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Oclean X Ultra S review: a chatty guide to next-level oral care

6:49 am | January 22, 2025

Oclean X Ultra S: Two-minute review

I'd been reading about Oclean’s toothbrushes for a while and was impressed at how popular the brand had become in some markets in a short period of time. We already consider the Oclean X Pro to be one of the best electric toothbrushes, so I was rather excited when, in November 2024, the Oclean X Ultra S finally arrived in Australia, where I am based, after being released in the US in April 2024.

The Oclean X Ultra S is a sonic electric toothbrush that boasts some seriously smart features, including leverage bone-conduction technology to provide verbal feedback in real time to help you brush correctly. I’ve been using it since its Australian release late last year and there’s hardly been a day when I haven’t been scolded for doing something wrong.

What I mean by ‘scolded’ is that the voice alerts sound like a 4- or 5-year-old child telling you off. You’ll hear feedback like “over pressure” suddenly pipe up in your ear or, as has happened to me a few times, “hold the brush at a 45º angle”. I mean, you can’t exactly measure that angle while you’re brushing, can you? While I didn’t get scolded for brushing too quickly, there is a prompt for that too. The most common verbal feedback from the X Ultra S is to “switch area” every 30 seconds.

A hand holding the Oclean X Ultra S with the thumb on the power button below the display — (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)

Despite sounding like a petulant child sometimes, I think the verbal feedback is helpful as I found it improved my brushing habits over time, although understanding what the voice is telling you to do isn’t always clear. It took me a couple of times to realize I was being told to hold the brush a certain way (at a 45º angle), and even the “switch area” prompt can occasionally sound a little incoherent over the brush’s buzzing. I would have preferred the voice prompts to be a touch clearer, but I’m really glad it’s not loud.

If you happen to live in a crowded house (or are traveling), people around you will barely know you’re being told off for not brushing particularly well. A few weeks after I began testing the Oclean X Ultra S, I traveled overseas for a 4-week family holiday and no one heard a thing when standing about two feet away from me. In fact, as a sonic toothbrush, the X Ultra S isn’t loud – the motor, despite delivering up to 84,000 movements per minute, doesn’t buzz above 45dB. To put that into perspective, that’s about how loud a library would get.

Brushing data is available in (gory) detail within the Oclean Care+ smartphone app. The toothbrush tracks 8 zones by dividing the oral cavity into 4 areas and counting the inner and outer sides of your pearly whites separately. It doesn’t, however, track the biting surfaces of your molars and premolars. Not only are you presented with a clover-shaped diagram to indicate your brushing score, number of times you’ve brushed that day and for how long, but a 3D movable denture diagram shows you how well you’ve done each session. You are also provided with information on how much excessive pressure you might have used or if there was any lateral movement.

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The color touchscreen on the Oclean X Ultra S displaying the Exclusive Mode icon — (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)

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A hand holding the Oclean X Ultra S overa. bathroom countertop — (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)

In fact, some of this information will be displayed on the bright color touchscreen on the brush itself, including the clover. This display comes on automatically as soon as you pick up the brush from its charging base or travel case, displaying a default mode based on the time of day – Sunrise Soothing in the morning or Sunset Clearout at night. A total of 6 modes are saved on the brush, including the so-called Exclusive Mode that you can select on the app from a choice of 14 (yes, there are a lot of brushing modes here!). You can even set up your own custom brushing mode if you want via the app and have it saved on the brush. Swiping downward on the side of the touchscreen will let you cycle through the 6 saved options.

The Oclean X Ultra S connects to the app via both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, with a remarkably easy setup. While traveling, the brush can save up to 7 days of cleaning data, then transfer this information to the app when it’s back within the original Wi-Fi network. I was away for a total of 3.5 weeks on an overseas trip during my testing period and, sadly, wasn’t able to transfer the early brushing data to the app, but the last week of travel is visible on the app. Incidentally, this information can also be sent to the Apple Health app if you happen to be an iPhone user.

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Screenshots of the Oclean Care+ app showing brushing and brush data — (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)

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Screenshots of the Oclean Care+ app showing different brushing modes — (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)

While it comes with a small, round charging base that also doubles as its stand, there’s even a magnetic wall mount with a double-sided adhesive pad on it. Oclean says there’s wireless charging capabilities here but that didn’t work for me and, to be absolutely honest, I didn’t miss the feature at all – it seems rather superfluous to me when it has an impressive battery life of up to 40 days.

Admittedly, this remarkably long battery life will only be possible if you are brushing twice a day for just the recommended 2-minute session each, although I think the Oclean X Ultra S is capable of going longer. At the end of my 26-day overseas trip, the X Ultra S dropped down to 40% battery from a full charge, and that’s using the Unlimited Clean mode that let me brush for over two minutes each time (my average was 4 minutes). There are other brushes that offer similar battery life too, but I am yet to see a travel case that can charge the brush while you’re away.

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The Oclean X Ultra S travel case in black and grey — (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)

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Two Oclean X Ultra S replacement brush heads stored inside the travel case — (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)

While it does seem to be relatively fragile compared to some of the travel cases that ship with say, Philips Sonicare and Oral-B electric toothbrushes, the Oclean X Ultra S has a case that looks premium and well made. Importantly, it has a USB-C port that can actually top up the toothbrush – something you’d be hard pressed to find with other popular brands. The case also stores two brush heads.

The X Ultra S comes with three replaceable brush heads in the box, each one catering to a different type of clean, like gum sensitivity or whitening. They look like any other sonic brush head, and the design of the brush itself isn’t anything remarkable. However, the color touchscreen is bright and looks rather smart when it's lit up. It’s capable of displaying festive greetings and showing you the weather. Even the light around the bottom of the brush, which goes from white to red when you’ve exerted too much pressure, adds to the brush’s aesthetic.

The USB-C port on the Oclean X Ultra S travel case — (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)

All in all, the Oclean X Ultra S is one of the best electric toothbrushes I’ve used – available in Sage Green and Black colorways, it cleans really well in various modes and is arguably the smartest electric toothbrush yet. Perhaps a little too smart, because my only (tiny) issue with the brush is how the verbal feedback sounds – like a child scolding you. Other than that, this is a toothbrush you could definitely… well, sink your teeth into, but maybe consider buying it when it's discounted.

The Oclean X Ultra S electric toothbrush standing on a table beside its travel case and replacement brush heads — (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)

Oclean X Ultra S review: price & availability

Announced at CES (January) 2024; released April 2024 in the US
Available to buy now in the US and Australia; unavailable in the UK
List price of $129.99 / AU$449.95

As mentioned earlier in this review, the Oclean X Ultra S made its debut in January 2024 at the CES tech trade show and quickly made headlines as the only talking electric toothbrush. It was subsequently released in the US in April 2024, then made its way to Australia in November 2024. While it officially hasn’t been released in the UK, it may be possible to find it on Amazon but being shipped and sold by third-party resellers.

The Oclean X Ultra S will set you back $129.99 in the US and a whopping AU$449.95 in Australia, which is a much higher pricepoint as compared to other markets, even taking taxes into consideration. However, the X Ultra S can be had for half its Aussie price during major sales (which it was during Black Friday 2024, just days after its release Down Under).

If you’re in the UK, I’ve seen it listed online from anywhere between £93 and £219.99 at third-party retailers. UK customers who would love to try an Oclean brush can opt for the X Pro Elite instead, which has a list price starting from £69.90.

Given its various smart features and its build quality, I think the Oclean X Ultra S is absolutely worth considering if you’d like to stop using a manual brush or are keen to upgrade to a new electric one. Just keep in mind that it might take you a while to get used to the verbal prompts – if you can be patient, you’ll definitely see an improvement in your brushing habits.

The Oclean X Ultra S electric toothbrush inside its travel case — (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)

Oclean X Ultra S review: specs

Oclean X Ultra S: score card

Should I buy the Oclean X Ultra S?

Buy it if...

You want the smartest electric toothbrush on the market

With its real-time voice prompts and feedback, plus a very detailed brushing report at the end of each session, the Oclean X Ultra S was designed to ensure you develop better oral hygiene.

You wear braces or have specific dental issues

Not only are there several brushing modes available via the app to cater to different needs, including one for people who wear braces, it also allows you to set up your own custom mode that would be best suited to you.

You travel a lot

Given its rather impressive battery life and the fact that the brush can be charged via its charging case using any USB-C cable, it’s a good one to take with you on the go.

Don't buy it if...

You want simplicity in your brushing routine

While its features can help improve oral hygiene, it’s also overkill for many users. If you don’t need all its bells and whistles, you can opt for a simpler electric toothbrush.

You prefer an oscillating electric toothbrush

While sonic toothbrushes like the Oclean are good for people with sensitive teeth and gums, some people might require the circular motion of an oscillating brush instead. In which case, you’ll need to opt for an Oral-B.

You don’t want to use an app

There’s no getting away from the Oclean Care+ app here – you’ll need it even to set up the brush and choose your preferred modes. If you don’t care for app dependency, you’ll need to look elsewhere.

Also consider

If you aren’t sold on the Oclean X Ultra S or are looking for something different, below are a couple of options to consider – one is an oscillating toothbrush while the other is a sonic alternative.

Oral-B iO Series 6

If you want the power of rotating brush heads, Oral-B is the go-to brand and the iO Series 6 is a fantastic option that is frequently discounted, so you won’t need to shell out a lot of money for it. There are 7 brushing modes, a timer, pressure detection sensor and a basic travel case. Importantly, it’s easy to source the brush heads.

Read our in-depth Oral-B iO Series 6 review

Philips Sonicare 9900 Prestige

Coming close to what the Oclean X Ultra S can offer – sans the voice prompts, although you still get real-time feedback via the app. It’s a beautiful-looking brush, with a very quiet motor, but gets you only 5 brushing modes. You will, however, be rather dependent on the app to make adjustments to the modes and brushing intensity settings.

