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I tried this armband-style Coros heart rate monitor to free me from the shackles of smartwatches

8:00 am | May 31, 2025

Coros Heart Rate Monitor: One minute review

The Coros Heart Rate Monitor is a strap-based monitor designed for your upper arm that uses optical tracking tech to measure blood volume, rather than electrocardiograph or ECG, which measures the heart's electrical signals. While many of the best heart rate monitors use ECG, optical sensors are found in the best smartwatches. Which begs the question: why does Coros' stand-alone HRM use optical sensors instead of ECG?

The short answer, from Coros, is that optical heart rate monitoring works by using light shone through your skin to see your blood flow. While watches can do a reasonable job on the wrist, there is a lot more blood higher up the arm, making a dedicated strap – which can be affixed tightly yet comfortably to that higher arm position – more accurate.

So, for your money, you are getting a more accurate optical heart rate monitor than a smartwatch, yet with arguably a more comfortable wearing position. Unlike a chest strap, it's a comfortable wear for both men and women of all body types and sizes, and to top it off you get a decent 38 hours of use with its rechargeable battery.

Thanks to Bluetooth connectivity, this can be used with many different devices from smartwatches and phones to bikes and gym machines. There's also a useful wear detection feature which means this can auto-power on and connect. All you need to do is put it on.

There is basic waterproofing, to 3ATM, but this is more to make it sweat and rain-proof – so don't expect this to be usable for swimming. You also won't find connectivity options like ANT+ here, so that may limit some people in terms of which devices this can be used with.

Coros Heart Rate Monitor key specs
Component	Coros Heart Rate Monitor
Dimensions	42.5 x 28.4 x 9.1mm
Weight	19g with strap
Fit	18-32cm standard, 24-43cm large
Case material	Plastic unit, with polyester fibre, nylon and spandex band
Connectivity	Bluetooth
Compatibility	3 simultaneous
Water resistance	3 ATM
Accelerometer	No
Battery	Rechargeable USB-A

Coros Heart Rate Monitor: Price and release date

Available to buy now in the US, UK, and Australia
Priced at $79 / £69 / AU$140 RRP
A similar price point as Garmin's HRM Pro

The Coros Heart Rate Monitor launched on June 27, 2023 and is available across the globe. It launched with a price of $79 in the US, £69 in the UK and $140 in Australia.

The Coros HRM is available in several colours thanks to a selection of band options, which you can pick at purchase. These include Grey, Lime and Orange. There is also an option to get a large version of the Grey if needed – more details on that in the design section.

You can buy the Coros HRM directly from Coros via sites like Amazon.

Price-wise, it's comparable to the Garmin HRM-Pro, so it's in line with the rest of its competitors without being either outstanding value or egregiously expensive.

Value score: 3.5/5

Coros Heart Rate Monitor: Design

Comfortable to wear
Easy to fit
Simple design

The Coros Heart Rate Monitor is all about simplicity and as such this is a doddle to wear. Since this is made to go on your bicep, once you've got the right size adjusted to suit you using the velcro fitting, it's a simple case of sliding it up your arm to pop it on.

The strap materials are a combination of polyester fiber, nylon and spandex, which all equate to a very comfortable feel. But, crucially, this is flexible enough to slip on and off with a stretch, but tight enough to stay in place without it feeling too tight or uncomfortable.

At 19g the total weight is barely noticeable. When you consider people run with large phones in arm strap cases and barely notice them, you can imagine how unobtrusive this feels.

Does this feel more comfy than a chest strap? The answer in my case was a yes, but that may vary from person to person. I certainly like the fact this slips on easily, and thanks to that auto-wear detection sensor it'll connect up quickly and easily too.

This is made to fit biceps of sizes between 18 and 32cm. So unless you're very slim or a bodybuilder, this is likely to fit you comfortably regardless of gender. If you are bigger in the arm area then there is the option to go for a larger variant of the strap at point of purchase, which accommodates 24-43cm biceps.

The sensor setup itself comprises five LEDs with four photodetectors. That combination, representing the best optical heart rate sensors from Coros right now, should mean this is fairly future-proof, unlikely to be eclipsed by more accurate technology for a while. That said, it won't offer SpO2 measurements, so if you're after O2 features then you may want to keep looking elsewhere.

There is an LED light on the side of the main unit which acts as a useful communication light. When on charge this will glow orange until the battery is full after two hours, and it then turns solid green so you know it's good to go.

The charger is USB-A at one end and a proprietary magnetic attachment at the end of the HRM connection. While it's easy to plug into many different power sources, we would have preferred the more efficient, up-to-date USB-C.

The strap is also washable, where the main unit can slide off, making it possible to keep that looking fresh for long periods.

Design score: 4/5

Coros Heart Rate Monitor: Features

App is minimal
Lots of third-party app compatibility
No swim tracking

The Coros Heart Rate Monitor can be paired to many devices and works with the app you want to use. But there is an included Coros app that you can use, ideal if you've already got other Coros devices like the Coros Pace Pro.

The Coros app is fine for analyzing data, but it won't track you while you're out exercising. So you will need to use a third-party app, like Strava. I connected the HRM by opening the Coros app, and once connected, I could just open Strava, slip on the armband, and it would pull in the HR data directly.

I found this helpful for heart rate training or zone tracking. Generally speaking, I used the phone to collect the data and then only looked at it when analyzing my effort after I was back and showered off, so you'll need to take your phone in a chest, waist or arm-mounted running case.

It's also worth noting that if you already have a smartwatch and simply want to add a more accurate heart rate tracker than the built-in optical option, this can connect to your smartwatch too. And yes, this did prove more accurate than wrist-based options during our testing, so this could be a viable alternative to a chest strap.

The app is the only way to know an accurate measure of the HRM's battery life. Sure the light on the side can give you rough guidance, but that's not likely to serve you before a run or ride where you'll want reassurance you have enough juice to go the distance. A push notification would have been helpful when connected too.

It's worth noting that this can broadcast heart rate to up to three devices simultaneously. So you could have your watch and phone connected to your bike computer at the same time, for example. I haven't tested this feature yet, but it's good to have the option should the need arise.

Features: 3/5

Coros Heart Rate Monitor: Performance

Good accuracy
Easy to use
Very comfortable

One of the most important things to mention here is comfort. This is more comfy to wear than a chest strap, while offering almost the same level of accuracy. It's easy to slip on and off, less noticeable to wear and can also be kept hidden to avoid knocks – with the option to slide it under your sleeve.

While a wrist-worn heart rate monitor in a watch can be useful, wearing this on your bicep is so much more accurate. As mentioned it's a better spot, with more blood, for clearer readings. But it's also higher up the arm with far less movement when running and way less bumping when riding a bike. All that combines to offer great levels of accuracy across sports while staying comfy.

Where this falls down compared to a chest strap is battery life. It's decent, hitting close to the claimed 38 hours in real-world use, but still doesn't compare to the one or two year battery power of some chest straps.

Coros HRM data — Coros HRM on the left and chest strap on the right. (Image credit: Future)

In one run (image above), with an early hill climb which I use to beat any chance of averaging explaining accuracy, I did spot some issues. I had a competitor chest strap on in addition to the arm-based Coros HRM connected to my phone. On the hill climb, my heart quickly jumped to 170 and the chest strap kept up. However, the Coros strap lagged behind, reading 155. It did catch up, but was a few seconds behind.

After that, as the distance lengthened and those averages came into play, it got even closer, but I was aware of that initial blip.

So while you can see the early discrepancy, generally both the Coros and chest-mounted HRM show similar readings with near-identical max and average heart rate data. It was certainly noticeably more accurate than a wrist-worn optical heart rate sensor is capable of offering.

Performance score: 4/5

Coros HRM: Scorecard

Category	Comment	Score
Value	In line with competition, making it reasonable.	3.5/5
Design	Very well designed to be comfy, work well, be easy-to-use and accurate.	4.5/5
Features	Great app compatibility but loses points on lack of swim support.	3/5
Performance	Accurate, comfortable and easy to use.	4/5
Total	A superb option for accuracy and comfort with charge support.	4/5

Coros Heart Rate Monitor: Buy it if...

You're need true heart rate training
A dedicated HRM detects changes to your heart rate more accurately than a watch alone, allowing you to zone train with quality.

You want comfort and ease
The Coros HRM is very comfortable and easy to slip on and off with that auto turn-on and -off functionality, making it a pleasure to use.

Coros Heart Rate Monitor: don't buy it if...

You want to see your data
Unless you own a Coros or other smartwatch, then seeing your data isn't easy when phone connected to this HRM.

You want the best battery
While battery life here is good, it's not chest strap level performance so consider that charging will be a part of this use.

Also consider

Also consider
Component	Wahoo Trackr	Garmin HRM Pro	Coros Heart Rate Monitor
Dimensions	615 x 30 x 10 mm	142 x 30 x 12 mm	42.5 x 28.4 x 9.1mm
Weight	39g with strap	59g	19g with strap
Case material	Plastic	plastic	Plastic, polyester fibre, nylon and spandex
Connectivity	Bluetooth and ANT+	ANT+, Bluetooth	Bluetooth
Operation temperatures	-10, -50°C	-10°C - 50°C	Up to 122°F
Water resistance	IPX7	5ATM (50 meters)	3 ATM
Accelerometer	No	Yes	No
Battery	CR3202 rechargeable	210mAh	38 hours

Garmin HRM-Pro (£119 / US$129.99 / AU$159.00)

Designed for multi-sport use, the HRM-Pro is the most advanced heart rate strap Garmin produces, although it’s probably of greater interest to those who already own Garmin products.

Read our full MyZone Garmin HRM-Pro review

MyZone MZ-Switch (£139.50 / $159.95 / AU$209.99.)

The MyZone MZ-Switch isn’t just a chest strap. The center sensor node features an ECG monitor as well as an optical sensor and pops out so it can be worn on the wrist like a smartwatch.

