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I tested Ring’s new outdoor camera in my garden and was blown away by the picture quality (and high price tag)
6:00 pm | December 14, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Home Home Security Smart Home | Comments: Off

Ring Outdoor Cam Pro: two-minute review

Although probably best known for its video doorbells, Ring offers a range of both indoor and security cameras, including the 2K Ring Outdoor Cam Plus launched earlier this year. However, with the Ring Outdoor Cam Pro, the manufacturer has upped its game by going full 4K for the first time.

Available in black or white (we tested the white version), this new model can be used either outdoors or indoors, with a number of different mounting options to suit your individual set up. Screws and wall plugs are provided for mounting on a wall, fence or even a celling. Alternatively, you can use the built-in stand for placing indoors on a bookshelf or a unit.

Unfortunately, unlike other models in the range, the Ring Outdoor Cam Pro is mains-powered only. There are no battery or even solar charging options available for the unit which means it will need to be located close to a power supply (Ring supplies 6m/20ft power cable with the camera). And although there is POE (Power over Ethernet) version of the camera, this will set you back an additional £100 (£279 rather than £179) – rather a hefty premium in our opinion.

Ring Outdoor Cam Pro

(Image credit: Future)

While the lack of battery/solar power options will certainly deter some buyers looking for a quick, wire-free fix, the use of mains power does enable more advanced high-bandwidth features that battery power simply can’t sustain. Chief among these is 24/7 4K recording, turning the camera from a conventional security unit triggered by motion alerts into a fully-fledged surveillance system. However, this will require a Premium Ring subscription currently costing a hefty £15.99 a month. Another Premium feature is Smart Video Search. Using AI, this allows you to type in a word or phrase such as ‘man wearing a red top’ into the search bar and it will automatically scour the captured footage looking for a man in a red top.

Without a monthly subscription, the camera’s functionality is a lot more basic, restricted mostly to viewing live video streams and basic motion alerts. It’s not possible to save or review past recordings. However, it does include Ring’s Smart Responses feature which will play the automated message ‘Hi, you are currently being recorded’ to intruders letting them know they are being filmed.

Ring Outdoor Cam Pro

(Image credit: Future)

Other basic features not requiring a subscription include a loud 85dB Siren option (once pressed this will sound for thirty seconds) and two-way audio so you can speak to whoever is in view. It’s also possible to set motion alerts for certain times of the day (handy if you use the camera indoors and know other family members will be back in, say, the afternoon/evening ), as well as create different motion zones so – for example – the camera doesn’t pick up passers-by walking past the house or activity in the neighbour’s garden.

Finally, motion sensitivity can be adjusted to reduce the number of motion alerts you get, as security cameras can tend to be a little over sensitive picking up the slightest movement such as a branch swaying on a tree!

Ring Outdoor Cam Pro: subscription options

Ring Home Basic (formerly Protect Basic)
Cost: $4.99 / £4.99 / AU$4.95 per month or $49.99 / £49.99 / AU$49.95 per year
Covers: one doorbell or camera.
Features: cloud storage (up to 180 days), person/package alerts, video previews.

Ring Home Standard (formerly Protect Plus)
Cost: $9.99 / £7.99 / AU$15 per month or $99.99 / £79.99 / AU$150 per year
Covers: All devices at one location
Features: All Basic features plus Extended Live View, Picture-in-Picture, Daily Event Summary and 10% off Ring products.

Ring Home Premium (new tier)
Cost: $19.99 / £15.99 per month or $200 / £159.99 per year (not currently available in Australia)
Covers: All devices at one location
Features: everything in Basic and Standard, plus 24/7 recording and unlimited video storage.

Ring Outdoor Cam Pro: price and availability

  • How much does it cost? $199, £179, AU$329
  • When is it available? Since November 2025
  • Where is it available? UK / US / Australia

Given it’s a high-end security camera aimed at those who want the very best video quality on the market, I didn’t expect Ring Outdoor Cam Pro to be cheap. Nevertheless, its near-£200 price tag puts it at the very top of the range when it comes to price.

For example, you can now buy the Ring Stick Up Cam for under £50. And while the Stick Up Cam only offers 1080p video resolution (compared to 4K on the Ring Outdoor Cam Pro), it is – unlike its high-performance sister model - battery-powered. This gives you much more flexibility when it comes to installation, especially if you want to cite the camera a long distance away from mains power.

Nor is it just the price of the hardware you have to think about when investing in a security camera. There’s also the monthly subscription. Ring isn’t alone in charging a monthly subscription for its premium features, but with prices starting at £4.99 a month it is one of the more expensive. What’s more, if you want the most advanced features, such as 24/7 video recording and Smart Video Search, you will need to pay £15.99 a month – more than many people’s monthly mobile phone subscriptions.

  • Value score: 3/5

Ring Outdoor Cam Pro: design

  • Solidly built camera
  • Various mounting options
  • IP65 weather-resistance

When it comes to design, the Ring Outdoor Cam Pro certainly doesn’t disappoint. Standing around 6 inches / 15cm tall, it’s a solid-enough design with a base that can be easily angled to match your needs. Various mounting options are provided for indoor and outdoor use and set up is straightforward enough thanks to an easy-to-use app and a QR code that you can scan with your phone’s camera.

Ring Outdoor Cam Pro

(Image credit: Future)

Plenty of cable is provided although this is divided up with a slightly ugly power adapter (this can be screwed into the wall). On the one side of the power adaptor is the mains cable, on the other is a flatter USB-C cable that goes into the back of the camera.

Ring Outdoor Cam Pro

(Image credit: Future)

Turn the camera around and there’s the 4K lens, offering a 140° horizontal and 85° vertical field of view, plus a small microphone and speaker at the bottom running along the bottom of the unit. Boasting an IP (Ingress Protection) rating of 65 – an improvement on earlier models - the Ring Outdoor Cam Pro offers protection from dust and low-pressure water jets, but isn’t suitable for submersion or high-pressure jets. It can also be used in temperatures as low as -5°F and as high as 120°F (-20°C to 50°C).

  • Design score: 4/5

Ring Outdoor Cam Pro: performance

  • Retinal 4K resolution
  • 10x digital zoom
  • Adaptive night vision

One of the first of the manufacturer’s cameras to incorporate Retinal 4K technology (3840 x 2160 pixels), the Ring Outdoor Camera Pro certainly stands out when it comes to performance. Indeed, we found that the higher pixel density, coupled with a 140° field of view and 10x digital zoom, meant it was possible to capture detail from footage filmed during the day that wasn’t previously possible.

However, night vision was a little bit more of a mixed bag. Ring advertises ‘adaptive and colour night vision’, but the colour functionality requires quite a bit of ambient light to work. Generally, we found that while it was very high quality most of the footage we captured at night was black and white, unless movement triggered one of the nearby security lights.

One area where the Ring Outdoor Cam Pro does excel is ease of use. Like many of Ring’s products, set-up is straightforward and the product’s menus are straightforward to use. Alerts are sent directly to your phone in an instant, complete with details such as ‘person detected’ (providing you subscribe to a Ring plan). It is also linked with the Alexa skill so you can activate the camera with a voice command such as ‘Alexa, show me the garden camera’.