Read our full Philips Sonicare 9900 Prestige review

How I tested the Oclean X Ultra S

Used for two months daily, twice a day
Testing period included a 26-day overseas trip without the charging base
Tried different brushing modes and brush heads

The Oclean X Ultra S toothbrush standing on a table beside its travel case and brush heads — (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)

I swapped out my Oral-B oscillating toothbrush for the Oclean X Ultra S in November 2024, soon after its release to the Australian market (I am Sydney-based). I’ve used it twice a day since (and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future), trying out different brushing modes already available in the app and trying to set up my own custom mode. It took me a few sessions to realize that the maximum voice feedback comes via the Exclusive Modes and, for me, that was what helped improve my brushing habits over time.

A planned overseas holiday about three weeks after I began testing the Oclean X Ultra S was an excellent chance to test its claimed battery life. I didn’t carry its charging stand and, although I knew I could use the travel case with any USB-C cable to top up the brush, I didn’t have the need to.

I’ve been using different electric toothbrushes over the years – both sonic and oscillating – and have used this knowledge to rate the Oclean X Ultra S.

Mibro Watch GS Explorer: Two minute review

It's possible to buy super-affordable smartwatches, but sometimes they tend to fall short in terms of design and features. By way of example, the standout cheap watch in our best smartwatches guide is the CMF Watch Pro by Nothing, which is stylish but quite basic, although our best cheap smartwatches guide offers plenty of sub-$300 / £250 / AU$500 alternatives.

That's why I was so intrigued when the Watch GS Explorer dropped through my door. At $155 / £121, the latest smartwatch from Mibro appears to hit all the right notes when it comes to specs. Let me list just a few: rugged military-grade durability, an AMOLED display, dual-frequency GPS with 5 satellites, and comprehensive sports & health modes.

Does that sound too good to be true? Surely they've cut some corners somewhere. I was so excited and determined to find out that I threw the watch on charge and got it on my wrist as soon as was humanly possible. It's been sitting there for around two months.

Let’s begin with the design. The watch itself has passed a total of 15 military standard tests in compliance with MIL-STD-810H-2019, which guarantees stability and reliability in extreme environments. Having used the watch in wet and cold conditions, I can testify that it's durable and waterproof. I also dropped it a few times and didn't suffer any scratches or screen cracks thanks to its Corning Gorilla glass.

All of this 'ruggedness' comes with some tradeoffs, though, the first of which is that it's enormous. If your wrist is on the slender side, then this is not the watch for you. The design is also far too chunky and lacking detail. You could even call it brutalist. The stretchy rubber strap also makes it sit a little uncomfortably on the skin and, at times, grip painfully onto any hair that gets caught underneath it.

Mibro Watch GS Explorer — (Image credit: Future)

At the centre of the watch is a 1.32-inch AMOLED display with a 466x466 resolution and 353 PPI. There’s little not to love about the display and at 1500 nits, it’s bright enough in almost all environments. However, while operating the touch screen, the chunky outer bezel gets in the way of efficient swiping. I appreciate that this probably provides protection to the glass, but in my opinion it simply gets in the way.

While we’re on the subject of operation, the three buttons, located on the right-hand side of the watch, are a little clunky and even a little 'sticky’ at times, which hampered efficient and enjoyable navigation. I think if Mibro reduces the protrusion of the bezel and engineers the buttons better, then the user experience will be greatly improved.

The abundance of health and fitness tracking features and data can be accessed through both the watch and the associated Mibro app. You’ll find the ability to track basic health measurements, including heart rate and SpO2, but not much beyond that. Heart rate and SpO2 measurements were commensurate with the accurate Huawei GT 5 Pro, although the latter was slow to read.

The GS Explorer wants to come into its own when users are undertaking outdoor activities including climbing, swimming, and running. It is here that I experienced some of the more significant problems, namely to do with GPS accuracy. Tracking lines went off route and therefore couldn’t be trusted for distances and as a result, pacing was off. Exercise graphs are displayed on the screen but are unfortunately too small to really tell what’s going on outside of the companion app. More positively, training stats including heart rate tracking and ground contact time during runs appeared more accurate.

My general feeling of this watch was a mixed bag. It has some impressive features that perform well especially considering the low price, while other more basic and necessary measurements struggle for accuracy. As a result, this is a watch to get if you value premium features at a budget price, but is certainly not to be purchased if accuracy is paramount.

Mibro Watch GS Explorer: Specifications

Mibro Watch GS Explorer: Price and availability

$155 / £121
Extremely cheap for features
Not available in Australia

The Mibro Watch GS Explorer is only available in one size and retails at $155 US / £121 UK (around $238 AUS), which is insanely cheap for the screen and number of features available.

The only part of the watch that can be customized is the strap color with black, white, or green being your available options. The watch is not available in Australia or China.

Value score: 4.5/5

Mibro Watch GS Explorer: Scorecard

Mibro Watch GS Explorer: Should I buy?

Buy if it...

You’re on a budget
At $155 / £121, you’ll be hard pressed to find a more capable Garmin Fenix clone at this price point.

You want a smartwatch that’s as hard as nails
The Mibro Watch GS Explorer is built to last so you can rest assured it’ll stand the test of time.

You like chunky smartwatches
With a 47.8mm diameter, this smartwatch sits solidly and proudly on your wrist.

Don't buy it if...

You need top-notch accuracy
The GS Explorer has some accuracy issues so can’t be relied upon for super accurate measurements.

You have a slender wrist
This smartwatch is too large for smaller wrists. You might be better off getting one of the best fitness trackers.

Also consider

Fitbit Charge 6

A similarly priced fitness tracker with GPS

Read our full Fitbit Charge 6 review

Garmin Forerunner 165

A more expensive watch, but a better outdoor companion.

Read our full Garmin Forerunner 165 reviewView Deal

How I tested

I wore the Mibro Watch GS Explorer for around eight weeks, which gave me a good period of time to fully test the watch features and battery life. As it’s billed as an outdoor watch, I also made sure to get out and about for special ‘assignments’ as well as integrate it into my daily activities.

First reviewed: January 2025

Altra FWD Via review: Comfortably firm for long distances

5:33 pm | January 20, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Health & Fitness | Comments: Off

Altra FWD Via: Two minute review

I love to run, but I don’t particularly like running fast (well, that’s my excuse anyway). Long, easy runs have become my perfect de-stressor, so when I found the Altra FWD Via, a chunky shoe with a wide toebox, light weight and thick, firm outsole for easy runs, I was very excited to try it.

I’ve run in a lot of the best running shoes in my capacity as one of TechRadar’s resident fitness guinea pigs. Squishy long-distance shoes, firm all-rounders, carbon-plated super-shoes… you name it. Altra is a brand that’s famous for wide toeboxes, and shoes with heels that are the same height as the toes. This design is known as ‘zero drop’. Most running shoes have a sole (or ‘outsole’ in the case of running shoes – see our guide to different parts of a running shoe explained for more) that’s thicker at the heel than at the toe, the difference being known as ‘heel-toe drop’ or even just ‘drop’, and listed in millimeters.

So when I was asked to try the Altra FWD Via, I was expecting this sort of minimalist shoe. However, the Via is part of Altra’s FWD range, which as the name implies, tilts the foot forward with a 4mm drop. The result is a shoe that looks and feels a lot more like your traditional running shoe. Some of Altra’s other design language has been retained, such as the wide foot-shaped toebox instead of the shoe tapering to a narrow point, but the end result is a sort of ‘Goldilocks’ shoe.

Sure enough, it was a lovely shoe to run in from the outset, handling its first low-intensity 10-mile run and shorter five-mile lunchtime circuits with aplomb. It feels very light to wear on the feet, and handles mid-pace, mid-distance running on concrete with no problems whatsoever. It’s fine on light gravel trails too, providing adequate grip, but I wouldn’t use it on mud and grass.

It does have a lack of snappy speed: the Altra EGO FLO foam outsole is very firm, and doesn’t provide much of the spring-loading you get with faster shoes that compress when you step down and catapult you into your next stride. Instead, there’s a rocker element in the midsole that better supports easy running rather than hard pavement-pounding.

This will put competitive runners off, while its lack of squishiness underfoot and its scant 4mm drop might not be enough for many long-distance runners who require more assistance in their stride.

It’s not a shoe for every runner, then. However, it is a shoe that fits very well with how I like to run – easy, low-effort and long distances, so I can get lost in an audiobook or podcast. If you’re like me, you’ll love it, and it’s the perfect shoe for low-intensity marathon training.

Altra FWD Via: Specifications

Altra FWD Via: Scorecard

Altra FWD Via: Should I buy?

Buy it if...

You’re an easy runner

The Altra FWD Via isn’t built for spring-loaded speed.View Deal

You’re a long-distance runner

If you love putting in the miles on a weekend, this is a great shoe to try.View Deal

You like a low drop

If you’re not keen on high-heeled running shoes and want to try a more natural way to run, a low-drop is a great place to start.View Deal

Don't buy if if...

You’re after a super-shoe

If you’re looking for something to give you the edge in a competitive race, this isn’t it.View Deal

You don’t run long-distance

If you don’t usually go over the five-mile mark, there are better and cheaper shoes out there.View Deal

You’re looking for a cheap shoe

There are far more expensive shoes out there, but you can also pick up a perfectly serviceable pair of long-distance shoes for under $99 / £99 / AU$149 if you’re strapped for cash. View Deal

Also consider

Saucony Ride 17

The latest iteration of Saucony’s popular all-rounders.

Read our full Saucony Ride 17 reviewView Deal

ASICS Gel-Nimbus 25

A squishy long distance shoe which can now be picked up very cheap.

Read our full ASICS Gel-Numbus 25 reviewView Deal

How I tested

I wore the Altra FWD Via for around 50 kilometers of running over a three-week period. I tested them during a mixture of 5km, 10km and 15km runs, paying attention to the comfort, weight and energy return. I also ran in a narrower shoe to calibrate and check how I felt during the experience.

