (Frankfurt), Israel (Tel Aviv), Russia (Moscow), China (Hong Kong), Singapore (Singapore), Australia (Sydney) and Turkey (Istanbul).

While its website isn't the most visually appealing of sites, Apex Hosting knows what counts for users. Below, you'll find exactly how I found the service with most of the things available within a few clicks.

The Apex Hosting pricing plan.

Apex Hosting offers a wide variety of plans to suit your Minecraft server hosting needs (Image credit: Apex Hosting)

Apex Hosting plans and pricing

Apex Hosting offers 14 Minecraft packages with the most budget-friendly plan starting at $5.99 for the first month (renewing at $7.99). For the price, you get 2GB RAM which Apex explains is good for basic servers and some modpacks.

To be able to confidently enjoy all modpacks imaginable, opt for the 8GB RAM package which costs $20.99 for the first month recurring at $27.99. In all cases, there’s a discount for committing to paying quarterly but this is still a little pricier than some game server alternatives.

The most expensive option offers 32GB RAM for $77.99 for the first month, increasing to $103.99. All plans offer unlimited player slots, dedicated live chat support, full DDoS protection, automated backups, a free subdomain, one-click pack installers, and unlimited storage.

Another option is to sign up for the Ex Series which has 16GB RAM but also a more powerful server with the Ryzen 9 5900X 4.8GHz, NVMe SSDs, free premium support, and a free dedicated IP.

Although there is no free trial, Apex Hosting provides a 7-day money-back guarantee, which is always handy to have.  As for payment methods, Apex Hosting accepts credit/debit cards, and PayPal.

Ease of use

With so many Minecraft server plans, it's pretty easy to figure out what will work best for you. They all offer unlimited player slots but you will be somewhat limited by the RAM available to you. Fortunately, users have the flexibility to change their chosen plan at any time, so if one plan doesn’t fit your bill, there is probably another one that will. However, if neither of them work for you, don’t forget about their money-back guarantee.

After choosing your server, you’ll have to configure some details about it (billing cycle, your Minecraft username, server version and optional subdomain) and decide if you want to include a few add-ons for extra cash (plugin installations, permissions setup, dedicated IP or premium support). Oddly, there are only two options in regard to the billing cycle (monthly and quarterly) with a saving of 10% when you commit to quarterly. After this, you’ll have to provide your personal information, pick out a payment method, create a password and proceed to checkout.

Control Panel

This is Apex Hosting's customized Multicraft control panel (Image credit: Apex Hosting)

Since Apex Hosting utilizes a customized version of easy-to-use Multicraft as its control panel, keeping your server running and managing all of its aspects should become a straightforward experience in no time. In addition to that, video guides are found only a click away, as is one-click modpack installer, all of which is sure to make things even easier.

Another noteworthy feature that is included with every package is automated backups, which will ensure the safety of your Minecraft world.

Performance

We used GTmetrix to test the uptime and response time of our Apex Hosting server (Image credit: GTmetrix)

Speed and experience

While boasting (and rightfully so) about hosting over 200,000 Minecraft servers and having the best support in the whole industry (which should be put under question), Apex Hosting brings up  their dedicated hardware features such as “high clock speed” CPUs and the use of SSDs. This should indicate high TPS and lag-free servers for all of their customers. To check out the speed of their servers we tested the performance of their main website with GTmetrix as our tool. The results we got were pretty promising, with all the vital web metrics being above the average and rated with a conclusive grade of an A (100%).

Apex Hosting promises a 99.9% uptime and, as reported by UptimeRobot, it is very likely that you’ll be able to uphold it. We monitored Apex Hosting’s main website for more than a month and were presented with a report showing an impeccable 100% of uptime, which came as a welcome surprise. Not a second of downtime was recorded and while there were several oscillations in response time, they should have no substantial impact on the overall performance.

Support

Although we were rather skeptical about Apex Hosting’s claims to have “the best support in the industry” we decided to give them a chance to prove us wrong. Their customer support is available 24/7 through tickets and live chat, which they seem to take great pride in. From our perspective, chat seems well-organized and functions as a one-stop-solution for most of the problems one might encounter along the way. A support agent we got in touch with responded within five minutes and provided us with everything we wanted to know in a very kind way. If you are using some of the same social platforms they are active on, you can try to reach them there as well.

Knowledgebase

You can find answers to common web hosting and Minecraft server-related questions in Apex Hosting's knowledgebase (Image credit: Apex Hosting)

If you prefer finding solutions on your own, Apex Hosting’s knowledgebase should probably be your first stop, although their YouTube channel shouldn’t be overlooked since it offers a decent number of easy-to-follow video guides.

The competition

Both Shockbyte and Apex Hosting tend to get high on the majority of “best Minecraft host” lists, and rightfully so. While Shockbyte has more server options in general, a longer list of features and all at a budget-friendly price, Apex Hosting is stronger in terms of customer support.

BisectHosting is another provider determined to make a Minecraft server hosting experience as easy as possible, much like Apex Hosting does. However, BisectHosting is slightly stronger in terms of package options, features and included add-ons, while Apex Hosting provides superior support to its customers. Additionally the daily backups you’ll get with Apex Hosting are a great bonus.

Another difference between the two is the availability of web hosting options (shared hosting, VPS and dedicated server hosting) you have with BisectHosting, but not with Apex Hosting, since it’s focusing on Minecraft. Another web hosting alternative and quite a popular one, would be Bluehost, since in addition to attractive pricing, it provides a full range of hosting services capable of responding to most needs.

Another good (and beginner-friendly) choice for those looking to launch their own website would be HostGator. Besides everything one would expect from a well-known host, they offer their own easy-to-use website builder with all of their shared hosting plans (even the cheapest one) and a 45-day money-back guarantee with “no questions asked”.

Final verdict

There are several reasons behind Apex Hosting’s growing popularity among Minecraft fans, including a variety of server options and total control over it. When we add fast and lag-free performance, backups and DDoS protection, simple-to-use control panel and first-class support to the deal, it’s really hard to say “no” to Apex Hosting.

Although the money-back guarantee is valid for only seven days and might not seem particularly generous, it is actually a bit longer than what is found with some of the company's Minecraft-focused competitors. For a usual 30-day one, you can try out Hostinger, which is one of top web hosting providers out there, with and without Minecraft.

However, if you are on the lookout for a reputable and reliable host for your website and don’t even know how you ended up here in the first place, don’t miss out on checking Bluehost and HostGator.

Dabbsson DBS1000 Compact Power Station review
10:53 am |
Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Pro | Tags: , | Comments: Off

The Dabbsson DBS1000 Pro portable power station provides 2000W of inverter power in a compact footprint. The base unit features a 1000Wh battery that can be expanded to 5kWh with additional packs. The unit has four fans and is quiet enough to work in an office environment. It supports a handy UPS mode, where the AC output switches from the grid to the battery in under 15ms, ensuring uninterrupted office work.

It has all the bells and whistles that the competition offers: a super-fast charger, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi support, and a sleek mobile app for remote operation. With the addition of a battery pack, the inverter's output power increases to 2400W, a feature not found in similar products. The DBS1000 comes with a powerful front flashlight to help in roadside emergencies and supports three types of charging.

Dabbsson DBS1000: Price and Availability

The Dabbson DBS1000 carries an MSRP of $899 and is on special for $541 for a limited time. The 2kWh battery expansion, which usually costs $1499, is available at a reduced price of $1099 also for a limited time. Other product variants include two DBS1000s with a parallel connector box that increases the output inverter power and battery capacity. This combination is discounted to $1700 from an MSRP of $2549.

Dabbson DBS1000 side view 1

(Image credit: Future)

Dabbsson DBS1000: Design

The Dabbsson DBS1000 ships with one AC cord and two DC cables for car and solar charging. A user manual and a warranty card complete the package. The unit is compact, measuring 43 cm x 25 cm x 25 cm, which translates to a volume of just under 28 liters. Two large handles on either side of the case help carry the 16kg unit around effortlessly. The top surface is clear of obstructions and can act as a small table, making it ideal for resting electronic devices such as tablets and phones.