Read our full MyZone MZ-Switch review

How I tested

I used the Coros HRM for a few weeks to test. I did this across running and cycling mainly and mixed in longer steady trips out as well as hills and sprints to get a range of results. I compared using a wrist-worn Garmin, a chest strap and, at one point, an optical armband too. I used this with a few different apps to try out how the data could be used, shared and analyzed.

This cheap Apple Watch dupe is under $100 and actually stuffed with features

4:54 pm | May 13, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Health & Fitness Smartwatches | Tags: Apple Watch, Garmin Forerunner | Comments: Off

Tozo S6: Two minute review

The Tozo 6 is unlikely to make it into our guide to the best smartwatches, but it's certainly good value for money, comparable with some of the best cheap fitness trackers. What you get for the $79.99 / £54 / around AU$111 price tag is pretty impressive, although you’ll be purchasing it knowing its limited feature set. Despite being relatively feature-rich, there are a lot of limitations. We’ll get into those alongside what’s good and commendable about this budget-friendly option below.

The Tozo S6 looks almost identical to the Apple Watch SE, a cheap dupe. I appreciate it can be difficult to make smartwatches stand out from each other, but if you put these two smartwatches next to each other, you’d be amazed at how similar they are. It’s not even just the shape, but also the location of the crown and secondary button, as well as the strap's style.

The Tozo S6 plastic case boasts a smooth curved bezel from back to front, culminating in a sizable 1.82-inch AMOLED display. Tozo has done a superb job of engineering a screen that is both clear and bright, especially for the price. Colors are generally replicated accurately, with a slight tendency towards being too vibrant. Customizable watch faces are an expected, but welcome addition.

On the right-hand side, you’ll find a rotating crown above a secondary button. The crown performs nicely with sufficient resistance and satisfying ‘feedback’ to enable predictable and controlled scrolling. The secondary button protrudes from the case and is easy to locate without looking.

The silicone strap took a while to install due to some rather fiddly pins but once in place, it was pretty comfortable. Once tightened, the rest of the strap folds up underneath so it’s not flapping around. At first, I thought this would be unbearably uncomfortable but in reality, it caused no discomfort at all.

Moving on from the design and onto the features, we find a smartwatch that covers all the expected bases when it comes to smartwatches, health trackers, and fitness trackers.

The Tozo S6 provides the ability to track metrics, including heart rate monitoring and blood oxygen levels. Unfortunately, the watch is slow to generate results, with a heart rate measurement taking upwards of 30 seconds. This is noticeably slow compared to other smartwatches, including the Huawei Watch GT5, which takes between 10 and 15 seconds. Having to wait for metrics is one of the downsides of paying so little for the watch.

Exercise activities can be tracked using one of 10 sports modes, although more can be added by using the app, which is a slightly odd system. Your desired sports mode can be located by swiping up and down through the list, although the scrolling experience is far from smooth and reliable. However, once in, the interface is actually quite nice; stats during runs and cycles, such as time elapsed, calories burned and distance traveled are prominently displayed, enabling them to be easily seen even during intense exercise or adverse weather conditions.

The accuracy of metrics collected during my test cycles is comparable with other smartwatches that I’d worn while cycling the same routes. These include the recently-tested Huawei GT5 and Suunto Race S, which are both at the more premium end of the market. Recorded activities are nicely displayed in the Tozo app.

I liked how these were organized and presented in a calendar format, with each one showing a set of key stats and presented in easy-to-digest graphs. For such a cheap smartwatch, the Tozo app is actually comparable with anything you’d find from Huawei or Samsung.

Smartwatch features include receiving notifications and reminders. These are delivered reliably and instantly, as long as the device is connected through the app. I did find the device dropping connection more often than I would have liked, but thankfully the pairing process is both quick and easy. For the price, I was impressed that Bluetooth calling was available, although you have to add contacts into the Tozo app first. Audio quality could be improved, but what are we really expecting for one of the most budget smartwatches around?

The watch is advertised as lasting around 15 days on a single charge, although I barely managed 10 days during my ‘only check the time and notifications’ testing period. With activity tracking and health monitoring performed each day, the battery life dropped nearer to 5 days.

Tozo S6: Specifications

Price:	$79.99 US / £54 UK
Dimensions:	44.538.510.8 mm
Weight:	39.5g
Case/Bezel:	PC+ABS
Display:	1.85-inch AMOLED 390x450 ppi
GPS:	None
Battery life:	Up to 15-days battery life
Connection:	Bluetooth
Water resistance:	1 ATM

Tozo S6: Price and availability

$79.99 US / £54 UK
One size only

The Tozo S6 is only available in one size and one color (black). It retails at an unbelievably low $79.99 US / £54 UK. Shipping takes between three and seven days. Every purchase includes a 30-day money-back guarantee, a one-year hassle-free warranty, and lifetime customer support.

Tozo S6: Scorecard

Category	Comment	Score
Value	For $79.99 / £54, you'd be hard pressed to get anything better.	4.5/5
Design	An Apple Watch-style design but without the class. The 1.85-inch AMOLED screen is a redeeming quality.	3.5/5
Features	With only relatively basic and limited health and exercise tracking, the Tozo S6 doesn’t score too highly.	3.5/5
Performance	Given the cost, the performance is quite impressive. But compared to more expensive alternatives, it really lacks features and accuracy.	3.5/5
Total	A basic smartwatch with the budget price to match	3.5/5

Tozo S6: Should I buy?

Buy if it...

You want a cheap smartwatch
At $79.99 / £54, there aren’t many cheaper options. It’s incredible that you’ll still benefit from a range of tracking for health and exercise.

You want a crisp and clear display
The 1.85-inch AMOLED Ultra-Clear screen looks fantastic.

You are only a casual tracker of exercise
The limited tracking options are good for generalists but not for tracking specific sports.

Don't buy it if...

You like a premium smartwatch
At $79.99 / £54, almost everything about the Tozo S6 is cheap. It also looks cheap and if that’s not what you want, then I’d steer clear.

You want good fitness tracking
For better tracking of your exercise and fitness, you’d be better off investing in one of the budget Fitbit watches.

Also consider

Amazfit Active 2

A gold standard for cheaper smartwatches.

Read our full Amazfit Active 2 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 Tozo S6 for over a month, during which time I tracked a range of activities, including walking, cycling, and running. I also tested every single health-tracking feature that the smartwatch offers. I paired the watch with my iPhone although there’s also a Tozo Android app.

First reviewed: May 2025

The Brompton G-Line is the most stable electric Brompton bike yet – but it’s no eMTB

4:00 pm | May 11, 2025

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

Brompton Electric G Line: One minute review

Brompton is only one year away from celebrating 50 years of its inception. That is a whole lot of bike development experience, but Brompton’s entry into the electric bike market happened a lot more recently, in 2018. Despite that, they’re already making some of the best electric bikes around and certainly some of the best folding e-bikes on the market.

The Brompton formula has remained largely unchanged despite the release of electric versions of the C Line and P Line, but the all-new G Line is a radical departure. The frame shape and classic 3-point folding mechanism that the company is known for remain the same, but it boasts chunkier tyres and wider handlebars for rougher paths.

Having used it as my main commuter bike for over two months, I’m still torn as to how I feel about it. On the one hand, the engineering and quality to deliver a great riding experience are there, but I just don’t know what to make of the off-road enhancements. While it’ll handle gravel, cobbles, and single tracks better than other Bromptons, is anyone really going to be riding this on proper dirt tracks and difficult terrain?

I suppose only time will be able to answer that question, but from my point of view, it’s definitely the most comfortable and reliable Brompton e-bike I’ve ever used. The wider handlebars make for more predictable handling, while chunkier tyres make light work of potholes and uneven roads. I won’t be taking it off-roading, but I certainly wouldn’t trade it in for a C or P Line.

Brompton Electric G Line: Price and availability

Brompton G-Line — (Image credit: Future)

$3,300 USD / £3,499 UK / $7,250 AUD
Expensive for a folding bike
Premium build quality for the price

The cost of the Brompton Electric G-Line puts it firmly between the price points of the C Line at the lower end and the P Line at the higher end. The price is hard to stomach, but for the money, you are guaranteed excellent-grade materials and superb build quality. Put simply, they are built to last and well worth the money.

Value score: 3.5/5

Brompton Electric G Line: Design

Chunky tires
Wide handlebars
Four-speed setup

Brompton's iconic three-point fold continues to function well despite the larger wheels, increased tire size, and widened handlebars. As a result, it can be packed into the back of a car or popped on a train, albeit not as easily as the smaller Brompton models. You also get an adjustable seat height and a long handlebar stem, and there's a 250W motor that drives the e-bike forward. In many ways, the G Line is like every other Brompton.

But also, in many ways, it's very different. Most noticeable of all are the 20-inch wheels. They're not too big to affect the smooth folding mechanism, but they are large enough to stand out. The chunky Schwalbe G-One All Round 54-406s not only look fantastic thanks to a tan wall finish but are also puncture-resistant. I haven’t had a puncture in over 600 miles and don’t expect to have one anytime soon.

Then there are the wide handlebars that have been custom-designed for the G Line. Alongside the tires, this might just be my favorite thing about the e-bike. Having ridden a number of Brompton bikes, I can honestly say that the G Line is by far the most stable, due in part to the widened handlebars.

The G-Line is also equipped with hydraulic disc brakes, a first for Brompton. In my opinion, the decision to go hydraulic is long overdue. I found the brakes to be reliable in all weathers and had no need to carry out any adjustments or maintenance on them. Whether Brompton will go down that route for future product releases, only time will tell.

Finally, the G-Line is a four-speed setup, which historically has been the go-to number for Brompton. Having taken the bike across a variety of terrains, including up some pretty serious hills, I would have preferred a few extra gears. Two at either end would be ideal, taking the total up to eight. As with Brompton’s other ranges, I imagine it will introduce a model with more gears at a later date.