First reviewed: January 2025

Polar Vantage M3 review: Feature-packed but flawed

8:32 pm | January 16, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Health & Fitness | Tags: Garmin Forerunner | Comments: Off

Polar Vantage M3: One minute review

Polar has long been a trusted name in the fitness world, known for its accurate heart rate monitors, its best running watches and fitness tracking gear aimed at athletes and fitness enthusiasts. The Vantage M3 aims to deliver on that reputation, combining a stunningly bright and vibrant AMOLED display, accurate dual-band GPS and advanced health metrics like wrist-based ECG and skin temperature tracking. It’s packed with tools to help you train smarter and recover better — all for a mid-range price. Along with the Vantage V3 and the Polar Grit X2 Pro, Polar is fully embracing the transition from duller memory-in-pixel displays towards AMOLED screens.

While the Vantage M3 gets a lot right, it’s not without its faults. The setup process was painfully slow and glitchy during my testing, and the companion app, Polar Flow, feels like it’s stuck in the past despite offering lots of detailed metrics. Add to that the lack of third-party app support, and the M3 starts to feel a bit limited compared to more versatile competitors.

That said, for fitness-first users who don’t mind skipping smartwatch extras, the Vantage M3 performs generally well. The clear and sharp AMOLED display makes stats easy to read even during sunny outdoor runs. And features like Recovery Pro and Training Load Pro add meaningful insights, while dual-band GPS ensures accurate route tracking in most conditions.

While the Polar Vantage M3 is a good option for those who prioritize health and fitness tracking, it’s not the most versatile wearable out there. Its smartwatch functionality is rather lacking, as there’s no app store, voice assistant or NFC for payments. Garmin, which also offers a stripped-back training experience, at least as the Connect IQ store. In 2025, this limited functionality feels outdated, especially compared to other smartwatch options on the market right now.

Nevertheless, it’s dependable for serious fitness fans, especially for outdoor workouts which require GPS, and is packed with useful tools for training and recovery. Just don’t expect it to deliver the kind of all-in-one experience you’d get from more feature-rich alternatives like the Apple Watch or Garmin’s top-end models. If you can overlook these shortcomings and focus purely on its fitness chops, the Vantage M3 still has plenty to offer.

Polar Vantage M3: Price and availability

Polar Vantage M3 smartwatch worn on wrist — (Image credit: Future / Lee Bell)

Price: £349 / $399 / $599AU
Release date: October 2024
Colors: Night Black and Greige Sand

The Polar Vantage M3 hit shelves in October 2024, priced at $399 / £349 / AU$599, placing it in the mid-range fitness watch category. It’s available in two understated colors, Night Black and Greige Sand, which should appeal to those who prefer a minimal look.

While it’s not the cheapest option on the market, it does offer solid value when compared to Polar’s higher-end models like the Vantage V3 (£519 / $599.95 / $899AU) and Grit X2 Pro ($749.95 / £649.99 / AU$1,099.99). For its price, you get premium features like dual-band GPS, offline maps and advanced health tracking — all without stretching into the luxury price tier.

Value score: 3.5 / 5

Polar Vantage M3: Design

Lightweight and comfortable for all-day wear
Stunning AMOLED display with crisp resolution
Silicone strap is a little stiff and thus tricky to readjust

When it comes to design, the Polar Vantage M3 balances both style and practicality rather well. At just 53g including the strap, the 44mm case is lightweight enough that you’ll barely notice it’s there, whether you’re hitting the gym or dashing out to run errands. Its slim casing size means it sits snugly on your wrist, staying put even during more intense movements, so you don’t have to worry about it shifting around or coming loose mid-workout.

The stainless-steel bezel is a nice touch that gives it a more sophisticated and hard-wearing edge, and the subtle studs act as a helpful guide when you’re swiping through the touchscreen. However, the plastic body does slightly detract from the premium feel, especially compared to rivals that use more robust materials, like Garmin’s more premium models. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it does leave you wishing for a little extra polish.

Next, let’s talk about the watch’s display, which comes in a 1.28-inch AMOLED variety — easily one of the Vantage M3’s standout features. With its crisp 416x416 resolution and a peak brightness of 1,500 nits, it’s vibrant and sharp — which will be why I found it made your stats easy to read in just about any lighting conditions. That said, it is slightly smaller in size compared to some of Polar’s pricier models, which can make some data screens feel a little cramped, especially when you’re mid-workout and glancing at metrics on the go.

The display’s Gorilla Glass 3 coating also offers scratch protection, which held up well during my testing. The five physical buttons are a welcome addition alongside the touchscreen, offering an easy way to navigate menus during sweaty or gloved activities. However, they could be more tactile; Garmin’s chunkier controls, for example, feel more satisfying to use.

Nevertheless, the silicone strap is soft and comfortable overall. Its buckle-and-loop system can be fiddly at times, often needing more patience than it should to fasten securely. But on the bright side, the 22mm standard size means you can easily swap it for an alternative that better suits your needs.

Design score: 4 / 5

Polar Vantage M3: Features

Packed with fitness and recovery tools
Limited smartwatch functionality leaves you wanting more

The Polar Vantage M3 is built for fitness enthusiasts, and its suite of features backs this up. From wrist-based ECG and SpO2 tracking to detailed recovery metrics like SleepWise and Training Load Pro, it’s clear to see that health and performance tracking are this watch’s primary focus. It boasts tools for just about every aspect of your fitness journey — features that work really together and delivering insights that can genuinely help you train smarter and recover better.

While the watch’s fitness features deliver, its smartwatch functionality falls short. Sure, you can read notifications and control your music, but that’s about it. There’s no app store for adding third-party tools, no voice assistant to help you navigate tasks hands-free and no NFC for payments support.

It’s surprising, especially in 2025, where even budget wearables offer more comprehensive options. And so, for anyone hoping for a more versatile device that blends fitness and day-to-day convenience, the Vantage M3 feels like it’s missing the mark somewhat.

However, the essentials are solid. Syncing the watch to the Polar Flow app allows you to view all your training metrics in one place. While the app itself isn’t the most intuitive or visually pleasing, it does get the job done — albeit with a bit of patience.

Features score: 3 / 5

Polar Vantage M3: Performance

Dual-band GPS is accurate but not flawless
Metrics not quite as precise as expected
Around five days battery life with mixed use

The Vantage M3’s dual-band GPS is a solid performer most of the time. It connects quickly and provides accurate data during runs, bike rides and hikes. However, it’s not flawless. In dense urban areas surrounded by tall buildings, the GPS can wobble slightly, deviating from your true route. It’s not a disaster by any means, but when you’re comparing it to premium models like the Garmin Fenix 8 series, for instance, the difference is quite noticeable.

Heart rate monitoring is another area where the M3 performs well, though it’s not perfect. The optical sensor offers consistent readings during steady-state workouts, but it struggles to keep up during sudden bursts of activity, such as sprints or high-intensity intervals. If you’re someone who relies heavily on accurate heart rate data for training, this might be a minor frustration. Step tracking, meanwhile, was less impressive. It often overcounted my steps by a few hundred compared to other devices I tested, which could annoy anyone who considers precise metrics as paramount.

As for battery life, it’s decent but not groundbreaking. With moderate use, Polar says you’ll get five to six days out of it, or about 24 hours in GPS mode. I found that with mixed use - tracking a workout once a day with GPS, general step counting and sleep tracking - it was just short of that, at about five days. It’s enough for most casual users, but endurance athletes might find themselves charging more often than they’d like. On the plus side, charging is relatively quick and painless, thanks to the USB-A proprietary cable included in the box.

Essentially, the Polar Vantage M3 excels as a training tool. Its recovery features, like Training Load Pro, are genuinely useful for improving your workouts, and the clear and sharp AMOLED display makes interacting with the watch nothing but a pleasure. Whether you’re mid-run in the sun or checking your progress under some intense floodlights, I found the screen performs brilliantly overall. But when you consider the price tag, it’s hard to ignore the areas where it falls short. For £349 / $399 / $599AU, you’d expect a more high-end experience, particularly when it comes to its smartwatch features. Still, if you’re looking for a fitness-first device, it’s a trustworthy option, but it’s not the standout it could have been.

Performance score: 3.5 / 5

Polar Vantage M3: Scorecard

Polar Vantage M3: Should I buy?

Buy it if...

You want detailed training insights

Polar’s tools like Recovery Pro and Training Load Pro offer genuinely useful, detailed feedback.View Deal

You love vibrant displays

The AMOLED screen is sharp, colorful and easy to read in most lighting.View Deal

You’re after a lightweight, comfortable design

It’s great for all-day wear, even during intense workouts.View Deal

Don't buy it if...

You need robust smartwatch features

There’s no app store, voice assistant or payment support.View Deal

You hate clunky apps

Polar Flow isn’t the most user-friendly companion app.View Deal

You’re a sucker for tracking accuracy

Step counts can be overly generous, which might bother data purists.View Deal

Also consider

Garmin Forerunner 255 (£299)

This cheaper option from Garmin is known for its excellent GPS and training tools, plus there’s a stronger focus on smartwatch features like NFC payments as well as app support.

Check out our full Garmin Forerunner 255 review View Deal

COROS Pace 3 (£199)

An affordable alternative with great battery life, reliable tracking and a focus on performance. While it lacks an AMOLED screen, it excels in durability and value for money.

Check out our full COROS Pace 3 review View Deal

Apple Watch SE 2 (£269)

For those iPhone users who want a better balance between fitness tracking and smartwatch functionality. While it doesn’t have advanced recovery tools, its sleek design and app ecosystem make it a top choice that won’t break the bank.

Check out our full Apple Watch SE 2 review View Deal

How I tested

I wore the Polar Vantage M3 daily for over two weeks, testing its features during various activities, including running, cycling and yoga. I used its dual-band GPS for outdoor workouts and tracked recovery metrics with Polar’s app tools. I also evaluated its smartwatch functionality by syncing it to a smartphone, using it for notifications and assessing app integration. To test durability, I wore it during both high-intensity workouts and casual everyday use, paying attention to comfort and battery performance.