Finally, it’s possible to reduce the number of false alerts that you get using the Ring’s innovative Bird’s Eye View feature. This works by combining 3D motion detection (with radar) with a satellite map of your property to track an intruder’s path with pinpoint accuracy! It’s also a good idea to reduce the motion sensitivity of the camera using the onscreen menu.

  • Performance score: 4.5/5

Ring Outdoor Cam Pro:

Should you buy the Ring Outdoor Cam Pro?

Attribute

Notes

Score

Value

With a price tag close to £200, the Ring Outdoor Cam Pro is one of the pricier home security cameras on the market. And that’s before you add in the additional cost of the monthly subs.

3.5 / 5

Design

Available in black or white, the Ring camera is well designed with different mounting options both for indoor and outdoor use.

4 / 5

Performance

When it comes to performance, the 4K camera generally excels with 10x digital zoom providing particularly detailed close-ups.

4.5/5

Overall

The Outdoor Cam Pro represents a leap into high-resolution surveillance for Ring. However, the high levels of performance come at a fairly hefty price, especially when you factor in the subscription plan.

4/5

Buy it if

You want high quality video footage

The Ring Outdoor Cam Pro offers exceptional video quality thanks to 4K resolution and 10x digital zoom.

You already have Ring products

This camera fits neatly into the Ring ecosystem, enabling you to link to other Ring products including cameras, video doorbells and alarms.

Don't buy it if

You are on a limited budget

The Ring Outdoor Cam Pro is one of the more expensive models on the market and functionality is limited without spending at least £4.99 on a monthly subscription.

Mains power isn’t available where you want the camera

The high performance levels of this camera, including the option of 24/7 recording, mean that it must be connected to the mains.

Ring Outdoor Cam Pro: also consider

Attribute

Ring Outdoor Cam Pro

Ring Spotlight Cam Pro (Battery)

Eufy 4K S330 Security Camera

Subscription price

From £4.99 a month

From £4.99 a month

None

Viewing angle

140° horizontal, 85° vertical

140° view horizontal, 80° vertical

360° view

Network connection

Wi-Fi (2.4GHz/5GHz)

Wi-Fi (2.4GHz/5GHz)

Wi-Fi/4G

Audio

Two-way audio

Two-way audio

Two-way audio

Video

4K video resolution

1080p Full HD resolution

4K video resolution

Power

Mains-powered

Battery

Battery

Hardware price

£179 (mains only)

£199 (battery model only)

£189 (with solar panel)

Ring Spotlight Cam Pro (battery)

Available in black or white, this outdoor security camera from Amazon-owned Ring boasts two 3000°K spotlights. You can also buy a mains-powered version as well as a separate solar panel.

Read our full Ring Spotlight Cam Pro review

Eufy 4K S330 Security Camera

An extremely innovative battery and solar-powered camera, the Eufy can be used with the supplied 4G Sim card to capture recordings, making it ideal for those who live in areas with poor Wi-Fi/broadband.

Read our full Eufy 4K Security Camera review

How I tested the Ring Outdoor Cam Pro:

  • I used the Ring every day for a week
  • I set it up myself both indoors and outdoors

To test this camera, I first connected it to the mains plug in my garden and placed it in various positions and in all weathers – including sunshine, rain and heavy wind! I also tested it both during daylight and at night (it was dark in London from about 4.30pm onwards). During this time, I didn’t have any performance issues, despite extremely inclement weather conditions (thanks Storm Bram).

I then moved indoors to complete the testing with the device in various locations including the kitchen and my home office. One of the great things I noticed during the testing period was just how flexible the Ring camera is. All of the fittings are provided for installing on a wall or ceiling. However, it can quite as easily be moved around for placing on a desk or a bookshelf – handy if you go away and just want to monitor a particular area for a short period of time.

The Bosch Tassimo Finesse Friendly is a super affordable coffee maker, but beware – there’s a catch that means it could cost you in the long run
8:00 pm | December 13, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Coffee Machines Computers Gadgets Home Small Appliances | Tags: , , | Comments: Off

Boch Tassimo Finesse Friendly: one-minute review

The Tassimo Finesse Friendly from Bosch is a compact capsule-based coffee maker that's an affordable alternative to similar machines from Nespresso and Keurig. It works in much the same way as its rivals, accepting proprietary capsules, piercing them, and forcing hot water through to brew your drink.

Unlike some other small coffee makers, it can also brew milky drinks such as lattes if you use separate pods for the milk and the coffee, with impressive results. The downside is that these capsules (known as T-Pods) can be quite expensive, particularly for drinks with two components.

The Finesse Friendly is very simple to use and clean, with a blank disc stored in a slot at the bottom that enables a quick rinsing cycle between drinks. Its water tank is east to remove as well, though its small capacity (just 23.7oz / 700ml) means you'll be making frequent trips to the sink if you're making more than one or two drinks at a time.

Bosch Tassimo Finesse Friendly coffee maker with top open

(Image credit: Future)

It's a well-built and likeable little coffee maker, but if you enjoy lattes regularly, you might want to consider learning to use a compact espresso machine with a manual steam wand instead. Although the initial cost will be higher, you could save money in the long run by using fresh milk for your regular brews rather than capsules. Take a look at my roundup of the best espresso machines for options at various price points.

Boch Tassimo Finesse Friendly: specifications

Name

Bosch Tassimo Finesse Friendly

Type

Capsule coffee maker

Dimensions (W x H x D)

6.2 x 10.4 x 14.2 inches / 15.7 x 26.5 x 36cm

Weight

6.2lbs / 2.8kg

Water tank capacity

23.7oz / 700ml

Boch Tassimo Finesse Friendly: price and availability

  • List price £89.99 (about $120 / AU$180), but often discounted
  • Widely available in Europe, but not in the US or Australia
  • T-Pod capsules can be quite expensive, depending on type

The Bosch Tassimo Finesse Friendly is one of the most affordable capsule coffee makers machines I’ve ever tested. It has a list price of £89.99 (about $120 / AU$180), but is frequently discounted to £49.99 (about $70 / AU$100). That’s even less than the entry-level Nespresso Vertuo Pop. You’ll find all today’s best prices below.

The downside is that although it’s widely available in the UK and continental Europe, it’s not currently sold in the US or Australia.

Although the Finesse Friendly is cheap, Tassimo capsules (known as T-Pods) can be quite pricey particularly if you prefer drinks with milk, which require two pods each. They are widely available online and from supermarkets, and include varieties from brands including Cadbury’s, Costa, Kenco, Jacobs, and L’OR.

Coffee and milk capsules for Bosch Tassimo coffee makers

(Image credit: Future)

Prices vary widely depending on your chosen drink. For example, a pack of Costa Caramel Latte T-Pods, for example, contains enough capsules to make just eight drinks, and has a list price of £7.25 (about $10 / AU$15). Pods containing just coffee are much more affordable. At the time of writing, a bundle containing 80 Kenco Pure Colombian capsules is £21.38 (about $30 / AU$40).