Design Score: 4/5

Brompton Electric G Line: Performance

Certainly not a replacement for a dedicated gravel bike
Larger size and extra weight affect portability
Greater stability on predictable surfaces

I've thought long and hard about how to assess the performance of this new Brompton e-bike. I've flip-flopped between treating it as any other folding e-bike and assessing it on its off-road merits, and I'm not sure I've really landed yet. This indecision is probably largely due to the fact that in attempting to create a gravel bike, of sorts, they've actually compromised some of its portable qualities.

Let me be clear. This is no replacement for a dedicated gravel bike. At a push, you might utilize it as a commuter bike from Monday to Friday and on some minimally demanding wooded routes on the weekend. But that's as far as the G-Line will take you.

The off-road limitations center around the lack of stability, especially when riding out of the saddle. The wider handlebars and larger tires help out a little bit, but nowhere near enough to really push the bike to the limit. I also didn't trust it enough to deliver under more extreme conditions, such as through thicker mud. As I've said, simple trails with limited obstacles are fine, but serious off-road enthusiasts will be left wanting.

Everything was much rosier on my daily commutes. In fact, it was actually the highest-performing Brompton e-bike that I've ever ridden. I loved the stable handling and confidence to go up and down kerbs. The additional weight provided a feeling of security, although it's definitely less nippy than the C-Line or P-Line models.

But at the end of any commute comes the need to fold it up and transport it into either the office, onto a train, or into the back of the car. This is where I had a few problems. At over 16 kg, it’s significantly heavier than other Bromptons. I’m fairly fit and healthy, but I still had to be careful how I was lifting it. The folded size is also a lot less compact, so if you’re hoping to store it in tight spaces, then I’d recommend checking the dimensions.

Overall, I enjoyed my time with the G-Line, but only while I stayed away from gravel tracks. Buy it if you want a more stable Brompton ride and are prepared to handle the extra weight.

Performance score: 3.5/5

Brompton Electric G Line: Battery life

20-40 miles per full battery
Four-hour recharge
Battery makes weight front-loaded

The range of this e-bike is very similar to all the other Bromptons I've tested. This is no surprise given the similar battery capacity. If we're going to drill down into the number, then in reality, the G Line actually fares slightly worse, probably due to the extra tire friction. As a result, I only ever managed to achieve a maximum of 40 miles per charge, with 20 miles being more common. I do love full pedal assist, after all.

This range might be too limiting for some, but if you know you'll regularly be in reach of a charger, then it won't cause too much of a problem. With a daily commute of 14 miles, I found myself having to recharge the battery most days. An empty-to-full recharge takes around four hours and is ideal for a daytime recharge between the two legs of a commute.

The battery sits at the front of the e-bike, which helps balance the steering a little, but is far from ideal when considering the overall balance. This is especially the case if you try lifting the bike.

On a previous Brompton e-bike, I did experience battery cutouts when going over big bumps, but I had no such problem with this G Line. I was glad of this, especially given that the bike is designed for off-roading. The battery is quick and easy to remove and install, although I'd still like a secure solution for locking the battery into place.

Battery life score: 3.5/5

Brompton Electric G Line: Scorecard

Buy it if...

You want a foldable off-road e-bike

With chunkier tires and more stability, the Brompton G Line is a great option.

You need an all-purpose solution

The G-Line is able to bridge the gap between city riding and off-roading. Despite not being the best on dirt tracks, it is one of the best all-rounders I’ve seen.

Don't buy it if...

You’re on a budget

The G Line Brompton is far from cheap and to be avoided if you want something more affordable.

You’re a Brompton purist

With chunkier tires and wider handlebars, the Electric G Line is definitely a deviation away from the original Brompton.

Also consider

ENGWE MapFour N1 Air

The lightest 100 km range carbon e-bike around. A perfect e-bike solution for commuters. Read our full review.

Tenways CGO600 Pro

The magnetic torque sensor and carbon belt drive deliver smooth and seamless performance. Read our full review.

How I tested the Brompton Electric G Line

Having tested a number of 'standard' Brompton e-bikes, I was pumped to get my hands on the first of this new line of bikes. Having unpacked and unfolded it, I made the e-bike my main form of transport for well over a month. Living in the countryside provided ample opportunity to take it off-road, while my daily commute enabled me to test it in more predictable environments. As part of the review, I clocked up several hundred miles.

First reviewed: May 2025

Nike’s Vomero 18 was my dream running shoe, until I bought the wrong size

2:29 pm | May 7, 2025

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

Nike Vomero 18: Two-minute review

The Nike Vomero 18 is new for 2025 and is Nike's new king of cushioning. Replacing the Invincible 3, the Nike Vomero 18 combines ZoomX and React X foam, as well as the largest stack height we've ever seen in the Vomero line, 46mm.

They take their place as the third shoe in Nike's recalibrated road running line-up, alongside the Structure range for runners who overpronate, and the popular Pegasus 41 as an everyday trainer.

The Nike Vomero 18 is absolutely a high-mileage shoe designed for slower runs, recovery, and long distances. You won't be setting any track records in them, but as a big, squishy shoe, they're definitely some of the best running shoes out there.

The Nike Vomero 18 contends with another recent shoe I tried, the Under Armour Infinite Elite 2. Whereas the Elite 2 is a really disappointing package from a style standpoint, the Vomero 18 looks exquisite. We picked them up in the new Men's Barely Green/Hyper Crimson/Barely Volt/Metallic Silver, and I have to say they're absolutely stunning.

The colors are electrifying, although there are more neutral tones available if these look a bit much. The overall silhouette is really impressive, and once on they really stand out. If you want a head-turning trainer for the gym or road, this is a prime contender.

The upper is extremely soft and cushioned, and the whole trainer screams quality. Another gripe of mine with the Elite 2 was the rather cheap-feeling foam. By contrast, the Nike Vomero 18 shoes feel much more premium and exude build quality.

Stepping into the Vomero 18 for the first time, I was immediately struck by how cushioned and soft the interior felt overall, however, there's one standout catch. Compared to other shoes I've used – including Nike's own Pegasus 41 – the Vomero 18 feels extremely snug.

During all my testing, I found the Vomero 18 to be ever-so-slightly too small at my standard size 10, and on reflection, I would recommend sizing up to pretty much everyone. Coupled with the pronounced arch, the fit is extremely close and feels ripe for going up .5 on the size charts.

Built with long, slow, steady-state runs in mind, the Vomero 18 has a pronounced 10mm heel-toe drop and an enjoyable rocker design. That's more than the aforementioned Elite 2, and might put some folk off, but I've generally found the rolling motion of the Vomero 18 to be extremely pleasant.

The combination of the ZoomX and React X foams serves the Vomero 18 extremely well. Compared to the Elite 2, they're still squishy and soft (possibly moreso), but are much more stable by contrast.

I've had absolutely no wobbles or complaints despite the elevated stack height, and the Vomero 18 is very pleasant to run in, mile after mile. With the enormous heel stack, these will naturally favor heel strikers, however, there's so much cushioning on the shoe in general that they'll suit pretty much everyone.

While on the slightly heavier and bulkier side, the Vomero 18 shoes don't feel overly cumbersome, and I've had no concerns with overheating.

Nike Vomero 18: price & availability

$150 / £135 / AU$220
Men's and women's options, six colors
Size up

The Nike Vomero 18 running shoes are available from Nike.com and a host of third-party resellers in the US, UK, Australia, and beyond.

Priced at $150 / £135 / AU$ 220, they have been extremely popular since their launch in February 2025 and are often sold out on Nike's website. As such, they're extremely difficult to find at a discount.

As noted, the Vomero 18 is too snug to be described as true to size. I'd recommend sizing up half a size. If you can, be sure to test these out at your local running store, or buy them from somewhere you can return them if the size isn't right. Most retailers will let you return shoes within two weeks, provided you haven't used them outdoors.

Value score: 4/5

Nike Vomero 18: specifications

Nike Vomero 18: scorecard

Should I buy the Nike Vomero 18?

Buy if it...

You want a striking long-distance shoe

The Nike Vomero 18 is definitely one of the most stylish long-distance options on the market.

You want brilliant cushioning

The Vomero 18 offers some of the best cushioning I have experienced in a running shoe.

Don't buy it if...

Your feet are on the larger side

The Vomero 18 are very snug; for some, even sizing up may not be enough.

You want a lighter, speedier shoe

The Vomero 18 shoes are fairly weighty and won't see you setting record times.

Also consider

Altra FWD Via

Our current favorite for long-distance, slow runs, also with a rocker.

Read our full Altra FWD Via review

Under Armour Infinite Elite 2

A slightly more comfortable, but far less stylish alternative.

Read our full Under Armour Infinite Elite 2 review

How I tested

I used the Nike Vomero 18 as my primary running shoe over a number of weeks, testing them at a variety of speeds and distances.

First reviewed: May 2025

Honor Watch 5 Ultra review: an Ultra-worthy build with a very basic UI

1:00 pm | May 5, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Health & Fitness | Tags: Apple Watch Series, NFC, UI | Comments: Off

Honor Watch 5 Ultra: One minute review

The Honor Watch 5 Ultra is, from a hardware standpoint, a very good smartwatch indeed. It’s got a lovely 1.5-inch 466 x 466px AMOLED display, which is bright and butter-smooth; its case is made of titanium and its screen from Sapphire glass; it looks like a classic dress watch in the black aesthetic of my test model, but the fluoro band keeps things sporty – you could wear this for anything from wakeboarding sessions to weddings, and it wouldn’t be out of place.

It’s got a 480mAh battery that lasts around five days based on our tests – an impressive performance. The screen is pretty and the watch is intuitive to navigate, with health features that stand up to scrutiny. The digital crown, a feature often missed in non-Apple offerings, allows for easy scrolling.

So, will I wear it again? Unfortunately, no.