First reviewed: January 2025

COSORI Smart Nutrition Scale review: The future of nutrition?

8:56 pm | January 15, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Computers Fitness Apps Gadgets Health & Fitness | Tags: US | Comments: Off

COSORI Smart Nutrition Scale: Two-minute review

COSORI smart kitchen scale — (Image credit: Future)

New for 2025 in the world of health and fitness technology is the enticing COSORI Smart Nutrition Scale. I actually first encountered it on TikTok where I've seen a couple of viral posts about it, and now COSORI has officially launched the Smart Kitchen Scale in the UK. See the Price and Availability section for full details.

As a fitness enthusiast with an interest in food and nutrition, but as someone who often struggles to track food and count calories, the COSORI seemed right up my street, and after my initial go at using the scale I have to say I'm really impressed. It's not perfect, and the methodology has a couple of obvious flaws I'll get to, but this is a nifty little kitchen gadget that will catch the eye of guests and make a great sub-£50/$50 gift for the gym enthusiast in your life.

Out of the box, 6he COSORI feels premium and well-built, which you'd hope for a scale that costs nearly 50 bucks. The plastic base houses three AAA batteries, while the platform is made up of food-grade 304 stainless steel that's designed to be easy to clean. The sizing is pretty generous, it's a lot larger than my bog-standard kitchen scale and feels more useful as a result, without being unwieldy.

The COSORI Smart Kitchen Scale is designed to provide you with accurate information about the food you eat, revealing the exact amount of calories, protein, fat, carbs, and micronutrients like fiber based on weight. Naturally, it requires a companion app where you'll access the database of food, scanning barcodes (or searching for food) as you go.

The scale arrives ready to use, with a QR code included for the VeSync app, I'd say installation, registration, and pairing all took less than a minute. The process to set up the scale was extremely easy and straightforward, with zero hiccups. So far, so good.

The COSORI Smart Kitchen Scale is so easy to use that there's very little to explain when it comes to its functionality. The VeSync app, which syncs with Apple Health and Fitbit, includes a daily food-tracking platform. You enter your target calories and your desired breakdown of protein, carbs, and fat, the big three 'macronutrients' essential to balancing a diet, shedding weight, or building muscle.

Once your numbers are locked in, you log food just as you would in apps like MyFitnessPal. The most convenient way to do this is by scanning barcodes. The process is super snappy, but has an obvious flaw. The food data comes from Nutritionix, which boasts nearly one million food items. However, if your food isn't listed, you'll need to enter the details manually or pick a substitute.

I did a quick go-around of my fridge and was surprised to find eggs and Greek yogurt from one household UK supermarket didn't show up. However, eggs from another large supermarket showed up just fine, as did some frozen berries from my freezer, and a body-building mainstay: Pringles potato crisps. Your mileage will definitely vary when it comes to what foods are supported, and might even depend on where you live and shop.

Manually entering the information isn't the end of the world, but it's certainly frustrating when the barcode scanner doesn't throw up results.

Once you've successfully identified your food, you simply pop it on the scale and the COSORI will automatically weigh it and provide you with a breakdown of all the nutrients in the food. Once you're happy with your amount, you simply tap 'Save and Add More', and you're done. Congrats, you've successfully logged the exact weight and calorific breakdown of the food you're about to eat.

In principle, you can use the COSORI Smart Kitchen Scale to track an entire day's worth of eating, with calorie tracking accuracy down to the nearest gram.

So who would benefit? While the COSORI can be used to simply weigh something, this is a lot of money to spend on a scale that you use purely for weight. The COSORI really needs to be used to its full potential to justify the outlay. I'd say that gym-goers, bodybuilders, and anyone trying to build a food regime to complement their fitness plan would absolutely love the COSORI.

It would especially lend itself to people who like to try new foods, mix up recipes, and experiment. By contrast, if you meal prep seven days of boiled chicken, rice, and broccoli every Sunday afternoon, you might be better off with a regular scale.

The COSORI is particularly helpful for giving you insight into calories and ingredients which don't have an obvious calorie makeup, like a spoonful of peanut butter. I distinctly recall one TikToker being mortified at just how many calories were to be found in a fairly meager serving of peanut butter, for instance. If you take an interest in your diet, calories, and portions, the COSORI could take you from a portion enthusiast to a culinary Rain Man.

While you could in theory use the COSORI alongside something like MyFitnessPal to track your food, you'd lose out on the snappy, automatic tracking and instant results that make the COSORI an attractive package. Therefore, anyone who's already heavily invested in a different food or fitness app might not want to make the switch. The COSORI app even features recipes, including recipes you can use with the best air fryers (some of which, coincidentally, are also made by COSORI).

COSORI Smart Nutrition Scale: Price and availability

$39.99 / £47.42
No AUS availability
Different brand name in the US

The COSORI Smart Kitchen Scale is available now in the UK from Amazon at the cost of £47.42. In the U.S, you can buy one under the brand name Etekcity, also from Amazon, at the cost of $39.99. Both COSORI and Etekcity are subsidiaries of the VeSync brand, and these are the same product. Unfortunately, the product is not currently available in Australia.

COSORI Smart Nutrition Scale: Specifications

COSORI Smart Nutrition Scale: Scorecard

COSORI Smart Nutrition Scale: Should I buy?

Buy if it...

You care deeply about food and nutrition

This scale is the perfect companion for anyone tracking calories or trying to hit a fitness goal.

You want an easy way to track your calories

It doesn't get easier than scanning your food and then weighing it.

You tend to eat lots of different foods and create new recipes

This scale is particularly useful for tracking a varied diet and for people who like to mix it up a bit. View Deal

Don't buy it if...

You just want a scale to weigh food

If you don't care about the app or the tracking insights, this is too expensive as a normal scale.

There's not a lot of variation in your diet

While still useful, the COSORI will be less valuable to people who tend to eat the same foods over and over again.

Also consider

The Renpho Kitchen Scales are an obvious alternative to the COSORI, and a lot cheaper. However, you won't get that epic LCD display the nutritional information, and it's a bit smaller too.

How I tested

I paired the COSORI Smart Kitchen Scale with my iPhone, exploring all of the features of the app. I used the scale to weigh a number of household foods to determine accuracy, as well as the barcode scanner to test the food library function.

Technogym Connected Dumbbells review: Sleek AI fitness for your home… at a price

8:01 pm | January 9, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Health & Fitness | Tags: AI, UK, US | Comments: Off

The Technogym Connected Dumbbells are all about smart tech and compact design. Instead of cluttering your space with loads of weights, these adjustable dumbbells give you a range from 2kg to 24kg in a sleek, compact package—ideal if you’re short on space or just starting your fitness journey.

What makes them really stand out, however, is their AI smarts. Built-in sensors track things like your reps, sets, and weights, which sync up with the Technogym App. The app’s AI Coach then uses this data to suggest exercises and tweak your workouts to help you hit your goals—just like having a PT in your pocket.

I loved the twist-handle design for weight adjustments. It’s quick, smooth, and satisfying to use. The build quality is top-notch, too, giving you confidence they’ll handle even your sweatiest sessions. That said, a max weight of 24kg might not be enough for advanced lifters, and the price tag could scare off anyone keeping an eye on their wallet.

After testing these for weeks, including doing full-body workouts and app-guided routines, I’d say they’re a great choice for those who value convenience and tech-driven motivation. If you’re an experienced lifter or on a tight budget, though, you might want to look elsewhere.

Technogym Connected Dumbbells: Price and availability

Connected Dumbbells cost £1,410 / $1,740 / AUS$2800
Dumbbells+ bundle costs £2,530 / $3120 / AUS$5030, which includes a stand, an exercise mat, a foam roller, and resistance bands
Comes with a two-month free trial of the Technogym Plus membership, which is £8.99/month thereafter
Available now in UK, launching soon in US and Australia

The Technogym Connected Dumbbells can be purchased directly from the brand’s official website or flagship stores in the UK for £1,410. At that price, they’re definitely not cheap, especially when competitors like Kabata are offering a similar setup for just $999 / £810. Or there are less-smart-but-similar options available, like the Bowflex SelectTech 552, which can be found online for around £350. Then, on top of that, you’ll have to fork out an extra £8.99/month for the Technogym Plus app if you want to take advantage of its full feature set. Gulp.

If you’re opting for the more complete Connected Dumbbells+ bundle, which includes a sturdy stand, exercise mat, foam roller, and resistance bands, this pushes the price up to a whopping £2,530. Sure, it’s a more complete package if you’re building out your home gym, but it’s a massive cost for a stand and some fitness accessories which can be bought separately elsewhere for much less. The price does include installation and setup, though, which is a nice touch for those who’d rather not fuss with assembly.

If you’re outside Europe and in the market for a pair of these babies, you’ll need to wait a bit—a US and Australian launch is coming later in 2025.

Price score: 3/5

Technogym Connected Dumbbells: Specifications

Technogym Connected Dumbbells: Design and build

Stylish black and silver finish fits any modern gym space
Knurled metal handles offer solid grip, even when you’re sweating
Twist-handle weight adjustment is smooth and precise

When it comes to design, Technogym’s Connected Dumbbells are a masterclass in how to serve style and substance in one neatly finished package. The black and silver finish feels effortlessly modern, meaning these dumbbells won’t look out of place even if they’re just sitting in the corner of your living room. And let’s be honest—no one wants a home gym setup that makes a space look cluttered. Thankfully, the minimalist look is spot-on here.

But it’s not just about aesthetics. I found the knurled metal handles were a delight to hold throughout most workouts. They’re grippy enough to reassure you they won’t slip, even when your palms are on the sweaty side. You won’t be getting that insecure feeling you can find with some cheaper alternatives.

