Street Fighter 6 Years 1-2 Edition marks the fighting game’s availability on Nintendo Switch 2 - as a launch title for the console no less. Back in 2023, I scored Street Fighter 6five stars in my review, praising everything from its world class visuals to its intense one-on-one battles - backed up by the incredible Drive gauge system that allows for a high skill ceiling.
Review information
Platform reviewed: Nintendo Switch 2 Available on: Nintendo Switch 2, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC Release date: June 6, 2025 (originally released on June 2, 2023)
On Nintendo Switch 2, that high-quality experience has been replicated for the most part. Seemingly gone are the days of heavily compromised fighting game ports (looking at you, Mortal Kombat 1), as Capcom’s highly scalable RE Engine shows that even the best looking fighting games can still run and play great on a handheld machine.
Now, okay, you’re not quite getting the crystalline image quality of Street Fighter 6 on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and Series S or indeed PC. The Switch 2 version does look slightly worse, with noticeable graining and overall lower resolution - exacerbated when blown up on a 4K display. But honestly, it’s not a million miles away from those other versions, and the game is still perfectly readable and maintains a solid 60fps performance where it matters: in those intense online matches as well as most offline modes.
Perhaps obviously, it’s the single-player World Tour mode that suffers the most. Granted, it’s far from perfect on other systems, but you’ll really feel the compromises on Switch 2, with noticeable animation frame limiting on distant non-player characters (NPCs) and a hard 30fps lock during battles - far from ideal.
Still, everything else in the package is comparable. And with full crossplay support and a complete character roster at the time of writing, you can hop into one of the best fighting games on Nintendo Switch 2 and start ranking up just as well as you can on other consoles. Well, so long as you’re using a Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller for Classic motion inputs, of course. But more on that later.
The gang's all here
(Image credit: Capcom)
So first off, what’s included in Street Fighter 6 Years 1-2 Edition on Switch 2? As mentioned, you’re getting the entire roster of fighters. That’s 18 from the launch version, in addition to the four DLC characters from Year 1 (Rashid, A.K.I., Ed, and Akuma) and four from Year 2 (M. Bison, Terry Bogard, Mai Shiranui, and Elena). You’re also getting four DLC stages and a decent amount of Drive Tickets to spend in the game’s shop. Sadly, additional character outfits aren’t included in this package - you’ll have to buy those separately.
Otherwise, this is a feature-complete version of Street Fighter 6. All three main content hubs are here, including the single-player World Tour mode. You’ll also find the Battle Hub for hanging out with player-created avatars and engaging in casual online matches, as well as Fighting Ground where you have access to the bulk of the game’s modes. That includes ranked and unranked online matches, Arcade mode, training, and combo trials for every character.
There are also a couple of modes exclusive to the Switch 2 version of Street Fighter 6, but these are unfortunately novelties that wore off after a couple of tries. Gyro Battle uses the Joy-Con 2’s motion controls for special move inputs, while Calorie Contest also applies those motion inputs to a gimmicky fitness-based mode. Both are inoffensive inclusions, but you likely won’t look at them twice unless you want to get your grandma into Street Fighter, or something.
The Joy (Con) of fighting
(Image credit: Capcom)
How I feel about Street Fighter 6 now hasn’t changed much over the last couple of years. It’s still one of the best fighting games available today, with plenty of content for both casual and hardcore players to sink their teeth into.
That being said, there may be some growing pains for those jumping over to the Switch 2 version, or playing the game for the first time on the new hardware. While the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller is a fine fit for Street Fighter 6’s Classic control scheme (which grants full access to characters’ moves and full motion inputs), the Joy-Con 2 certainly isn’t.
That’s because it’s almost impossible to reliably input directional special moves - especially the likes of the Dragon Punch motion and Zangief’s full-circle Spinning Pile Driver - on the Joy-Con 2’s button-styled d-pad.
However, if you prefer the Modern control scheme, which simplifies special moves to a single direction, you’ll have a much easier time if all you can play with is the Joy-Con 2. And it still helps that Modern is an incredibly well-designed control scheme that’s even preferred by no shortage of professional Street Fighter 6 players, so you absolutely can hop online and learn the game efficiently in this way.
Small world
(Image credit: Capcom)
As for World Tour, Street Fighter 6’s marquee single-player mode, it’s certainly something I’ve still got a soft spot for - but it’s definitely not at its best on Switch 2. In case you’re unaware, World Tour has your player-created avatar exploring 3D environments, getting into fights, and meeting legendary Street Fighter characters in order to level up and learn new moves - all in aid of winning tournaments and becoming the strongest fighter in the world. It’s not without its faults, with plenty of incredibly tanky enemies who love employing cheap tactics like lobbing wrenches from across the screen, but it is a fun diversion from the chaos of the online suites.
While it was never a top performer even on PS5, Xbox, and PC, World Tour on Switch 2 does suffer from some compromises. Draw distance is quite poor, and there’s plenty of choppy animation on distant NPCs. Overworld exploration targets 60fps and does get there frequently, but actual battles are strictly locked to 30fps, which simply feels horrible in a fighting game - even in a more casual-friendly environment.
I’d still say World Tour is worth a playthrough if you haven’t tried it before, as the experience here is far from unplayable. Just be prepared for a massive disconnect in performance between it and the rest of the package, which manages to be incredibly stable on Switch 2.
Should I play Street Fighter 6 Years 1-2 Edition on Switch 2?
Play it if...
You want a version of the game for portable play Despite a downgrade in overall image quality, playing Street Fighter 6 in handheld mode is a surprisingly stable experience and one that’s plenty fun whether you’re tucked in bed or out and about.
You want the entire roster at an affordable price Featuring most of the content released across the game’s first two years - sans old battle passes and character costumes - Years 1-2 Edition is a genuinely great deal.
Don't play it if...
You have access to Street Fighter 6 on other systems As impressive as Street Fighter 6 on Switch 2 is, if you’re able to play the game on PS5, Xbox, or PC, I would still recommend those versions for their better image quality and performance in World Tour mode.
You don’t have the time to learn a fighting game Street Fighter 6 may be the most popular fighting game out there, but it’s certainly one of the more complex ones with its intricate Drive system, varied character movesets, and no shortage of fighting game-specific terminology.
Accessibility
Street Fighter 6’s accessibility suite is just as impressive on Switch 2 as it is on other consoles and PC. For one, the Modern control scheme is an excellent onboarding tool for players intimidated by the complicated Classic layout. Modern doesn’t give access to a character’s full move list, but it does greatly simplify special move inputs and provides easy combo routes, allowing you to hop online and see success almost right away.
In terms of other accessibility options, there are plenty. Audio options are particularly impressive, with the ability to enable a ‘distance to opponent’ sound to aid players with vision impairments. You can also enable unique sound effects for high, mid, and low attacks, as well as ones for remaining health and Super Art gauge levels.
Sadly, there are no colorblind settings to speak of, and on Switch 2, there are fewer graphical and visual options in general than on other systems.
How I reviewed Street Fighter 6 Years 1-2 Edition
I played Street Fighter 6 Years 1-2 Edition on Nintendo Switch 2 for around 28 hours for this review. That included significant progress in World Tour mode, as well as several rounds of Arcade mode, combo trials, and online matches, both ranked and casual.
In docked mode, playing on an LG CX OLED TV, my controller of choice was the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller. I also tested the game in handheld mode using the Joy-Con 2 controllers.
As a huge fighting game fan, I also reviewed the original Street Fighter 6 release on PS5. I’ve also provided reviews for Granblue Fantasy Versus: Risingand Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves, so I feel confident in delivering a review of the Switch 2 port of Street Fighter 6 that’s fair and coming from a standpoint of whether or not it’s worth your time and money.
Street Fighter 6 Years 1-2 Edition marks the fighting game’s availability on Nintendo Switch 2 - as a launch title for the console no less. Back in 2023, I scored Street Fighter 6five stars in my review, praising everything from its world class visuals to its intense one-on-one battles - backed up by the incredible Drive gauge system that allows for a high skill ceiling.
Review information
Platform reviewed: Nintendo Switch 2 Available on: Nintendo Switch 2, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC Release date: June 6, 2025 (originally released on June 2, 2023)
On Nintendo Switch 2, that high-quality experience has been replicated for the most part. Seemingly gone are the days of heavily compromised fighting game ports (looking at you, Mortal Kombat 1), as Capcom’s highly scalable RE Engine shows that even the best looking fighting games can still run and play great on a handheld machine.
Now, okay, you’re not quite getting the crystalline image quality of Street Fighter 6 on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and Series S or indeed PC. The Switch 2 version does look slightly worse, with noticeable graining and overall lower resolution - exacerbated when blown up on a 4K display. But honestly, it’s not a million miles away from those other versions, and the game is still perfectly readable and maintains a solid 60fps performance where it matters: in those intense online matches as well as most offline modes.
Perhaps obviously, it’s the single-player World Tour mode that suffers the most. Granted, it’s far from perfect on other systems, but you’ll really feel the compromises on Switch 2, with noticeable animation frame limiting on distant non-player characters (NPCs) and a hard 30fps lock during battles - far from ideal.
Still, everything else in the package is comparable. And with full crossplay support and a complete character roster at the time of writing, you can hop into one of the best fighting games on Nintendo Switch 2 and start ranking up just as well as you can on other consoles. Well, so long as you’re using a Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller for Classic motion inputs, of course. But more on that later.
The gang's all here
(Image credit: Capcom)
So first off, what’s included in Street Fighter 6 Years 1-2 Edition on Switch 2? As mentioned, you’re getting the entire roster of fighters. That’s 18 from the launch version, in addition to the four DLC characters from Year 1 (Rashid, A.K.I., Ed, and Akuma) and four from Year 2 (M. Bison, Terry Bogard, Mai Shiranui, and Elena). You’re also getting four DLC stages and a decent amount of Drive Tickets to spend in the game’s shop. Sadly, additional character outfits aren’t included in this package - you’ll have to buy those separately.
Otherwise, this is a feature-complete version of Street Fighter 6. All three main content hubs are here, including the single-player World Tour mode. You’ll also find the Battle Hub for hanging out with player-created avatars and engaging in casual online matches, as well as Fighting Ground where you have access to the bulk of the game’s modes. That includes ranked and unranked online matches, Arcade mode, training, and combo trials for every character.
There are also a couple of modes exclusive to the Switch 2 version of Street Fighter 6, but these are unfortunately novelties that wore off after a couple of tries. Gyro Battle uses the Joy-Con 2’s motion controls for special move inputs, while Calorie Contest also applies those motion inputs to a gimmicky fitness-based mode. Both are inoffensive inclusions, but you likely won’t look at them twice unless you want to get your grandma into Street Fighter, or something.
The Joy (Con) of fighting
(Image credit: Capcom)
How I feel about Street Fighter 6 now hasn’t changed much over the last couple of years. It’s still one of the best fighting games available today, with plenty of content for both casual and hardcore players to sink their teeth into.
That being said, there may be some growing pains for those jumping over to the Switch 2 version, or playing the game for the first time on the new hardware. While the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller is a fine fit for Street Fighter 6’s Classic control scheme (which grants full access to characters’ moves and full motion inputs), the Joy-Con 2 certainly isn’t.
That’s because it’s almost impossible to reliably input directional special moves - especially the likes of the Dragon Punch motion and Zangief’s full-circle Spinning Pile Driver - on the Joy-Con 2’s button-styled d-pad.
However, if you prefer the Modern control scheme, which simplifies special moves to a single direction, you’ll have a much easier time if all you can play with is the Joy-Con 2. And it still helps that Modern is an incredibly well-designed control scheme that’s even preferred by no shortage of professional Street Fighter 6 players, so you absolutely can hop online and learn the game efficiently in this way.