  • Value score: 3.5/5

Boch Tassimo Finesse Friendly: design

  • Compact and lightweight
  • Easy to clean and maintain
  • Water tank holds only 23.7oz / 700ml

The Tassimo Finesse Friendly is an exceptionally light and compact coffee maker, which is ideal for small kitchens and easy to tuck away in a cupboard when not in use. Its body is made using 60% recycled plastic, and is available in four colors: black, white, cream, and red. The black version I tested had a tendency to accumulate fingerprints, particularly on the matt-finish sides, but they were easily cleaned off with a damp cloth.

Its drip tray is removable for cleaning, and can be repositioned closer to the dispenser to accommodate espresso cups without splashing.

It has a single control button, which uses colors and blinks to indicate the machine’s current status. A red light means the machine needs attention, and usually signals that the water tank is running low.

The tank is attached to the back of the machine, and is easy to remove; just angle it slightly and pull upwards. It has a maximum capacity of just 700ml / 23.7oz, so you’ll need to refill it after making two full-size drinks.

Water tank removed from Bosch Tassimo Finesse Friendly coffee maker

(Image credit: Future)

Cleaning the Finesse Friendly is straightforward. Just remove the orange maintenance disc from the slot at the bottom of the machine, place it in the capsule holder with the barcode facing down, close the lid, and hit the brew button just as you would when preparing a drink.

The machine will rinse itself with a cupful of hot water, leaving it clean and ready to use next time. It’s also worth wiping the outside of the dispenser clean if you’ve made a drink with milk, as this has a tendency to splutter.

The Finesse Friendly has no water filter, but is easy to de-scale when indicated by the red status light. Just fill the water tank to the line marked ‘calc’, add two descaling tablets (not provided with the machine but available online), insert the cleaning disc, place a cup under the dispenser and hold the start button for about five seconds.

  • Design score: 4/5

Boch Tassimo Finesse Friendly: performance

The Tassimo Finesse Friendly is extremely simple to use. Just fill the water tank to the maximum line, pull the top of the machine upwards to open it, and place your drink capsule in the opening face-down. Push the lid closed and the light on the control button will light up orange, indicating that the Finesse Friendly is ready to start brewing.

After your drink has finished dispensing, wait until the light stops blinking orange before removing the used capsule.

I tested the Finesse Friendly with a couple of different capsules: Tassimo Cinnamon Roll Latte (which Bosch provided with the review machine), and Jacobs Latte Macchiato (which I bought myself). Each variety came with two boxes of pods: one containing the coffee, and the other filled with long-life milk.

Although a latte macchiato is usually my coffee of choice, the cinnamon roll pods were the clear winner. Although it was definitely sweet, the drink had a more mellow flavor than many other coffee pods I’ve tried. In fact, it was so good I ended up buying a second pack.

The tiny Finesse Friendly did a particularly good job of steaming milk, producing a long-lasting layer of creamy foam. During my tests the machine had a tendency to sputter a little, and emitted quite a lot of steam once it had finished dispensing, but this had dissipated by the time the orange light stopped blinking.

In the UK, you can recycle used T-Pod capsules through Podback (a scheme that also accepts used Nespresso, L'OR and Dolce Gusto pods). You'll receive a Podback bag when you receive an order of T-Pods, and you can order more through the Podback website.

You can drop off your Podback bags in most big supermarkets, or take loose capsules to a recycling center with a Podback bin. Find your nearest drop-off point.

  • Performance score: 5/5

Should you buy the Boch Tassimo Finesse Friendly

Bosch Tassimo Finesse Friendly score card

Attribute

Notes

Score

Value

The machine itself is very affordable, but pods for milk-based drinks can be expensive.

3.5/5

Design

Compact and light, made using 60% recycled plastic, but water tank is very small.

4/5

Performance

Heats quickly, foams milk well, and dispenses consistently tasty coffee. Easy to clean and maintain.

5/5

Buy it if

You want a coffee maker that's easy to use

Brewing coffee doesn't get much easier than this. Just add water and a pod, wait a minute, and you'll have a perfectly brewed drink every time.

You want more than just coffee

The Finesse Friendly also makes excellent hot chocolate, and there are plenty of T-Pod capsules available from brands including Cadbury's.

Don't buy it if

You drink several lattes daily

T-Pods for milky drinks can be quite expensive. They're delicious, but you'll go through a pack of capsules very quickly unless you keep them as a special treat.

You want to make drinks for a crowd

The Tassimo Finesse Friendly's small water tank will need refilling after every couple of drinks unless you're brewing short drinks like espresso.

Boch Tassimo Finesse Friendly: also consider

If the Bosch Tassimo Finesse Friendly isn't the right coffee maker for you, here are two alternatives to consider.

Nespresso Vertuo Pop

This is another compact pod-based coffee maker with an affordable price tag. The upgraded Pop+ has an extra large water tank, which will be useful if you want to brew drinks for a larger group, and even premium Vertuo pods work out a little cheaper than the most expensive T-Pods.

Read our full Nespresso Vertuo Pop review

Nespresso Pixie

This capsule coffee maker accepts Nespresso Original capsules. Nestlé no longer owns the patent to these, so they're widely available from a huge range of coffee producers, from big chains to small independent roasters.

Read our full Nespresso Pixie review

How I tested the Boch Tassimo Finesse Friendly

I used the Bosch Tassimo Finesse Friendly in my own kitchen for three weeks, making an average of two coffees per day. I used tap water, and used the maintenance disc with the rinse program the clean the machine between each drink.

I used Tassimo Cinnamon Roll Latte and Jacobs Latte Macchiato capsules, and used the milk capsule for each drink first before dispensing the coffee through the foam. I compared the results to those from my own Nespresso Vertuo Pop machine.

For more details, see how we test, rate, and review products at TechRadar.

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This pet hair-friendly cordless vacuum is one of the best budget options I’ve tested
8:04 pm | December 8, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Home Small Appliances Vacuums | Tags: | Comments: Off

Bissell PowerClean FurFinder: two-minute review

The Bissell PowerClean FurFinder is a simple but effective cordless vacuum with an affordable price tag. I've been testing it out for two weeks and have generally been very impressed.

On the design front it keeps things basic, with three suction modes, a removable battery, a small but easy-to-empty bin and a wall mount for out-of-the way storage. Like almost all stick vacuums these days, it can be reconfigured for use as a handheld with one of the provided detail tools. In general use I found the performance very good – it had no issues clearing particles and hair from hard floors and carpet, and only struggled when it came to tackling large debris, which tended to get caught in the floorhead casing.

Those seeking the best vacuum for pet hair might prefer a model with larger bin, as the one included here is smaller than average and will fill up quickly if you have shedding pets. They might also struggle with the shorter runtimes – if you bump up to Med mode (as you will likely want to if you're vacuuming carpet), you'll only have 20 minutes or so or cleaning time before having to stop to recharge.

I was especially impressed with the Mini motorized tool, which did a stellar job of pulling fuzz from an old cushion-turned-makeshift cat bed. Unusually, this is kitted out with headlamps to help illuminate areas you might otherwise miss.

It's not doing anything especially new, and those who prefer a more hi-tech appliance have plenty of flashier options to choose from. In its price bracket, though, it's a very strong performer – and certainly one of the best cheap vacuums I've tested. If you're after a solid cordless vacuum for an affordable price, the Bissell PowerClean FurFinder should be on your shortlist.