I love the watch’s design, I love its low price point, and I like the simple layout of its UI. I found it very useful, from the Find My Phone option to the sleep tracking. I think it’s a great watch, but ultimately undeserving of its Ultra moniker.

It tracks 100 sports, but most of these modes are very basic in their metric collection. There are no third-party apps, essential to customizing your smartwatch experience; you’re stuck with what's installed on the watch out of the box. There’s no Strava, no Spotify, no WhatsApp, although you can view messages with the notifications functionality. The watch does have an NFC chip onboard, but it’s not designed to support banking payments. Customization options are limited to an (albeit generous) selection of free watch faces.

The end result is a watch that looks well designed from the outside, but which feels strangely hollow inside. In many respects it’s a high-performing and great-value device, but the lack of features makes it hard to recommend.

Honor Watch 5 Ultra: Price and availability

Honor Watch 5 Ultra in Black — (Image credit: Future)

Priced at €279 in the EU (around $300 / £235 / AU$480)
Around the same price as the cheaper Samsung and Apple watches
When and where you’ll be able to buy it is yet to be confirmed

The Honor Watch 5 Ultra is priced at €279 in Europe Union countries, which converts to around $300 / £235 / AU$480. That’s a great price for a watch with this build quality; it’s only a little bit more expensive than the Apple Watch SE.

However, Honor hasn’t yet confirmed when, or where, outside of the EU, you’ll be able to buy the Honor Watch 5 Ultra, due to international restrictions imposed on the brand similar to those on Huawei. We do know that it’ll be compatible with handsets running Android 9.0 and iOS 13.0, as well as the best Honor phones.

Value score: 3/5

Specifications

Honor Watch 5 Ultra: Design

Titanium and Sapphire glass
Simple UI
Digital crown

The Honor Watch 5 Ultra is, as mentioned above, an extraordinarily well-designed smartwatch (from a hardware standpoint) for its price. As well as high-quality innards like that great battery and powerful processor, the watch has a pleasant, unique octagonal shape with a grade 5 titanium case and bezel.

Sapphire glass protects the touchscreen, and together with the casing and fluoroelastomer band (leather is also available) this is certainly a watch that can withstand knocks, bumps and scrapes. I wore it non-stop for a week, and I was never worried about dinging it.

It looks like a premium dress watch, and the metal casing feels exceptionally premium – it’s certainly a better-looking watch than the otherwise comparable, and more expensive, Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra.

The watch has just one button, and the user experience has been vastly improved with the addition of a digital crown, which allows for easy scrolling. The Honor Watch 5 Ultra’s all-in-one button allows for an easy snapshot of your health, among other things, similar to Samsung’s body composition feature.

The fact that the magnetic charger is USB-A rather than the more powerful USB-C is a slight disappointment, but the fast-charging still works fine. Another disappointment is that there’s only one size; like many of its contemporaries, Honor is not taking into account those with smaller wrists.

Design score: 4/5

Honor Watch 5 Ultra: Features

100 workout modes
8GB of storage
No third-party apps or NFC payment

Things are a little more limited in the features department. With no third-party apps – which elevates the likes of the OnePlus Watch 3 from a nice curiosity into an essential wrist assistant – you miss out on deep interactions with everyday apps like Gmail, your maps service of choice, Keep Notes, Spotify, Strava, Komoot, your Wallet of choice, and so on.

The basic feature set is all you’re going to get. It’s not awful; you get notifications, call dismissal, on-phone music controls, 8GB storage for your music, which you can control with Honor’s native MagicOS Music app, but nothing terribly exciting.

The watch does have an NFC chip, but without a Wallet app you can’t really use it. I can view my WhatsApp messages on my wrist via the basic notifications service, but I can’t reply to them. You can see how my frustrations with the Honor Watch 5 Ultra were mounting during the week I wore it.

Things look a lot better from a health perspective. Honor’s suite of health and fitness features are good, with the new Health Scan feature first on the docket. It takes heart rate, blood oxygen and stress readings, collating them with sleep stats and your height and weight (which you input into the app) to check for outliers that could point to potential issues.

Sleep tracking is also great, with your sleep stages broken down in a similar manner to competitors such as the Samsung Galaxy Ring. The Watch 5 Ultra offers a Sleep Score with some additional insights based on how much sleep it believes you’ve had.

Workout support is solid, with over 100 sports modes, but very few of them offer more sophisticated metrics than heart rate and estimated calories burned. Running and swimming do offer specialized metrics, however, tracking pace per kilometer, stride length and stride frequency on the roads, while counting strokes and taking pool length into account during swimming.

Features score: 3/5

Honor Watch 5 Ultra: Performance

Some UI frustrations
Good battery life
Accurate workouts

I wore the Honor Watch 5 Ultra for a full week, testing it on runs, in the pool, and during sleep. The watch accurately estimated my steps, coming within a few hundred steps of my Samsung Galaxy Ring, and tracked sleep stages with similar accuracy.

I got a Healthy Morning Report and Sleep Score in the Honor Health app breaking everything down for me, with the usual insights – drink less caffeine during the day for better sleep, and so on – but Honor’s metrics and context are nowhere near as sophisticated as Samsung’s sleep animal chronotypes feature.

Run tracking served me well over the week, with all the usual pace, stride and speed features as well as GPS maps and elevation. A nice touch was a ‘fat reduced’ metric, telling me in one instance that my 8km run burned approximately 4g of fat. Swim tracking was also good, and the watch successfully identified my dominant stroke as ‘mixed’ as I swapped from front crawl to breaststroke during the workout.

The battery performed as described, lasting through around four and a half days of near-constant wear.

I’m happy with the performance here, but it would have been nice to be able to add to the limited features on offer with third-party apps. The frustration of not being able to use so many basic smartwatch functions with my phone made the device less useful, overall, than its competitors.

Performance score: 4/5

Scorecard

Honor Watch 5 Ultra: Should I buy?

Buy it if...

You own an Honor phone

If you own an Honor phone, this is the perfect accompanyment, and probably Honor’s best smartwatch to date.

You don’t need third-party apps

If you don’t need WhatsApp and the like on your phone, this makes for a great fitness tracker.

You want a good-looking watch

There’s no denying it: this watch, with its titanium casing, looks fab.

Don't buy it if...

Money is no object

If you’ve got a bigger budget, you could go for a top-end Garmin watch or Apple Watch Ultra.

You’re on Google or Apple

You’ll be better served with a Wear OS or Apple Watch for better ecosystem integration.View Deal

Also consider

Apple Watch Series 10

A much better option for iPhone users.

Read our full Apple Watch Series 10 review

OnePlus Watch 3

Similar in design, but a lot better for Wear OS users.

Read our full OnePlus Watch 3 review

How I tested the Honor Watch 5 Ultra

I wore the Honor Watch 5 Ultra for a full week, draining the battery down completely and monitoring runs, swims and strength workouts. I spent time using the UI to its fullest extent, testing the digital crown and button functionalities, and wore it as my daily driver. I also wore it to bed to examine its sleep tracking capabilities and tried the health monitoring metrics such as the new Health Scan feature.

Shokz’s OpenFit Air headphones are perfect for open-air running

2:00 pm | May 4, 2025

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

Shokz OpenRun Pro 2: One minute review

The Shokz OpenFit Air are probably the best running headphones for people in the 5k to half-marathon distance bracket who want to be able to hear their surroundings when they train and race. Offering a very reasonable 6 hours on a full charge, the battery life will get most people through a full marathon, too, although more expensive Shokz options give double the playtime.

Open-ear headphones like the OpenFit Air sit around and over your ears rather than in your ear canal like the best wireless earbuds. This pair is particularly light, at just 8.7g per bud, and you barely feel them on when you're jogging along a bumpy country lane or doing burpees in a virtual class. The design incorporates a flexible silicone ear hook, and this holds them securely in place without creating any pressure or discomfort during long listening sessions.

While they fit a wide range of ears and sit alongside glasses, the open design won't be for everyone. Music is brought to a confusing backdrop when you're near heavy traffic or crowds, and some people will still want active noise cancellation. Of course, many professional running and cycling races have rules on the type of headphones you can use. For safety, you need to be able to hear other runners, marshals, and cars, and the OpenFit Air allow you to do this.

Unlike Shokz's best bone-conduction headphones, open-ear options like the OpenFit Air use tiny speakers to transmit sound. Shokz calls it Air Conduction via DirectPitch, which is a fancy way of saying that sound waves move through the air to hit your ear, as is sort of the case with the best earbuds anyway.

It feels like Shokz has carefully considered its target market with OpenFit Air. The headphones were released in June 2024 as a more affordable open-ear option compared to the original Shokz OpenFit and the Bose Ultra Open earbuds. With IP54 water and sweat-resistance, they're not just for runners either, but yogis, walkers, and cyclists. Other key features include touch controls and multipoint pairing for switching been a phone and a desktop or smartwatch.

Given that the more expensive OpenFit 2 headphones were released in January with almost double the battery life and physical buttons, and that the Shokz OpenRun Pro offer such fantastic bass for runners, are the Shokz OpenFit Air too much of a Goldilocks option? Over more than three months of testing, I've loved wearing them and loved hearing them. They don't suit all my listening needs, but they've been hooked around my ears more than I ever imagined.

Shokz OpenFit Air: Specifications

Shokz OpenFit Air: Price and availability

Cost $119.95 / £94 / AU$199
More affordable than the OpenFit
Well-priced for the quality and design

At $119.95 / £94 / AU$199, these headphones are cheaper than the Shokz OpenFit 2 ($179.95/£129.95) by some way. It's fair to say that those offer better waterproofing and more than double the battery life on a single charge, but not everyone needs 11 hours of juice in one go. Contrasting with other options from the brand, the OpenRun Pro2 bone-conduction headphones come in at $179.95/£169, and they give you up to 12 hours of audio.