Specifications

Battery chemistry: LiFePO4

Battery capacity: 1024Wh

Number of charge cycles: Over 4000 before 20% drop

AC output power: 2000W, surge 4000W

Number of AC outlets: 4

Number of USB sockets: 3 Type A, 3 Type C

Number of 12V sockets: 1 XT60, 1 Cigar lighter, 2 DC 5521

Number of extra battery ports: 2, total of 5120Whr

AC inverter efficiency: 90%

Number of power inputs: 3

Fastest charge time: 1 hour

Additional features: Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, flashlight

Weight: 16kg

The user interface features a large LCD on the front panel. The high-contrast display is easily visible from a distance of a few meters. The remaining battery capacity, input and output power consumption, and warnings such as low battery are displayed clearly. User interaction is straightforward through push buttons located near the output sections, which illuminate when activated.

The DBS1000 features four AC power sockets that can supply over 2000W with a 4000W surge capacity. The unit also allows the power limit to exceed 2000W for longer durations through the P-Boost mode when not charging. The P-Boost mode is compatible only with resistive devices, such as electrical heaters, as the AC output voltage can vary depending on the available thermal margin.

The Dabbsson station provides nine low-voltage DC outputs. Six USB ports, organized as three Type-A and three Type-C ports, give the user multiple options to charge devices, such as smartphones and laptops. Two Type-Cs support up to 100W in PD mode, while two Type-As can fast charge at 18W. The remaining three DC outputs are all 12V, consisting of a 120W cigar outlet and two DC5521, each supporting 50W. The DC and AC outputs have a combined power budget of 2200W.

Dabbsson DBS1000: In Use

A short press on the power button activates the unit. The LCD shows status information, including battery capacity and whether any protection features have been triggered. The display will turn off after five minutes if the station remains unused to conserve power, and it will resume operation when a load is connected. To turn off the unit, a long press on the power button is required.

The DBS1000 has a fast AC charger that supports input power of up to 1200W. DC charging through solar panels, with a similar power rating, is also available. Considering the unit’s 90% efficiency, the station will fully charge the 1000Wh battery in under one hour. The power station can accept a DC voltage of up to 60V at a maximum of 25A, representing six 200W solar cells arranged in a 3-series x 2-parallel configuration.

Any abnormal behavior triggers a self-protection mechanism that turns off the input and output ports. For example, the input current can remain above 20A for an extended period, triggering the overload protection. The app shows a pop-up explaining the issue. The user can then decide to continue charging by clearing the fault.

Dabbsson's mobile app is available on both Android and iOS platforms. Once installed, the next step is to enable pairing by pressing the IOT button on the station. The DBS1000 should be detected automatically and added to the app homepage. The optional firmware update may appear as a single step during the initial setup. The final step is to enable Wi-Fi, which allows for full remote access to the unit.

Dabbsson DBS1000 front

(Image credit: Future)

Dabbsson DBS1000: The competition

The DBS1000 has plenty of competition. The Jackery Solar Generator 1000 possesses features similar to those of the DBS1000. With a 1000Wh battery capacity and a comparable number of output sockets, the Jackery 1000 lacks a mobile app and is non-expandable. It also cannot sustain the same output power as the DBS1000. Finally, the Dabbsson station is less expensive than Jackery’s offering, with a price tag of $999 compared to $1899 for the Jackery.

Dabbsson DBS1000: Final Verdict

The Dabbsson DBS1000 sets the bar high in terms of inverter power and battery capacity, all within a small footprint, and at a reasonable price. For a little less than $1000, the unit offers a 2000W AC inverter that can easily reach 4000W for short durations on a 1 kWh battery capacity. Having a way to increase battery capacity with extra modules is also a great option.

The unit offers multiple charging options, including solar or car DC input, an AC socket, and an additional battery port. The DBS1000 features include a UPS mode, fast charging, Wi-Fi, and an emergency light, making it an ideal companion for the road.

Buy the DBS1000 if you want a low-cost compact power station with an option to expand the battery capacity.

We've listed the best Uninterruptible Power Supply.

Wuchang: Fallen Feathers is 36 hours of pure soulslike bliss, even if one level threatened to put me on my villain arc
5:00 am |
Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Gaming | Tags: | Comments: Off

Developer Leenzee’s Wuchang: Fallen Feathers surprised me in the most pleasant of ways. Going into the soulslike action role-playing game (RPG) for review, I was expecting a competent game that would ultimately struggle to stand out in the space, similar to a Lords of the Fallen or Mortal Shell. What I found instead was a deeply and constantly compelling action game that I consider to be the best soulslike game since 2023’s exceptional Lies of P.

Review info

Platform reviewed: PS5
Available on: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC
Release date: July 24, 2025

A dark take on the Ming Dynasty era of Chinese history, Wuchang: Fallen Feathers tells a shockingly grim tale, replete with themes of cyclical violence, abduction, forced marriage, and no shortage of grotesque body horror.

All this sets the backdrop to what is an incredibly refreshing soulslike experience. The game has that classic, Dark Souls-style level design, offering plenty to explore and multiple areas you can branch off into at any given time. Combat also has shades of Bloodborne, greatly rewarding evasion over blocking, and featuring a relatively careful selection of weapons that all pack their own unique skills.

Add in the fact that you can respec your skill tree limitlessly and for free, and you also have a game that encourages you to mix up your style frequently. Some levels and bosses, for example, are best countered with specific weapons, skills, status afflictions, and so on. Whenever I got stuck on a particularly demanding boss fight, I usually found that a few tweaks to the skill tree could make a world of difference.

Difficulty-wise, it’s not the hardest soulslike ever, and if you’ve cut your teeth on rock-hard titles like Lies of P, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, or Nioh 2, you’ll be well-prepared for the horrors in Wuchang: Fallen Feathers. That’s not to say it’s a cakewalk, though.

A handful of bosses will certainly stop you in your tracks, and levels will typically have one or two key hazards to be aware of. Sometimes Wuchang takes this a little too far; two different flavors of poison swamp in a row is a bit much, one level is littered with landmines that are needlessly difficult to spot, and the final area (without spoiling anything, of course) is an exercise in pure unbridled frustration to the point where I actually needed to get up and go out for a walk before I realized the temptation to hurl my DualSense into orbit.

Even still, Wuchang: Fallen Feathers is one of those rare instances where, after rolling credits, I immediately wanted to play through it again. And thanks to the game supporting New Game Plus at launch, it’s easy to dive right back in, chasing down its multiple endings with all your gear, skills, and levels intact.

Hope is the thing with feathers

Wuchang: Fallen Feathers

(Image credit: 505 Games)

You play as the titular Wuchang, a formidable pirate warrior who, at the start of the game, has been struck with a bout of amnesia. Unfortunately, that’s the least of her worries, as she’s also been afflicted with a disease known as the Feathering - an excruciatingly painful malady that drives people to madness, beasthood, and things even worse than that.

Wuchang is a special case, as she’s able to harness Feathering to bolster her combat prowess. In gameplay, this primarily comes in two forms - Skyborn Might and the Madness gauge. I’ve been over both in my original Wuchang: Fallen Feathers hands-on, but I’ll explain further why they’re now some of my all-time favorite soulslike mechanics.

Skyborn Might is a combat resource you can accrue in several ways, up to a maximum of five stacks. The main method of building it up is to perform a ‘shimmer,’ which is essentially a well-timed dodge that completely negates damage. The game’s five weapon types - longswords, axes, spears, one-handed swords, and dual blades - also all have their own ways of building Skyborn Might once you unlock them in the skill tree (more on that later).

Best bit

Wuchang: Fallen Feathers

(Image credit: 505 Games)

I was constantly impressed by the level design in Wuchang: Fallen Feathers. There’s plenty to explore in each level, shortcuts are handled smartly, and there’s occasionally multiple major areas you can branch off into if you’re struggling to make progress and fancy a change of scenery. In that sense, it reminds me somewhat of how the original Dark Souls handled its level design back in 2011.