Bissell PowerClean FurFinder cordless vacuum

(Image credit: Future)

Bissell PowerClean FurFinder review: price & availability

  • List price: $229.99
  • Available: US

The Bissell PowerClean FurFinder is only available in the US, where it's very competitively priced, coming in at $229.99 (equivalent to about £180 / AU$360). That's in TechRadar's budget bracket for vacuums, and considering the excellent performance, makes this vacuum easy to recommend.

If you're in the market for a new vacuum, you're probably also considering Shark or Dyson. The Shark Freestyle Max is comparable in price at $199.99 / £149 / AU$249.99 but it's an upright vacuum and can't be reconfigured for use on anything other than the floor, as you can with the Bissell. Plus the battery times are even shorter than on the Bissell.

The oldest and cheapest Dyson is the Dyson V8, which comes in at $349.99 / £329 / AU$397, though discounts do crop up on occasion. It's still a very strong option, with better battery life. But in terms of features it doesn't really add much outside of brand recognition to justify the price difference.

  • Value for money score: 4.5 out of 5

Bissell PowerClean FurFinder specs

Weight:

3.3 kg / 7.3 lbs

Bin size:

0.4L

Max runtime:

40 mins

Charge time:

2 hrs 30 mins

Size (H x W x L):

 in / cm

Max suction:

200AW

Modes:

Low, Med, High

Tools:

Main floorhead, Mini motorized brush head, Crevice tool

Bissell PowerClean FurFinder review: design

  • Cordless stick vacuum with three power modes and headlamps
  • Modular design means it can be used as a handheld; comes with useful tools
  • Dustbin is rather small – especially given it's meant for pet hair

While the Bissell PowerClean FurFinder cordless vacuum doesn't really redefine anything about cordless vacuums, it's a solid offering in just about every way. It's attractive, coming in a black and blue colorway. Its floorhead has lights, like most decent vacuums nowadays, so you can see any dirt right in front of it. It's modular so the main body of the vacuum can be removed from the telescopic tube, and the tube itself can be removed from the floorhead. And its included tools make it multifunctional, and suitable for use as a handheld vacuum.

Speaking of extras: this cordless vacuum comes not only with a 2-in-1 Crevice tool (it has a retractable brush), but a Mini motorized brush head that lights up like the floorhead, and a wall mount for easy storage. The wall mount does require a screwdriver to install, though I appreciate the inclusion of wall anchors if you have to install on nothing but drywall.

Bissell PowerClean FurFinder cordless vacuum

(Image credit: Future)

Getting back to the vacuum itself. The controls here are straightforward, with a power button and a mode button that cycles through low, medium and high suction. There are no screens to provide information and nothing in the way of automation here, which isn't surprising at this price point (although the similarly affordable Dreame R20 does offer automatic dirt detection). I was pleased to see the battery is removable and swappable.

Bissell PowerClean FurFinder vacuum

(Image credit: Future)

A minor complaint is that the dustbin is small. The 0.4 liter capacity will rule it out for large homes, and – perhaps ironically, given the name – it's also not ideal for households with shedding pets. It is at least easily removable, and just as easy to empty.

  • Design score: 4 out of 5

Bissell PowerClean FurFinder review: performance

  • Pickup is good on all sorts of dust and debris, including pet hair
  • Motorized mini brush is ideal for clearing pet hair from upholstery
  • Not that quiet in operation, and struggles to pick up chunky particles

After having tested the Bissell PowerClean FurFinder on all sorts of surfaces and with different types of messes, I'm confident in its cleaning abilities. Now, it's not going to compete with a heavy duty canister or upright vacuum in terms of pure power, but it has good enough suction that I'm okay grabbing this instead of said heavy duty vacuum. (If you do want a super-sucky upright, head to TechRadar's guide to the best upright vacuums.)

Even on the low setting, it did a good job sucking up dust and debris. I used this cordless vacuum to clean up some extra flour and sugar left over from a robot vacuum test and it got all the leftover remnants in a single pass.

Bissell PowerClean FurFinder cordless vacuum clearing particles off a wooden floor

(Image credit: Future)

I also vacuumed baking soda, lentils, and cereal as a benchmark on hard flooring using the low suction mode and was done spot cleaning in about a minute on low suction. The only issue I came across is that the transparent cover on the floorhead doesn't allow chunky debris to pass beneath it. I experienced this specifically when I pushed forward to vacuum the Cheerios, and they piled up instead of being sucked away. But that just meant it took me two passes instead of one to clean everything up.

I repeated the same test on low-pile carpet actually using the medium suction mode to see if it would take me just one pass, but I ended up with similar results, needing an extra pass to get the Cheerios.

Bissell PowerClean FurFinder vacuum

(Image credit: Future)

Considering that this is advertised for picking up fur, we have to consider whether it actually handles that task well. I believe that this vacuum does. I used the Bissell PowerClean FurFinder to vacuum up after two dogs and a cat (and a number of humans, a few of which have long hair), and it did a great job of sucking up stray hairs.

I found it didn't really matter which mode I used – higher modes just sucked in more. The floorhead never got in a tangle, either. My only complaint is that the bin filled up quickly, so if you have multiple shedding pets you'll find yourself emptying it more often than you perhaps would like.

Bissell PowerClean FurFinder vacuum

(Image credit: Future)

Where cordless vacuums shine over powerful corded ones is in their versatility. I was also impressed with how effective the Mini motorized brush head was at cleaning upholstery. I had a couch cushion in the basement was covered in hair from months of being used as an impromptu cat bed and no clean up. With the Mini motorized brush head, it took one pass to completely remove all that hair, and I didn't have any issues with it getting stuck. The motorized roller helped pull up strands of hair, and the headlamps (which are rare to find on a detail tool) helped illuminate any patches I might have missed.

Bissell PowerClean FurFinder cordless vacuum

(Image credit: Future)

I was also able to get into corners easily with the Crevice tool. I used this for multiple tasks, including clearing lentils and Cheerios stuck between the carpet and the molding after a benchmark test, tackling the cobwebs and spiderwebs that had been overtaking the basement, and vacuuming the dirt that had build up in the footwells of my car. It made short work of all these tasks, although it wasn't ideal as a car vacuum as it was a bit too bulky to get to awkward spots like the dashboard.

It's worth noting that it's not a particularly quiet vacuum, running from 66 to 76 dB depending on the power level chosen.

  • Performance score: 4 out of 5

Bissell PowerClean FurFinder review: battery life

  • Battery life is underwhelming – 40 mins on low, 21 on Med, and 13 on high
  • Recharge is relatively speedy at 2 hours 30 mins
  • Battery is removable and swappable

Bissell states this cordless vacuum will last up to 40 minutes on Min, 21 in Med, and 13 on Max. I found this accurate – I timed it at 40 minutes and 25 seconds on a single charge in the lowest suction mode. And I find that battery life is enough for vacuuming a good 800-square-feet on a single charge. However, most people will want to use the Med mode most of the time, and 21 minutes is really not enough to get much done.