The OpenFit Air headphones are cheaper than other brands targeting runners and fitness fanatics. The Beats Fit Pro at $199 / £199 / AU$299.95, give up to 6 hours of playback. But they're an in-ear bud, making it a harder comparison. Then there's the premium Bose Ultra Open earbuds at $299 / £249.95 / AU$449.95, which aren't marketed for runners in quite the same way but offer a similar fit and premium audio.

You'll always be able to find cheaper options, of course. The Soundcore V20i by Anker also keep your ear canal bud-free and cost around $40 / £50 / AU$89.99, with four mics to chop out surrounding noise on calls. Without testing, it's hard to say how they compare, but they're marketed for everyday use and light running.

Personally, if I'm going to put a pair of headphones through a lot of wear, tear, and sweat, I'm just not sure I can justify a very expensive option. I think the OpenFit Air are brilliant value when you balance the design, battery life, and functionality they give the average runner.

Value: 4 / 5

Shokz OpenFit Air: Design

Image 1 of 3

The Shokz OpenFit Air headphone box open on a wooden table — (Image credit: Lauren Scott)

Image 2 of 3

Shokz OpenFit Air headphones — (Image credit: Lauren Scott)

Image 3 of 3

The Shokz OpenFit Air headphone case held in a female hand — (Image credit: Lauren Scott)

Memory alloy core with a silicone outer
Super light: only 8.7g per earbud
Resist dirt and sweat, even in white

The way that Shokz approaches design and packaging for the OpenFit Air feels sleek. The buds, which are made from a mixture of a flexible, matte silicone surface and a metallic ring, come in a solid snap-shut charging case with a USB-C port at the back.

Of the three colorways for the OpenFit Air—white, black, and pastel pink—I reviewed the white pair. While I love white tech, I was worried they’d get grubby with regular wear in sweaty workouts. Three months in, however, and they still look as good as new. Unlike in-ear headphones, they don’t trap sweat, so I wager they’ll last longer even under heavy use. It's worth noting that the IP54 water resistance rating is okay for light rain and sweat, but below the IP55 rating of the Shokz Open Run Pro.

The OpenFit Air are my first pair of open-air headphones, and when I first tried them on, I was amazed at their lightness (just 8.7g each). They fit neatly around my small ears, whereas other headphones can dwarf them. But I was dubious about them staying on during exercise. The flexible silicone ends wrapped around my ears snugly, and I felt confident about taking them for a run. To see how well they'd fit a wider range of ears, I asked my partner, who has larger lugs than I do, to try them too, and the adaptable ear hook gave a good fit and sound without putting pressure on the ear (below).

A side view of a male wearing the Shokz OpenFit Air headphones — (Image credit: Lauren Scott)

Design: 4.5 / 5

Shokz OpenFit Air: Features

A side view of a female wearing the Shokz OpenFit Air headphones in bright sunshine — (Image credit: Lauren Scott)

Touch controls are easy to press accidentally
A few equalizer options within the app
Four microphones for clear voice calls

Unlike the Shokz OpenFit, the Air has a multi-point pairing mode feature. This means you can connect them to your phone and say, a Bluetooth running watch, then switch between the two quickly. I paired them with Android, iOS, and Windows, plus a Garmin Forerunner watch, and found a seamless transition between them. There's no ear detection, so if you take the buds out, they keep playing, and you'll need to cut the audio off at the source.

By design, given that the OpenFit Air are meant to keep you aware of your surroundings, there’s no noise cancellation feature. But there are four microphones on the left bud, with a Qualcomm cVc 8.0 voice recognition algorithm designed to filter out background noise. I tested the mics for voice calls as a listener and a talker, and the sound was clear on both ends, apart from in very heavy wind. The mics are only in the right earbud, so obviously you'll need to wear that one to be heard.

The OpenFit Air has no physical buttons for the volume, pausing, or skipping tracks. Instead, there’s a touch-sensitive interface on the main body of each headphone, which presents a few problems. Although the design keeps the headphone exterior smooth (where buttons would likely gather dirt or sweat), it’s easy to touch these controls accidentally.

Four screenshots from the Shokz app on iOS — (Image credit: Lauren Scott)

Reaching up to adjust my ponytail or removing a layer would brush them enough to create a loud, confused beep. By default, you have to hold down your finger on the side of either headphone to raise or lower the volume. And when running at even a moderate speed, this feels awkward. You can change which gestures do what in the Shokz app, but the clunky control lets down an otherwise seamless feature set.

Otherwise, the free Shokz smartphone app is satisfyingly simple. It also offers basic info about the buds and case battery levels, and there are five preset EQ settings for changing the audio balance. For the most part, I kept the buds on Bass Boost and enjoyed the richer sound it offered.

Features: 4 / 5

Shokz OpenFit Air: Performance

6 hours of battery and 28 hours from the case
A 10-minute gives 2 hours listening time
Leaks sound at high volumes, as open-ears do

I wasn't expecting the Shokz OpenFit Air to deliver the same bass and immersive listening as my Bose QuietComfort Over-Ear headphones, but I did want to be able to enjoy my eclectic library of tunes while running. I started using the headphones while training for a half marathon, and although it took me a while to get used to the open-ear design and the ambient noise that was intentionally let in, I learnt to love them.

Sound comes from custom 18 x 11mm dynamic drivers that Shokz has engineered for balanced bass, mid, and treble frequencies. I felt there was a decent amount of bass on pumping tracks like The Veldt by deadmau5, but I also enjoyed quieter, minimalist piano from Ludovico Einaudi when I wanted my runs to take on a more soulful vibe. During podcasts, with multiple people talking, I often had to crank up the volume to hear exactly what was being said.

The headphones let in background noise to keep you safe on runs and walks, lest you get into a spot of bother when crossing roads or tracks. When I was running in the city centre, the music was hard to hear, rather than the main event, but that's sort of the point here. It's not a flaw with the headphones, just something to bear in mind if you're not sure you always want to hear your surroundings. In a busy hipster gym, for example, I still don my over-ear headphones to block out distracting noises and focus on my own workout. But for HIIT classes at home, the OpenFit Air are again the ideal, lightweight companion.

There's noise leakage from the headphones, but it's not obtrusive until you get to three-quarters of the full volume. I'd never wear the OpenFit Air in my open office, or on the bus or train, but for walks around the countryside where I wanted to listen to a podcast and keep my ears open to birdsong, wildlife, and farm machinery, the balance of both was perfect.

Traditional in-ear buds can give me an earache after a few hours, and over-ear headphones neckache. By contrast, the Shokz OpenFit Air are the most comfortable headphones I’ve ever worn, so much so that I often forget they’re there. I can wear them with sunglasses arms sitting on top, and I've also seen several users reporting comfort when wearing a helmet, although I haven’t yet tested this.

I've worn the Shokz under a bandana or woolly hat during colder runs and found no more discomfort from having them slightly pressed to my head. Whether it's to be recommended or not, when pottering on a day off, I often wear the Airs for as long as the battery lasts.

Speaking of battery, I've found that impressive too. Shokz says you'll get up to six hours of battery life from the buds and a further 28 hours by popping them in the case to charge them up. This is close to what I've experienced; on one day when I wore the OpenFit Air from a full charge, I timed 5 hours 45 minutes of use. Similarly, the buds lasted me a full weekend of travel with top-ups from the case on the go.

Performance: 4.5 / 5

Shokz OpenFit Air: Scorecard

Should I buy the Shokz OpenFit Air?

Buy it if...

You want to hear your surroundings

As a regular city runner and race-goer, the fact I could hear traffic and situational noise while running was one of my main reasons for getting the Shokz OpenFit Air. Even at full volume, you can hear your favourite audio while still being aware of your surroundings - and that helps to keep you safe.View Deal

You want a comfortable fit

I have small ears and have always found traditional earbuds uncomfortable. The OpenFit Air rest gently on your ears and don't cause any discomfort after long listening periods or intense workouts.View Deal

Don't buy it if...

You want noise isolation

Obviously, the open-ear design of the OpenFit Air lets in ambient noise like traffic and talking. If you’re after something that blocks out sounds from the outside world, that’s not what these are designed for.View Deal

You're a swimmer

The OpenFit Air are sweat and splash-resistant, but not definitely aren't designed for water submersion. If you’re a triathlete or keen swimmer who needs proper waterproofing, look for headphones with an IP67 rating instead.View Deal

Also consider

Shokz OpenSwim Pro

These are specifically designed for swimmers and are fully waterproof. With 32GB of built-in MP3 storage, you can access around 8,000 songs when bobbing about underwater (where Bluetooth can't reach). And the open-ear design gives situational awareness out of the water.

Read our Shokz OpenSwim Pro reviewView Deal

Shokz OpenRun Pro 2

While the OpenFit Air aren't specifically for runners, the OpenRun Pro 2 are. The difference is in the wraparound headband design that's super stable during intense runs, and the buttons, which you'll probably find easier to use than touch-sensitive controls when you're moving at pace.

Read our Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 reviewView Deal

How I tested

Used daily for over three months
Listened to podcasts, music and phone calls
Ran two half marathon races wearing them

I've spent more than three months wearing the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2, and during that time have used them for all my outdoor runs – including two half-marathon road races and a rainy 10k on bumpy terrain.

I wore them on daily dog walks in the countryside when I still wanted to hear wildlife and farm machinery. I also used them for at-home HIIT workouts, to test how well they stayed on while I was star-jumping, doing burpees, and generally moving around erratically. I didn't use these buds in the gym or the office as I need heavier noise cancellation there.

I connected the earphones to my iPhone 15 Pro and Garmin running watch to see how easy it was to connect and switch between the two devices. I listened to all sorts of audio, from classic music on the radio, to voice calls with my family, to podcasts and audiobooks, and the indie rock from my teenage years. I also tried all four EQ settings available in the Shokz app.

Lastly, to test the microphone, I took several calls both at home and in a city centre with background traffic, noting both how it performed for me and asking the person on the other end to tell me how they found the sound quality.