Longswords, for example, grant a charge upon hitting an enemy with the second attack in the light attack combo string. One-handed swords can build it automatically over time. Spears, meanwhile, have their own resource that can be converted into multiple Skyborn Might stacks if played effectively.

So, what is Skyborn Might for? It has two main uses. Your weapon comes equipped with two skills - one signature skill unique to that weapon, and another known as a Discipline, which you can unlock on the skill tree. Discipline skills can be applied to any weapon in their respective family, and each weapon type has around three or four skills you can unlock, not dissimilar to the Nioh series’ unlockable moves.

If you’re running a magic-focused build, Skyborn Might is also used to cast spells. This is an approach that I really love. Wuchang has no separate magic bar that you need to keep on top of, a la Dark Souls 3 or Elden Ring. Instead, you’ll need to decide how to best spend your Skyborn Might charges; do you go all-in on the offensive with your weapon skills, or hang back with spells? It’s an elegant system that rewards a careful balance of offense and defense.

Going berserk

Wuchang: Fallen Feathers

(Image credit: 505 Games)

The Madness gauge, meanwhile, is decidedly more complex. Madness builds up when you die or kill humanoid enemies, and decreases when killing enemies afflicted with Feathering. There are thresholds at 50% and 90%, at which point Wuchang’s eyes glow red, and you can make use of Madness-related abilities unlocked via the skill tree. To get to these thresholds, you can also make use of certain items that boost the amount of Madness you have.

It’s a risk/reward system, though. If you reach full Madness, you’ll both deal and take more damage. And if you die while fully maddened, a dangerous demon will manifest where you last dropped your level-up currency (called Red Mercury in this game).

During my initial preview, I felt this mechanic could get frustrating and tiresome. After all, introducing another powerful enemy to an already-frustrating section is bound to go south, right? What I didn’t know back then is that the demon attacks indiscriminately, meaning it can be used to your advantage to distract or take down powerful foes.

Wuchang: Fallen Feathers

(Image credit: Leenzee Games)

I now think this is an ingenious inclusion; while the demon doesn’t spawn in boss fights, if you’re stuck on a particularly tough area or elite enemy, it can lend an involuntary helping hand and grant you much-needed room to breathe. Killing the demon will also reset your Madness to zero, so there’s still a choice in whether you want to engage it or not, depending on the type of play style you’re going for.

Madness initially seems like something you wouldn’t want to deal with, but when managed right, it becomes a powerful tool and a certified ace up Wuchang’s sleeve. Like many things in the game, it’s all about balance. Madness can be risky, but the power it grants Wuchang shouldn’t be ignored, especially for the game’s more challenging encounters.

Dressed for the occasion

Wuchang: Fallen Feathers

(Image credit: Leenzee Games)

There are plenty of ways to make Wuchang more capable throughout your playthrough, which is where the skill tree comes in. Leveling up in Wuchang: Fallen Feathers is a bit different than your average soulslike. You still get currency for leveling and buying items upon defeating enemies, but you’ll instead convert that currency into Red Mercury Essence, which are effectively skill points.

The skill tree in Wuchang is pretty sizable and divided into six main branches - one for each weapon type, and another for ancillary features like improving healing flask potency and unlocking powerful Madness-related buffs. The skill tree is still dotted with upgrades for your main stats (including health, stamina, weapon, and magic attack power), but you’ll also spend your points on new abilities, ability modifiers, and bone needle items, which can be used to temporarily add a status element to your weapon.

It seems a bit intimidating at first, but remember, you can reset skill points whenever you desire by resting at a shrine (this game’s equivalent of bonfires or sites of grace - effectively, checkpoints). Resetting is completely free, and you can choose to either refund all skill points or just a few to put somewhere else.

Wuchang: Fallen Feathers

(Image credit: 505 Games)

What this means, then, is that you are strongly encouraged to mix up your skill point distribution from time to time, and Wuchang’s level and boss design back this up. Some bosses, for example, can be made much easier by unlocking the longsword’s Deflect discipline, which can parry weapon-based attacks. Deflect is powerful, but it’s not universal, and won’t work against spells or enemies that attack with, say, their hands.

Wuchang also places great importance on status effects and being able to resist them. In most soulslikes, status effects can be a mild annoyance, but Wuchang often expects you to have an answer to them. One area, for example, is set on a chilly mountain, and Wuchang will gradually accrue Frostbite while here. To combat this and other status effects, you can ingest status-fighting items or pieces of armor made with those resistances in mind.

The game can occasionally lean into this a bit too much for my liking, though. Having two flavors of ‘poison swamp’ style areas back to back is certainly a choice. Moreover, one very annoying enemy type builds up Despair when in view, instantly killing Wuchang should it fill up. Then there’s the game’s final area, which may as well be the final boss of all poison swamps, complemented by relentlessly hostile enemies with massive pools of health.

No spoilers, of course, but this one area was a bit of a black mark on the whole experience for me, and its massive size definitely made it outstay its welcome as I found myself begging and pleading for it all to be over.

An exceptional soulslike experience

Wuchang: Fallen Feathers

(Image credit: 505 Games)

Even with that final area almost making me want to commit to the life of a hermit, it did not completely spoil what has been one of my favorite gaming experiences of the year. Wuchang: Fallen Feathers is an expertly crafted soulslike with some of the subgenre’s most impressive level design. It’s so rare for these types of games to instill the same wonder that makes FromSoftware’s output so special, but I was always so curious to see what Wuchang had in store around each and every corner.

Areas are also punctuated by some truly incredible boss fights. There’s a good variety here, too, from nimble humanoid warriors to hulking monstrosities. These encounters are where Wuchang’s phenomenal soundtrack shines, too. One boss later in the game really caught me off guard with a blistering metal track that nonetheless felt perfectly in place given the boss’s appearance and context.

If you swear by soulslikes as one of your favorite kinds of gaming experiences, then Wuchang: Fallen Feathers might just land on your personal game of the year list, because it’s certainly found a place on mine.

Should I play Wuchang: Fallen Feathers?

Wuchang: Fallen Feathers

(Image credit: Leenzee Games)

Play it if…

You want old-school Souls-inspired level design
Wuchang’s areas are impressively broad, with critical paths that aren’t always obvious. That means you’ll be doing plenty of organic exploration, and you might just find yourself wandering into new areas entirely.

You’re after something new from the subgenre
The game has plenty of ideas all its own, most of which are incredibly compelling. The Skyborn Might and Madness systems do wonders for Wuchang’s combat, and you’ll need to master both to overcome the game’s more challenging boss fights.

Don’t play it if…

Status effects really annoy you
Wuchang does not shy away from throwing status afflictions at you at any given chance. The abundance of poison swamps, frostbitten climes, despair-inducing hallways, and corrupted caves will definitely test your patience.

You hate keeping track of NPC questlines
There are a lot of side quests in Wuchang: Fallen Feathers, most of which are tied to the game’s many side characters. Sometimes these characters can be quite difficult to find, and if you end up beating an area or boss too early, you risk these quests abruptly coming to an end until your next playthrough.

Accessibility

Dedicated accessibility settings for audio and visuals are unfortunately minimal in Wuchang: Fallen Feathers at launch, including the lack of colorblind options. You can choose to display the game’s control scheme on-screen, and you can fully remap controls to your liking in the settings menu. But there isn’t anything noteworthy beyond that.

How I reviewed Wuchang: Fallen Feathers

I played Wuchang: Fallen Feathers from start to finish on PlayStation 5, with my first playthrough clocking in at just shy of 36 hours. That included defeating the vast majority of the game’s bosses (both mandatory and optional), thorough exploration of each area, and the completion of most side quests. I’m now well into my second playthrough on New Game Plus, which carries over your levels, skill tree progress, and equipment.