Bissell PowerClean FurFinder cordless vacuum

(Image credit: Future)

The 40 minutes does not measure up favorably on the wider market, either. Most of today's best cordless vacuums last around 60 minutes in Min mode, and some even longer. Recharge takes around two and a half hours, which is actually quite quick, but still rather a long time to wait if you're having to stop mid-clean.

Because the battery is removable, it is possible to pick up a backup battery to extend your cleaning times – or to replace the existing battery if it starts to eventually lose charge. The power cable plugs directly into the battery, which is good news if you want to store the vacuum somewhere that's not near an outlet.

  • Battery life score: 3 out of 5

Should you buy the Bissell PowerClean FurFinder?

Attribute

Notes

Rating

Value

Budget bracket, and great value for the performance.

4.5 / 5

Design

Basic but effective, although the dustbin is smaller than I'd like.

4 / 5

Performance

Efficient pickup of dust and pet hair, although struggled with chunky particles.

4 / 5

Battery life

With a maximum of 40 mins per charge, battery life is underwhelming – most competitors manage 60 mins.

3 / 5

Buy it if...

You don't need anything fancy

This vacuum lacks fancy features but keeps all the essentials, including good pickup, three suction modes and an easy-to-empty bin.

You're on a budget

This vacuum is simple but effective, and comes in at a nice, wallet-friendly price.

You have a smaller home

This vacuum's runtimes are rather limited, but that won't be an issue if you don't have a massive area to clean.

You want a great upholstery tool

I was impressed with how efficiently this Bissell vacuum's upholstery tool pulled pet hair from an old cushion that was being used as a cat bed.

Don't buy it if...

You want something hi-tech

The Bissell PowerClean is rather simple in features. Competitor models offer things like automatic suction adjustment and info screens.

You have multiple shedding pets

As convenient as the Bissell PowerClean is, that small dustbin needs to be emptied after almost every use, and even more frequently if you have hairy pets.

You have a lot of space to cover

The battery life is the biggest weakness for this cordless vacuum. Most of the competition adds at least another 20 minutes of use before needing to be charged.

Bissell PowerClean FurFinder review: Alternatives

Dyson V11

The Dyson V11 is certainly still pricey, even if it's a bit older. But it still has that Dyson magic and does an excellent job cleaning up all sorts of debris, including pet hair. It also comes with a stronger battery life than the Bissell despite having come out in 2019.

Read our full Dyson V11 review

Shark Freestyle Max

The Shark Freestyle Max may not be modular but it's compact, has a large dust cup, and excellent suction power. Its battery life even worse than this Bissell's, and the fact it can't be reconfigured means you're more limited than most cordless stick vacuums, but it is very affordable.

Read our full Shark Freestyle Max review

How I tested the Bissell PowerClean FurFinder

To test the Bissell PowerClean FurFinder, I used it for a couple weeks, testing its vacuum capabilities not only on hardwood floors, but also tile, low pile carpet, and even a high pile bath mat. It was tested in a home that houses two dogs and a cat, plus a number of humans, a few of which have long hair. I used it at its various strengths and tested it by doing general cleaning and also running bench marks with baking soda, lentils, and cereal.

Read more about how we test vacuum cleaners

  • First reviewed December 2025
This pet hair-friendly cordless vacuum is one of the best budget options I’ve tested
8:04 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Home Small Appliances Vacuums | Tags: | Comments: Off

Bissell PowerClean FurFinder: two-minute review

The Bissell PowerClean FurFinder is a simple but effective cordless vacuum with an affordable price tag. I've been testing it out for two weeks and have generally been very impressed.

On the design front it keeps things basic, with three suction modes, a removable battery, a small but easy-to-empty bin and a wall mount for out-of-the way storage. Like almost all stick vacuums these days, it can be reconfigured for use as a handheld with one of the provided detail tools. In general use I found the performance very good – it had no issues clearing particles and hair from hard floors and carpet, and only struggled when it came to tackling large debris, which tended to get caught in the floorhead casing.

Those seeking the best vacuum for pet hair might prefer a model with larger bin, as the one included here is smaller than average and will fill up quickly if you have shedding pets. They might also struggle with the shorter runtimes – if you bump up to Med mode (as you will likely want to if you're vacuuming carpet), you'll only have 20 minutes or so or cleaning time before having to stop to recharge.

I was especially impressed with the Mini motorized tool, which did a stellar job of pulling fuzz from an old cushion-turned-makeshift cat bed. Unusually, this is kitted out with headlamps to help illuminate areas you might otherwise miss.

It's not doing anything especially new, and those who prefer a more hi-tech appliance have plenty of flashier options to choose from. In its price bracket, though, it's a very strong performer – and certainly one of the best cheap vacuums I've tested. If you're after a solid cordless vacuum for an affordable price, the Bissell PowerClean FurFinder should be on your shortlist.

Bissell PowerClean FurFinder cordless vacuum

(Image credit: Future)

Bissell PowerClean FurFinder review: price & availability

  • List price: $229.99
  • Available: US

The Bissell PowerClean FurFinder is only available in the US, where it's very competitively priced, coming in at $229.99 (equivalent to about £180 / AU$360). That's in TechRadar's budget bracket for vacuums, and considering the excellent performance, makes this vacuum easy to recommend.

If you're in the market for a new vacuum, you're probably also considering Shark or Dyson. The Shark Freestyle Max is comparable in price at $199.99 / £149 / AU$249.99 but it's an upright vacuum and can't be reconfigured for use on anything other than the floor, as you can with the Bissell. Plus the battery times are even shorter than on the Bissell.

The oldest and cheapest Dyson is the Dyson V8, which comes in at $349.99 / £329 / AU$397, though discounts do crop up on occasion. It's still a very strong option, with better battery life. But in terms of features it doesn't really add much outside of brand recognition to justify the price difference.

  • Value for money score: 4.5 out of 5

Bissell PowerClean FurFinder specs

Weight:

3.3 kg / 7.3 lbs

Bin size:

0.4L

Max runtime:

40 mins

Charge time:

2 hrs 30 mins

Size (H x W x L):

 in / cm

Max suction:

200AW

Modes:

Low, Med, High

Tools:

Main floorhead, Mini motorized brush head, Crevice tool

Bissell PowerClean FurFinder review: design

  • Cordless stick vacuum with three power modes and headlamps
  • Modular design means it can be used as a handheld; comes with useful tools
  • Dustbin is rather small – especially given it's meant for pet hair

While the Bissell PowerClean FurFinder cordless vacuum doesn't really redefine anything about cordless vacuums, it's a solid offering in just about every way. It's attractive, coming in a black and blue colorway. Its floorhead has lights, like most decent vacuums nowadays, so you can see any dirt right in front of it. It's modular so the main body of the vacuum can be removed from the telescopic tube, and the tube itself can be removed from the floorhead. And its included tools make it multifunctional, and suitable for use as a handheld vacuum.

Speaking of extras: this cordless vacuum comes not only with a 2-in-1 Crevice tool (it has a retractable brush), but a Mini motorized brush head that lights up like the floorhead, and a wall mount for easy storage. The wall mount does require a screwdriver to install, though I appreciate the inclusion of wall anchors if you have to install on nothing but drywall.