Small world
(Image credit: Capcom)
As for World Tour, Street Fighter 6’s marquee single-player mode, it’s certainly something I’ve still got a soft spot for - but it’s definitely not at its best on Switch 2. In case you’re unaware, World Tour has your player-created avatar exploring 3D environments, getting into fights, and meeting legendary Street Fighter characters in order to level up and learn new moves - all in aid of winning tournaments and becoming the strongest fighter in the world. It’s not without its faults, with plenty of incredibly tanky enemies who love employing cheap tactics like lobbing wrenches from across the screen, but it is a fun diversion from the chaos of the online suites.
While it was never a top performer even on PS5, Xbox, and PC, World Tour on Switch 2 does suffer from some compromises. Draw distance is quite poor, and there’s plenty of choppy animation on distant NPCs. Overworld exploration targets 60fps and does get there frequently, but actual battles are strictly locked to 30fps, which simply feels horrible in a fighting game - even in a more casual-friendly environment.
I’d still say World Tour is worth a playthrough if you haven’t tried it before, as the experience here is far from unplayable. Just be prepared for a massive disconnect in performance between it and the rest of the package, which manages to be incredibly stable on Switch 2.
Should I play Street Fighter 6 Years 1-2 Edition on Switch 2?
Play it if...
You want a version of the game for portable play Despite a downgrade in overall image quality, playing Street Fighter 6 in handheld mode is a surprisingly stable experience and one that’s plenty fun whether you’re tucked in bed or out and about.
You want the entire roster at an affordable price Featuring most of the content released across the game’s first two years - sans old battle passes and character costumes - Years 1-2 Edition is a genuinely great deal.
Don't play it if...
You have access to Street Fighter 6 on other systems As impressive as Street Fighter 6 on Switch 2 is, if you’re able to play the game on PS5, Xbox, or PC, I would still recommend those versions for their better image quality and performance in World Tour mode.
You don’t have the time to learn a fighting game Street Fighter 6 may be the most popular fighting game out there, but it’s certainly one of the more complex ones with its intricate Drive system, varied character movesets, and no shortage of fighting game-specific terminology.
Accessibility
Street Fighter 6’s accessibility suite is just as impressive on Switch 2 as it is on other consoles and PC. For one, the Modern control scheme is an excellent onboarding tool for players intimidated by the complicated Classic layout. Modern doesn’t give access to a character’s full move list, but it does greatly simplify special move inputs and provides easy combo routes, allowing you to hop online and see success almost right away.
In terms of other accessibility options, there are plenty. Audio options are particularly impressive, with the ability to enable a ‘distance to opponent’ sound to aid players with vision impairments. You can also enable unique sound effects for high, mid, and low attacks, as well as ones for remaining health and Super Art gauge levels.
Sadly, there are no colorblind settings to speak of, and on Switch 2, there are fewer graphical and visual options in general than on other systems.
How I reviewed Street Fighter 6 Years 1-2 Edition
I played Street Fighter 6 Years 1-2 Edition on Nintendo Switch 2 for around 28 hours for this review. That included significant progress in World Tour mode, as well as several rounds of Arcade mode, combo trials, and online matches, both ranked and casual.
In docked mode, playing on an LG CX OLED TV, my controller of choice was the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller. I also tested the game in handheld mode using the Joy-Con 2 controllers.
As a huge fighting game fan, I also reviewed the original Street Fighter 6 release on PS5. I’ve also provided reviews for Granblue Fantasy Versus: Risingand Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves, so I feel confident in delivering a review of the Switch 2 port of Street Fighter 6 that’s fair and coming from a standpoint of whether or not it’s worth your time and money.
The Theater Bar 6's packaging (Image credit: Future)
The Sony Bravia Theater Bar 6 lives up to the ‘Theater’ part of its name. If you want to upgrade your TV’s audio but can’t quite go the full home theater route, the next best thing is a soundbar with a separate subwoofer for extended, theater-like bass. As great as the best soundbars are, not all come with, or even support, external subwoofers, and that low rumble a subwoofer delivers makes the biggest difference between hearing a movie and feeling it.
Dolby Atmos speakers for height effects take the theater experience to the next step, and the Sony Bravia Theater 6, along with having a powerful wireless subwoofer, has upward-firing speakers for immersive spatial audio.
While the Sony Bravia Theater Bar 6 has some shortcomings – there’s a delayed response when using Sony’s Bravia Connect control app, and the soundbar’s soundstage is a bit narrower than I would like – I still think it’s a strong contender for the best Dolby Atmos soundbar.
Sony Bravia Theater Bar 6 review: Price & release date
The Theater Bar 6's full set of accessories (Image credit: Future)
Released in April 2025
Price: $649.00 / £449.00 / AU$899
The Sony Bravia Theater Bar 6 soundbar is widely available for $649.00 / £449.00 / AU$899).
That price is far from budget, though the Theater Bar 6 does include a wireless subwoofer, not to mention a good feature set including some first-party integration with Sony Bravia TVs. The soundbar's upward-firing speakers, which let it deliver Dolby Atmos and DTS:X height effects without resorting to virtual processing, add to the cost as well.
Sony Bravia Theater Bar 6 review: Specs
Dimensions (W x H x D)
Bar: 37.5 x 2.63 x 4.38 inch / 950 x 64 x 110 mm, (Sub) 8.27 x 15.28 x 15.28 inch / 210 x 388 x 388 mm
Speaker channels
3.1.2
Connections:
1x HDMI (with eARC), optical, digital, Bluetooth, USB, IR
Dolby Atmos/DTS:X
Yes/Yes
Sub included
Yes
Rear speakers included
No
Features
Bravia Sync, DSEE, app support
Sony Bravia Theater Bar 6 review: Features
Ports include one HDMI with eARC/ARC and optical digital (Image credit: Future)
Can upmix stereo to spatial audio
Night mode is clear while limiting audio spikes
Voice mode is subtle enough not to distort audio
The Sony Bravia Theater Bar 6’s feature set is a bright spot. There's the aforementioned Bravia Sync (along with an enhanced dialogue mode that can be used with Bravia TVs) and it can upmix stereo audio to spatial audio. There’s Bluetooth connectivity, though no Wi-Fi streaming, and a bunch more features that you’ll find digging through the Sony Bravia Connect app.
Most notably, I want to mention the app’s Night Mode and Voice Mode features. The first does a wonderful job of flattening audio so you can hear it clearly, even though almost all dynamic range has been lost. That makes it perfect for watching when someone else in your home is asleep.
The Voice mode boosts the frequency range where the dialogue in movies and TV shows sits. And it does so without distorting the way the audio sounds, which is usually the case with voice or dialogue modes.
Using the app gives you access to a lot more functions for setting up and adjusting the soundbar. However, there seemed to be a delay with every press when I tested the Theater Bar 6. If I turned up the volume or adjusted the bass level, I had to do it slowly so that the app registered and transmitted each press to the soundbar. I don’t quite understand the lag, as the soundbar has Bluetooth 5.3, which is not that old a Bluetooth standard, and should be sufficient to register a control command quickly.
Features score: 4.5 / 5
Sony Bravia Theater Bar 6 review: Performance
The Theater Bar 6's support feet are easy to install (Image credit: Future)
Good overall audio quality
Lots of power from subwoofer
Soundstage is a bit narrow
Now to the interesting part. The Theater Bar 6’s sound quality is very good. It’s full without sounding bloated, and the high-end is crisp and clear. Bass from the system’s subwoofer is massive – I had the subwoofer’s level set at 4 out of 10 and still got quite the punch from it. Most listeners will be more than happy with the Theater Bar 6’s sound.
That said, there is one area where the sound falls a little short. The soundstage is a bit narrower than I would like. I tested with action-packed movies, such as The Batman and Deadpool & Wolverine, and I didn’t sense a lot of movement with sound effects. That’s not to say it’s not there. It’s just not dramatic like one would expect from a sound system with the word “Theater” in it.
The Theater Bar 6’s limited soundstage didn’t quite take me out of the experience, but it is certainly a limitation. At least the subwoofer delivers a nice rumble that you can feel, and the Dolby Atmos speakers add some height to the audio. The effect is subtle, but everything just sounds a little taller.
Performance score: 4.5 / 5
Sony Bravia Theater Bar 6 review: Design
The Theater Bar 6's wireless subwoofer provides deep, solid bass (Image credit: Future)
Soundbar and subwoofer on the big side
Features upward-firing speakers
Limited port selection
The Sony Bravia Theater Bar 6 is essentially two pieces: the soundbar itself and a subwoofer. The soundbar is fairly wide, measuring 37 1/2 inches across, as well as 2 5/8 inches tall and 4 3/8 inches deep (950 x 64 x 110 mm). If you have anything smaller than a 50-inch TV, then this soundbar is too big for it.
It comes in matte black and has a few LED indicators that light up on the lower right side whenever anything is changed. I do prefer an actual LED display that gives more information, but this more minimal way of communicating changes to settings seems to be the norm for most mid-range and budget soundbars.
This is a 3.1.2 system with six total speakers, with five of them in the soundbar itself. The left, center, and right speakers are all, as is expected, front-facing, though I would have expected the left and right to maybe angle out a little. The wo upward-firing speakers align with the left and right ones. Those speakers are angled so that they’ll bounce sound off the ceiling to the listener’s ears.
The port selection is pretty slim here, though that’s not unusual in this price range. Besides power, there’s one HDMI and one optical port. Both ports support quite a few features. For example, the HDMI supports eARC, allowing you to listen to Dolby Atmos and DTS:X content, as well as HDMI CEC, which allows you to use your TV’s remote to control the volume on the soundbar. It also supports Bravia Sync, a feature that requires a Bravia TV.
If you plan on buying the Sony Bravia Theater Bar 6, make sure you have enough space for the wireless subwoofer, as it’s quite hefty, measuring 8.26 x 15.28 x 15.28 in (210 x 388 x 388 mm). It comes in the same matte black finish, has one plug for power, a forward-facing woofer, and a bass reflex port (the big hole in the front) to extend bass response.
Design score: 4.5 / 5
Sony Bravia Theater Bar 6 review: Setup & usability
The Bravia Theater 6 comes with a basic remote control, but many more sound adjustments are available in the Bravia Connect app (Image credit: Future)
Simple setup
App is straightforward
Remote control is intuitive
The physical setup of the Theater Bar 6 is very easy, just requiring a screwdriver for attaching the rubber feet that raise the soundbar off the surface it’s sitting on by half an inch. Connecting it to a TV just requires either an HDMI or optical cable (Sony includes an HDMI cable).
Subwoofer setup is even easier. After connecting it to power, it automatically links to the soundbar wirelessly (though there are instructions on how to pair if there’s an issue).
Despite my annoyance with the app’s lagging, setting it up and pairing it with the soundbar is also straightforward. There are a number of screens to go through, but there’s nothing confusing, and you just follow the instructions or answer the questions on the screen.
As far as using the soundbar, you either interact with it via the remote or the app, as there are no physical buttons on the unit. The remote is straightforward in its operation, and the Voice mode and Night mode each have their own buttons.
Setup & usability score: 5 / 5
Sony Bravia Theater Bar 6 review: Value
The Theater Bar 6 features two upfiring speakers for Atmos height effects (Image credit: Future)
Can find Dolby Atmos models with a subwoofer for cheaper
Priced about right for the quality
Stiff competition from companies like Samsung
The Sony Bravia Theater Bar 6’s price tag of $649.00 / £449.00 / AU$899 is nowhere near budget. Consider the Hisense AX5125H with its current pricing of $299 / £349 (roughly AU$449). It’s a 5.1.2-channel system, so it not only comes with that subwoofer and upward-firing speakers but two rear speakers for surround sound capability. That said, it doesn’t have an app for any kind of EQ or audio fine-tuning. Even worse, the rear speakers can get overwhelmed and distort. That’s a good reminder that sometimes you do get what you pay for. It’s also worth mentioning that the Hisense originally went for $449 / £499 (roughly AU$599) when it was released in 2023.