I played primarily with the DualSense Wireless Controller on an LG CX OLED TV, occasionally hooking up my RIG 900 Max HS gaming headset to experience the game’s fantastic music and ambient sound design.

First reviewed July 2025

Arcade Archives 2 Ridge Racer lovingly preserves Namco’s legendary arcade game and is perfect for quick handheld Switch 2 sessions
11:00 pm | July 22, 2025
Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Gaming | Comments: Off
Review information

Platform reviewed: Nintendo Switch 2
Available on: Nintendo Switch 2, PS5, Xbox Series X|S
Release date: June 5, 2025

Namco’s Ridge Racer is my favorite racing game series of all time. A stellar blend of arcade drifting, superb visuals, and vibes-driven soundtracks have made it a legendary racing franchise, particularly with entries like Ridge Racer Type 4 for the original PlayStation, and Ridge Racer 6 on Xbox 360 - both of which remain my favorites in the series to this day.

It’s a franchise that has been long-dormant to my chagrin, with the last mainline entry - Ridge Racer Unbounded - coming from FlatOut and Wreckfest developer Bugbear Entertainment in 2012. And honestly, the less said about that game, the better.

Now, developer Hamster has injected some life into the series once again, with a fantastic port of the original Ridge Racer for Nintendo Switch 2, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S. Arcade Archives 2 Ridge Racer is a package featuring the 1993 arcade version of the game, with a handful of modes and plenty of settings for customizing your experience.

It is very light in the content department, though. You’re not getting anything like Type 4’s 300+ cars or Ridge Racer 7’s tremendous campaign. As you might expect for an arcade racer of its time, you’re getting one track, a single car, and a half-dozen music tracks. If that relative lack of content is an issue, you might want to give Arcade Archives 2 Ridge Racer a miss.

That’s not to say that there aren't at least a few things to do. The track varies and extends based on your selected difficulty, as well as the car’s top speed. The ‘Original’ mode packs in plenty of customizable options to tailor your experience, and chasing online leaderboard times is a moreish endeavor. For $16.99 / £14.99, there’s a good amount on offer for the low cost of entry.

Slide through the curves

Arcade Archives 2 Ridge Racer

(Image credit: Hamster Co.)

Ridge Racer is perhaps the arcade racing game in its purest form. Similar to peers like Daytona USA, you’re tasked with completing a number of laps, while doing your best to pass other cars and hit checkpoints within the time limit, thus granting you a time extension - valuable seconds needed to continue the race.

Ridge Racer comes in four flavors of difficulty, each changing things up quite significantly. Novice offers a simplified course layout over two laps. Intermediate is the same course extended to three laps with a higher top speed. Advanced includes the full course layout, while Time Trial (shortened to T.T. in-game) pits you against a single driver on the full course with an even higher top speed.

Even though there’s just one track, it’s a visual treat even today, and it’s impressive just how much variety is packed into a single circuit. The full course takes you through a city, beachside resort, construction site, countryside, and more over just a couple of minutes. Lovely environmental touches like planes flying overhead and the time of day gradually shifting make for an atmospheric racing experience, too. Blasting through it all at around 220km/h is a real treat, especially once you’ve nailed down the drifting and handling.

Drifting, in particular, is definitely the pioneering gameplay feature of the Ridge Racer series, and that started as early as this first entry. The trick is to let go of the throttle and feather the brakes while turning, thus whipping your car around tight corners without losing much speed.

Nailing it here feels incredibly satisfying, especially when the game punishes you with quite severe speed loss if you hit a wall or another driver. Drifting would be refined in future entries, but it's impressive how good of a job Namco did in this first outing.

Drift into the lead

Arcade Archives 2 Ridge Racer

(Image credit: Hamster Co.)

So what other modes are on offer in Arcade Archives 2 Ridge Racer? If you want to challenge the online leaderboards, there are a few ways to do so. Hi Score Mode is a true-to-arcade experience where you must achieve the best race time you can on a single credit.

Caravan Mode has you racing for five minutes straight, with your score recorded in distance traveled. In both Hi Score and Caravan, you’re also able to choose your difficulty, each of which has its own leaderboard. Finally, Time Attack Mode is a gauntlet that has you setting times in each of the game’s four difficulties consecutively.

Best bit

Arcade Archives 2 Ridge Racer

(Image credit: Hamster Co.)

Chasing down faster times in the game’s various online leaderboards is a shockingly addictive experience. This is where most of the replay value lies, too, especially as there’s just a single track to race on that evolves depending on the difficulty you select.

There’s a good amount to do, then, if you’re a high score chaser, and plenty of varied ways to go about it. What you might notice, though, is that outside of Original Mode, track position doesn’t really matter. It’s all about going as fast as you can, setting the fastest times, or going as much distance as you possibly can.

Original Mode is the most malleable of the bunch. It’s the most casual of the modes, offering save states, and is the only mode that actually pauses when you hit the pause button. You’ll also have the option of playing Japanese or English ‘SD’ or ‘DX’ ROMs, with the only major difference being DX’s addition of a clutch button, mimicking the arcade cabinet releases.

There are plenty of settings, too. Full button layout customization is offered, as well as various display settings, including wallpapers for the 4:3 resolution, screen layout with the option for widescreen, and various CRT filters (though I much preferred to play without these for cleaner image quality).

You can also choose from six distinct music tracks before loading into a race. Ridge Racer is known for routinely having some of the best soundtracks to grace the genre, though I can’t say that’s the case in this first entry.

The rave-inspired music ranges from tolerable to borderline insufferable, and had me pining for the pristine blend of funk, house, and UK garage found in Ridge Racer Type 4. Though special mention does have to be given to Speedster - Track 5 - which houses an iconic sample that's also used in the Jet Set Radio soundtrack. That's plus points in my book.

Ridge Racer also has the dishonor of featuring what is perhaps the series’ most irritating announcer. Delivering lines with the overly charismatic cadence of an American game show host, you’ll hear “hey, somebody’s right on your tail!” countless times during a single race.

Should you play Arcade Archives 2 Ridge Racer?

Play it if...

You want an authentic arcade racer experience
Ridge Racer was arguably the breakout arcade racer of its day, and while it lacks the wealth of content enjoyed by its many sequels, there’s a purity here that’s hard to find in contemporary racing games.

You love the thrill of online leaderboards
Chasing the best times possible in Ridge Racer is where most of its fun lies. The game is perfect for quick pick-up-and-play sessions, especially on the Switch 2’s handheld mode.

Don't play it if...

You were expecting more content
As mentioned, a single track and car is a far cry from what future Ridge Racer games would offer. I’m seriously hoping for a full-fledged series compilation release in the future, because this original game is definitely the series in its most basic form.

Accessibility

There aren’t really any contemporary accessibility options in Arcade Archives 2 Ridge Racer. Being able to adjust screen and button layouts depending on your preferences is nice, but there’s not a whole lot beyond that.

How I reviewed Arcade Archives 2 Ridge Racer

I’ve clocked in four hours of playtime in Arcade Archives 2 Ridge Racer so far. That’s more than enough to experience each of its modes many times over, and most of that time was spent climbing the online leaderboards for each mode.

I played the game on Nintendo Switch 2, using the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller to play in docked mode. Though the vast majority of my playtime was spent in handheld mode, usually on lunch breaks or just before settling in for the night.

NordProtect made me rethink how I protect my personal information online
7:14 pm |
Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Pro Security | Comments: Off

For many, much of our day-to-day life is now handled online, including financial management, shopping, family connections, work collaboration, and more. While digital technology offers numerous advantages, it also poses multiple security risks that threaten users both financially and personally.

Today's cybercriminals are constantly refining their tactics, deploying increasingly sophisticated attacks, including phishing scams, data breaches, and ransomware threats. These menacing strategies aim not only at financial theft but also often target our most sensitive data, leading to a cascade of complications that can significantly disrupt our lives.