Bissell PowerClean FurFinder cordless vacuum

(Image credit: Future)

Getting back to the vacuum itself. The controls here are straightforward, with a power button and a mode button that cycles through low, medium and high suction. There are no screens to provide information and nothing in the way of automation here, which isn't surprising at this price point (although the similarly affordable Dreame R20 does offer automatic dirt detection). I was pleased to see the battery is removable and swappable.

Bissell PowerClean FurFinder vacuum

(Image credit: Future)

A minor complaint is that the dustbin is small. The 0.4 liter capacity will rule it out for large homes, and – perhaps ironically, given the name – it's also not ideal for households with shedding pets. It is at least easily removable, and just as easy to empty.

  • Design score: 4 out of 5

Bissell PowerClean FurFinder review: performance

  • Pickup is good on all sorts of dust and debris, including pet hair
  • Motorized mini brush is ideal for clearing pet hair from upholstery
  • Not that quiet in operation, and struggles to pick up chunky particles

After having tested the Bissell PowerClean FurFinder on all sorts of surfaces and with different types of messes, I'm confident in its cleaning abilities. Now, it's not going to compete with a heavy duty canister or upright vacuum in terms of pure power, but it has good enough suction that I'm okay grabbing this instead of said heavy duty vacuum. (If you do want a super-sucky upright, head to TechRadar's guide to the best upright vacuums.)

Even on the low setting, it did a good job sucking up dust and debris. I used this cordless vacuum to clean up some extra flour and sugar left over from a robot vacuum test and it got all the leftover remnants in a single pass.

Bissell PowerClean FurFinder cordless vacuum clearing particles off a wooden floor

(Image credit: Future)

I also vacuumed baking soda, lentils, and cereal as a benchmark on hard flooring using the low suction mode and was done spot cleaning in about a minute on low suction. The only issue I came across is that the transparent cover on the floorhead doesn't allow chunky debris to pass beneath it. I experienced this specifically when I pushed forward to vacuum the Cheerios, and they piled up instead of being sucked away. But that just meant it took me two passes instead of one to clean everything up.

I repeated the same test on low-pile carpet actually using the medium suction mode to see if it would take me just one pass, but I ended up with similar results, needing an extra pass to get the Cheerios.

Bissell PowerClean FurFinder vacuum

(Image credit: Future)

Considering that this is advertised for picking up fur, we have to consider whether it actually handles that task well. I believe that this vacuum does. I used the Bissell PowerClean FurFinder to vacuum up after two dogs and a cat (and a number of humans, a few of which have long hair), and it did a great job of sucking up stray hairs.

I found it didn't really matter which mode I used – higher modes just sucked in more. The floorhead never got in a tangle, either. My only complaint is that the bin filled up quickly, so if you have multiple shedding pets you'll find yourself emptying it more often than you perhaps would like.

Bissell PowerClean FurFinder vacuum

(Image credit: Future)

Where cordless vacuums shine over powerful corded ones is in their versatility. I was also impressed with how effective the Mini motorized brush head was at cleaning upholstery. I had a couch cushion in the basement was covered in hair from months of being used as an impromptu cat bed and no clean up. With the Mini motorized brush head, it took one pass to completely remove all that hair, and I didn't have any issues with it getting stuck. The motorized roller helped pull up strands of hair, and the headlamps (which are rare to find on a detail tool) helped illuminate any patches I might have missed.

Bissell PowerClean FurFinder cordless vacuum

(Image credit: Future)

I was also able to get into corners easily with the Crevice tool. I used this for multiple tasks, including clearing lentils and Cheerios stuck between the carpet and the molding after a benchmark test, tackling the cobwebs and spiderwebs that had been overtaking the basement, and vacuuming the dirt that had build up in the footwells of my car. It made short work of all these tasks, although it wasn't ideal as a car vacuum as it was a bit too bulky to get to awkward spots like the dashboard.

It's worth noting that it's not a particularly quiet vacuum, running from 66 to 76 dB depending on the power level chosen.

  • Performance score: 4 out of 5

Bissell PowerClean FurFinder review: battery life

  • Battery life is underwhelming – 40 mins on low, 21 on Med, and 13 on high
  • Recharge is relatively speedy at 2 hours 30 mins
  • Battery is removable and swappable

Bissell states this cordless vacuum will last up to 40 minutes on Min, 21 in Med, and 13 on Max. I found this accurate – I timed it at 40 minutes and 25 seconds on a single charge in the lowest suction mode. And I find that battery life is enough for vacuuming a good 800-square-feet on a single charge. However, most people will want to use the Med mode most of the time, and 21 minutes is really not enough to get much done.

Bissell PowerClean FurFinder cordless vacuum

(Image credit: Future)

The 40 minutes does not measure up favorably on the wider market, either. Most of today's best cordless vacuums last around 60 minutes in Min mode, and some even longer. Recharge takes around two and a half hours, which is actually quite quick, but still rather a long time to wait if you're having to stop mid-clean.

Because the battery is removable, it is possible to pick up a backup battery to extend your cleaning times – or to replace the existing battery if it starts to eventually lose charge. The power cable plugs directly into the battery, which is good news if you want to store the vacuum somewhere that's not near an outlet.

  • Battery life score: 3 out of 5

Should you buy the Bissell PowerClean FurFinder?

Attribute

Notes

Rating

Value

Budget bracket, and great value for the performance.

4.5 / 5

Design

Basic but effective, although the dustbin is smaller than I'd like.

4 / 5

Performance

Efficient pickup of dust and pet hair, although struggled with chunky particles.

4 / 5

Battery life

With a maximum of 40 mins per charge, battery life is underwhelming – most competitors manage 60 mins.

3 / 5

Buy it if...

You don't need anything fancy

This vacuum lacks fancy features but keeps all the essentials, including good pickup, three suction modes and an easy-to-empty bin.

You're on a budget

This vacuum is simple but effective, and comes in at a nice, wallet-friendly price.

You have a smaller home

This vacuum's runtimes are rather limited, but that won't be an issue if you don't have a massive area to clean.

You want a great upholstery tool

I was impressed with how efficiently this Bissell vacuum's upholstery tool pulled pet hair from an old cushion that was being used as a cat bed.

Don't buy it if...

You want something hi-tech

The Bissell PowerClean is rather simple in features. Competitor models offer things like automatic suction adjustment and info screens.

You have multiple shedding pets

As convenient as the Bissell PowerClean is, that small dustbin needs to be emptied after almost every use, and even more frequently if you have hairy pets.

You have a lot of space to cover

The battery life is the biggest weakness for this cordless vacuum. Most of the competition adds at least another 20 minutes of use before needing to be charged.

Bissell PowerClean FurFinder review: Alternatives

Dyson V11

The Dyson V11 is certainly still pricey, even if it's a bit older. But it still has that Dyson magic and does an excellent job cleaning up all sorts of debris, including pet hair. It also comes with a stronger battery life than the Bissell despite having come out in 2019.

Read our full Dyson V11 review

Shark Freestyle Max

The Shark Freestyle Max may not be modular but it's compact, has a large dust cup, and excellent suction power. Its battery life even worse than this Bissell's, and the fact it can't be reconfigured means you're more limited than most cordless stick vacuums, but it is very affordable.