Adjusting the weight is where the magic really happens. The twist-handle mechanism is smooth and intuitive. It’s ridiculously easy to use, and that satisfying click lets you know the weight’s locked and ready to go. Whether you’re grabbing 4kg for bicep curls or cranking up to 20kg for squats, it’s all very seamless-feeling. The weight range itself, 2kg to 24kg, covers most bases for a variety of exercises, although seasoned lifters might find it limiting if they’re used to heavier loads.

One of the standout features has to be the optional Strength Corner stand. It’s not just there to look pretty—although it does. The stand keeps your workout space organized, stores accessories like a foam roller and resistance bands, and even has a tablet (or in my case, phone) holder so you can follow along with the app without constantly looking down. I found it’s compact enough for smaller spaces—like me in my garden room-cum-gym space—and it means you have everything in one place, saving you from rummaging around mid-session.

As you’d expect from the premium gym equipment brand that is Technogym, the build quality of the Connected Dumbbells is top-tier across the board. Everything feels solid and well-made. The weight plates lock in securely, so there’s no wobbling when you’re mid-rep. The only small snag is docking the dumbbells back into their base—it’s a bit fiddly at first, especially if you’re rushing. But once you’ve nailed the technique, it’s not an issue at all.

In short, the design of these dumbbells is as functional as it is good-looking. They’re durable, user-friendly, and stylish enough to show off.

Design score: 4.5/5

Technogym Connected Dumbbells: Features and performance

AI coaching adapts workouts to your progress
Built-in sensors track reps, sets, and weight use
App motivates with milestones and progress tracking

These dumbbells aren’t just your bog-standard piece of gym equipment—they’re essentially a workout buddy. Each dumbbell is fitted with smart sensors that track every rep, set, and weight you use. This data syncs to the Technogym App and this is where the clever stuff happens. The app’s AI Coach uses all that info to create personalized workout plans, tweaking them as you progress. It’s like having a PT in your pocket.

The app itself is super easy to navigate. Whether you’re looking to do strength training, active recovery, or something in between, there’s a workout for it. One of my favorite features is the little celebratory ping when you hit a new PB. It’s a small touch, but it genuinely makes you feel like a champ. That said, the app isn’t perfect. It doesn’t track bodyweight exercises like push-ups or planks, which feels like a bit of a letdown if you like mixing things up.

In terms of how they handle workouts, these dumbbells are a dream. Like I said earlier, adjusting the weight on them is quick and fuss-free thanks to the twist-handle mechanism. It’s smooth, precise, and feels really robust. Even at heavier weights, the dumbbells feel perfectly balanced, which makes a huge difference during more intense sessions when you’re rushing around.

Connectivity deserves a mention too. The sensors sip battery, so you’re not constantly worried about them dying on you. During my time with the dumbbells, I also experienced no glitches or lag between the app and the weights; it all worked pretty seamlessly, which is reassuring. Although for nearly £1,500, so they should. The only downside, I’d say, is the 24kg max weight. This could be a sticking point for anyone looking to go heavy. A 32kg max weight would have solved this issue, IMO.

Nevertheless, for anyone just starting out or at an intermediate level, these dumbbells are a great option. They’re smart, efficient, and genuinely make your workouts more engaging. Advanced lifters might find themselves craving more weight, but for most people, they’ll hit the sweet spot.

Performance score: 4 / 5

Technogym Connected Dumbbells: Verdict

The Technogym Connected Dumbbells hit the mark for anyone wanting stylish, space-saving, and tech-packed gym gear. They’re easy to use, look great and the AI-driven app makes training feel a lot less like guesswork. Beginners and casual users will love the convenience and motivation these dumbbells bring to the table.

That said, they’re not for everyone. The limited weight range means serious lifters will likely need something heftier, and the steep price might put off anyone on a budget. Plus, the app’s inability to track bodyweight exercises is a bit of a head-scratcher. Although, this could always be addressed with a simple update at a later time.

So, if you’ve got the cash and crave the tech-savvy features, these dumbbells could be a game-changer. For the right user—especially those tight on space—they’re a smart, functional, and a downright stylish addition to a home gym.

Technogym Connected Dumbbells: Scorecard

Technogym Connected Dumbbells: Should I buy?

Buy them if…

You want a tidy home gym. These dumbbells replace 12 sets of weights, making them perfect for small spaces.View Deal

You need tailored workouts. The AI-powered app adapts to your goals and tracks progress effortlessly.View Deal

You’re after sleek, premium gym gear, They look great and work even better—a real statement piece for any home.View Deal

Don’t buy them if…

You’re into heavy lifting. The 24kg max weight won’t cut it for advanced strength training.View Deal

You’re saving the pennies. They’re pricey, especially compared to other adjustable dumbbells.View Deal

You like tracking bodyweight exercises. The app doesn’t log non-dumbbell moves like push-ups or planks, for some reason.View Deal

Also consider

SelectTech 552
A more budget-friendly alternative with a similar 2kg-24kg range. The dial system is smooth and easy to use, but you miss out on the smart features.

Read our full SelectTech 552 review View Deal

Kabata Smart Dumbbells
Like Technogym’s offering, these smart dumbbells use AI to automatically adjust to your fitness and strength levels, ensuring you’re lifting the right amount of resistance. And for a much lower cost. However, with a 27kg maximum weight per dumbbell, they are just as limited when compared to other options on the market. View Deal

JaxJox DumbbellConnect (£599)
These smart dumbbells offer app-based tracking like Technogym but they max out at an even lower 22kg. Good for casual users, but limited for heavier training.

Read our full JaxJox DumbbellConnect reviewView Deal

How I tested

I tested the Technogym Connected Dumbbells over a few weeks, throwing them into my regular workout routines. This meant squats, lunges, and chest presses to push the weight range to its limits. I paired them with the Technogym app to see how well the tracking and AI coaching worked, manually comparing the app’s data with my own counts. I also used the optional Strength Corner stand to keep things organized and explored its extra features. Durability and ease of use were put to the test during high-intensity sessions.

First reviewed: January 2025

Reebok Nano X5 review: A formidable training shoe with almost no weaknesses

1:50 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Health & Fitness | Comments: Off

Reebok Nano X5: Two-Minute Review

Reebok's famed Nano gym shoe is back for 2025, and the company has promised big things for the "Official Shoe of Fitness" this year.

Sporting shades of the legacy design of previous Nanos, the X5 delivers a new DUALRESPONSE Midsole and a Decoupled Metasplit Outsole, designed to give this year's edition greater flexibility and runnability over previous years.

At its heart, though, the X5 is still the brilliant stable lifting platform of its forebears, and after a whole month of using it in the gym, I can heartily recommend it as one of the best gym shoes of 2025.

Out of the box, the X5 silhouette really impresses. The colorway reviewed here is the White/Black/Energy Red version, and I have to say it's a real head-turner. I absolutely love the style and form, as well as the shape. The Energy Red and turquoise blend on the sole is vibrant and striking, and all the small details on the shoe are really impressive.

There's plastic to complement the Flexweave upper, but this feels like a really premium shoe built to last. As a more sturdy lifting shoe, it definitely feels more robust than my current everyday shoe, the Nike Free Metcon 5.

In terms of fit and comfort, the X5 again really impresses. It definitely doesn't boast the glove/sock-like hug of Nike's Metcon, but it's still extremely comfortable to wear. I've suffered from absolutely no foot fatigue or blisters while wearing them, and they're very comfortable and sturdy underfoot.

There's a huge amount of space in the toe box, so even wearers with wider feet will find them comfortable and roomy. This also lends them to running and more explosive exercises, although for reasons I'll come to, this isn't their primary purpose.

My one reservation about the fit comes from a slightly loose-fitting collar around the ankle. The X5 comes with an extra eyelet alongside the tongue that isn't laced up out of the box. In this configuration, I felt there was a bit too much play around my ankle. You'll definitely want to lace up through the eyelet, which gives the shoe a much more snug fit.

When it comes to workout performance, I was blown away by the overall stability and sturdiness of the Nano X5. Reebok has really nailed the base with the new midsole, which offers brilliant poise underfoot for strength training. During squats, deadlifts, shoulder presses, and all manner of dumbbell and cable work the X5 offers excellent support with no overcompression or wobble. Despite this, there's enough forgiveness in the sole to give you some responsiveness underfoot during workouts. It's really a perfect blend.

The heel-to-toe-drop is listed as 7mm, which is more pronounced than Nike's Free Metcon 5 and around the same as the newer 6. It feels about right, and I didn't ever get the sense that the shoe was trying to rock me forward onto my forefoot. This is crucial for stability during lifts. That same stability also really lends these shoes to stretching and mobility work, I was again really impressed by how sturdy these shoes were, and these are definitely my new go-to for pliability.

The Nano X5's sturdiness and stability carry over well into some more explosive moves but are also a limiting factor when it comes to agility and movement. While I can see this being a decent CrossFit shoe, it feels too hefty underfoot to lend itself to plyometrics and running. These will do just fine if you want to do a quick five-minute jog on the treadmill to start a workout, but it's not a running shoe and doesn't perform as well as the Free Metcons over any kind of distance.

While the Nano X5 isn't the beefy weightlifting platform of say, the Adidas Dropset range, it's definitely on the firmer side, which is why it excels for strength training. The Nano X5 would work well for movements like box jumps or pushing a sled up and down your local gym, but I'd have more reservations about any agility work.

Any weak spots I've mentioned here are definitely nitpicks, however. The Reebok Nano X5 is an almost perfect training shoe, as long as you know what you're getting into. There are more forgiving shoes out there, and this definitely isn't a shoe for hybrid training, quick changes of direction, or agility.

Reebok Nano X5: Price and availability

$150/£125/ (AUS pricing and availability tbc)
Unisex and women's options
Six colors of each

Launching January 24, 2025, the Reebok Nano X5 is available at Reebok.com at the price of $150 in the U.S. and select other retailers. UK customers can expect to pay £125, while Australia pricing and availability is yet to be confirmed by Reebok.