A better comparison might be the Samsung HW-Q700C, a 3.1.2-channel soundbar system that goes for $549.99 / £599 / AU$899 that can be upgraded at a later date to surround sound, though getting those extra speakers will add $299 / £249 / AU$349 to the cost. It covers a lot of the same ground as the Sony Bravia Theater Bar 6, though the Samsung seems to suffer even more from app-related connectivity issues.
Value score: 4 / 5
Should I buy the Sony Bravia Theater Bar 6?
Section
Notes
Score
Features
It can upmix stereo to spatial audio and has solid Night and Voice modes
4.5 / 5
Performance
The soundstage is a bit narrow, but the sound quality is very good, especially the low end, thanks to the powerful subwoofer
4.5 / 5
Design
On the bigger side, and there's no alphanumeric LED display for control feedback
4 / 5
Setup & usability
Everything about using the Sony Bravia Theater Bar 6 is easy and intuitive
5 / 5
Value
A solid mid-range soundbar. You can find cheaper options with similar setups, but the quality may be less
4 / 5
Buy it if...
You want good sound quality The audio quality is overall very good, especially the low end, and it’s only slightly held back by a narrow soundstage.
You want something easy The Sony Bravia Theater Bar 6 is powerful and does a lot. Even so, it’s easy to set up, and using it is intuitive.
You want Dolby Atmos Not only does it sound good, but those upward-firing speakers add some dimensionality to audio. Plus, it can upmix stereo audio to take advantage of those extra speakers.
Don't buy it if...
You want surround sound Sony’s 3.1.2 channels provide immersive sound, but it’s still not the same as surround sound.
You want a wide stereo image It’s par for the course with soundbars, but the soundstage here is not particularly wide. If you want a wide stereo image, find a home theater system with actual speakers or a soundbar system with rear speakers.
Sony Bravia Theater Bar 6 review: Also consider
Sony Bravia Theater Bar 6
Samsung HW-Q700C
Hisense AX5125H
Sony HT-A7000
Price
$649.00 / £449.00 / AU$899
$549.99 / £599 / AU$899
$299 / £349 (roughly AU$449)
$999 / £1,299 / AU$1,699
Dimensions (w x h x d)
Soundbar: 37.5 x 2.63 x 4.38 in (950 x 64 x 110 mm); Subwoofer: 8.27 x 15.28 x 15.28 in (210 x 388 x 388 mm)
Soundbar: 46.5 x 18.5 x 10.7 in (1182 x 468 x 272 mm); Subwoofer: 8 x 13.8 x 11.8 in (205 x 353 x 302 mm)
Soundbar: 36.2 x 18.8 x 3.5 in (920 x 478 x 90mm); Subwoofer: 8.5 x 12.3 x 11.9 in (210.5 x 310 x 300mm); Satellites: 3.6 x 5.7 x 4.3 in (90.1 x 140.5 x 110mm)
51.8 x 3.1 x 5.6 in(1300 x 80 x 142 mm)
Speaker channels
3.1.2
3.1.2
5.1.2
7.1.2
Connections
1x HDMI (with eARC), optical, digital, Bluetooth, USB, IR
1 x HDMI input, 1 x HDMI eARC support, digital optical, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
1x HDMI Out (eARC), 1x HDMI in, optical, USB, 3.5mm AUX
2 HDMI inputs, one HDMI output with eARC support, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
Dolby Atmos/DTS:X
Yes/Yes
Yes/Yes
Yes/Yes
Yes/Yes
Samsung HW-Q700C A 3.1.2-channel system, the Samsung HW-Q700C is a little cheaper and covers a lot of the same ground. It does have similar (but worse) app-connectivity issues, and, like the Sony, it has some features that are only unlocked when used with Samsung TVs.
The Hisense AX5125H comes fairly stripped down in the features department. However, it’s almost half the price while offering a subwoofer, upward-firing Dolby Atmos speakers, and rear speakers for surround sound. Unfortunately, audio can overwhelm those rear speakers.
Sony HT-A7000 Sony’s current flagship soundbar ships as a single-bar solution. It still provides 7.1.2 channels and 500W, though, making it one of the most cinematic-sounding single-bar solutions. You can add optional rear and subwoofer speakers too, and it has 4K 120Hz HDMI pass-through.
I used the Sony Bravia Theater Bar 6 for several weeks
Tested with TV, movies, games, and music
I used the Sony Bravia Theater Bar 6 regularly for several weeks. I watched movies, shows, games, and listened to music with it. I tested all the various features, especially the various audio modes.
After having tested the Sony Bravia Theater Bar 6, it’s clear that it’s an ideal soundbar for anyone who wants a somewhat premium, home theater-type experience without having to pay premium prices.
I’ve tested a lot of tech gear over the years, from laptops to keyboards and speakers, and so have been able to use my expertise towards giving an honest and fair opinion, not to mention a critical eye, to any product I test.
The CalDigit Element 5 is a beautifully designed docking station with the full power of Thunderbolt 5, which is barely even on the market yet. Still, CalDigit knows those who want the Thunderbolt 5 speeds are looking for a great solution to keep that speed everywhere.
When it comes to the wild speeds of Thunderbolt 5, it's one of the best docking stations around. However, outside of that, this dock is pretty standard, providing what you need without adding a dozen barely used ports.
(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )
CalDigit Element 5: Pricing and Availability
The CalDigit Element 5 Thunderbolt Hub is available on its website, at major retailers like Amazon, and at many other retailers, shipping worldwide now. You can pick one up for $280, which is expensive; however, it's worth noting that this is brand-new technology with Thunderbolt 5, and the speeds you can transfer with this hub are truly impressive.
So, if you're interested in some of the best transfer speeds available, which you would notice in your workflow, this dock is a steal. If you don't notice the speeds, this dock is probably not for you.
(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )
CalDigit Element 5: Unboxing & first impressions
CalDigit did it right with this Docking Station. It's simple, it's robust, it's minimal, and it's powerful. It has simple packaging, which is fitting as it's a relatively simple device. In the package is the Element 5 Hub itself, a Thunderbolt 5 Cable (of course), some rubber feet, and the power cable.
Something that I appreciate is that this dock is designed to be reversible. I've had several docks in the past that I've flipped around to get the ports to line up the way I want them to, specifically the computer in port. Still, then I'm left with the ports I don't want facing that way, too, and the dock is either upside down, spun around, or all around catawampus.
We can't have that - which is why it's super nice that the Element 5 is designed with this in mind. I can easily flip the side port to the computer to be on the left or the right, and I can still flip things around if I want the Thunderbolt ports to face me. Furthermore, if I wanted to, CalDigit suggests daisy-chaining multiple units together to get even more power (and ports) out of your setup.
The CalDigit Element 5 is elegant and minimalist, as I have said, but that doesn't mean that it's frail or prone to breaking. This unit feels hefty and robust, like it will last for a long time even when put to heavy use regularly. It helps tidy my desk with its simple design, yet it can also fit in my bag or on the road for a portable setup without any problems.
One thing worth noting is that I really appreciate how CalDigit includes rubber feet to help keep the aluminum from scratching my beautiful wood desk. However, that may not make everyone as excited as I am; in fact, I would hope that most are not as excited as I am about that.
CalDigit Element 5: In use
The CalDigit Element 5 has been wonderful to use for the last few months. I've had this in my arsenal of gear for the last 120 days, and so far, it has taken every beating I have thrown at it. I have transferred huge data loads with it, I have run multiple displays, I have used it with macOS, Windows, ChromeOS, iPadOS, Dex, and more. It's been a fantastic tool for me, even on my simplest of setups, allowing power when needed, and the ability to tuck away when it's not needed.
For my beefier MacBooks and Dell Precisions that I have been testing, I have been able to appreciate the full 90W power output to charge these beasts of laptops, and for less demanding laptops I have been able to appreciate that it won't drown my comptuer with extra power, but rather tapers off and olny gives the compute what it needs.
The Thunderbolt 5 speeds still blow my mind all around. I can boost mode up to 120Gb/s, I can run up to 6200 MB/s SSD Speeds, I can run up to dual 8K 60Hz monitors on the right computer, and I can run this all from a 180W power supply, while supplying 90W of that to a laptop. It's all a bit insane, especially for how compact this dock is.
Of course, if you're on certain Macs, you won't be able to take advantage of all the display possibilities, but that's old news now. Speaking of old news, if I ever needed to dust off an old disk drive, even my Apple SuperDrive, I can, with confidence, know that this dock will run it. Funny to me that this is still a selling point in 2025, but regardless, it's good to know.
(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )
Attributes
Notes
Rating
Design
Cool and sleek design
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ease of use
Easy to use
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Practicality
Great for those anyone using Thunderbolt
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Price
Priced well for the product
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
CalDigit Element 5: Final verdict
If you are aware of the benefits of Thunderbolt 5 in your workflow, odds are you could benefit from this dock. For those who need max speed, where every second of transferring is valuable, and you want max power and display support, then this is your new best friend.
The S1 II is Panasonic's most powerful Lumix camera yet, debuting a partially-stacked 24.1MP sensor and an embarrassment of riches for video recording, including 19 pages of video codecs in the menus.
There are 6K and 4K options in various aspect ratios up to 60fps and 120fps respectively, plus a new open gate 5.1K option up to 60fps. Furthermore, ProRes Raw format is available in-camera with bitrates up to 4.2Gbps (that's not a typo), as is a Dynamic Range Boost mode – the latter delivers quite possibly the most detail-rich video I've seen at this price point.
The boost in performance from the partially stacked sensor extends to photography too, with up to 70fps burst shooting (or 10fps using the mechanical shutter) and an option for 1.5 seconds pre-capture.
Both photo and video capture benefit from class-leading in-body image stabilization – the Boost IS mode gave me some of the smoothest handheld videos I've shot – plus Panasonic's most effective autofocus yet, with subject-detection autofocus now extended to 'Urban Sports' such as parkour. Autofocus speed, versatility and accuracy are still not quite as complete as rival cameras such as the Nikon Z6 III, but it's impressive nonetheless.
(Image credit: Tim Coleman)
As for the design, the Lumix S1 II's body is identical to the Lumix S1R II's – which is a good thing considering that it's the best Lumix design yet.
I've enjoyed the crisp 5.76m-dot EVF, 1.84m-dot vari-angle touchscreen, durable body and a generous handgrip, complete with vents that keep the camera cool during long record sessions.
The Lumix S1 II feels uncharacteristically expensive for a Lumix, but I'm still struggling to think of a better mirrorless camera at this price point for video-first users – it really is one of the best video cameras. As a photography-first user, the 44.3MP Lumix S1R II is the more obvious choice for me, even if it can't match the S1 II's raw power.
Panasonic also launched the Lumix S1 IIE on the same day as the Lumix S1 II. The two cameras are identical, except that the 'E' version has a regular 24MP full-frame sensor rather than a partially stacked one, which means a slower performance in a few areas and fewer video modes to choose from. It's $500 / £500 cheaper.
I feel like there's much more of a case for the S1 II than there is for the S1 IIE, especially given there's the cheaper Lumix S5 II in the picture, which is yet another 24MP Lumix. The Lumix S1 II is agonizingly close to a five-star rating, but its price point puts it among fierce competition, and takes it down a peg.