Read our full Shark Freestyle Max review

How I tested the Bissell PowerClean FurFinder

To test the Bissell PowerClean FurFinder, I used it for a couple weeks, testing its vacuum capabilities not only on hardwood floors, but also tile, low pile carpet, and even a high pile bath mat. It was tested in a home that houses two dogs and a cat, plus a number of humans, a few of which have long hair. I used it at its various strengths and tested it by doing general cleaning and also running bench marks with baking soda, lentils, and cereal.

Read more about how we test vacuum cleaners

  • First reviewed December 2025
Dreame’s new mop-swapping robot vacuum is the most innovative and ambitious robovac I’ve ever tested
6:08 pm | December 4, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Home Robot Vacuums Smart Home | Tags: , , | Comments: Off

Dreame Matrix10 Ultra: two-minute review

The Dreame Matrix10 Ultra is probably the most advanced hybrid robot floor cleaner that I've ever reviewed. At the heart of the design is a unique mop-swapping system that works like a vending machine. Instead of having a single pair of spinning mop pads like its competitors, this model's docking station stores three sets of mop pads, each tailored for different surfaces or rooms.

These mops are swapped automatically, depending on the room or surface it has been tasked to clean. Oh, and there are three cleaning fluid options, which can auto-switch, too. The aim is to ensure each floor receives an appropriate type of cleaning, and to help prevent cross-contamination. Not everyone will feel the need for that, but if you're meticulous about hygiene, or have more extreme mopping needs, this could well be the best robot vacuum for you.

Mopping performance is reinforced by dual rotating mop heads that apply consistent pressure to deliver deeper cleaning. And, like all good mopping systems, water flow is adjusted based on floor type and the mops are always lifted when the robot transitions onto carpets. The base station also handles self-cleaning of the mops (with hot-water washing and drying) and auto-emptying of detritus into a larger-than-average 3.2-liter bin bag.

Given that this robovac boasts an industry-leading 30,000 Pascals of suction power, I had high hopes for its vacuuming ability. In practice, it handled its everyday tasks exceptionally well, including collecting an awful lot of hair shed by my two Labradors, and delivering thorough hard floor vacuuming. However, it struggled to pick up large debris from a carpeted floor – it made a decent fist of it, but it wasn't quite as thorough as I'd expect given those stunning suction specs.

Navigation and mobility are extremely impressive since the bot has a retractable navigation puck to sneaking beneath low furniture, AI-assisted obstacle avoidance, and a chassis that can launch it over thresholds and floor obstacles up to a total of 3in / 8cm total height, or 1.6in / 4.2cm if it's a single step.

The enormous dock will rule it out for smaller homes, where in any case, such a complex setup may not be necessary. It's a perfect model for residents of large houses with mixed floor types, hairy pets or a desire to maintain high hygiene standards. I think it's also worth considering for use in most commercial premises like single-level offices, village halls, or small sports halls.

That's the short version; read on for my full Dreame Matrix10 Ultra review.

Dreame Matrix10 Ultra robot vacuum on a wooden floor

(Image credit: Future)

Dreame Matrix10 Ultra review: price & availability

  • List price: $1,999.99 / £1,399 / AU$3,499
  • Launch date: September 2025
  • Available: Widely, including US, UK, Australia

The Dreame Matrix10 Ultra sits firmly in the premium end of the robot-cleaning arena and its standard price – $1,999.99 in the US, £1,399 in the UK, and AU$3,499 in Australia – reflects that position. However, I've already spotted big discounts that suggest you might not need to pay that kind of price – I've seen it on sale for $1,800 in the US, just £999 from the UK, and AU$2,499 in Australia. It's available to buy direct from Dreame, as well as via various third-party retailers.

Those discounts – in the UK and Australia, at least – bring the Matrix10 Ultra within reach of buyers who want high-end automation without tipping into the ultra-luxury tier. Granted, even at this reduced price it's still a substantial investment, but given the convenience and the ace level of autonomy it offers, I think it still delivers impressive value for money. I'd perhaps hold out for a better discount if you live Stateside, though.

Dreame Matrix10 Ultra robot vacuum surrounded by all the accessories supplied in the box

(Image credit: Future)

The Matrix10 Ultra's high level of sophistication does come with trade-offs. For instance, the mop-swapping dock is enormous by comparison to others on the market, and the machinery is complex. Hence, if you live in a small space, have uniform flooring or don't need frequent mopping, its advantages dramatically shrink and the upfront cost feels harder to justify. But for large homes with mixed surfaces (and even some commercial properties), this type of hybrid bot starts to make a lot of financial sense.

If the Dreame Matrix10 Ultra seems like too big a financial commitment, perhaps give one of the Chinese company's earlier models some consideration. The L40 Ultra might not have swappable mops but it's still a cracking bot that now retails at a significantly lower price than the Matrix10 Ultra. Alternatively consider the equally excellent Roborock Qrevo Series, for a similarly affordable price.

  • Value for money score: 3.5 out of 5

Dreame Matrix10 Ultra specs

Max suction:

30,000Pa

Robot size (L x W):

in / 35 x 35.1cm

Robot height:

3.5 in / 8.9cm

Dock dimensions (H x W x D):

23.2 x 16.4 x 17.9 in / 58.9 x 41.6 x 45.5 cm

Dust bin volume (base):

3.2L

Water tank volume (base):

5.5L (clean); 4L (dirty)

Mop type:

Auto-interchangeable dual spinning mop pages

Base type:

Charge, empty dust, wash mop pads with hot water, dry mop pads with hot air, automatically swap from three mop pad sets, auto-dispense one of three cleaning fluids

Max threshold clearance:

1.6 in / 4.2cm (one step) or 3in / 8cm (two steps)

Navigation:

Retractable LiDAR Pathfinder

Obstacle avoidance:

Double laser+AI+RGB+LED

Carpet detection:

Ultrasonic

Dreame Matrix10 Ultra review: design

  • Features include step-vaulting feet and a retracting LiDAR puck
  • Enormous dock vends different mop types and cleaning solutions
  • Hi-tech and advanced navigation and object avoidance systems

The Dreame Matrix10 Ultra is a cutting-edge robovacs, starting with its navigation system, which is one of the most technically impressive I've come across. There's a retractable DToF LiDAR unit (complete with attractive blue ring light), 3D sensing and an AI-enhanced RGB camera that combine to deliver fast, accurate 360-degree mapping while still allowing the robot to lower its profile and slip under furniture with a clearance of just 3.5in / 9cm.

Like the Roborock Saros 10, this ability to retract its LiDAR turret gives the Matrix10 Ultra both the precision of high-end LiDAR mapping and the physical flexibility to reach recessed areas many robots miss.

Close up of front camera on Dreame Matrix10 Ultra robot vacuum

(Image credit: Future)

Its vision system, meanwhile, adds a second layer of intelligence: a structured-light 3D sensor paired with the aforementioned RGB camera. Together, these navigation tools identify and classify a wide range of objects, allowing the robot to plan collision-free routes that seem logical, at least when compared with some other models I've reviewed.