The Nano X5 comes in a unisex and women's option, with a slightly different set of six colors for each. The model reviewed here is the White/Black/Energy Red colorway.

I've found the X5 to fit true-to-size, with plenty of room in the toe box, so I wouldn't worry about sizing up or down.

Reebok Nano X5: Specifications

Reebok Nano X5: Scorecard

Reebok Nano X5: Should I buy?

Buy if it...

You want a brilliant strength shoe

The Reebok Nano X5 is the best strength training shoe I've ever used.

You want excellent stability

The Reebok Nano X5 is sturdy and stable underfoot, perfect for lifting weights.

You want to stand out in style

The Reebok Nano X5 boasts a striking design, especially in its more vibrant colorways.

Don't buy it if...

You want an all-round gym shoe

The Reebok Nano X5 excels for strength and conditioning, at the expense of a more forgiving fit suitable for running and agility.

You want a shoe for cardio, running, and not strength

The Reebok Nano X5 is primarily a strength and weight training shoe, with some pliability for a quick warm-up thrown in.

You're on a budget

At $150 these aren't cheap, and you'll find more generous pricing on Nike's Free Metcon range or an older Nano X4.

Also consider

Inov-8 F Lite G300

Another outstanding all-rounder shoe that excels in weightlifting.

Read our full review

Nike Free Metcon 5

A more forgiving all-rounder that will provide more comfort and pliability, but less weightlifting performance.

Read our full review

How I tested

I used the Reebok Nano X5 as my primary gym for a whole month between December 2024 and January 2025. I conducted over 20 workouts, mainly strength-based, but also stretching and pliability work, interval training, and some running.

First reviewed: January 2025

Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 review: The ideal runner’s headphones

12:50 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Fitness Headphones Gadgets Health & Fitness | Comments: Off

Shokz OpenRun Pro 2: Two-minute review

The Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 are particularly excellent for runners, especially long-distance and trail runners. While it won’t quite last the full length of time needed for an Ultra marathon (what can?), they are among the best running headphones out there.

Like the best open earbuds, they allow you to hear your surroundings in a way that even the best wireless earbuds with good ambient / transparency modes can’t. They also are extremely lightweight, stable, and have a nice long battery life. Shokz has also added in air conduction tech to improve the sound quality, as bone conduction headphones typically lag in this area compared to more traditional options.

It’s no surprise, considering how bone conduction headphones work. At louder volumes, these types of headphones tend to create a vibrating sensation that can be unpleasant, even nauseating depending on one’s sensitivity. The Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 doesn’t create this sensation for the most part, with one exception that I’ll mention later.

Before we get to that, we should take a look at the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2’s design. They fit the general mold of bone conduction headphones; there’s the portion containing the drivers that sit in front of the ear connected to the electronics via an over-the-ear loop. Both sides are connected by a wrap-around headband, while the whole thing is covered in silicon to provide some waterproofing. In this case, it’s IP55, surprisingly worse than the lower-tier Shokz OpenRun with their IP67 rating.

Where these headphones differ a little from the competition is the fact that, besides providing four colorways (black, silver, orange, and a Kipchoge-signature white and orange silver-and-orange), you can choose between ‘standard’ and ‘mini’ size headbands, whereas most bone conduction headphones come with a one-size-fits-all one.

This is a nice inclusion. In fact, I might have benefited from the smaller headband, as I could feel the headband move a little if I shook my head. Still, the fit was stable and neither the drivers or section that goes over or behind the ears moved at all. On top of that, it’s very lightweight at just around 30 grams, so you’ll barely feel them – unlike many in-ear buds that start to hurt after being stuck in the ear canals for a while.

As far as controls go, I was a bit confused at first since two of them, used for power, pairing, and volume controls, sit under the right side behind the ear, while a third button sits on the driver section on the left side used for changing songs. It’s not a big deal (other than highlighting my mistake of not reading the manual right away), but I’m used to having all the controls on one side. Thankfully, they’re fairly responsive to the touch.

There’s one USB-C port on the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2, which might be why the IP rating is a little lower than expected here, even if it does have a silicon covering. On the brightside, using this port allows for faster charging compared to the old magnetic one, as five minutes plugged in will produce two and a half hours of battery life. Of course, it will take a full hour to charge up to 100% or twelve hours of use.

It’s also worth mentioning that the only form of connectivity here is its speedy Bluetooth 5.3. There’s no onboard storage or MP3 player: if that’s a consideration for you, you’ll want to check out our best waterproof headphones guide, many of which come with MP3 storage.

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The feature set on the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 are a bit limited compared to wireless earbuds. Since these headphones are an open-ear design, there’s no active (or passive) noise cancellation. Any kind of fine-tuning involves mainly playing around with the equalization (EQ), which is available in the app, though you can press and hold the volume up and down buttons simultaneously during play to cycle through the various EQ options.

As far as the different EQ options go, there are six modes already on hand, along with a five-band EQ for a more personalized touch, which you can save as a new EQ mode. Of the ones already available, there’s a standard, vocal, bass boost, treble boost, classic, and volume boost.

The classic mode turns off the air conduction for a purer bone conduction experience, which also reintroduces that vibrating sensation when the volume is too high, something that I (and many) find uncomfortable. Luckily, it’s the only setting where I really experienced that phenomenon.

Multipoint connectivity is also available, though you have to turn it on in the app. While not a dealbreaker, be aware of the fact that there’s no on-ear detection, so music will continue to play when you take the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 off.

The improvements in the newest generation of bone conduction headphones have been really heartening, namely that the audio quality is better than before and that I don’t experience those disconcerting vibrations at higher volumes (see my review of the H2O Audio Tri 2 Pro Multi-Sport for a similarly improved audio experience).

The audio quality has improved for two reasons. The first is the fact that the OpenRun Pro 2 uses the company’s 10th generation bone conduction technology. The second, and arguably more important, is that these headphones also use air conduction. In essence, these are hybrid headphones as opposed to just bone conduction headphones.

After having listened to all sorts of genres from Indie and Metal to Hip Hop and Folk, I can say that they’re allare enjoyable to listen to. The high-end is fairly present with plenty of clarity, though everything does feel just a tiny bit muted as if the headphones’ natural frequency range rolls off a bit with higher frequencies. The mids are full, almost a little too much, so that any audio I listen to has plenty of body. The bass is a bit pulled back, so bottom-heavy music won’t hit as hard.

Because the highs and lows are not as prominent as the mids, there is a very slight boxy quality to music. They sound very good for the form factor, but aren’t going to replace anyone’s earbuds as go-to listening devices outside of a run or the gym.

Since these are open earbuds, there is some leakage. However, it’s not all that noticeable unless you’re using them in a quiet setting. If you use them on the trail, other presumably headphone-less runners might catch a little bit of what you’re listening to, but only if they’re very close to you.

Lastly, the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 can used to take and make calls. The call quality is pretty good with plenty of clarity, though the speaker’s voice will sound a little far away compared to speaking on a phone regularly.

Shokz OpenRun Pro 2: Specifications

Shokz OpenRun Pro 2: Price and availability

How much does it cost? $179.95 / £169.00 / AU$319.00
When is it available? Available now
Where can you get it? Available in the US, UK, and Australia

You can spend quite a bit less than the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2’s asking price of $179.95 / £169.00 / AU$319.00 for a pair of bone conduction headphones. Shokz’ own more entry-priced OpenRun go for $129.95 / £129.95 / AU$219.00, for instance. And, of course, there are plenty of much cheaper, lesser-known options littering Amazon.

And there aren’t many options out there that go for more, either. Some of the ones that do are a bit more specialized, such as the watersports-friendly H2O Audio Tri 2 Pro Multi-Sport, which go for $199.99 / £155.68 (about AU$310) and include 8GB of storage, an MP3 player, and a special feature to record playlists onto it, so you don’t need your phone.

Still, the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 are worth the price in my mind for the simple reason that they mix in air conduction tech with bone conduction for a better audio experience as well as to minimize the vibrating sensation that typically accompanies the use of bone conduction headphones.

As a value proposition, the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 may not be an outstanding deal, but they’re worth the price.

Value score: 4 / 5

Shokz OpenRun Pro 2: Scorecard

Should I buy the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2?

Buy it if...

You care about audio quality

Getting good sound out of a bone conduction headset is not easy, yet Shokz has managed to do just that thanks to the inclusion of air conduction.View Deal

You’re a runner

The fit is stable and lightweight and the battery life is more than enough for anyone except Ultra marathon runners. It also has an IP55 rating to handle the elements.View Deal

Don't buy it if...

You want to take it in the water

Not all bone conduction headphones are good for swimming, such as this one. Shokz does have swimming-specific models to check out if you want something that’s more fully waterproof.View Deal

You’re limited on funds

These headphones are on the pricy side for bone conduction headphones. If you’re on a budget, you’re better off considering the slightly inferior non-Pro version.View Deal

Also consider

Shokz OpenRun

The Shokz OpenRun are fantastic for running, and are only slightly behind the OpenRun Pro 2 due to the fact that they employ a slightly older generation driver and don’t include air conduction so you’re still getting some vibration at higher volumes. Still, they sound good, are lightweight, and cost quite a bit less than their more expensive big brother.

Read our full Shokz OpenRun reviewView Deal

H2O Audio Tri 2 Pro Multi-Sport

The H2O Audio Tri 2 Pro Multi-Sport is not cheap, but it’s worth it, especially for anyone also looking for headphones to use during swimming. After all, these are tailored to triathletes. They have a strong battery life, complete waterproofing, and onboard storage as well as a special Playlist+ feature that untethers you from your phone during a run or swim.

Read our full H2O Audio Tri 2 Pro Multi-Sport reviewView Deal

How I tested

Tested over a couple weeks
Listened to different kinds of media
Tested all the different features

I spent a couple weeks using the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 as my workout headphones. While using them, I listened to all sorts of genres from electronic and hip-hop to rock and acoustic music to get an idea of how they sound. I also tested the various features, most notably the EQ settings.