Zing Coach is an app that reveals the true power of AI training

2:00 pm | April 21, 2025

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

It’s getting harder and harder to keep up with the number of apps AI isn’t namechecked in these days, but arguably no fitness app pushes the technology harder than Zing.

The app launched in 2021 and has found success putting a face and a name on your robo-trainer, pushing users further each time while using algorithmic data to calculate the best workouts and rest periods.

While that’s not out of the ordinary, the app even features chatbot-like conversations you can have with your trainer, making it feel as though you’re talking to a human.

The AI’s positivity is a little too much at times (please don’t make me do more squats…), but it adds a personal layer to a field that’s dominated by very good but very sterile alternatives.

Zing Coach: Price and availability

Free trial for 1 week
Subscription service costs £19.99/$19.99/AUS price per month

Zing is free to try for a week, but it’ll cost you around £20/$20 for a month thereafter. Thankfully, the annual plan is drastically cheaper, which comes in at £59.99/$59.99/AUS.

That actually makes it cheaper than Fitbit Premium (when paid annually).

Zing Coach: Design and UX

A lot of elements
AI is one tap away
Personalization Level is handy

While most fitness apps have an easy-to-read dashboard with some key metrics, Zing’s huge array of features could make it more cluttered than its rivals.

Instead, the whole thing ends up feeling pretty intuitive, with a series of tabs along the bottom of the screen. Workout takes you to your next session, while Analytics shows your progress, muscle recovery, and a handy ‘Personalization Level’ to help you know when the app has got the hang of how you work out.

Then there’s a ‘Circles’ feature for competing or training with friends, and a section for your unique plan’s progress. In the middle of it all, the ‘Zing’ logo gives you access to the AI chatbot with a single tap.

That chatbot can handle pretty much anything you throw at it, like “what’s the difference between deadlifts and Romanian deadlifts?” or “what’s an easy meal plan to follow?” Not needing to jump between menus to ask those kinds of questions means you can get back to your day, or get an answer right when you need it mid-session.

Zing Coach: Features

AI workout plans with chatbot-like advice on hand
Body scan adds extra personalization

In many ways, Zing is a lot of tools in one. It offers AI-built personal workout routines where you can specify your fitness levels, equipment, and goals, but it can also help generate a meal plan, hydration targets, and much more.

It also ties nicely into other services, notably Apple HealthKit, which means it can read data that other apps have left there. That means that, even if you’re not using one of Zing’s own workouts and you’re tracking a run on Strava instead, it’ll credit you the activity towards your streak.

There’s an additional Body Scan purchase that can help you calculate your lean mass, body fat, and more. The app can then use this data to calculate your optimal fitness plan.

This feels a little like magic, using your phone’s camera to analyse the data from you standing in a certain position, or leaning on photos you’ve taken earlier.

It’s a snapshot that then feeds into the data Zing helps you work with, giving it more data points to help it hit your goals.

Unlike many of its rivals, Zing can actually watch you work out to help you adjust your form, too, as well as fitness and flexibility tests.

Zing: Performance

Links into your existing workouts
AI coaching is more personable than rivals

Zing Coach leans heavily on its AI tools, and while that may evoke a groan from those of us who have seen those letters thrown into everything, here it actually makes sense.

Each time you build a workout, the app kicks into gear with a full-screen animation showing what you should be doing, while always keeping that chatbot handy in the bottom corner if you have any questions.

Every animation feels so carefully designed that it honestly feels a little like it’s been built by the UI gurus at Apple. It’s clean, easy to tweak, and full of information.

It can even integrate with your calendar to set a new workout routine, adding an appointment schedule on the days you choose.

Perhaps my favorite feature, however, is the workout ‘Boosts’. When you finish an exercise in any other app, be that from tracking a walk to lifting weights, Zing will give a notification that it can help you eke out a little bit more from your session with a quick 15-minute workout.

The way it then dovetails into apps like Strava, Strong, Fitbod, and more makes it feel like a genuinely impressive all-encompassing app rather than one you train with and then forget about until you get to the gym next time.

Zing Coach: Should I buy?

Buy it if...

You’re looking for a holistic view of your health

Zing surprised us with its deep toolset that includes just about anything you need, along with a cheerful AI companion.View Deal

You're curious about an AI trainer

AI is all the rage, but Zing actually leverages it in a way that helps you understand why you’re doing each exercise, rather than having it just be a box to check.View Deal

You want fantastic tools on a budget

The annual membership is the way to go, and it’s easily worth what it costs — which is less than some of its rivals.View Deal

Don't buy it if...

You want something simple

As good as Zing is, you might not need all of its features. Just running? Strava’s free plan remains fantastic, for example, as does the built-in functionality on Apple Watch or Fitbit.View Deal

First reviewed: April 2025

Noise Luna Ring (Gen 1) review: An Oura alternative with good sleep insights – but it’s still finding its feet

7:00 pm | April 19, 2025

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

Noise Luna Ring (Gen 1): One-minute review

Smart rings are having a moment, and the Noise Luna Ring (Gen 1) wants in. While it’s not technically the brand's first ring, this version is being positioned as its first official release. It’s entering a space packed with competition, from premium names like Oura to value picks like the Amazfit Helio. So, how does it hold up?

The Luna Ring gets quite a lot right. It’s comfortable to wear day and night, tracks sleep and health metrics well, and offers genuinely helpful insights in the app – I liked the explanations of why scores or stats were outside of my usual range and a little “Health Monitor” dashboard gives you a quick glance at your key vitals.

But it also feels like a work in progress. The app is packed with info, but the copy and UI still need refinement. The design isn’t as sleek as some rivals – my gold version looked a little chunky and plasticky – and the battery life is a little less than rivals. There are also some quirks, like a clunky AI chatbot and occasional syncing glitches.

That said, Noise seems to know this. A second-gen version is already on the way, with promised upgrades to charging, battery, stress tracking, and design. I’m already feeling pretty confident it’ll enter our best smart rings guide in a strong position.

However, that leaves the Gen 1 I’m reviewing here in a tricky spot. Because I liked it, but with Gen 2 on the horizon and stronger rivals already on shelves, it’s hard to recommend right now – unless you’re specifically avoiding subscriptions and are happy to support an evolving brand.

Noise Luna Ring (Gen 1) review: Price and availability

A close up of someone holding the Luna Ring from Noise — (Image credit: Noise Luna ring)

Available now for $300 / around £234 / AU$500
Pricier than a lot of the competition
Comes in several colors

The Noise Luna Ring (Gen 1) is priced at $300 / around £234 / AU$500, and comes in silver, gold, matte black, rose gold, and shiny black.

It’s cheaper than the Oura Ring Gen 4, which starts at $349 / £349, though premium finishes cost more – and Oura requires a monthly subscription for full feature access. The Samsung Galaxy Ring is more expensive than both at $399 / £399 / AU$749.

However, it’s significantly more expensive than budget-friendly rivals, like the Amazfit Helio Ring (around $199.99 / £169 / AU$269), which I recently tested and rated highly as a more affordable choice.

While not as expensive as the more premium picks, it’s still bold pricing for a new player. And while the Luna Ring holds its own in some ways, it’s hard to justify that price when refinement and hardware polish fall just a little short.

Value score: 3.5 / 5

Noise Luna Ring (Gen 1) review: Specifications

Noise Luna Ring (Gen 1) review: Design

3-4g depending on the size you get
A very comfortable fit
Felt a tad less refined than rivals

The Luna Ring is lightweight and comfortable, even for sleep tracking – and that’s no small thing. I wore it 24/7 during testing and rarely noticed it was there.

That said, it’s a little chunkier than rivals like the Oura or Amazfit Helio rings, standing off my finger slightly more despite being the correct size. Only ever so slightly, but that’s still significant on a ring this size. I ended up wearing it on my index finger for this reason, where it felt the most balanced.

A closeup of the Noise luna ring — (Image credit: Noise Luna Ring)

I was sent the gold version, and personally, I wasn’t a fan. The shiny gold finish cheapened the look and made the ring feel plasticky. I think other colorways would be a better bet for most people and there are plenty to choose from here – though be warned that matte finishes do tend to scratch more easily in my experience.

As ever, design is subjective. I know a lot of people like the bold, gold and shiny look. But Luna’s overall build feels just a tad less premium than the top smart rings on the market, especially considering the price. It’s worth mentioning here that the Noise team tells us the Gen 2 version will be smaller and lighter.

Design score: 3.5 / 5

Noise Luna Ring (Gen 1) review: Features

The Noise Luna Ring on its charging stand — (Image credit: Noise Luna Ring)

Loads of data tracked
LunaAI assistant needs work
Adequate workout tracking

The Luna Ring tracks a wide range of metrics from its tiny sensors, including sleep stages and sleep score, resting heart rate (RHR), respiratory rate, HRV (heart rate variability), blood oxygen (SpO2), temperature changes, stress, activity score, readiness score and more.

That’s everything you'd expect from a full-featured health tracker, and the Health Monitor dashboard is a particularly nice touch. It gives you a quick snapshot of how your core metrics are doing day to day, without needing to scroll through graphs. I found myself using it regularly, especially when I didn’t want to dive into the data.

The ring also includes basic workout tracking, with activity options like walking, running, cycling, football, and freestyle modes. It’s not built for serious training – no smart ring is yet – but the inclusion is still useful. You can also sync workouts from third-party apps via Google Fit and Apple Health.

Then there’s LunaAI, which is a chatbot-style assistant baked into the app. It’s clearly a flagship feature for the brand, but right now, it feels undercooked. It can provide explanations for sleep and recovery metrics, and even build basic workout plans. But when it told me I’d “exceeded my sleep by 27,690 seconds,” I wasn’t exactly blown away. Technically true, but not exactly meaningful, similar to the AI insights on Garmin Connect+. It’s more a glossary and content hub than a true AI assistant.