This is where a dedicated identity theft protection service, like NordProtect, becomes invaluable. Acting as a real-time shield against potential threats, it provides proactive monitoring that continually watches over your personal information around the clock.

Picture receiving rapid alerts at the first hint of suspicious activity; this timely response can make all the difference in mitigating damage before it spirals out of control.

But it doesn't end there. Comprehensive recovery assistance provided by these services ensures that if the worst does happen, you're not navigating the aftermath alone. Specialists work with you to recover compromised accounts, restore your credit, and rebuild your digital identity, guiding you through each step with expertise and support.

NordProtect: Something new

Nord Security, the company behind the popular NordVPN, first introduced NordProtect in late 2023. At the time, it was only offered as part of NordVPN’s Prime plan in the U.S. In early 2025, however, the company expanded its availability, and NordProtect became available as a standalone product.

NordProtect: Plans and pricing

NordProtect offers three primary subscription levels: Silver, Gold, and Platinum. The first is the basic plan and includes features like dark web monitoring, credit monitoring (TransUnion), VantageScore 3.0 credit score, credit freeze assistance, identity theft recovery ($1M), cyber extortion protection ($50K), online fraud coverage ($10K), cyber attack coverage ($10K), malware breach alerts, and criminal records monitoring.

The mid-priced Gold plan includes all the features of the Silver plan, plus the NordVPN service and Threat Protection Pro. The premium Platinum plan is the most comprehensive, offering all the features of Silver and Gold, along with NordVPN, Threat Protection Pro, and a personal data removal service (Incogni).

You can purchase a subscription on a monthly, yearly, or two-year basis. There are discounts available on annual and two-year plans for the first year, and all plans come with a 30-day unconditional guarantee.

NordProtect pricing, July 2025

(Image credit: Future)

At the time of this writing, two-year subscriptions will save 63% off the regular price, with Silver costing $132 for the first 24 months, Gold at $204, and Platinum at $288. One-year packages are available with a 50% discount, priced at $90 for Silver, $126 for Gold, and $168 for Platinum. There’s no discount when paying for the NordProtect service on a monthly basis. For this, you’ll pay $15.49 for Silver, $21.49 for Gold, and $28.49 for Platinum.

Please note that prices for the year- and two-year plans revert to the regular price after the completion of the first term.

For this review, I opened a Platinum subscription.

NordProtect: Key features and offerings

NordProtect delivers a complete  suite of security  features that protect  personal information and enable  recovery from security  breaches with exact precision. The service delivers three core security components that monitor activity continuously and provide immediate alerts, together with financial protection, which form an integrated defense system for total identity security.

The NordProtect dark web monitoring service operates 24/7 to provide you with exceptional protection. The service  scans continuously through illegal online  marketplaces as well  as forums and  underground communities to detect  any leaked personal  data, such as email addresses, phone numbers, and  Social Security numbers.  You would receive immediate notifications when your information is compromised through this service, allowing you to react promptly and reduce potential security threats.

NordProtect ID protection

(Image credit: Future)

The credit monitoring service of NordProtect works in conjunction with TransUnion to provide you with financial protection features. This feature detects financial identity threats, including unauthorized account inquiries and new accounts opened using your personal information. The system provides detailed monthly reports on VantageScore 3.0 credit scores, as well as immediate alerts about potential fraudulent activities, helping you maintain continuous awareness of your financial situation.

The core strength of NordProtect is its outstanding identity theft recovery support system. When identity theft occurs, you are protected by up to $1 million in insurance coverage for such incidents. This coverage extends to eligible expenses, including legal fees, lost wages due to identity theft, and mental health counseling costs. The identity restoration process is supported by dedicated case managers who provide personalized assistance throughout your recovery journey. The service guides you in freezing your credit and helps you navigate the complex task of restoring your credit score.

The identity protection service NordProtect stands out because it includes both cyber extortion protection and online fraud coverage as exclusive features. The cyber extortion protection provides up to  $50,000 for expert assistance  and possible ransom  payments that occur when  cybercriminals threaten to reveal or erase  personal data.

NordProtect: Interface and in use

After extensive testing and hands-on experience with NordProtect, I found it to be remarkably user-friendly and intuitive. The primary access point is through a web-based dashboard within your Nord Account, which I appreciated for its centralized design. It allows for easy management and monitoring of various identity protection features, viewing alerts, and customizing settings—all without the need to download a separate application.

Being able to access NordProtect directly from a web browser significantly enhances its convenience. Additionally, I discovered that if you’re already a NordVPN Prime subscriber, you can seamlessly integrate these features into your existing Nord Account, which is a bonus.

During my testing across different devices and operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, I was impressed by the broad compatibility. This flexibility ensures that I can manage my identity protection effortlessly, regardless of whether I'm using my desktop or mobile device. Overall, my thorough evaluation confirms that NordProtect offers a solid solution for identity management.

The main drawback of NordProtect’s interface design stems from the separate methods users need to access NordVPN and Incogni. The NordVPN service is available with both Gold and Platinum subscriptions, whereas Incogni is only accessible through the Platinum plan. These software  solutions operate independently and use different  access methods. For example, users need to download the NordVPN app on their devices to access the service. The back-and-forth process between these services might create confusion for some users.

NordVPN on a Mac

(Image credit: Future)

For some,  using Incogni could complicate things further. Nord Threat Protection Pro, which is part of NordVPN, and Incogni operate as separate services from Nord Security. They provide distinct yet supportive solutions for online privacy and security. Nord Threat Protection Pro provides real-time  protection against immediate online  threats. The digital  shield protects your browsing experience  by blocking malware , phishing sites  , ads, and trackers  regardless of VPN  status. The system exists to prevent dangerous content from ever reaching your system.

Incogni specializes in proactive data removal from data broker databases. Through automated  contact with brokers,  Incogni removes your personal  data, including names  , addresses, phone numbers, and financial records. Incogni operates  as a system that  tracks your data while sending periodic  deletion requests to minimize  your digital presence and protect you  from spam, scams , and identity theft. 

The bottom line: Nord Threat Protection Pro stops new threats from entering, but Incogni removes existing data exposure, creating a comprehensive protection system when used together.

NordProtect: Support

Nord offers comprehensive customer support primarily through its robust online Help Center, which features extensive FAQs, tutorials, and troubleshooting guides covering various topics, including account management, billing, connectivity, and app usage. For more personalized assistance, customers can readily access 24/7 live chat support, which is recommended for urgent issues due to its typically quick response times.

Alternatively, for more complex inquiries or when immediate assistance isn't critical, customers can opt for email support, with responses usually provided within a few hours. These support channels are often accessible directly through Nord's websites and even within their applications, ensuring convenient access for users. While traditional phone support or call centers are not typically offered, Nord's combination of self-help resources and direct messaging options aims to provide thorough and accessible support for its diverse customer base.

NordProtect: The competition

In the competitive landscape of identity theft protection, NordProtect faces several established rivals.

Aura stands out as a strong competitor, often lauded for its comprehensive catch-all service, which provides extensive identity monitoring, including home and auto titles, financial accounts, and criminal records. Aura also frequently bundles additional cybersecurity perks, such as a VPN, password manager, and antivirus.

LifeLock by Norton is another major player, known for its strong identity theft insurance, often offering up to $3 million in coverage across personal expense reimbursements, stolen funds, and legal fees. While NordProtect focuses on TransUnion for credit monitoring, LifeLock offers three-bureau credit monitoring in its higher-tier plans, providing a broader view of credit activity.

Identity Guard is a direct competitor that offers in-depth monitoring and credit tracking, with its top-tier plans including three-bureau credit monitoring.

IDShield distinguishes itself by providing up to $3 million in identity theft insurance and assigning licensed private investigators to identity theft cases, as well as monitoring court and public records.

Lastly, IdentityForce offers a good balance of features, including a personal identity safety score and a customized action plan, and provides up to $2 million in identity theft insurance.