After testing, it’s clear that these are, per their namesake, flagship headphones for runners. They’re ideal because of the open-ear design from the bone and air conduction, they’re very lightweight, and have good battery life. Plus, they sound pretty good. Check out our guide to how bone conduction headphones work for more details on how headphones like these operate.

I’ve spent the last few years reviewing audio equipment and have spent even longer using my critical ear as a listener and musician to understand what does and doesn’t sound good.

First reviewed December 2024

Coros Pace Pro watch review: Bright display and bursting battery performer

10:00 am | January 7, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Health & Fitness Smartwatches | Tags: AMOLED | Comments: Off

Coros Pace Pro: One minute review

The Coros Pace Pro is a higher-priced model for the brand as the company sets its sights on the Garmin, Suunto, and Polar competition. As such you have a watch that's crammed with all the best features you'd expect from a premium all-sports smartwatch.

So why pay for this over a similarly priced Garmin Forerunner 265? Well, the AMOLED screen on this is the same one found in the Apple Watch with a whopping 1500-nits of brightness, making it a stunner you can read in all light conditions. It does this while remaining battery efficient too for a top class 38 hours with all sensors up and running, or a good 20 days of standby time – with a zippy two-hour recharge time.

It is a lot lighter than a lot of the competition too, as light as 37g with the right strap, yet is still made from robust casing materials and features a useful rotating crown button. The display covering does let it down though, as it's made from mineral glass rather than the hardier Gorilla Glass you'll find from the competition.

GPS and HR accuracy aren't perfect but will be more than good enough to serve most needs, and it's the best on a Coros device yet. If you want even more accuracy you'll need to pay more for the top-end kit or factor in buying a chest or arm strap HR monitor too.

Coros Pace Pro: Specs

Coros Pace Pro showing heart rate — Coros Pace Pro (Image credit: Future)

Coros Pace Pro: Price and Availability

Coros Pace Pro crown button — Coros Pace Pro (Image credit: Future)

$349 / £349 / AU$599
Cheaper than some premium smartwatches
Relatively affordable despite AMOLED

The Coros Pace Pro steps out from the usual business model for this company - of undercutting the competition - instead standing more alongside. As such it is more expensive than many models that have gone before.

The Coros Pace Pro is available to buy now starting at $349 / £349 / AU$599.

For all the specs this offers - including AMOLED display, multi-band GPS, mapping and navigation, and music onboard - this is a really well-priced option. The mineral glass screen is not as impressive as the competition and means it will be more prone to damage.

The watch comes in Black, Grey, or Blue options. There are silicone or nylon band options, which vary the weight from 49g for silicon to just 37g for nylon. The silicon comes as standard but these bands are in the optional extras section, charged at $29 on top of the standard price if you want a second type.

All decent, but when you consider you can buy a Garmin Forerunner 265 for the same price, which is a far more established and reliable brand, this price doesn't seem quite so impressive.

Value score: 4/5

Coros Pace Pro: Design

Coros Pace Pro display maps — Coros Pace Pro (Image credit: Future)

Useful rotating crown
Bright AMOLED display
Super lightweight

Right from the outset the Coros Pace Pro feels so light compared to the competition, which is great news for runners and longer-distance triathletes. I did think it felt a bit less premium as a result, but once I got used to it I realized it's built to a very high-quality finish just with lightness in mind rather than flashy materials.

The watch features a stunning 1.3-inch AMOLED, with a whopping 1500-nits brightness. This is actually the same screen technology used in the recent Apple Watch models – meaning a very bright and color-rich display no matter the conditions. Even reading it underwater feels better than any of the competition.

Unfortunately, the use of mineral glass, instead of the sapphire crystal that Garmin uses, can mean more damage is likely from this less resilient material. Not that I got any damage while testing this, even with heavy gym use.

The watch is a touchscreen, which works fantastically well in a super responsive way, but there is also a rotating crown option. This doubles as one of the two buttons on the watch. Press and hold to unlock then push again to access the various sports which you can scroll through using the rotation. This is so effortless and effective that I found myself using that instead of the touchscreen mostly – keeping the screen lovely and smudge-free.

The second button can be touched to cycle through on-screen metrics, like steps, heart rate, sunset and sunrise, and more. Or press and hold that to access the system settings, alarms, maps, music, and more.

Coros Pace Pro strap in grey — Coros Pace Pro (Image credit: Future)

The menus in general deserve a mention as part of the design section as they're clearly well thought out with a minimalism that makes use intuitive and – crucially – fast. You can go from locked to run tracking in as little as four button touches. That crown comes into use again when training as a quick roll can often be easier than using the touchscreen, thanks to that very tactile analog feel.

Round the back, you've got a new optical heart rate sensor with green lights, which also come with the more advanced red light for the detection of SpO2 data and even ECG recordings. Despite the case size moving up to 46mm from the Pace 3's 42mm, this is still compact enough to be worn comfortably on most wrists.

The charger is similar to Garmin's, but is bespoke. It uses a cable that plugs into USB-C so can work with many outlets and charger blocks too. All that and it charges back to full in just two hours.

Design score: 4/5

Coros Pace Pro: Features

Lots of sensors
Always-on display
Offline TOPO maps

Coros Pace Pro training load — Coros Pace Pro (Image credit: Future)

The Coros Pace Pro is packed full of smart sensors meaning you can enjoy a broad range of tracking. That includes – deep breath – Optical Heart Rate Sensor, Barometric Altimeter, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Electronic Compass, Pulse Oximeter (SpO2) and ECG.

That all means this will offer tracking while exercising, sleeping, walking, and on-demand for things like SpO2 measurement. But it also means everything can be combined to offer smarter overall measurements and more effective feedback on things like training readiness or recovery needs.

That super bright display is also worth mentioning here as it's very clear even in direct sunlight, but won't cost you too much battery – with a decent 38 hours with all systems tracking. There is the option to go for always-on, or intermittent, with the former costing you about 6 days on that 20-day standby battery life. In always-on, you'll see the clock dimmed and it will brighten when you lift to look, as opposed to only doing that to turn on with the intermittent option. I found it super responsive either way.

Coros Pace Pro heart rate display — Coros Pace Pro (Image credit: Future)

The inclusion of offline TOPO maps elevates this model forward over its predecessor. It means you can have maps and routes, although it doesn't offer auto re-routing when on the move, unfortunately. Much like the maps, which can be a faff to get routes loaded onto the watch, music is also a drag-and-drop affair as there's no offline Spotify support – although the 32GB storage is plenty.

Run-specific features are fantastic, with this clearly aimed at the racers or those who want to get to that level. You have a workout builder to plan training with dedicated plans, training status so you know if it's time to rest or get out there, a virtual pacer, and a race predictor. All really useful features that can be viewed both in the app and on the watch itself.

The watch does offer notifications for text and WhatsApp messages which come through right away and with that big screen, messages are clear and easy to read. Unfortunately, there isn't yet support for emojis, which might have been a nice touch given the AMOLED display.

Features score: 3.5/5

Coros Pace Pro: Performance

Coros Pace Pro tracking — Coros Pace Pro (Image credit: Future)

Decent battery life
Fantastic display
Good GPS but average HR

To start on a really positive point, the display is stunning not only to view but also to control. Thanks to a new processor in this model that doubles the speed, the sensitivity and responsiveness are super-premium meaning accessing all the menus is a pleasure. The large and clear display is good for going through your data, including graphs, without the need to reach for the phone and app as it's so fast, responsive, and clear. That applies to mid-training too where even movements don't seem to put off that tactile responsiveness.

Tracking is good but not amazing when you consider how many GPS systems are at play here. GPS acquisition is fast and a helpful bar system shows you signal strength too. While tracking is very accurate over longer distances (5K+), you may find that shorter than that and with hills in the mix can leave you a little less clear. And cycling performance was a little off too, even over longer distances. We're talking meters here, nothing huge, but still not quite as accurate as the smarter algorithms that the competition uses to work out your movements. To be clear, it performs well compared to most watches – and is the best Coros yet – just not quite as well as the latest top-end premium offerings from more established brands.

Heart rate tracking is the other area that wasn't perfect. While some longer runs and gym sessions were well-recorded – compared to a leading brand chest strap there were some inaccuracies. For higher heart rate bursts or longer rides, the accuracy wasn't as good as it perhaps could have been. That said, I've found similar issues with higher-priced competitors so it's not a deal breaker – I'm just being super clear. Coros does offer an armband heart rate monitor which may help improve this output if high-intensity work is what you need to track very accurately – or you're working in zone training.

Coros Pace Pro app — Coros Pace Pro (Image credit: Future)

Battery life is excellent with the 20-day standby time easily being reached or surpassed in my testing. Even training, with all sensors on and music playing over a Bluetooth headset, was still as good as predicted at 38 hours, if not better. I did use the watch with the display off when not in use though, so if you want the always-on display option expect the standby figure to drop by a few days. The USB charger and two-hour charge time combination do make battery something you won't really need to worry about often – which is the goal right?

Get into the app and you're met with clear, bright, and helpful displays that give you data in various forms without getting too complex as some of the competition does. I found it refreshing to have everything I needed there, with breakdowns available front and center, but without feeling like I had to dig around menus or be overwhelmed with too much information in my face. A difficult combination to achieve which Coros seems to have managed in record time.

I did have a few connectivity issues where the WiFi wouldn't work on the watch until I tried to sync a few times. Usefully you can also sync over Bluetooth, which takes longer but gets the job done. Hopefully, the WiFi issue will be fixed with updates although I've had two while testing this and it's still not working perfectly.

The silicon strap is super comfortable, very accurate to fit many wrist sizes, and it doesn't move about at all. That secure fit does mean it's a bit fiddly to get back on each time, so if you remove your watch regularly this might be worth keeping in mind if you're considering buying a different strap.