As for the app itself, I really liked it. The layout is intuitive, the calming colors are nice, and the home screen dashboard feels Oura-inspired in a good way. On the home screen you'll find everything you need to know about your day and how you’re doing. Then along the menu bar your data is divided into Sleep, Readiness and Activity, all of this is on the home page, but you can dig deeper in each of the dedicated sections.

My only bugbear with the app is the copy could use refinement. Some of the text sounds clunky and is oddly worded and also looks quite tiny, which takes the shine off what is otherwise a premium-feeling experience.

Features score: 4 / 5

Noise Luna Ring (Gen 1) review: Performance

Good sleep tracking
Nice contextual insights
Disappointing 3-4 days battery life

Overall, performance was solid, especially when it came to sleep tracking, which is clearly a key focus for the Luna Ring. It accurately picked up my sleep and wake times, even on restless nights (which many trackers have missed). You get detailed sleep stage breakdowns, insight into what’s affecting your score, and helpful trends over time. The sleep planner is also a great addition, letting you set sleep and wake targets to build a more consistent routine – perfect if you’re trying to reset your sleep habits.

Activity tracking is more of a mixed bag. There are several workout modes available, but none dedicated to strength training or yoga – my two go-to workouts. That said, the freestyle mode delivers decent data, including duration, calories burned, max and min heart rate, and a well-designed bar graph showing your time in heart rate zones. If more activity types were included, you'd likely get more accurate calorie data, but as a general log, it’s fine. Syncing with Apple Health or Google Fit helps fill in the gaps if you’re already using another fitness platform.

Accuracy overall was strong. I tested the Luna Ring alongside several other smart rings and wearables, and the data for heart rate and sleep consistently matched up. Step counts were slightly underreported at times, but never dramatically so.

Connectivity was decent once things were set up. I ran into a few syncing issues during setup and when the battery was running low, but after that it was mostly smooth sailing. Bluetooth pairing worked reliably, and the app refreshed with new data quickly.

One feature I genuinely appreciated was the contextual insights. When, for example, my temperature deviated from its usual range, the app didn’t just flash a warning – it explained what might cause the change and how to address it. This kind of guidance makes the Luna Ring feel smarter than many other wearables, which often highlight problems without offering any helpful next steps.

That said, the in-app advice's tone and wording could use some polishing to better match the premium feel Noise is aiming for. At times, the wording felt slightly robotic or abrupt. For example, when some of my data synced, the app flagged it with a red alert that simply said “Pay attention”, which felt vague and a bit cold, especially in that context.

Another time I received a “Proceed as planned” message after a strong readiness score. Technically accurate, but it lacked warmth or context, making the experience feel slightly jarring. I don’t expect emotional support from a wearable, but I do expect the language to feel well-considered and aligned with the rest of the experience. Right now, the tone just doesn’t quite land. Other wearables strike a better balance here.

Battery life, however, is one of the Luna Ring's weak spots. Luna claims 5–6 days, but I consistently got just under 4. That’s significantly shorter than the Oura Ring 4 (6 days), Ultrahuman Ring Air (6–7 days), and even the upcoming Samsung Galaxy Ring (up to 7 days). Battery life is crucial in a smart ring – the whole appeal is wearing it 24/7, and frequent charging breaks that flow. This is one of the areas the brand says it will improve in Gen 2, and it absolutely needs to.

Charging is handled via a small base, which requires placing the ring in a very specific position to connect. It’s not intuitive at first, but becomes second nature with regular use – still, a snap-on charger would be much easier.

Performance: 4 / 5

Scorecard

Should I buy the Noise Luna Ring (Gen 1)?

Buy it if…

You’re looking for an Oura alternative without a subscription
It’s a little cheaper than the Oura, and you don’t need to pay to subscribe, which is a plus.

You want a ring that goes beyond basic stats
I felt like the explanations and info presented here could genuinely help me make positive changes rather than bombard me with stats.

You’re comfortable supporting a product that’s still evolving
Let’s be clear, it’s good. It just has that Gen 1 feel because, well, it is and a newer version is on the way soon.

Don’t buy it if…

You’re on a budget: There are cheaper smart rings that offer many of the same metrics and will give you a similar experience.

You’re not in a rush: A Gen 2 version is already on the way imminently with some design and feature upgrades that could address many of my issues with the Gen 1.

You expect premium hardware at this price: It doesn’t quite match up to the best rings on offer, but it’s not too far off.

Noise Luna Ring (Gen 1): Also consider

Oura Ring 4

A more refined smart ring experience, with great app design, color options, and accurate tracking. But it’s pricier – and you’ll need a subscription to unlock all the features.

Read our full Oura Ring 4 review

Amazfit Helio Ring

A surprisingly capable smart ring at a lower price point. It lacks some of the health insights of premium rings, but it’s a great option for fitness fans on a budget.

Read our full Amazfit Helio review

How I tested the Noise Luna Ring (Gen 1)

Paired with an iPhone 14 Pro
Wore the ring 24/7
Tested loads of wearables over 12+ years

I tested the Noise Luna Ring (Gen 1) for several weeks, paired with an iPhone 14 Pro. I wore it 24/7 – through outdoor runs, gym sessions, long workdays in coffee shops, evenings at home, and while sleeping. The only time I took it off was for charging and showers (even though it’s waterproof, I didn’t want to risk soap and shampoo interfering with the sensors).

I’ve tested dozens of wearables over the past decade, including smart rings from Oura, Ultrahuman, RingConn, Motiv, and more. Having worn so many, I’ve got a strong sense of what makes a smart ring truly useful – from design and comfort to performance, app quality, and long-term wearability.

First reviewed in April 2025

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Shark Cryoglow didn’t cure my adult acne or erase my fine lines, but it did a whole lot better than anything else I’ve tried

1:01 pm | April 16, 2025

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

Shark Cryoglow: One minute review

Whether you have fine lines, rosacea, acne or puffy under-eyes, Shark’s CryoGlow can address a wide range of skincare concerns. It combines LED face mask technology with Peltier-effect cooling pads that could replace your weekly trips to the salon.

CryoGlow is my first foray into light therapy technology. While I’m eager to see further studies into the long-term benefits (and potential risks), I must say, I’ve been impressed with Shark’s first skincare device.

Of course, it’s not fully effortless. I spent over seven hours strapped into the CryoGlow in my two months of testing, using one of its three settings almost every night to put it through its paces.

It’s not been without its drawbacks. I travel a fair amount, spending half my time at my partner’s home and half at mine, plus going on press trips, and, unfortunately, CryoGlow is bulky and inflexible. The device isn’t built for effective packing, and can’t be put in a checked bag owing to its lithium-ion battery. Battery life might prove to be irritating, too, especially over time and if you’re following the advised daily-use routine.

Shark Cryoglow in use — (Image credit: Future)

That being said, it’s still a whole lot more convenient and cost-effective in the long run than weekly trips to your salon to receive the same treatment. If, like me, you’re a regular under-eye mask wearer, this is a much more sustainable way to minimize your puffy eyes.

The biggest question, of course, is whether or not CryoGlow delivers results. For me, the answer is a tentative yes; after over two months of consistent testing, my acne has noticeably reduced outside of hormonal outbreaks, my fine lines seem reduced and, in defiance of my terrible sleep schedule, my under-eye puffiness has lessened. Best of all, the routine of it all encourages me to moisturize daily (the mask itself is quite drying) and means I have to use fewer pimple patches and eye masks.

Is it the sea-change I was hoping for? No, and the results aren’t long-lasting unless you continue to regularly use the mask after the initial eight-week regimen. Still, I’m pretty impressed with what I’ve seen, and it’s the best alternative I’ve found to regular, professional skincare treatments.

Shark Cryoglow review: Price and availability

Announced and released in late 2024
Costs $349 / £299
Comfortably mid-range among LED face masks, plus with added benefits.

The Shark CryoGlow is available for $349 / £299 (as of writing, it’s not available in Australia) and can be purchased directly from Shark as well as a number of third-party retailers such as Amazon. In the UK, that marks a small increase in price in the few months since its launch, when it cost £249.

Out of the box, the CryoGlow comes with a travel bag, an extra set of InstaChill Peltier-effect plates and the mask itself with the attached remote. You can also buy a charging stand for the mask for $49.99 / £49.99, which gives the mask a tidy home.

In terms of value for money, the CryoGlow may be pricey, but it stands to benefit your beauty budget in the long run. Its biggest competition in home treatment comes from the likes of Currentbody, which costs $469 / £399 for its latest Series 2 model. While regular salon treatments can range from $25-200 / £25-200 each trip, which adds up quickly if you want to sustain the results.

Value score: 4.5/5

Shark Cryoglow review: Design

Solid and inflexible mask
Attached remote
Features Peltier-effect under-eye cooling plates

Unlike many of its competitors, Shark’s CryoGlow is a rigid, hard-shelled light therapy mask with added cushioning for comfort around the eyes and on the forehead. While it’s a little heavy and inflexible (675g) for my liking when it comes to travel, it’s still pretty comfortable in use, owing to the adjustable straps across the top and sides of the head that spread the mask’s weight, and its holes for the eyes, mouth and nose.

While these cutouts are sufficiently comfortable, I’d argue against using this mask while doing anything other than relaxing or maybe some light doomscrolling. The eye cushions adequately block out most of the light from behind the mask, but I found that after a few weeks of testing, I started to suffer eye strain and headaches, which I attributed to using screens in a dimly lit room while wearing the CryoGlow every evening. The contrast between the LED light bleeding into my periphery against the light on my TV or phone didn’t quite agree with my eyes, it seems. For wellness’ sake, I suppose it’s better to treat your skin routine more meditatively.

The remote is wired into the mask itself and features a small LCD screen, which lets you track and select your skincare routines and the time remaining during a treatment, and a dial for selecting options. The mask charges via a USB-C connector in the remote.