While NordProtect is a newer entrant backed by a strong cybersecurity reputation and often bundled with other Nord Security products, its competitors frequently offer more extensive multi-bureau credit monitoring and, in some cases, broader family plan options. credit monitoring and, in some cases, broader family plan options.

NordProtect: Final verdict

NordProtect, launched by Nord Security in late 2023, has evolved from being part of NordVPN’s Prime plan to a standalone identity theft protection service available since early 2025. It offers Silver, Gold, and Platinum subscription tiers, with monthly, yearly, and two-year payment options, as well as discounts for annual and biennial plans during the initial term. All plans are backed by a 30-day unconditional guarantee.

The service provides a comprehensive suite of security features, including 24/7 dark web monitoring, credit monitoring in partnership with TransUnion, and identity theft recovery support, which includes up to $1 million in insurance coverage. Notably, NordProtect also provides cyber extortion protection (up to $50,000) and online fraud coverage.

Users primarily access NordProtect through a web-based dashboard within their Nord Account, which is user-friendly and compatible across various devices and operating systems. While centralized access is convenient, a minor point of friction arises from the separate access methods required for bundled services, such as NordVPN (included in Gold and Platinum plans) and Incogni (exclusive to Platinum). Nord Threat Protection Pro, available with Gold and Platinum, complements Incogni (Platinum only) by preventing new threats and addressing existing data exposure.

NordProtect provides comprehensive customer support through an online Help Center, 24/7 live chat, and email. However, traditional phone support or call centers are not typically provided.

In the competitive identity theft protection market, NordProtect competes with established players, including Aura, LifeLock by Norton, Identity Guard, IDShield, and IdentityForce. While NordProtect leverages Nord Security's strong cybersecurity reputation, some competitors offer more extensive multi-bureau credit monitoring and a wider range of family plan options. Overall, NordProtect stands as a robust solution for identity management, offering strong protective and recovery capabilities.

I just tested the first cheap AirPods rival that I didn’t prefer to Apple’s earbuds
7:00 pm |
Author: admin | Category: Audio Computers Earbuds & Airpods Gadgets Headphones | Comments: Off

Denon AH-C500W: Two-minute review

It’s something of a cliche among tech writers and audio fans to refer to any stem earbuds as a ‘cheap AirPods alternative’, before heaping upon it praise for being just as passable a pair of headphones as Apple’s are, or superior in some arbitrary way. I was almost ready to trot out that same, somewhat tired comparison with the new Denon AH-C500W to be perfectly honest. That was until I realised it was actually incorrect.

Not the part about them being AirPods rivals – you’ve seen the picture at the top of this review, even AirPods’ mom wouldn’t be able to tell the difference between her child and the Denon. And not about them being cheaper either; the AH-C500W do undercut Apple’s options.

No, I’m talking about the new Denon earbuds being superior. The Denon don’t have any unique selling point to beat the AirPods, no untouchable audio quality to keep them competitive, and a price that isn’t actually that cheap, in the grand scheme of things. If you’ve got an Android phone and so can’t use AirPods to anywhere near their full potential, here’s Denon, but if not they’re harder to recommend – and that's coming from me, an AirPods naysayer.

If you’ve not heard of Denon (not to be confused with Danone of yogurt fame), it's a celebrated Japanese audio company mainly focused on larger speakers, soundbars and AV set-ups, but also selling choice premium headphones and earbuds too. In this gilded array the AH-C500W are the odd duck, coming at a much more affordable price point than basically everything else on Denon’s website.

A blast from the past, the C500W use an open-fit ear design. No, not the fully open earbuds that’ve been launching left, right and center throughout 2025, but like AirPods: they sit in your ear but without any tip to wedge it in there. Instead, you cross your fingers and pray to whomever you believe in that they don’t fall out. In my testing the Denon never actually did, but they’d often move around in my outer ear slightly, which would affect music quality – and when I tried to fix it, the oversensitive touch controls would think I’d pressed ‘pause’ and stop my music. Not very handy.

Audio quality is actually fair, at least when you’re at home, but step outdoors into the noisy world and the lack of any kind of noise cancellation will have an audible effect on your listening. Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) isn’t mandatory in earbuds, but open designs block virtually no noise, and I found myself wishing for ear tips to offer some relief from background noise.

Something else missing from the Denon AH-C500W is an app… that does anything truly meaningful. That is to say there is an app, but its only functions are to turn off touch controls or adjust your listening using the most barebones EQ I’ve ever seen.

If there’s anything resoundingly positive to be said for the Denon, it’s the design. AirPods comparisons aside these are sleek-looking, lightweight when in your ear and easy to tote around thanks to the tiny carry case. The latter in particular was a source of joy when going out with the earbuds – sometimes I test buds with huge containers that are a pain to put in my pocket, but not the Denons.

Denon AH-C500W review: Price and release date

The Denon AH-C500W buds next to the case.

(Image credit: Future)
  • Unveiled and released in April 2025
  • Costs $99 / £99 (roughly AU$209)
  • Already available cheaper

The Denon AH-C500W earbuds were announced in April 2025 and went on sale shortly afterwards. They were joined in this release by the AH-C840NCW, a slightly more expensive alternative which comes with ear tips and noise cancellation.

When announced, the buds were given the price of $99 / £99 (roughly AU$209) but three months later at the time of writing this review, the UK price is already down by £10 on Denon’s official website (and not via a sale, but as the default price) so you can pick them up for below RRP very easily.

I’ll save you clicking over to its review; the also-devoid-of-ANC Apple AirPods 4 cost $129 / £129 / AU$219 so they’re only slightly more expensive. That’s not the only competitor at this price point though and the splendid Nothing Ear (a), the Skullcandy Method 360 and Sony WF-C710N all match the Denon (in at least one country each, although in some others they're a hair pricier).

While the Denon AH-C500W are cheaper than the AirPods 4, it wouldn’t be right to refer to them as ‘cheap’ earbuds, and they’d need to cost at least 30% less to be considered budget alternatives.

Denon AH-C500W review: Specs

Drivers

12mm

Active noise cancellation

No

Battery life (ANC off)

7 hours (buds) 25 hours (case)

Weight

4.5g (buds) 50g (case)

Connectivity

Bluetooth 5.3

Waterproofing

IPX4

Denon AH-C500W review: Features

The Denon AH-C500W's bud next to the case with the other bud inside.

(Image credit: Future)
  • 7-hour battery life, 25 with case
  • No noise cancellation of any kind
  • App has few features

Pick up the Denon AH-C500W if you think the AirPods 4’s 5-hour battery life is awful – the Denon doesn’t do an awful lot better, but at least it’s not so noticeably below the class-leaders.

According to Denon’s stats – which I’d back, from my experience – the earbuds will last for 7 hours on a full battery. That’s roughly in line with industry standards, but remember that anything that’s average is worse than literally half of all other options. The charging case brings the full figure up to 24 hours which isn’t amazing either, and actually falls short of Apple, possibly because Denon opted to add wireless charging support instead of a bigger battery.

In the ‘Features’ section of our reviews, we generally talk about earbuds’ noise cancellation. The C500W doesn’t have any, something I bring up just in case anyone skipped the introduction to this review (no judgement, I sometimes do the same thing). If you use these, expect to hear what’s going on around you.

For the vast majority of my testing time, I used the Denon without a tie-in app, finding that searching ‘Denon’ in the Play Store brought up an AVR remote, and the buds work just fine without an app. Towards the end of the review period I realised that had I simply scrolled down I would have discovered that there actually is an app, called Denon Headphones, which I missed below myriad other apps from the company.

The Denon AH-C500W next to a phone with an equalizer open.

(Image credit: Future)

Downloading the app didn’t actually make much of a difference to my user experience though, and that’s because it doesn’t really add too many perks and features.

Nowhere is that exemplified more than in the equalizer, a feature which many would argue is all but necessary in earbuds these days. It’s the most barebones music customizer I’ve seen, offering a 5-band EQ and no presents, and I needed to slide each band to its extreme to hear even a noticeable difference.