Panasonic Lumix S1 II: price and release date
Body-only price is $3,199 / £2,899 / AU$5,299
It was announced on May 13 2025 and is available now
A Lumix S1 IIE version costs $2,499 / £2,399 (about AU$4,100)
The Lumix S1 II was announced on May 13, 2025, and it costs $3,199 / £2,899 / AU$5,299 body-only. The 44.3MP Lumix S1 R II costs $100 / £100 more, while the Nikon Z6 III, which is another obvious alternative, is a fair bit cheaper.
Alongside the Lumix S1 II, Panasonic unveiled the Lumix S1 IIE, which has the same skin and feature set, but a regular 24MP full-frame sensor rather than a partially stacked kind. The S1 II's partially stacked sensor delivers faster performance in several areas, and more video record modes.
Up to 70fps using electronic shutter, up to 10fps mechanical
Viewfinder:
5.76m-dot OLED
LCD:
3-inch, 1.84m-dot vari-angle LCD touchscreen
Battery (CIPA rating):
Up to 350 shots or up to 130 mins record time
Weight:
1.76lbs / 800g (incl battery and card)
Dimensions:
5.29 x 4.03 x 3.61 inches / 134.3 x 102.3 x 91.8mm
Panasonic Lumix S1 II: design and handling
Rugged body, weighs 1.76lbs / 800g
Clear and detailed 5.76m-dot OLED EVF
Cooling vents for long record times without overheating
We've already reviewed the Lumix S1R II, and the Lumix S1 II's design is essentially identical. At 1.76lbs /800g, it's a tiny bit heavier – that's because it features a partially stacked sensor – but that's the only real difference.
To briefly recap from our Lumix S1R II review, this second generation of Lumix S1 cameras is slimmed down from the first, being approximately 20% lighter and a little smaller in every dimension.
The S1 II, S1 II and S1R II trio are very comfortable to hold, and the S1 II balances really well with most of Panasonic's L-mount lenses – I had the 24-105mm F4 Macro OIS for this review.
Image 1 of 6
(Image credit: Tim Coleman)
Image 2 of 6
(Image credit: Tim Coleman)
Image 3 of 6
(Image credit: Tim Coleman)
Image 4 of 6
(Image credit: Tim Coleman)
Image 5 of 6
(Image credit: Tim Coleman)
Image 6 of 6
(Image credit: Tim Coleman)
I think Panasonic has evolved the design nicely – not only are the new S1 II / S1R II / S1 IIE models the best in the hand yet, but they're rugged, weather-proof, and feature built-in vents to keep them cool – an essential feature for big video hitters like the Lumix S1 II.
There's a slight feel of function over form here: the Lumix S1 II speaks video production work to me, rather than go-out-and-create. That said, the camera handles well in any situation.
As a hybrid mirrorless camera, no stone is left unturned – the Lumix S1 II features full-size HDMI, mic, and headphone ports, plus USB-C charging that doubles up for external SSD connection and recording.
There are twin card slots – one is CFExpress Type B, which you'll need for some of the higher-quality video codecs, and the other is SD UHS-II.
The vari-angle screen can spin around to the front for selfie recording, and the display features a helpful red border prompt during recording, together with front and rear tally lights – these are useful visual aids for busy filmmakers. There are also twin red buttons to start recording: a large one on the front of the camera, and a smaller one on the top.
Image 1 of 5
(Image credit: Tim Coleman)
Image 2 of 5
(Image credit: Tim Coleman)
Image 3 of 5
(Image credit: Tim Coleman)
Image 4 of 5
(Image credit: Tim Coleman)
Image 5 of 5
(Image credit: Tim Coleman)
Photographers in particular will enjoy the EVF – it's a bright and detailed 5.76m-dot OLED display. I also like the feel of the rear joystick, especially for navigating autofocus points and modes.
The button layout is all very sensible, and I also appreciate how simple Panasonic menus are (in general). For example, the video mode menu only has six pages in all, so features like image stabilization are easily found.
The same can't be said for video codecs – there are a staggering 19 pages of Full HD, 4K 5.1K, 5.8K and 6K video modes to choose from, with various aspect ratios, bitrates and formats.
Thankfully, it's possible to create custom profiles for your most-used settings, otherwise navigating between the options is a time sink.
Design score: 5/5
Panasonic Lumix S1 II: features and performance
Incredibly effective image stabilization for video
Rapid 70fps burst shooting mode or a more sensible 10fps using mechanical shutter with continuous AF
Average 350-shot battery life
Panasonic's best autofocus performance to date
Panasonic stuck with a contrast-detection-based autofocus system for years when rivals had adopted a hybrid phase / contrast-detection setup, which is more effective for video. It was a big mark against Panasonic's otherwise-excellent video cameras.
Thankfully, Panasonic finally rectified the situation with the Lumix G9 II / Lumix S5 II in 2023, introducing a hybrid autofocus system which Panasonic says is now 1.6x faster in the Lumix S1 II.
Certainly, the Lumix S1 II packs Panasonic's best-ever autofocus, with an increased array of subject-detection modes. I've been shooting anything from grassroots sports to animal portraits with it, and on the whole have been really impressed.
While not scientific, my testing suggests that Panasonic's autofocus is still a little way behind the likes of Canon, Sony and Nikon, but not by much; in simple terms, autofocus performance is no longer a strike against Panasonic. You can see in the gallery below a range of subjects I've photographed, and my hit ratio of sharp shots was roughly 8/10.
Image 1 of 8
(Image credit: Tim Coleman)
Image 2 of 8
(Image credit: Tim Coleman)
Image 3 of 8
(Image credit: Tim Coleman)
Image 4 of 8
(Image credit: Tim Coleman)
Image 5 of 8
(Image credit: Tim Coleman)
Image 6 of 8
(Image credit: Tim Coleman)
Image 7 of 8
(Image credit: Tim Coleman)
Image 8 of 8
(Image credit: Tim Coleman)
What is less ideal is battery life, which is CIPA-rated at 350 shots, or up to 70 minutes record time. I've been able to squeeze more photos out of a fully charged battery than that, and there's on-the-go UBS-C charging too. However, Sony cameras, for example, boast better battery life.
Where the Lumix S1 II really shines is its in-body image stabilization, which is rated up to 7EV. In practice, I've found it to offer the most effective stabilization of any camera for video recording, especially in the Boost IS mode. There's a small crop of the image area in this mode, but handheld videos on the move are silky smooth.
There's also an extremely rapid 70fps burst-shooting mode. Personally, I find this to be overkill for the casual action photography I typically do, but to have a mechanical shutter that ticks over at 10fps for what are essentially unlimited sequences is a great to have.
Overall, the Lumix S1 II is able to sustain its high-speed performance to a level that the Lumix S1R II can't. I photographed a grassroots soccer match at last light (see below), and the camera's speed and autofocus held up well.
Image 1 of 8
(Image credit: Tim Coleman)
Image 2 of 8
(Image credit: Tim Coleman)
Image 3 of 8
(Image credit: Tim Coleman)
Image 4 of 8
(Image credit: Tim Coleman)
Image 5 of 8
(Image credit: Tim Coleman)
Image 6 of 8
(Image credit: Tim Coleman)
Image 7 of 8
(Image credit: Tim Coleman)
Image 8 of 8
(Image credit: Tim Coleman)
There's the option for data-heavy ProRes RAW video recording in-camera, which further highlights just how powerful a camera the Lumix S1 II is.
I also must commend the new(ish) Lumix Lab app, which is the most reliable camera app Panasonic has made yet. Unlike previous apps, which have frustrated me no end with my previous cameras such as the Lumix GH5, Lumix Lab provides a quick and reliable connection between camera and phone, together with remote control, image upload, and access to Lumix resources such as custom color profiles.
Features and performance score: 4.5/5
Panasonic Lumix S1 II: image and video quality
24MP partially stacked sensor is a great all-rounder
A generous range of video codecs, bitrates and aspect ratios, up to 6K 60p
Color profiles and real-time LUTs can be imported from the Lumix Lab app
If you want the best-possible video quality, you'll struggle to find a better camera than the Lumix S1 II at its price point.
It tops out at 6K resolution, whereas high-resolution alternatives such as the Lumix S1R II, Canon EOS R5 Mark II, Nikon Z8 and Sony A1 II offer 8K, but otherwise the Lumix S1 II's video quality is top-drawer.
Not only does it offer more video formats and bitrates than rivals, but also aspect ratios which are taken from the full height and width of the sensor (open gate) and include 3:2, 4:3, 16:9, 17:9 and 2.4:1.
I've shot with a wide range of the video modes, and you can see what to expect across the various resolutions and frame rates in the (lengthy) sample video, below.
Special mention goes the the Dynamic Boost mode, which delivers quite possibly the best and most detail-rich video quality straight out of the camera that I've seen from a hybrid camera. You lose various features, such as slow-motion frame rates, but for outright quality it's incredible.
Something the Lumix S1 II does better than the higher-resolution Lumix S1R II is handle rolling shutter distortion. Yes, it's a way more capable all-round camera for recording video.
There are also a range of color profiles, including V-Log, plus any number of custom profiles made by pros in the Lumix community, and which can be imported directly to the camera from the Lumix Lab app for video and photo. You can see a range of looks in the photo gallery below.
Image 1 of 7
(Image credit: Tim Coleman)
Image 2 of 7
(Image credit: Tim Coleman)
Image 3 of 7
(Image credit: Tim Coleman)
Image 4 of 7
(Image credit: Tim Coleman)
Image 5 of 7
(Image credit: Tim Coleman)
Image 6 of 7
(Image credit: Tim Coleman)
Image 7 of 7
(Image credit: Tim Coleman)
If you're mainly going to be shooting photos, and appreciate the Lumix S1 II's all-round capabilities, then the Lumix S1 IIE could be a better shout. It's widely reported that partially stacked sensors can have an adverse impact on image quality in low light versus a regular sensor; it's a subtle difference, but images can be a little noisier. I haven't made direct comparisons between the Lumix S1 II and Lumix S1 IIE, but it's something worth thinking about.
Overall, however, I have no complaints regarding the photo quality of the Lumix S1 II. I'm used to full-frame 24MP cameras; they balance speed, performance, and image quality nicely.
Image 1 of 10
(Image credit: Tim Coleman)
Image 2 of 10
(Image credit: Tim Coleman)
Image 3 of 10
(Image credit: Tim Coleman)
Image 4 of 10
(Image credit: Tim Coleman)
Image 5 of 10
(Image credit: Tim Coleman)
Image 6 of 10
(Image credit: Tim Coleman)
Image 7 of 10
(Image credit: Tim Coleman)
Image 8 of 10
(Image credit: Tim Coleman)
Image 9 of 10
(Image credit: Tim Coleman)
Image 10 of 10
(Image credit: Tim Coleman)
Image and video quality score: 5/5
Panasonic Lumix S1 II: testing scorecard
Panasonic Lumix S1 II
Attributes
Notes
Rating
Price
Excellent features, but it's pricey for a 24MP Lumix
4/5
Design
Panasonic's best Lumix camera design: it's rugged, easy in the hand and a sensible control layout
5/5
Performance
Partially stacked sensor delivers the speediest performance of any Lumix to date, and its best autofocus, but there's fierce competition at this price point
4.5/5
Image and video quality
Photo quality is decent, but it's the video quality that truly shines
5/5
Should I buy the Panasonic Lumix S1 II?
Buy it if...
Your focus is video, but you shoot photos too Because of its hybrid design, serious video-only users could be better served overall by a Blackmagic camera than the Lumix S1 II. However, for video quality, especially the dynamic boost mode, I can't think of a better camera for the money, and it's a capable stills camera too.