Performance score: 3.5/5

Coros Pace Pro: Scorecard

Coros Pace Pro: Should I buy?

Buy it if...

You want a superb display

That 1500-nits of brightness on the rich AMOLED display is stunning and the responsiveness of the touchscreen is second-to-none.

You want better battery life

The battery life is long enough that you don't need to charge often, and can use it regularly.

You want comfort

This is super lightweight and a perfect fit with that strap making it ideal for longer distance training and sleep tracking comfort.

Don't buy it if...

You want durability

The mineral glass display cover isn't the strongest so you'll have to be careful not to damage it.

You want music streaming

Yes, this has onboard music but not streaming support for the likes of Spotify making loading up a bit more effort.

You want adaptive navigation

You have maps here, and navigation, but it won't adapt on the fly so it's not ideal for all uses.

Also consider

Apple Watch Ultra 2

A fully fledged high-performance premium smartwatch.

Read our full Apple Watch Ultra 2 review

Garmin Instinct Crossover

A dedicated sports watch tool, like a smart Casio G-Shock.

Read our full Garmin Instinct Crossover review

Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Active review: Too many corners cut

7:15 pm | January 6, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Computers Fitness Trackers Gadgets Health & Fitness | Tags: GPS | Comments: Off

Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Active: One-minute review

Writing this Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Active review, I wasn’t exactly expecting it to hit our list of the best fitness trackers on the market — it’s startlingly cheap, designed for people who just need the fundamentals of health tracking. However I wasn’t expecting it to miss the mark so much.

Released as an even-more-affordable alternative to the already-affordable Xiaomi Smart Band 9, the Active model cuts the cost, as well as some corners, from that predecessor. However, it cuts so many corners that, like a really bad lapidarist, it leaves nothing left to appreciate.

Testing a cheap fitness tracker like this, you have to expect some compromises, but the Band 9 Active takes it too far. Many different health tracking metrics were easily proven wrong, with GPS reading poorly compared to data from our smartphone and heart rate information being laughably inaccurate. Calorie burn predictions were also dubious, unless I truly did only burn double-figure calories in an hour-long weights session.

One surprise exception was sleep tracking, which to me seemed vaguely reliable — at least, compared to distance or heart rate. If you just want a cheap and feature-sparse sleep tracker, this could be a valuable option.

Still, the Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Active really struggles to prove itself as a useful health tracker given how ropey the testing results were. It fares a little better with its ‘smartwatch’ lifestyle functions as it was quick to send through notifications and let you control music.

It’s par for the course for fitness trackers to opt for offering a range of features, with the Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Active trying to track loads of metrics and health considerations. However, it seems that Xiaomi’s focus on breadth over depth has resulted in a wearable that’s hard to recommend. If you want a fitness tracker that has all the good bits of the Band 9 Active and few of the issues, opt for the standard model or the bigger and pricier Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Pro.

The Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Active being worn in a park. — (Image credit: Future)

Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Active: Specifications

Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Active: Price and availability

The Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Active alongside the standard and Pro versions. — (Image credit: Future)

Costs $44.99 / £19.99 / AU$42.99
Cheaper alternative to Band 9
Released in October 2024

The Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Active was unveiled in China in October 2024, alongside the Band 9 Pro, and was slowly rolled out globally over the subsequent months. It’s now available to buy in most countries globally including the US, UK and Australia.

You can buy the Band 9 Active for $44.99 / £19.99 / AU$42.99, so it’s an incredibly cheap fitness tracker — though you don’t need to know currency conversions to know that some folks get it cheaper than others. I found some significant price fluctuations on Amazon, with Australian shoppers on the retailer getting a variation of a few dollars depending on the color option, and UK buyers being shown prices literally twice as high as on Xiaomi’s own website! So shop around to find the best price.

That’s a roughly $15 / £15 / AU$20 drop in price compared to the Xiaomi Band 9, a healthy discount that means that the budget band will likely undercut the original one even when the middle child is on sale. The cost also roughly matches the Xiaomi Band 8 Active from last year.

There aren’t many cheap fitness trackers at this price bracket that bear mentioning, so the Active’s competitors are all (relatively) pricey alternatives like the other Smart Band 9 models and options from Samsung and Fitbit if you can find them reduced. More on competition later.

Value score: 4.5/5

Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Active: Design

Display doesn't look great
Rectangular body plus strap
Fairly well protected against bumps and water

The Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Active has a pretty utilitarian design. Its body measures 4.6 x 2.7 x 1cm and weighs 16.5g, so it’s pretty small, and it totes a 1.47-inch display with a 172 x 320 resolution.

The band is made of TPU, which feels like a rubbery plastic, and can be adjusted for a wide range of wrist sizes. You can pick up the Active in black, beige or light pink, and your choice is reflected in the band’s body and strap.

With a 5ATM water resistance, the watch can withstand submersion in water at up to 50 meters — however, there are no swim tracking modes on the band, making this a feature you won’t need to test.

I bumped and bashed the Band 9 Active a fair few times during testing and it didn’t show a mark — it’s a good pick for clumsy wearers. It’s also small enough that you can wear it to bed without it being too noticeable and annoying.

The display, frankly, doesn’t look great, but that’s what you’re getting for your low entry fee. You can put your own photos as your watchface too which is a nice touch, even if faces end up looking a little like old-school RuneScape characters.

Design score: 3/5

Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Active: Performance

Many metrics seem inaccurate
Poor at pulling data from smartphone for GPS
50 sports tracking modes in all

The Xiaomi Smart Band 9 offers about 50 different fitness tracking modes, roughly a third as many as its two siblings though all the basics are covered (and then a few). Before you remark about how many that is, bear in mind that not all fitness tracking modes are equal.

Basically all of the fitness modes track time and heart rate, and some throw GPS in on top — the reason you’d pick between different tracking modes is so it’ll show up as a different entry in your fitness log, and because you can set different workout goals for different activities.

For testing purposes I used outdoor running, outdoor cycling and strength, but the fill list includes everything from badminton and baseball to billiards and ‘back’ (back workouts, that is).

Unfortunately, they’re not great: most of the Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Active’s fitness tracking features don’t work as they’re supposed to.

Here’s an example: one testing day I ran to my gym, which is usually 1.6km but the ‘outdoor running’ mode only recorded it as 1.4km. Then at the gym, I turned on ‘strength’ mode for my workout, and it told me I was at a low heart rate — despite the fact I hadn’t caught my breath after the run, and could feel my heart rate to be elevated.

The GPS issue is the most pronounced; multiple times during testing the watch wouldn’t report the full distance of a run or cycle (or, on one occasion, any distance at all, instead of the 4km I had cycled). From my testing, I seemed to lose on average 20% of the distance I actually traveled. It seems to be an issue with how the watch connects to your phone, as the Active only has Connected GPS (which utilizes your phone’s GPS, instead of having it built-in). I would have considered it being an issue with my phone, had I not tested the Band 9 Pro immediately before the Active.

The heart rate issue is also a shame — it’s one of the most important metrics that people use fitness trackers for, so the fact that it’s so obviously inaccurate is a real shame.

Now for a surprise: sleep tracking worked pretty well, surprisingly so given the rest of the performance. It was acccurate in terms of timing, even if I lay in bed reading before sleeping or remained prone for a while after waking up. It also offered basic-but-useful breakdowns of types of sleep (REM, deep, etc) as well as wake-up times and your resting heart rate (for however accurate that is…). If all you want out of a fitness tracker for is sleep tracking, this budget option might be alright.

Performance score: 2/5

Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Active: Features

Mi Fitness app used on phone
Music playback, notification handling and more
14-day battery life

Beyond the iffy fitness tracking options, the Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Active more or less ticks all the feature boxes you’d expect for a cheap fitness tracker.

Through Bluetooth with your phone it can tell you the weather, control your music (well, skip, back a track and play/pause) and ping you with notifications. I recommend customizing which notifications get sent to your tracker, lest you want to be pinged every few minutes with the latest weather report.

The Band 9 Active connects to your phone via Bluetooth 5.3 and the connection was faultless during my testing — except, of course, for the weird GPS issue. You connect to the Mi Fitness app, which can bring you a few extra ways to use your band.

The main one (for me) is that it gives you more depth to examine your past workouts, with a rough GPS map and other metrics. You can also see the results of various metrics tracked via the watch like training load, stress, energy and your vitality score.

You can also use the app to customize your watch to a limited degree — like I said you can set a background photo or pick from a wide range of other displays. You can also tweak some settings of the fitness tracking metrics and set a password for the tracker.

Xiaomi cites the battery life for the Band 9 Active at being 18 days, or about two-and-a-half weeks. From my testing, I’d say you can reliably get two weeks of use out of the band before needing to charge it, but that extra four days may be a stretch if you’re not sparing with your use.

Performance score: 3.5/5

Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Active: Scorecard

Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Active: Should I buy?

Buy it if...

You're only in it for sleep tracking
If you only want a sleep tracker, and don't care about other health features, then you'll find the Band 9 Active fit for purpose.

You don't care about health at all
Just want a way to control your music, see notifications and check on the weather from your wrist? Then the Band 9 Active is fine for you and you won't need to spend any more.

You want a simple user interface
The Band 9 Active strips some features from its siblings, but this makes it very simple to use for technophobes or seniors..View Deal

Don't buy it if...

Your budget goes any higher
For only a small price increase, you can buy the Smart Band 9 which is a lot better in every way.

You care about tracking heart rate, calories or location
I've already mentioned in detail how iffy the fitness tracking modes of the Band 9 Active are. Don't use it if you actually care about tracking your health.

Also consider

Xiaomi Smart Band 9

For only a small price increase, you can buy this fitness tracker which fixes all of the Active's problems, plus looks nicer and lasts for longer.

Read our full review

Fitbit Inspire 3

A few years of price cuts means that the Fitbit Inspire 3 is fairly affordable, though it'll still set you back the equivalent of several Band 9 Actives.

Read our full review

First reviewed: January 2025

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