Beyond that you’ve got a way to turn off and on touch controls, and to change some of the triggers (but not all of them), monitor which devices are connected to the buds and turn on LE Audio. Regarding the middle point, the buds offer Multi-point connection so you can use the Denon alongside two phones, tablets or computers at once, which is useful and becoming an industry standard now. Also, they're Auracast ready, another (hopefully) soon-to-be industry standard perk.

The AH-C500W do have one feature I really liked though. There’s wearer detection which you can customize by bud, so you can set up music to pause if you remove, say, the left earbud but not the right one, or only if you remove both buds. As someone who likes the idea of auto-pausing music but finds it annoying that songs stop if I remove one bud just to readjust it or as a polite gesture, this was a wonderful fix.

  • Features score: 3.5/5

Denon AH-C500W review: Design

The Denon AH-C500W's closed case.

(Image credit: Future)
  • Light, compact case and buds
  • Unreliable fit due to lack of tip
  • Black or white color options

I loved how small the Denon AH-C500W case is, definitely one of the teeniest carry cases I’ve seen in the wireless earbuds realm. It measures 58 x 48 x 28mm, and weighs 50g.

In a rare diversion from the AirPods playbook it’s a short and wide pebble-style case that opens to reveal the whole bud, not just the top, and I find this kind of design makes it easier to remove the bud. The only feature of note is a USB-C charging port on the back.

You can pick up the Denon in either white or black, and both the buds and case come in your chosen hue.

The earbuds weigh 4.5g and they’re dead ringers for AirPods, from their open design which means they hang (relatively) loose in your ear, to the stem which dangles down from your ear, and even down to the fact that the bud is angled slightly along your cheek.

The Denon AH-C500W buds inside a glass.

(Image credit: Future)

Copying is largely accepted in the tech world, but I wish Denon had copied from another design playbook than the AirPods’, because the AH-C500W carries over all of the design's shortcomings. With that comment I’m largely looking at the open design, which means the body of the bud is wedged in your ear without a silicon tip or sports loop to keep it in place. A replaceable ear tip can offer some insulation from outside sound and keep an earbud from jostling around in your ear. The lack of it also means that the Denon is susceptible to sound leakage (both from outside to the listener, and from the buds to people nearby) and doesn’t sit particularly still in your ear.

The latter point isn’t horrible, and I’ve tested earbuds (even tip-bearing ones) that are worse, but almost every time I took the C500W for a walk I’d find myself fiddling with them to ensure they were sitting in my ear right – and after 10 minutes of walking they’d have shifted, and I’d have to repeat this process all over again.

The Denon have a touch control that you can press several times or hold for different controls, and the lack of a visual or touch indicator as to where this haptic button is means that you have to get used to the design yourself. And do you remember me saying I had to constantly fiddle with the earbuds in the last paragraph? Yeah – good luck doing so without accidentally pressing the enigmatic ‘pause’ button.

The buds have an IPX4 resistance to water, which makes them sweat-proof but not ready to survive jets of water.

  • Design score: 3.5/5

Denon AH-C500W review: Sound quality

  • Sole 12mm driver
  • Detailed sound, if you can even hear it
  • Lots of distortion in certain genres

The Denon AH-C500W in a man's ear.

(Image credit: Future)

The Denon pack 12mm drivers and 2 microphones each. A more intriguing feature present is called Masimo Adaptive Acoustic Technology or Masimo AAT, which Denon previously used in some other of its wireless earbuds. This is mentioned only on Denon’s website right at the bottom, and not in its app or marketing materials, so it’s hard to know what it actually does. Masimo’s own website suggests that it’s a listening test to create a personal listening profile, but no such feature is present in the app.

The audio quality of the AH-C500W is mixed, but that’s a mix of highs and lows. There’s a lot of quality and detail in music – you can hear the timbre and individual strings of a guitar strum, the bowing of a violin – but then there’s also quite a bit of peaking on instruments like hi-hats, acoustic guitars and percussions.

Your mileage with the buds will vary dramatically based on what kind of music you listen to. Certain genres will feed you a cacophony of hisses and hums, with instruments that the Denon distorts too easily, but when listening to other genres I could go for multiple songs without hearing an issue, and while enjoying top-quality music.

The sound profile of the buds is largely neutral, though there’s a more emphatic and pronounced bass than I was expecting given the form factor. That form factor is, at the end of the day, the biggest issue with the AH-C500W’s music quality. However songs sound in a vacuum (or at home), they sound a lot worse when outside noise is leaking in, or when your buds are constantly slipping in your ear to change position.

  • Sound quality: 3.5/5

Denon AH-C500W review: Value

The Denon AH-C500W buds in the case, which is open.

(Image credit: Future)
  • Not amazing value by default
  • Wait for sales to pick up

When I first saw the Denon AH-C500W – and indeed, for the fortnight of testing before I started writing this review – I thought the buds cost about half as much as they actually do.

That’s because I made an assumption based on the feature set, sound quality and design, comparing it to similar traits in other buds on the market, and I presumed that these would cost about £50 / $70 / AU$100. The fact that they actually cost a lot more probably tells you all you need to about their value as a proposition in a hugely congested market.

If you can find them discounted further, the AH-C500W might be worth buying – you don’t have to wait for them to get as low as my presumed price – but at the original retail price, my verdict is that they don’t offer great value for money.

  • Value: 3/5

Should I buy the Denon AH-C500W?

The Denon AH-C500W buds in a hand.

(Image credit: Future)
Denon AH-C500W score card

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Features

Passable battery life but not many other features to talk about.

3/5

Design

The buds are lovely and lightweight, though they're just not secure in your ear.

3.5/5

Sound quality

Sound is textured and detailed but it peaks often, and that's only when you can hear it in the first place.

3.5/5

Value

You're not getting amazing bang for your buck when you consider other budget options.

3/5

Buy them if…

You have an Android phone
Apple users can buy AirPods which are better for you, but Android owners need alternatives like the Denon.

You only listen in one spot
Bobbing up and down while you walk risks dislodging the Denons, but if you're only ever going to listen while seated at your desk, you'll appreciate the music quality.

You want a slender carry case
I've seen some monster charging cases in my time, ones that'll weigh your trouser pockets like rocks. Not here though.View Deal

Don’t buy them if…

You're not sold on the open design
I found the lack of ear tips infuriating, both for allowing in sound and for letting the buds wobble and move so much..

You need noise cancellation
Very few earbuds nowadays outside of true budget options lack active noise cancellation – just AirPods 4 (and even they have an ANC version nowadays).

Denon AH-C500W review: Also consider

Denon AH-C500W

Nothing Ear (a)

Sony WF-C710N

Denon AH-C840NCW

Drivers

12mm

11mm

5mm

12mm

Active noise cancellation

No

Yes

Yes

Yes

Battery life

7 hours (buds) 25 hours (case)

5.5 hours (buds); 24.5 hours (case)

12 hours (buds) 30 hours total (with case)

10 hours (buds) 35 hours (case)

Weight

4.5g (buds) 50g (case)

4.8g (buds); 40g (case)

5.2g (buds); 38g (case)

5.1g (buds) 54g (case)

Connectivity

Bluetooth 5.3

Bluetooth 5.3

Bluetooth 5.3

Bluetooth 5.3

Waterproofing

IPX4

IP54

IPX4

IPX4

Nothing Ear (a)
Released at the same price as the Denons, these buds may have a worse battery life but they have a solid feature set, energetic sound and reliable design. There's a reason we gave them a five-star review.

See our full Nothing Ear (a) review

Denon AH-C840NCW
The AH-C500W's contemporary may cost a little more, but it fixes all of the problems of the cheaper buds. The battery life is better, there's noise cancellation and the buds have tips to stick into your ear well. Our review is incoming – watch this space!

How I tested the Denon AH-C500W

  • Tested for at least three weeks
  • Tested at home, in the office and on walks

I used the Denon AH-C500W for at least three weeks before writing this review, and possibly for a month (I didn't keep track religiously). I tested them alongside their contemporary siblings, the AH-C840NCW.