You want a versatile video camera There are a staggering 19 pages of video codecs which cover an unmatched choice of resolutions, aspect ratios, bitrates and formats up to 6K, including open gate recording. Panasonic beats Sony, Canon and Nikon on this front.
You need a reliable performer The Lumix S1 II is rugged, plus it can shoot for sustained periods without overheating.
Don't buy it if...
You want an all-day battery A 350-shot battery life, or up to 70 minutes record time depending on the video codec, is pretty mediocre. However, USB-C charging on-the-go is possible.
You're a photography-first shooter It's a capable stills camera for sure, but there's no denying that the Lumix S1 II is geared for video. The Nikon Z6 III has the edge for photography, as does the higher-resolution Lumix S1R II.
You're a casual filmmaker For many filmmakers, the Lumix S1 II could be overkill. If you don't need the full suite of record modes and features, the Lumix S5 II could be a more cost-effective choice.
Panasonic Lumix S1 II: also consider
Nikon Z6 III
The 24MP partially stacked sensor might be new to Lumix, but we've seen it before in the Nikon Z6 III. Without diving too much into where each model betters the other, it's fair to say that the Lumix S1 II is more-featured packed for video, and the Z6 III more so for photography. Both are incredibly capable hybrid cameras, but the Z6 III is quite a lot cheaper now.
With the same design and virtually the same price, the Lumix S1R II is another option. The key difference is the sensor – the Lumix S1R II features a regular 44.3MP unit, the Lumix S1 II a partially stacked 24MP one. Put simply, the Lumix S1R II is better equipped for high-resolution photography and video, whereas the Lumix S1 II is a speedier performer for stills, and overall more geared to video. Both are capable hybrid cameras in their own way.
Panasonic loaned me the Lumix S1 II for one month, together with the 24-105mm F4 lens
My main focus of testing has been the video modes, though I have also used the camera in various photography scenarios
In general, I've tested the camera in fair weather and fair light
I've had a good long time with the Lumix S1 II – over one month in all. Panasonic loaned me a 24-105mm F4 lens for the test, and this was the only lens I used the camera with.
My testing reflects the typical audience for the Lumix S1 II – I've shot a lot of video with it, using the various resolutions, codecs and frame rates, and recording onto a top-spec CFExpress Type B card.
That's not to say I've neglected photography – far from it. I've shot everything from grassroots soccer at last light to animal portraits and everyday subjects, mostly in fair weather and fair light.
Belkin BoostCharge Magnetic Power Bank with Qi2: Two-minute review
(Image credit: Max Delaney / Future)
The 15W Belkin BoostCharge Pro Magnetic Power Bank with Qi2 (10K) has a long name, but writing out its title might be the only challenging part of using it. Easily pairing with my iPhone 15, it instantly felt like a high-end accessory, snapping onto the back with a satisfying click and staying firmly in place.
I’ve been testing the white model (it also comes in black in the US and Australia, and many other colors in the UK) for the past few weeks and I really like the smooth, slightly soft finish and sleek minimalist design. It magnetically latches securely onto any Qi2-compliant phone or MagSafe iPhone without leaving any scratches. When holding the phone in awkward or unusual positions, I did find it can slide a little (or if you give it a deliberate push), but in my day-to-day use it's stuck very firmly in place.
My favorite thing about the power bank is how easy it makes it to use your phone while charging it. It makes charging-and-using your phone more convenient and comfortable than using a wired cord, making it ideal for content creators or anyone needing a quick power boost on the go. Its compact, lightweight design means your phone remains easy to hold and use, even for smaller hands. Plus, since it sits comfortably under the camera bump on iPhones (and most other phones), you can take photos or shoot video as you normally would.
I also appreciated its built-in kickstand and the versatility it provided. It's sturdy enough that I never felt like I had to worry about its stability (even when using larger, heavier phones like the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL) and I liked that it stays hidden away until you need it. It was especially handy for propping up my phone in both portrait and landscape orientations when watching video, which also makes it a great bedside wireless charger – effectively transforming iPhones into smart display thanks to Apple's StandBy mode.
As the name of the power bank suggests, its standout feature is the Qi2 MagSafe charging. Since most Apple phones since the iPhone 12 offer MagSafe (or Qi2) charging, it's widely compatible with Apple devices. Conversely, built-in magnets are much rarer on Android devices (even flagship models), so this power bank is decidedly one that's best suited to iPhone owners. Although the power bank can technically function as a regular wireless charger without the phone needing its own magnets, its ability to attach magnetically is a big part of why the premium price tag ($99.99 / £79.99 / AU$129.95) is justified.
Image 1 of 4
The Google Pixel 9 Pro doesn't technically offer Qi2, but the power bank still holds strong to this magnetic case. (Image credit: Future)
Image 2 of 4
(Image credit: Max Delaney / Future)
Image 3 of 4
(Image credit: Max Delaney / Future)
Image 4 of 4
(Image credit: Max Delaney / Future)
When charging wirelessly, the power bank has two speeds. It uses 7.5W charging when used as a standalone power bank, but that output is upped to 15W when it’s plugged in to mains power and you're, for example, using it as a charging stand.
While fast charging speeds are all the craze these days, with many flagship devices offering up 125W speeds with a wired connection, in practice I found the 15W wireless charging plenty fast. When your phone is idle during charging, you can expect about a 10% battery gain in the first five minutes. While charging slows as it progresses, I was able to fully charge my iPhone 15 from about 20% to full in just over an hour. Though keep in mind that, even when plugged in, the Belkin does slow to 7.5W if it's charging two devices simultaneously (one wireless, one wired).
When plugged into a wall outlet you can use it in passthrough mode, and it delivers the full 15W wireless charging speed more consistently, and recharges both the phone and itself.
In real-world use, I found the 10,000mAh capacity incredibly useful with my iPhone 15 (which has a roughly 3,349 mAh battery), as it could provide just under three full recharges. This will obviously vary depending on your phone, but iPhones often have smaller battery capacities than the best Android handsets, with even the monster iPhone 16 Pro Max sporting a battery capacity of around 4,685mAh.
For comparison, a 5,000mAh capacity is about the expected size for even mid-range Android phones. For devices of that capacity or more, this power bank would only provide two or fewer recharges, meaning you'd need to be more careful about keeping it charged to ensure it's ready when you need it.
Luckily, it's easy to see the bank's current battery level. A button on the side activates four LEDs, clearly showing the remaining battery level (25%, 50%, 75%, or 100%). Recharging the Belkin from empty using a 20W wall charger typically takes about 2.5 to 3 hours. The unit does get warm during prolonged wireless charging, especially if using your phone at the same time, but it was never uncomfortably hot.
(Image credit: Max Delaney / Future)
While it won't offer multiple full recharges for larger, power-hungry devices, its true value lies in its effortless 15W magnetic charging convenience – making it a great pick if you own an iPhone 12 or newer and value the ability to continue using your device on the go even when it's low on battery.
However, if you need a large-capacity power bank for several full charges, or are looking for a more budget-friendly option without magnetic or wireless charging, other devices might be a better fit.
This particular family of Belkin power banks is also available in 5,000mAh and 8,000mAh variants, costing $59.99 / £49.99 / AU$99.95 and $79.99 / £69.99 / AU$109.95 respectively.
Belkin BoostCharge Magnetic Power Bank with Qi2 review: Capacity and output testing capacity
(Image credit: Max Delaney / Future)
For capacity and output testing, I handed off the Belkin BoostCharge to my colleague, who put it through some deeper benchmarks. Wireless charging efficiency depends on the device being charged, but generally it was excellent. For wired phone charging, we were able to get 30Wh (out of 37Wh), which is around 81% – a reasonable but not standout efficiency.
The power bank is rated for 20W output at 9V (used when charging devices like phones) and could supply this, but not for sustained periods. In testing, it could only maintain 20W (9V 2A) wired charging for 15Wh (about 50% of its capacity) before dropping to a slower 5V/10W output.
Charging the power bank took 32Wh, which is less than the 37Wh rated capacity. This suggests Belkin has opted for a conservative approach to cell management, not making the full rated capacity available to the user. While this doesn't change that it charges phones and other devices just fine, it’s still a slightly underwhelming result considering the premium price.
Belkin BoostCharge Magnetic Power Bank with Qi2 review: price & specs
(Image credit: Max Delaney / Future)
Price
$99.99 / £79.99 / AU$129.95
Capacity
10,000mAh (also available in 5K and 8K models)
Dimensions
107 x 68 x 17.7mm
Total wattage
15W
Number of ports
2
Wireless Charging
Yes
Weight
222g (as tested)
Power-to-weight
45mAh/g
Should I buy the Belkin BoostCharge Magnetic Power Bank with Qi2?
Its built-in magnets provide a sturdy hold, even when attached via a Qi2-enabled phone case (Image credit: Max Delaney / Future)
Buy it if...
You want to use your phone while it charges
The MagSafe compatibility of the BoostCharge Magnetic power bank makes it a breeze to continue using your device while it charges, with no cords that can get tangled up.View Deal
You want a versatile bedside charger
Turning your iPhone into a smart display thanks to its rear kickstand, this power bank is perfect for those who want a power bank that is also a great bedside charger and stand. And, as a bonus, you can just grab both and put them in your work bag. View Deal
You have an iPhone
While there are ways around it – like buying a Qi2-compatible phone case – this power bank's features make it best-suited to iPhones. Apple handsets also have smaller battery capacities than many Android competitors, so this 10,000mAh power bank should recharge most iPhones two or three times.View Deal
Don't buy it if...
You need more capacity
This power bank works well with iPhones not only because it's MagSafe-enabled, but also because iPhones typically offer smaller battery capacities, compared to many Android phones that often have 5,000mAh or larger.View Deal
You only need charging away from home, not on-the-go
Unless you really need to use your phone while it charges, there are cheaper power banks that don't magnetically attach but can still recharge your device while you're away from your regular wired charger.View Deal
Also consider...
Ugreen Magnetic Wireless Charger
If you're looking for a MagSafe compatible power bank, then this Ugreen offering is worth considering. It's much cheaper, also offers a 10,000mAh (37Wh) capacity and can do 15W Qi wireless charging for Android devices. However, Apple devices are limited to 7.5W charging with this device. The magnetic grip is strong and works well with MagSafe compatible accessories and devices.View Deal
INIU B6
If you don't need MagSafe charging, this INIU B6 power bank is likely going to offer all you need for a fraction of the price of the Belkin. It offers a 10,000 mAh (37 Wh) capacity and fast 20W wired charging.View Deal
Belkin BoostCharge Magnetic Power Bank with Qi2: Two-minute review
(Image credit: Max Delaney / Future)
The 15W Belkin BoostCharge Pro Magnetic Power Bank with Qi2 (10K) has a long name, but writing out its title might be the only challenging part of using it. Easily pairing with my iPhone 15, it instantly felt like a high-end accessory, snapping onto the back with a satisfying click and staying firmly in place.
I’ve been testing the white model (it also comes in black in the US and Australia, and many other colors in the UK) for the past few weeks and I really like the smooth, slightly soft finish and sleek minimalist design. It magnetically latches securely onto any Qi2-compliant phone or MagSafe iPhone without leaving any scratches. When holding the phone in awkward or unusual positions, I did find it can slide a little (or if you give it a deliberate push), but in my day-to-day use it's stuck very firmly in place.
My favorite thing about the power bank is how easy it makes it to use your phone while charging it. It makes charging-and-using your phone more convenient and comfortable than using a wired cord, making it ideal for content creators or anyone needing a quick power boost on the go. Its compact, lightweight design means your phone remains easy to hold and use, even for smaller hands. Plus, since it sits comfortably under the camera bump on iPhones (and most other phones), you can take photos or shoot video as you normally would.