Under the hood, CryoGlow features 160 tri-wick LEDs, which translates to 480 light sources across the three light therapy programs (red, blue, and deep infrared light). Beneath the eye holes are the InstaChill cooling pads, which use the Peltier effect, a thermoelectric phenomenon that creates a cooling effect on the skin side of the cooling pads when powered, and fan technology to deliver under-eye bag-busting cooling. Clever stuff. By default, the mask features just one set of these cooling pads, but if you find it more comfortable, you can add the included second pair to bring the cooling closer to your face.

It’s worth highlighting that a vast majority of competitor products feature a more flexible form factor, which may be more accommodating for different face shapes and sizes. However, from what I’ve found so far in my own testing, consumer reviews and the opinions of my friends and family who’ve tried Shark’s mask, the hard shell, one-size-fits-all approach seems to be fairly universal. Plus, you benefit from the under-mask fans, which keep everything cool and refreshing in use.

Design score: 4.5/5

Shark Cryoglow review: Performance

Shark Cryoglow remote — (Image credit: Future)

Various treatments for different skin needs
Three controllable coolness settings for the under-eye
Battery life unimpressive

How it works

Shark’s CryoGlow has three light therapy routines that address different skincare goals: Better Aging, Blemish Repair and Skin Sustain Treatment. Each mode uses different LEDs to penetrate the skin.

Better Aging uses Red LEDs and Infrared over a six-minute cycle to reduce fine lines and firm skin, with a recommended eight-week course.

Blemish Repair adds Blue LEDs to the mix across an eight-minute routine to reduce blemishes, smooth skin and improve the appearance of pores after a four-week course.

Once you’ve completed a full treatment cycle, Skin Sustain combines all three light treatments into one, four-minute cycle designed to maintain the results.

Using the remote, you can add under-eye cooling with one of three intensity settings, or use the fourth treatment option, Under-Eye Revive, to de-puff your eyes for up to 15 minutes without LEDs.

I tried the Blemish Repair and Better Aging treatments in my time with the mask, starting with Blemish Repair for the full four weeks. Though my quest for a fully effective, adult acne-blasting solution continues, I did at least notice a reduction in my symptoms. With consistent, daily use, my pimples reduced in size, severity and redness. I have very large pores that were at least somewhat tightened and smoothed by the treatment, and, overall, my acne was quicker to heal, drying out much more readily than I’m used to.

For me, that’s worth it; I have found few solutions that are at all effective in making my acne easier to live with. However, it’s still a big investment for moderate results, and I can only anecdotally say it had a slightly noticeable effect on my skin. I’ll be using CryoGlow for as long as I can to see if the improvements continue, but as the search for my acne’s silver bullet continues, so might yours.

Following Blemish Repair mode, I took a two-week break to test how lasting the results are, and found my skin slowly returning to form towards the end of the break, when I picked up the mask once more to try Better Aging mode. As of writing, I’m just over halfway through the treatment, and I’ve seen some positive early results when it comes to fine line reduction - however, it’s worth noting these aren’t (yet!) too much of a problem for me. That being said, I do struggle with skin puffiness, especially when I’m run down, and the red light therapy proved effective in soothing my inflammation.

For me, easily the most effective part has been the InstaChill under-eye cooling. No longer do my puffy eyelids and under-eye bags betray my terrible sleep schedule, thanks to daily cooling treatments that leave me feeling refreshed and relaxed. I’ve been using single-use eye masks for a few months, and CryoGlow is both more effective and less wasteful; a double-whammy of cosmetic coolness.

The cycles of all of the CryoGlow treatments are relatively short, meaning it doesn’t feel too large of a commitment, but the short battery life only sees three or four treatments through, and if you’re regularly on the move you might find toting it around frustrating in the long term.

Overall, I’ve been really impressed with the Shark CryoGlow, but as with all beauty tech I’ll hazard that results may vary; mine were noticeable, yes, but it’s a big, daily commitment to ongoing skincare at a fairly high cost. That being said, it’s encouraged better skincare from me all-round, and is more affordable in the long-term than salon treatments, single-use eye masks and a whole lot of pimple patches.

Performance score: 4.5/5

Shark Cryoglow review: scorecard

Shark Cryoglow: Should I buy it?

@techradar
♬ original sound - TechRadar

Buy it if...

You’re looking for a salon alternative

Up-front, it’s a pricey investment, but if you’re really into your light therapy, it might be more cost-effective in the long run.

You suffer from under-eye puffiness

Anecdotally, this is the most noticeably effective treatment offered by the CryoGlow, even though it’s really just an added benefit for the product.

Don't buy it if...

You’re on a budget

It’s not cheap, and you might be able to get away with a cheaper, LED-only mask.

You travel often

Its size, bulk and battery life make the CryoGlow a slightly annoying travel companion.

How I tested

I've been using Cryoglow for months by the time I sat down to write my review, running a full course of its blemish-busting treatment and making it most of the way through its Better Aging Treatment.

In addition to the Treatments, I tried using the under-eye cooling pads at various temperature settings, testing from day-to-day to see how much (or little!) they reduced the dark circles under my eyes, as well as key specs like the battery life. I tried using the mask at different times of the day to see if it had much of an impact on the immediacy of the results, and even tried using it on a plane!

I've been writing for TechRadar for almost four years now, reviewing everything from beauty tech to smart home and wellness devices. I've tried different LED face masks, as well as various high-tech skin treatments, to build an idea of what good looks like, always factoring in important factors like price, comfort and longevity.

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Ultim8 by Supermouth review: A well-designed sonic toothbrush with a slick UV SmartHub gimmick

2:09 pm | April 15, 2025

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

Ultim8 by Supermouth: One minute review

The Ultim8 by Supermouth toothbrush makes a lot of bold claims. For example, it says it’s the “first reinvention of the toothbrush in nearly a century”, with its unique ‘8’ shape and patented bristles designed to conform to the contours of your teeth.

The SmartHub, which is sold separately, is designed to house, charge and clean the brush with UV light, drying the bristles, and preventing bacteria from adhering to it by keeping it in a sealed environment. A travel case is also sold separately.

It all sounds very innovative, and the brush itself is inordinately pretty and well-designed. The battery lasts ages, the unit itself looks a lot better than most electric toothbrushes, with its swooping curves reminiscent of a spacecraft, and the magnetic charger is a really neat touch, although it’s USB-A rather than USB-C.

However, redesigned brush heads, SmartHubs, and Supermouth’s bold claims aside, what we have here is essentially a sonic toothbrush with two modes, a pressure sensor, and a two-minute timer, priced at $99.99 (around £75 / AU$160) It’s perfectly functional, but it’s hardly breaking the mold when it comes to toothbrush design.

Ultim8 Supermouth brush and hub — (Image credit: Future)

Perhaps my expectations are too high; after all, how much more advanced can toothbrushes get? At least this one isn’t trying to foist an AI app on me. It cleans well, and while I could stand to have the motor a bit stronger, the pressure sensor is nicely designed, flashing from blue to green to red depending on how hard you’re pressing, and the brush is comfortable to use day-to-day. Battery life isn’t given, but it still held charge after a full week of testing.

One of the issues I do have with the brush is that all the accessories don’t come as standard. To buy the SmartHub with the brush from Supermouth costs an extra $70 (around £55 / AU$110), and once you buy the toothbrush, you’re then locked into the proprietary 8-shape brush heads, costing $19.99 (around £15 / AU$30) for a pack of two.

The Ultim8 is also missing a few features we’re used to, such as more than two intensities, but as a standalone $100 sonic brush, I’d be more than happy with it. In the grand scheme of overpriced toothbrushes, $170 for a brush with a cool-looking cleaning and housing case also isn’t too bad, although it’s far from budget, and what initially looks like a good mid-range offering ends up feeling rather premium. Get the travel case and spare brush heads too, and you're pushing top-end prices.

However, during my testing, the brush cleaned well, held its charge and was extremely comfortable to use.

Ultim8 by Supermouth: Specifications

Ultim8 by Supermouth: Price and availability

Ultim8 Supermouth brush hand — (Image credit: Future)

$99.99 (around £75 / AU$160)
Extras drive up cost
Available from third-party sellers for inflated cost

The Ultim8 by Supermouth brush costs $99.99 (around £75 / AU$160) from the Ultim8 website, which is a perfectly reasonable price for a decent sonic brush. However, as previously mentioned above, the brush is part of the overall Supermouth ecosystem, which will loop you into buying the hub and proprietary brush heads for an additional premium.

Supermouth does ship internationally, but unlike many toothbrushes which can be found at third-party retailers for discounted prices, the system is the same price on Amazon US, and inflated to a hefty £345 on Amazon UK, at the time of writing.

Value score: 3/5

Scorecard

Ultim8 by Supermouth: Should I buy?

Ultim8 Supermouth and smart hub on table — (Image credit: Future)

Buy it if...

You want a clean toothbrush

The SmartHub prevents bacteria collecting on the bristles with its UV cleaning and drying function.

You want a nice design

Both the toothbrush and the SmartHub look sleek and stylish.

You have sensitive teeth

The Ultim8’s eight-way soft bristles mean the brush is ideal for sensitive molars.

Don't buy it if...

You want power

Want a toothbrush that offers a more intense clean? You’re better off with a high-powered Philips Sonicare.

You’re on a budget

If you’re looking for a simple sonic brush with cheap replacement heads, look elsewhere.

Ultim8 by Supermouth: Also consider

Philips Sonicare 7100

The high-powered brush with a convenient charging case that takes up much less space than a hub.

Read our review

Mode Electric Toothbrush

The Ultim8 looks cool, but this wall-mounted sonic rocket looks cooler for our money.

Read our review

How I tested the Ultim8 by Supermouth

I used the Ultim8 Supermouth brush for a week of testing, stress-testing the pressure sensor and two-minute timer functions, and using the SmartHub for storage and cleaning.

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