The buds were paired with my Android smartphone for testing and I used them on apps like Spotify, YouTube, Netflix and certain games during the testing period. Spotify was the main one though. Testing was done at home, around my neighborhood and at the gym.

I've been reviewing audio products for TechRadar for years now, including products made by many of Denon's rivals.

  • First reviewed in July 2025
I reviewed the Boulies OP300 – and this comfortable office chair is ideal for every professional workspace (and without the premium price tag)
6:41 pm |
Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Pro | Comments: Off

Boulies EP200: 30-second review

If I asked you to draw a picture of an office chair, I strongly suspect you'd show me something that looked a lot like the Boulies OP300.

To me, it's professional seating well-suited for professional spaces. Now, I’m a big fan of the company’s EP200 office chair (you can read my review here). One of my main issues with it, though, is the limited availability outside the UK. Thankfully, that’s not an issue with the OP300 office chair, which is readily available in both the UK and the US.

With that in mind, I was keen to try out the OP300 - formerly, and briefly, known as the EP300. For what it’s worth, the EP series are for those using an office chair for around six hours a day, while the OP range are aimed at professional settings, gaming, and those using the chair for over eight hours a day. I’m not sure I fully agree with this division. I use the EP200 for at least eight hours a day without fatigue or discomfort. But maybe that’s besides the point.

It’s a smart, all-black ergonomic seat that looks professional and feels comfortable, with plenty of adjustments to find the sweet spot. I spent the last two months trying it out to see how it compares to the best office chairs around.

Boulies OP300: Price & availability

Boulies OP300 on a cyan background in three positions

(Image credit: Boulies // Future)

The Boulies OP300 is priced at $370 / £290 - although at the time of review, it’s on sale for $300 / £260 via the Boulies website in the US (click here) and the UK (click here). I’m also seeing it on Amazon.co.uk, under its original name, for the same cost.

I’d suggest the price is about right for what you get here, putting it roughly on par with the likes of the FlexiSpot OC3 and Branch Task Chair as a mid-range professional seating option.

Boulies OP300: Specs

Price (RRP)

$370 / £290

Seat height

19.5 - 23in / 49.5 - 58.5cm

Seat depth

18.1 - 20.3in / 46 - 51.5cm

Seat width

20.7in / 52.5cm

Backrest height

20 - 21.6in / 51 - 55cm

Recommended user height

5’5” - 6’3”

Max weight load

120kg / 265lbs

Material

Back: Mesh / Padded mesh
Seat: Padded foam

Warranty

2 years

Boulies OP300: Design

Image 1 of 3

Boulies OP300 during our review

(Image credit: Boulies // Future)
Image 2 of 3

Boulies OP300 during our review

(Image credit: Boulies // Future)
Image 3 of 3

Boulies OP300 during our review

(Image credit: Boulies // Future)

There’s something distinctly functional about the design of the OP300 - and that’s no bad thing. It’s a traditional office chair design that will suit every office environment. One look and you can imagine it parked under a hundred desks in an open-plan office just as easily as in the home office.

The chair itself is available with either a mesh or padded mesh backrest (reviewed here) and a cushioned foam seat. Whichever you choose, this is an office chair Henry Ford would understand - like the Model T, you can choose any color you want, “so long as it is black.” And, again, I don’t consider that a drawback for the types of settings this chair is designed for. In fact, I’d argue that this uniformity is exactly what you’d want in the workplace.

The backrest width isn’t quite as wide as the EP200 (approximately 20in vs 19in), but wide enough - and more importantly, supportive enough - to comfortably fit most body types. As is the seat itself, for that matter, which I think it a nice touch. Around the back is a sturdy Y-shape support where backrest height adjustments can be made and that, again, to my eye, looks functional rather than unnecessarily over-designed.

In use, the casters rolled nicely across both wooden flooring and textured carpeting, and while sitting, it didn’t creak or feel unstable. While the plastic is thin in places (notably on that Y-support), it doesn’t feel cheap or prone to break under use.

Boulies OP300: Assembly

Firstly, it’s worth noting that when disassembled in the box, it’s heavy - I'd strongly recommend having two people carry this to its destination. How my delivery guy managed alone to get this from his van to my door is a testament to his strength and sheer tyranny of will. Once in position, it’s an easy one-person job.

I had no issues putting this chair together, taking me around fifteen to twenty minutes to complete the entire procedure. Instructions were clear to follow. Even if you haven’t assembled an office chair before, it all makes sense and is pretty intuitive anyway.

Boulies OP300: Comfort & adjustability

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Boulies OP300 during our review

(Image credit: Boulies // Future)
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Boulies OP300 during our review

(Image credit: Boulies // Future)
Image 3 of 3

Boulies OP300 during our review

(Image credit: Boulies // Future)

I have no problems with the amount of comfort delivered here - like the EP200, the broad seat itself feels at once firm and supportive, even with its foamy cushioning.

Now, that may be a deal-breaker for some who prefer to sink into an office chair like it’s a well-loved couch, but I rather prefer this, and it kept me productive (and less sluggish) throughout my use. Although, saying that, the backrest, which reclines between 85 and 113 degrees, felt soft and breathable, and I found it all too easy to snuggle into it.

Having a lot of adjustability is, I feel, critical for any ergonomic chair worth its salt. So, I was pleased to find loads of options to tweak the seat and find that comfortable sweet spot.

First, you can modify the seat depth to make sure you're firmly ensconced with your back against the rest. The armrests move in three directions - up, down, back and forth, and swivel in and out to suit your seating style. And the headrest can be lightly angled and adjusted up or down. So, those are the basic boxes all ticked.

Beneath the seat to the right (as you’re sitting in it) are three levers to alter the chair’s height and angle, and to lock the recline into place. On the left is the lever for adjusting seat depth. These are all operated by flipping the levers up or down, which I really liked. There’s no need to fiddle here, no pushing and pulling and flipping up or swivelling around three times and performing an awkward rain-dance to get the chair into your chosen position. It’s just simple and effective.

In fact, the only area where the chair isn’t adjustable is the lumbar support. It’s fixed into position. I would’ve liked to see more flexibility here, but I can’t say it’s especially noticeable in use.

Given the backrest can be adjusted between five levels depending on your height, and is already contoured, at no point did I find fatigue setting in or that my lower back wasn’t adequately supported while sitting down during the working day.

Boulies OP300: Final verdict

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Boulies OP300 during our review

(Image credit: Boulies // Future)
Image 2 of 3

Boulies OP300 during our review

(Image credit: Boulies // Future)
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Boulies OP300 during our review

(Image credit: Boulies // Future)

One of the reasons I like Boulies office chairs is that they’re generally good all-rounders - and the OP300 is no exception. I’ve used this seat for working, gaming, chilling out, and, when family were over, even eating dinner at my downstairs desk.

With its classic silhouette and all-black materials, the design isn’t especially flashy - quite the opposite, in fact. But to my mind, that makes it ideal, where it won’t dominate the office or home office landscape.

At all times, the OP300 felt comfortable and supportive, which are really the two criteria any good office chair should meet.

Should I buy the Boulies OP300 office chair?

Buy it if…

✅ You want a comfortable, adjustable office chair: I used this chair for hours and hours at a time and felt none of the discomfort I get from cheaper office chairs. I especially like the simple adjustment mechanics.


✅ You want a traditional office chair that won’t break the bank: For what’s on offer, the Boulies OP300 is well-priced. Neither too cheap, nor too expensive, but about right.

Don’t buy it if…

❌ You need adjustable or dynamic lumbar support: While the backrest is height-adjustable, the lumbar support is fixed into place, which some may not like.


❌ You need an office chair with serious style: I can’t emphasise enough how ‘professional’ the stylings of the OP300 are. In terms of design, it’s about as classic an office chair gets.

For more workspace essentials, we tested the best standing desks for the home and office.

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