I also appreciated its built-in kickstand and the versatility it provided. It's sturdy enough that I never felt like I had to worry about its stability (even when using larger, heavier phones like the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL) and I liked that it stays hidden away until you need it. It was especially handy for propping up my phone in both portrait and landscape orientations when watching video, which also makes it a great bedside wireless charger – effectively transforming iPhones into smart display thanks to Apple's StandBy mode.
As the name of the power bank suggests, its standout feature is the Qi2 MagSafe charging. Since most Apple phones since the iPhone 12 offer MagSafe (or Qi2) charging, it's widely compatible with Apple devices. Conversely, built-in magnets are much rarer on Android devices (even flagship models), so this power bank is decidedly one that's best suited to iPhone owners. Although the power bank can technically function as a regular wireless charger without the phone needing its own magnets, its ability to attach magnetically is a big part of why the premium price tag ($99.99 / £79.99 / AU$129.95) is justified.
Image 1 of 4
The Google Pixel 9 Pro doesn't technically offer Qi2, but the power bank still holds strong to this magnetic case. (Image credit: Future)
Image 2 of 4
(Image credit: Max Delaney / Future)
Image 3 of 4
(Image credit: Max Delaney / Future)
Image 4 of 4
(Image credit: Max Delaney / Future)
When charging wirelessly, the power bank has two speeds. It uses 7.5W charging when used as a standalone power bank, but that output is upped to 15W when it’s plugged in to mains power and you're, for example, using it as a charging stand.
While fast charging speeds are all the craze these days, with many flagship devices offering up 125W speeds with a wired connection, in practice I found the 15W wireless charging plenty fast. When your phone is idle during charging, you can expect about a 10% battery gain in the first five minutes. While charging slows as it progresses, I was able to fully charge my iPhone 15 from about 20% to full in just over an hour. Though keep in mind that, even when plugged in, the Belkin does slow to 7.5W if it's charging two devices simultaneously (one wireless, one wired).
When plugged into a wall outlet you can use it in passthrough mode, and it delivers the full 15W wireless charging speed more consistently, and recharges both the phone and itself.
In real-world use, I found the 10,000mAh capacity incredibly useful with my iPhone 15 (which has a roughly 3,349 mAh battery), as it could provide just under three full recharges. This will obviously vary depending on your phone, but iPhones often have smaller battery capacities than the best Android handsets, with even the monster iPhone 16 Pro Max sporting a battery capacity of around 4,685mAh.
For comparison, a 5,000mAh capacity is about the expected size for even mid-range Android phones. For devices of that capacity or more, this power bank would only provide two or fewer recharges, meaning you'd need to be more careful about keeping it charged to ensure it's ready when you need it.
Luckily, it's easy to see the bank's current battery level. A button on the side activates four LEDs, clearly showing the remaining battery level (25%, 50%, 75%, or 100%). Recharging the Belkin from empty using a 20W wall charger typically takes about 2.5 to 3 hours. The unit does get warm during prolonged wireless charging, especially if using your phone at the same time, but it was never uncomfortably hot.
(Image credit: Max Delaney / Future)
While it won't offer multiple full recharges for larger, power-hungry devices, its true value lies in its effortless 15W magnetic charging convenience – making it a great pick if you own an iPhone 12 or newer and value the ability to continue using your device on the go even when it's low on battery.
However, if you need a large-capacity power bank for several full charges, or are looking for a more budget-friendly option without magnetic or wireless charging, other devices might be a better fit.
This particular family of Belkin power banks is also available in 5,000mAh and 8,000mAh variants, costing $59.99 / £49.99 / AU$99.95 and $79.99 / £69.99 / AU$109.95 respectively.
Belkin BoostCharge Magnetic Power Bank with Qi2 review: Capacity and output testing capacity
(Image credit: Max Delaney / Future)
For capacity and output testing, I handed off the Belkin BoostCharge to my colleague, who put it through some deeper benchmarks. Wireless charging efficiency depends on the device being charged, but generally it was excellent. For wired phone charging, we were able to get 30Wh (out of 37Wh), which is around 81% – a reasonable but not standout efficiency.
The power bank is rated for 20W output at 9V (used when charging devices like phones) and could supply this, but not for sustained periods. In testing, it could only maintain 20W (9V 2A) wired charging for 15Wh (about 50% of its capacity) before dropping to a slower 5V/10W output.
Charging the power bank took 32Wh, which is less than the 37Wh rated capacity. This suggests Belkin has opted for a conservative approach to cell management, not making the full rated capacity available to the user. While this doesn't change that it charges phones and other devices just fine, it’s still a slightly underwhelming result considering the premium price.
Belkin BoostCharge Magnetic Power Bank with Qi2 review: price & specs
(Image credit: Max Delaney / Future)
Price
$99.99 / £79.99 / AU$129.95
Capacity
10,000mAh (also available in 5K and 8K models)
Dimensions
107 x 68 x 17.7mm
Total wattage
15W
Number of ports
2
Wireless Charging
Yes
Weight
222g (as tested)
Power-to-weight
45mAh/g
Should I buy the Belkin BoostCharge Magnetic Power Bank with Qi2?
Its built-in magnets provide a sturdy hold, even when attached via a Qi2-enabled phone case (Image credit: Max Delaney / Future)
Buy it if...
You want to use your phone while it charges
The MagSafe compatibility of the BoostCharge Magnetic power bank makes it a breeze to continue using your device while it charges, with no cords that can get tangled up.View Deal
You want a versatile bedside charger
Turning your iPhone into a smart display thanks to its rear kickstand, this power bank is perfect for those who want a power bank that is also a great bedside charger and stand. And, as a bonus, you can just grab both and put them in your work bag. View Deal
You have an iPhone
While there are ways around it – like buying a Qi2-compatible phone case – this power bank's features make it best-suited to iPhones. Apple handsets also have smaller battery capacities than many Android competitors, so this 10,000mAh power bank should recharge most iPhones two or three times.View Deal
Don't buy it if...
You need more capacity
This power bank works well with iPhones not only because it's MagSafe-enabled, but also because iPhones typically offer smaller battery capacities, compared to many Android phones that often have 5,000mAh or larger.View Deal
You only need charging away from home, not on-the-go
Unless you really need to use your phone while it charges, there are cheaper power banks that don't magnetically attach but can still recharge your device while you're away from your regular wired charger.View Deal
Also consider...
Ugreen Magnetic Wireless Charger
If you're looking for a MagSafe compatible power bank, then this Ugreen offering is worth considering. It's much cheaper, also offers a 10,000mAh (37Wh) capacity and can do 15W Qi wireless charging for Android devices. However, Apple devices are limited to 7.5W charging with this device. The magnetic grip is strong and works well with MagSafe compatible accessories and devices.View Deal
INIU B6
If you don't need MagSafe charging, this INIU B6 power bank is likely going to offer all you need for a fraction of the price of the Belkin. It offers a 10,000 mAh (37 Wh) capacity and fast 20W wired charging.View Deal
The Nebula X1 is the latest projector from Anker, a company that built its projector reputation by releasing the Capsule and Mars series, some of the most consistent, well-performing 1080p portable projectors available. A few years ago, Anker dipped its toes into the best 4K projectors category with the Nebula Cosmos Max, an oval-shaped, pixel-shifting LED projector designed to live on a shelf or ceiling mount. Since then, Anker upgraded from an LED light source to a laser one, and leaned back into the portable idea with the 2,200-ANSI lumen Nebula Cosmos Laser 4K, which has a carrying handle and rectangular shape.
Now, Anker has stepped things up again. The new Nebula X1 is a 3,500-lumen triple laser 4K DLP projector with its 14-element all-glass lens on a unique motorized gimbal, which is designed to ease setup in virtually any situation while delivering a sharp, properly aligned image. Built-in liquid cooling keeps temps down without excessive fan noise. It also has Dolby Vision HDR support, is ISF certified, and uses the Google TV smart TV platform.
The X1 includes a retractable handle for portability and has four built-in speakers (a 15W full-range woofer and 5W tweeter on each side) with a front-firing passive radiator. For improved sonic performance, two wireless speakers can be paired with the projector, and wireless microphones can turn a movie night into a karaoke night.
All of this performance and flexibility comes with a price, though, as the X1 on its own is $2,999, with the optional external speakers and microphones adding to that base price (not to mention a projection screen). But for movie nights, both inside and outside, the Nebula X1 delivers an excellent experience with an effortless, consistent setup process that will have you watching movies within minutes.
Nebula X1 review: price and release date
First available: May 2025
Price: $2,999 / £2,999 / around AU$4,500
At 3.500 ANSI lumens, the Nebula X1 is incredibly bright for a portable projector (Image credit: Future)
The Nebula X1 is available now for$2,999 / £2,999 / around AU$4,500 through the Nebula website or Amazon. The external speakers, sold in a pair, cost $699. An accessory pack is available that includes two speakers, two microphones, and a carrying case that holds all of it for $999.
There aren’t any projectors at the same price point that offer the same type of performance and portability. The triple laser Valerion VisionMaster Pro 2 is the most similar, although it is more suitable as a single-room home theater projector rather than a portable one. Other triple laser projectors around its price are of the ultra short throw (UST) type, while other, less expensive portable laser projectors use a single laser.
Nebula X1 review: Specs
Connections include two HDMI ports (Image credit: Future)
Screen sizes supported:
up to a 200-inch diagonal
Brightness (specified):
3,500 ANSI lumens
HDR support:
Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG
Optical technology:
Triple laser DLP
Smart TV:
Google TV
Connections:
2 x HDMI 2.1 (1 with eARC), USB-A, USB-C, optical audio out
Dimensions (W x H x D):
11.1 x 7.3 x 9.7 inches (H x W x D)
Weight:
13.7 pounds
Nebula X1 review: design and features
Basic controls are provided on the Nebula X1's top surface (Image credit: Future)
Incredibly easy and accurate setup
Quiet operation thanks to liquid cooling
Innovative motorized gimbal for optical engine
The shape of the Nebula X1 is similar to the Cosmos 4K and Cosmos 4K SE projectors in the Nebula line — a tall rectangular box with a handle. The X1, though, is larger than its cheaper cousins, and its handle can be hidden in its body, out of view, by pressing it down (it can be just as easily extended by pressing on it again). When powered on, the X1 illuminates a Cylon-esque red line on its top, and capacitive volume, auto adjustment, and back buttons appear around the tactile navigation toggle.
Some projectors, such as the Hisense C2 and JMGO N1S 4K, have a gimbal stand to manually position the projector image toward the screen from a lower vantage point. The Nebula X1 takes it to a whole new level by having the built-in gimbal motorized and attached to the optical engine itself, thereby angling just the optics and not the entire projector.
On startup, the X1 scans the wall for a projection screen or unobstructed space for the image by moving the gimbal up and down across its full 25-degree range. When a screen is detected, the Nebula’s Intelligent Environment Adaptation tools adjust the image to fit the screen size and aspect ratio. If, for some reason, the auto setup didn’t properly adjust the image, there’s a button at the top of the remote (and on the projector) that will run spatial adaptation again.
In my weeks with the projector, I only needed to do this a couple times, and all but one of those was because I didn’t have the projector situated far back enough for the scan to cover the entirety of my 100-inch Elite Screens CineTension 3, resulting in the screen space not being filled properly. Scooting the projector back a few inches and running the setup process again fixed the user-error issue. The image fit isn’t totally pristine and can extend into a screen’s masking or frame by a few centimeters, but that’s still mightily impressive for an automated system, and, quite honestly, about as good as you’ll get doing it on your own.
While the usable image is sized well to the screen, there is some dim light bleed to the borders of the unaltered projected image size (that is, the full size before taking any auto setup into account). It’s only noticeable when the adjusted picture goes to black, or if you’re specifically looking for it while watching content. And if you’re projecting onto a freestanding screen outside, it’s of no consequence, because that light bleed disappears into the space around the screen.
It’s important to note that if you simply short-press the power button to turn off the Nebula X1 when you’re done, the gimbal will not immediately return to its default position — a short press puts the projector in standby mode. In fact, it will take close to 30 minutes for it to return, and if you unplug the projector to put it away, the gimbal will stay in that position until you turn it back on. You need to long-press the power button and select Power Off, which will shut down the projector and cause the gimbal to move into its vertical, default position within six seconds. The projector is then ready to be unplugged and put away safely. The instructions point this out when discussing the power button on the projector, but not when using the remote, so it’s easy to miss.
Instead of relying solely on fans to keep the internals cool, the X1 has a liquid cooling system — touted as an industry first — to keep things running at an optimum temperature, with a large fan exhausting the heat out the back of the projector. The liquid cooling makes the X1 one of the quietest projectors I’ve come across. Be aware that if you plan to sit directly behind the projector, you’re in for a warm evening.
On either side of the projector, behind the built-in grilles, are two speakers — a 15W woofer and a 5W tweeter — with a single passive radiator at the front. When paired with the two optional wireless speakers, the projector acts as the subwoofer in the 4.1.2 configuration.
The IR remote control is small and light, with backlit buttons that glow when the remote is picked up. There’s a built-in mic for use with Google that can be activated with a microphone button. The most prominent button is the four-way nav with the select button in the middle. Below it is the home button flanked by volume (up and down), settings, and the back button. Just below those are four quick buttons for YouTube, Netflix, and Prime Video, and volume mute.
The up and down volume buttons are laid out horizontally (with down on the left side and up on the right), instead of being oriented vertically, as is the setup on most remotes I come across. It’s a minor gripe, but I found myself hitting the back button (which is located directly above the volume down button) on numerous occasions when I intended to raise the volume.
Design and features score: 4.5/5
Nebula X1 review: picture and sound quality
The Nebula X1 has a sturdy carrying handle for toting it outside (Image credit: Future)
Incredible detail from the 14-element, all-glass lens
Accurate colors in Movie mode
Gaming requires careful projector setup
The Nebula X1 has nine different picture modes – NebulaMaster, Standard, Vivid, Sport, Movie, Game (with two sub modes I’ll talk about below), Conference, ISF Day, and ISF Night.
As might be expected, Movie and the two ISF modes are the most accurate. I measured peak HDR brightness on a 10% white window pattern at 188 nits in both modes. The Nebula X1's native contrast ratio in the same was 1,656:1, and its dynamic contrast was 11,482:1.
What was not expected is that every mode, including the ISF modes, has some degree of MEMC (Motion Estimation, Motion Compensation), commonly referred to as motion smoothing or the ‘soap opera effect.’ With some content, the motion smoothing introduced artifacts when set at Middle or High. Low was more acceptable and could be beneficial when watching sports, but in general, I suggest you turn it off immediately.
NebulaMaster mode, according to information on the Nebula X1 site, dynamically adapts the image based on projection size and ambient lighting, while also using decontouring algorithms to reduce posterization artifacts (also known as banding). In my room, the image in this mode leaned heavily blue in both SDR and HDR, which was confirmed by my measurements. Some prefer an image with a cooler color balance, but for my taste, it was a bit too much. The mode also tended to slightly boost black levels in darker images.
Out of the box, Movie and the ISF picture modes were my preferred picture modes for all of my viewing. Colors, particularly skin tones, were far more accurate. Grayscale and colors could be dialed in even further in Movie mode with 11-point white balance correction, and a color management system for adjusting hue, saturation, and color brightness (luminance), plus offset and gain. (An ISF calibrator can unlock these options for the ISF picture modes, as well.)
The X1 performed admirably in dark scene torture tests from Dune and the opening scenes at Sapper Morton’s home in Blade Runner 2049, with some detail being visible in the dark shadows on the little home’s walls near the piano and in the kitchen. The X1 also delivers a good amount of brightness that allows the image to still have some pop while viewing in a backyard where there’s uncontrollable light pollution. Just wait until the sun goes down for the best experience.
But perhaps the most impressive performance aspect of the X1 was its detail. The 14-element, all-glass lens produces a gorgeously detailed 4K image, even with the picture adjustment processing to fit the image to the screen, which can introduce clarity issues towards the edge of the image. The X1’s picture looked crisp from corner to corner.
There was one issue I encountered during testing with the eARC port (HDMI2). I planned to watch a Blu-ray on my disc player connected to HDMI2, but the projector would only recognize the disc player as an audio source, and the video would default back to Google TV. When I contacted Anker about this, they said, “We are aware of this issue and will optimize this functionality in future software updates.”
When it comes to any gaming that requires a decent reaction time (which includes the vast majority of games), the projector needs to be in the Game picture mode with the Extreme setting active. This disables the keystone correction and delivers the best input lag, which I measured at 18.3 ms. But as you can imagine from that sentence, if you’ve been relying on the auto-adjust features to watch movies and TV shows, the moment you put it in this mode, the image becomes skewed and no longer fits your screen. If you use Game mode with the Standard setting, the keystone correction stays on, but the input lag shoots up to 142.1 ms with a 4K/60 signal, far too high for any serious gaming.
This scenario requires you to do a proper setup without the use of one of the best parts of the Nebula X1 – the auto adjustment. The lens needs to be level with the bottom of your screen, and it will take some time to play around with positioning to get the image to square up with your screen.
The built-in speakers can play impressively loud, although audible distortion can be heard from around 90 percent and above. But I wouldn’t recommend listening at that level anyway. As I listened in my living room, the maximum volume I set was between 50 and 60 percent, and usually lower. Dialogue was clear, and while it’s not the fullest and most robust sound I’ve heard (these are small woofers, after all), it was plenty to deliver a nice experience.
Adding the wireless speakers brings the sound performance to another level. The left speaker connected quickly, while I needed to turn the right speaker on and off several times before the connection happened. Naturally, having the ability to widely set a left and right channel with side-firing speakers increased the soundstage with a convincing phantom center, and the projector becomes the subwoofer. The upfiring Atmos speakers do a bit to add some height to the sound, but it’s not a convincing Atmos canopy with sounds flying overhead like you get from the best Dolby Atmos soundbars or discrete speakers with DSP. And if you use them outside, without a ceiling to bounce the sound off of, the effect is minimized.
Still, for a more immersive experience, I recommend getting the wireless speakers. Their relative ease of use, setup flexibility, and solid performance are a welcome addition to the Nebula X1. And if you purchase the accessory pack, they fit nicely in the carrying case along with the projector, remote, power supply, and (presumably) microphones. (I did not have the microphones on hand to test them.)
Picture quality score: 4.5/5
Nebula X1 review: value
The Nebula X1 remote control (Image credit: Future)
Top-of-the-line portable projector
More expensive than competitors
Best experience requires additional speakers
When compared to other portable projectors, or even those that aren’t as portable, the Nebula X1 delivers incredible performance and, more importantly, a great movie-watching experience no matter where you set it up. There’s no need to take 10 minutes getting its height or angle perfectly correct for a squared-up image. Just put it down, point it towards your screen, and in a few dozen seconds it’s set to go. With the addition of the wireless speakers, the sound performance greatly improves without needing to set up (and plug in) a separate sound bar.
The $2,999 price tag, though, puts it hundreds of dollars above the portable competition, and more in line with lifestyle home theater projectors such as the Valerion VisionMaster Pro 2 and UST projectors like Samsung’s The Premiere 7 and the Hisense PX2-PRO. And then the accessory pack adds another $999.
That said, the performance and versatility of the Nebula X1 make it a top choice for a movie enthusiast's backyard projector, and one with the flexibility to serve as an indoor everyday projector as well.
Value score: 3.5/5
Nebula X1 projector
Notes
Rating
Features & Design
Automatic picture calibration and wireless speakers option; sturdy design with carrying handle
4.5/5
Picture quality
Exceptional brightness for a portable projector and crisp 4K picture
4.5/5
Value
Pricey, especially with wireless speaker option, but exceptional picture quality for a portable projector
3.5/5
Should I buy the Nebula X1?
The Nebula X1 with its optional wireless speakers (Image credit: Future)
Buy it if...
You want a top-end outdoor projector The Nebula X1 is easily transportable thanks to its retractable handle and accessory pack that includes a padded carrying case, and it projects a beautifully crisp and accurate picture in the proper picture modes.
You want a projector that’s easy to setup The automated setup process takes only a few seconds and is consistently very accurate in finding and filling your projection screen.
You want a bright projector with a great smart TV platform For its price, the X1 has one of the brightest images currently available and runs on the Google TV OS, which supports all of the popular streaming apps and runs quickly and smoothly.
Don’t buy it if…
You’re looking for a “sometimes” projector The Nebula X1 is expensive for the portable projector market. When spending $3,000 on anything, you want to be sure you’ll get as much use out of it as possible. If you only want a projector for an occasional summer movie night, this might not be the best one to get.
You plan to use it mostly for gaming Can you game on the X1? Absolutely. But since all of the auto setup features add significantly to the input lag time, it requires a more careful and time-consuming setup to get the image framed correctly without the use of keystone correction and auto zoom.
You want the option to use eARC for video sources As it stands at the time of review, the eARC port (HDMI2) only recognizes connected sources as audio playback devices. So if you have a Blu-ray player or console connected via HDMI2, the video currently defaults to Google TV instead of what’s playing from the source.
Also consider...
Comparison: 4K UST projectors
Nebula X1
BenQ X3100i
Nebula Mars 3
Price:
$2,999 / £2,999 / around AU$4,500
$2,399 (around £1,900 / AU$3,690)
$1,099 (around £850 / AU$1,645)
Screen sizes supported:
up to 200 inches
60 to 200 inches
30-200 inches
Brightness (specified):
3,500 lumens
3,300 ANSI Lumens
1,000 lumens
HDR support
Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG
HDR10, HLG
N/A
Optical technology:
Triple laser DLP
4LED, DLP
LED DLP
Smart TV:
Google TV
Android TV
Android TV
Connections:
2 x HDMI 2.1 (1 with eARC), USB-A, USB-C, optical audio out
Another portable 4K projector with high brightness capability, the X3100i is designed specifically for gaming and features solid built-in speakers. It costs a bit less than the Nebula X1, but is a better option for someone more focused on gaming than movies.
Nebula Mars 3 The Nebula Mars 3 is also made by Anker and is a portable model with a built-in rechargeable battery. At 1,000 lumens, its picture is not nearly as bright as the Nebula X1's, and its picture tops out at 1080p resolution, but at around $1,000, it's a much cheaper portable projector option.
I primarily tested the Nebula X1 in my living room on a 100-inch Elite Screen CineTension 3 ISF-certified retractable screen with a 1.1 gain screen material. I also briefly brought it outside and projected it on my garage door to test brightness after the sun had set. To test grayscale and color accuracy, I used an X-rite i1 Pro 3 spectrophotometer, Murideo Seven-G 8K pattern generator, and Calman calibration software by Portrait Displays. Input lag testing was done with a Leo Bodnar 4K lag tester.
Subjective testing included watching hours of content through the Google TV streaming platform using the Disney+, Hulu, and Max apps, as well as 4K Blu-ray discs played on an Oppo UDP-203 disc player. Games were played with an Xbox One X console.
I’ve been testing and reviewing projectors, TVs, and other displays for a couple of decades, and am an ISF Level III certified calibrator.
Lots of the best parental control apps are packed with features but charge a high price for the privilege, but Kroha tries to be different by offering a wealth of features at a more palatable price.
On paper, then, that’s an attractive prospect, and it looks even better when you consider that Kroha offers some more innovative features on certain platforms.
There’s an option to protect young eyes from blue light spectrum colors and a mode where you can listen into your child’s device microphone, which is called Sound Around.
Kroha review: Plans and pricing
Before you get to the features, though, consider the pricing – because it’s very tempting. The one-year deal costs $22.99 and supports five devices, and if you pay $49.99 you get time-unlimited access to the app for five devices.
They’re both excellent prices that undercut virtually every rival, but that latter option is the best one if you’ve got a couple of kids and you want a parental control app you’ll use for a few years.
Alternatively, you can pay $5.99 for one month of access, but that’s poor value when compared to the other deals.
If you want to add thirty minutes or three hours of Sound Around access to your package, it costs $0.99 or $4.99 respectively. It also costs $4.49 if you want to add support for five more devices to your package. And while those extras do add cost, Kroha remains excellent value.
Kroha review: Features
That Sound Around feature, currently only available on Android, is one of the most interesting additions to the app, and it’s handy if you’re concerned for your child’s safety, if they’re not answering their phone or if you need to check their safety.
By pressing the Record button within the app, you’ll take a thirty-second recording of the sound around your child. By default, users get 20 recordings per month as part of their package.
That’s useful, and unique when it comes to parental control apps. It’s also not the only sound-related option available in Kroha. Parents can play a loud siren on the child’s phone – ideal if you’ve lost the device – and parents can remotely disable silent mode.
(Image credit: Parental Control Kroha)
Kroha also allows parents to take screenshots of their child’s devices – and take photos using the front and back cameras on the device, too.
Elsewhere, Kroha allows parents to block or allow apps, create app categories and alter access for those blocks of apps, and set access and screen time limits for certain apps or categories. It’s an ideal way to allow access to safe, educational tools while limiting access to time-wasting games.
Similarly, websites can be blocked based on categories, and parents can also see children’s internet histories.
Kroha supports geofencing, real-time location tracking, and allows parents to see the photos stored on the child’s device, and parents can see children’s contacts, too.
Android users get YouTube histories and viewing statistics, and the intriguing Eye Protection mode, which warns children if the phone is too close to their eyes, switches to a soothing night mode to reduce blue light exposure and allows for app exclusions – so visual apps, like school video conferencing tools, aren’t affected.
(Image credit: Parental Control Kroha)
Kroha monitors key messaging and social media apps, like WhatsApp, Instagram, Snapchat, Discord and TikTok, as well as text messages. The feature set is completed by a comprehensive call history module and a “news feed” where parents can see how their child has used their app throughout the day, including time spent on particular apps.
There’s an awful lot available in Kroha, then, but we would warn parents whose children use iOS devices to check the feature lists before investing – because many more features are supported on Android than on iOS.
(Image credit: Parental Control Kroha)
And if you want a parental control app that concentrates on social media, then a tool like Bark is even more comprehensive.
Thankfully, Kroha is available with a five-day trial, so you’ll at least have the opportunity to check if the features you need are available on Apple’s platform before you spend any money.
It’s also worth mentioning Kroha Advanced, which is an app that works on desktop PCs or Mac OS. It introduces many of Kroha’s monitoring features to your desktop or laptop system – ideal if you want the benefits of Kroha without being glued to your smartphone.
Kroha review: Interface and in-use
Kroha’s set-up procedure is fine – very similar to many of its rivals. Once you’ve downloaded the app and told it whether it needs to function as a parent or child tool, you’ll have to run through the permissions required.
It gets a bit in-depth, requiring parents to delve into settings for app usage, notifications and battery optimization, though – these steps aren’t required on many rival tools and may confuse parents who are not familiar with smartphone settings menus.
And when you get Kroha working, the interface is adequate – it’s straightforward and easy enough to navigate, but tools like Bark and Qustodio are much more visually appealing and use visual cues in a much more pleasing way.
Kroha review: Support
Kroha’s support feels a bit barebones, too. There are plenty of helpful articles on Kroha’s website covering FAQs, features, troubleshooting, setup and subscriptions, but that’s about it.
There’s a support email address at the bottom of the Kroha website for more specific queries, but no web form, no indication of how long support will take, and no option to use more immediate types of support, like live chats or phone lines.
When compared to other apps, it’s a weaker offering.
Kroha review: The competition
Indeed, Qustodio, Bark and Kidslox are all far more comprehensive when it comes to support, with more methods of help available and a broader array of online articles. Bark has live chat and a forum, too.
All of those three apps look better than Kroha, too, and some go further in terms of features: Bark is much better for social media, Kidslox is stronger on location-based abilities, and Qustodio has better cross-platform abilities and more in-depth reporting.
Kroha review: Final verdict
This situation leaves Kroha in a tough spot. It’s got good app-blocking abilities, it monitors core social media tools and has geofencing, and it also has innovative features like Sound Around and the ability to access your children’s cameras.
It’s affordable, too, which is a key consideration for many parents who want parental control without breaking the bank.
The low price means weaknesses in other key areas, though. So while Kroha is a competent, affordable tool, its pricier rivals do offer more in terms of support and functionality.
Companies that make the best parental control apps need to make a philosophical choice when producing software: do you want to assume trust and give children some leeway about their behavior, or is it better to try and protect kids by tracking everything?
The developers behind mSpy have clearly opted for the latter approach, with a slate of features that monitors keystrokes, locations, chats, calls, pictures and more.
This parental control method won’t work for everyone, especially for parents who want to maintain trust in their familial relationships. But if you are keen to take a closer look at your kids’ online behavior, is this the app for you?
mSpy review: Plans and pricing
If you’re a parent who wants to figure out how much mSpy actually costs, good luck: the app’s website makes it quite difficult to actually find this information.
The most affordable option is mSpy Premium. At the time of writing, it costs $11.19/£8.75 per month on Android and iOS if you pay for an annual package.
That price gives you support for one child device and a broad array of features, although some of those only work on Android and some require users to root or jailbreak phones to get them working.
The Family Kit offers support for three devices and delivers all of the features available in mSpy Premium at a price of around $33.25/£26 per month, although the price isn’t actually listed on mSpy’s website at the time of writing.
If your family use Android, the mSpy Extreme tier costs $23.99/£18.76 per month if you pay for a year of access. At this level, you get the full suite of features without any need for jailbreaking – and you get some extra functionality, like remote camera and microphone access, the ability to record calls and an anonymous Instagram viewer.
There’s also an Ultimate option for iOS-based families that costs around $39.64/£31 per month for single device support. It provides most of the features of the other tiers, although it misses out on keyword alerts, app blocking and remote camera and microphone access.
The pricing available on mSpy feels deliberately obscured, then, and those prices are also extremely high. Other parental apps don’t offer the keylogging and sheer detail of mSpy, but they offer lots of conventional parental access features at a fraction of the price.
mSpy review: Features
So, what can you actually do with mSpy? Unsurprisingly, many of the app’s features revolve around information gleaned from keylogging.
Parents can see text messages, images sent and received over SMS, and Facebook Messenger activity – alongside chats from apps like WhatsApp, Snapchat, Kik, Telegram, Tinder, Viber, Instagram, iMessage and more.
You’ll be able to get information about who has texted your children and who they’re texting, including contact numbers and names. Unsurprisingly, mSpy’s logging and reporting is always comprehensive – access the parent app and you’ll be confronted with a fearsome amount of information.
Parents can rely on mSpy’s keylogger to see every stroke that’s typed on the phone – so you can check deleted messages, URLs and more. It’s also possible to get alerts if your children type specific words.
And because much of this functionality runs in the background, hidden on the target device, your children may not even know they’re being monitored – or, at least, they won’t find it so intrusive.
The app allows parents to monitor call logs and emails, including attachments and the ability to see emails they’ve sent and received. Parents can see browser histories, see data about how often sites are visited, filter based on categories and check their bookmarks – and even see what Wi-Fi networks children are using.
(Image credit: mSpy)
That’s not all: mSpy allows parents to block apps, see what apps are installed, and view photos and videos stored on the device. A screen-recording feature is also available so parents can get visual snapshots of child phone activity – even with disappearing message features that are now popular on many apps.
Parents can view their children’s current location using mSpy’s GPS-based functionality, and also use geofencing to get alerts when children enter or leave places where you want them to visit – or want them to avoid.
And if you pay for the Extreme version, you can also access their camera and microphone, record calls, and anonymously view Instagram.
(Image credit: mSpy)
It has a comprehensive set of keylogger-based features, but bear in mind that mSpy’s Android app is far more powerful than the iOS app – if you want to monitor an Apple device, you’ll need to do some jailbreaking.
Rooting and jailbreaking is particularly concerning because it can, potentially, void your device warranty, prevent access to other apps and make devices more vulnerable to cybercrime.
(Image credit: mSpy)
Parents also need to bear in mind that mSpy’s concentration on logging means this app is lacking elsewhere
Its screen time management is basic, without the detail or granularity found in many other apps, and there’s no category-based website blocking or filtering – this is another area where the functionality is underwhelming.
(Image credit: mSpy)
Other apps also offer more in terms of location-based features, including the option to track children’s driving habits.
(Image credit: mSpy)
mSpy review: Interface and in-use
Unsurprisingly, mSpy’s interface provides a comprehensive and in-depth look at your children’s device behavior. You can see everything, from message content and phone call logs to web histories and even the events in their calendar.
There are separate sections for browsing photos and videos, setting up keyword alerts, delving into the keylogger and viewing what apps your children have installed.
The interface is clean, well-organized and easy to use, with straightforward menus and good organization. Once you’re set up, it’s easy to get started.
It’s a great interface if you want to delve into the data, but other apps make things a little easier to see summaries of daily and weekly activity – mSpy keeps things granular and specific rather than providing top-level reports.
Suffice to say, though, that installation is not particularly easy. On an iOS without jailbreaking the feature set is restrictive, but jailbreaking is a fraught process that many parents may not want to attempt.
On Android, you’ll need to disable Google Play Protection to install the app and use most of its features, and parents need to root the phone to get access to every feature.
We’re pleased to see that mSpy provides installation guides for both platforms, but you get far more information if you pay extra for the Ultimate plan – a frustrating choice that feels particularly cynical.
There’s also an option to pay even more to get remote assistance with installation. But no matter what route you choose, mSpy setup is likely to be complicated, frustrating and potentially expensive.
mSpy review: Support
This is another area where mSpy seems to underperform. The FAQ section is underwhelming, with basic questions and short answers that don’t really answer questions. There’s a tiny chatbot that is hard to see.
On paper, mSpy offers phone and email support, but reports from users suggest that the help isn’t actually very helpful, with answers that are either out-of-date or incorrect.
It’s possible to pay extra for more in-depth support, but that option is expensive.
mSpy review: The competition
mSpy faces tough competition from parental control apps that concentrate on conventional features rather than surveillance and keylogging.
Bark, for instance, has better social media monitoring, Qustodio has superb scheduling and screen limiting options, and Mobicip excels in many of those areas, too. All of those tools also have better location-based functionality than mSpy.
They’re all cheaper, too – indeed, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a parental control app that’s as expensive as mSpy.
mSpy review: Final verdict
If you’re not concerned with ethical or moral questions around keylogging, then there’s no doubt that mSpy does a great job here – on Android, at least, it can monitor virtually everything that your child does using their device.
But for all of its keylogging prowess, it falls short in many of the more conventional areas of parental control and it’s very expensive.
If you want that extensive access and keylogging for your children, then mSpy may be worth the price to you – but we’d urge parents to look elsewhere for more affordable and well-rounded parental control.