I've been astonished by how confidently and intelligently this model has mapped and navigated my home – and even a huge village hall – without any hiccups whatsoever. It just works.

Robot design

The Dreame Matrix10 Ultra's industry-leading 30,000 Pascals of suction power is a major bonus, especially when it comes to removing most trapped dust particles in carpet and rugs. Couple this suction power with Dreame's dual rollers (one with added bristles) and and an extendable side sweeping brush for great pick-up coverage along skirting boards and furniture edges, and you have one very efficient floor sweeping system. Like most Roborocks, you're offered five levels of suction with this model – Quiet, Standard, Turbo, Max and Max+.

Dreame Matrix10 Ultra robot vacuum flipped over to show underside

(Image credit: Future)

However, what really sets this model apart from almost all others bar the Mova Mobius 60 (a sub-brand of Dreame) is its advanced mopping hardware. Instead of using a single pair of spinning mop pads to clean the entire floorspace, the Matrix10 Ultra supports a range of three different mop types that can be allocated to different rooms, and these mops are swapped automatically in the charging dock (more on this in the section directly below).

Like all good modern hybrid robot vacuums, the Matrix10 Ultra automatically lifts its mops when moving over carpets, or leaves them in the dock if not required. And when it's mopping, it also raises both the twin brush rollers and the side brush so they remain muck-free.

Many high-end bots are capable of scaling thresholds and low steps but this one performs better than most. It's able to quite literally climb up a pair of steps, a sliding door track up to 3in / 8cm in height, or single steps up to 1.6in / 4.2cm, by raising its chassis and launching itself forward. (You can see the system in action on a different Dreame bot in TechRadar's Dreame X50 Ultra Complete review.)

Dreame Matrix10 Ultra robot vacuum cleaning a carpet-like rug

(Image credit: Future)

Because this model is equipped with a decent RGB camera up front, you can also use the Dreame app to manually steer the robot around like an RC car. I've always thought of this function as a bit of a gimmick, but I was proven wrong the other day in our village hall: the Matrix10 Ultra got stuck in a tight spot to the side of a toilet bowl and its sensitive sensors prevented it from jiggling itself out of trouble. I simply launched the app from my location, selected the camera icon and managed to steer it out manually. I then tasked it to continue cleaning and all was well again.

View from camera on Dreame Matrix10 Ultra robot vacuum

(Image credit: Dreame / Future)

However, there is one genuine gimmick added to the camera function that I see no use for, aside from a bit of amusement. If you select the speaker-and-dog icon you can choose from a selection of noises – a cat meowing, purring, a dog bark, some footsteps and the ticking of a clock.

Dock design

Let's first address the elephant in the room – the size of the dock. While attractive enough to look at, it is huge by comparison to the majority of other models. In fact most people might ask why you elected to put an under-counter fridge in your living room. It certainly looks a bit like one.

At 23.2in / 58.9cm in height, a whopping 16.4in / 41.6cm in width and a depth of 17.9in / 45.5cm with robot ramp attached, this dock dwarfs most others on the market and that will most certainly be an issue for anyone with a smaller home. But then again, Dreame likely never envisaged this model being used in anything other than large homes – its unique multi-mop system bears this out.

Dreame Matrix10 Ultra robot vacuum in its dock

(Image credit: Future)

The Dreame Matrix10 Ultra's dock is one of the most technically sophisticated charging stations ever paired with a hybrid robot. Aside from automatically emptying the contents of the robot's tiny bin into its larger-than-average 3.2-litre dust bag, the dock can also store multiple mop types and automatically switch them using a jukebox-style system.

In a nutshell, the bot leaves the dock and waits a minute or so while a module behind the front door raises up to grab the required magnetically-affixed mops from their holding base before placing them face down on the dock's cleaning plate mechanism. The robot then returns to the dock where the mops are attached. It's a very clever system, no doubt, but the jury's out on the amount of moving parts involved and the reliability of the system in the long term.

Dreame Matrix10 Ultra

(Image credit: Future)

You get three sets of pads included and each one is slightly different and designed for a specific purpose: the yellow pads have scrubbers fitted for deeper cleaning in greasy areas like a kitchen; the grey pads are thicker and more absorbent for bathrooms or flooring where you want less streaking; and blue are for general-purpose mopping of living areas. However, you can use the Dreame app to set which types of mops you want used for each room.

Three sets of mop pads laid out on the floor

(Image credit: Future)

The million dollar question is whether you really need three sets of mops for different rooms. Dreame says it's mostly for hygiene purposes and the prevention of cross-contamination and I can see this being a valid reason for anyone with toddlers on the floor who doesn't want a toilet mop to then clean the living room floor, even if it's self-cleaned between tasks. But is avoidance of the possibility of cross-contamination really that important? If it is, then this model is unequivocally the one for you.

Given that this model is best suited to larger abodes, the dock houses two extra-large water tanks – a huge 5.5-liter tank for clean water and a 4-liter tank for the filthy stuff. Once a mopping task is completed, the bot returns to dock where the mops are thoroughly washed in hot water at 212F / 100C. This water is then purged into the dirty water reservoir ready for emptying at your leisure or whenever the app tells you to do so.

Water tank removed from dock for Dreame Matrix10 Ultra robot vacuum

(Image credit: Future)

This hot-water cleaning cycle does a far better job of breaking down grease, grime and detergent residues than the lukewarm rinses found in many competing systems. Once cleaned, the mop pads are dried with hot air to prevent bacterial growth and eliminate damp smells.

Meanwhile, the multi-solution compartment – a first in my book – lets the dock dose different cleaning fluids automatically, adjusting formulas to match floors or cleaning modes. You get three types of solution in the package – one liter of Dreame Floor Cleaning Solution, 200ml of Pet Odor Solution and 200ml of Wood Floor Care Solution.

I'm always slightly wary of gadgets with lots of moving parts, because the more complex the engineering, the more potential points of failure there are further down the line. However, I didn't experience any issues with the dock – or the robot itself for that matter – during my review period.

  • Design score: 4.5 out of 5

Dreame Matrix10 Ultra review: performance

  • Expert navigation, accurate object avoidance and powerful mapping
  • Excellent vacuuming on hard floor, and very decent on carpet
  • Complex mop system works well and mopping is a cut above average

So how does the Dreame Matrix10 Ultra hold up in practice? Let's take a look at the performance. I've broken this section up into different parts to make it easier to digest.

I've been extremely impressed by this bot's navigation performance and its initial mapping sequence was insanely good. In fact, it's the first robot vac to ever accurately map my open plan home with all spaces highlighted correctly and with no dividing or merging of rooms required. It even automatically named four of the five rooms it had mapped. This means it was accurately spotting the dining table in the dining room, the sofa in the living room and the kitchen by its layout. Furthermore, it did all this in a smidge under five minutes.

I then installed the whole system in our huge village hall – 121 square meters – and it mapped the hall, kitchen and toilets in 10 minutes, and even correctly named the two toilets and dividing hallway. Moreover, unlike other models I've tested in the hall, the Dreame's main map has remained stable with no shifts in the map's perspective. LiDAR is known to struggle when mapping huge areas like a commercial hall, especially if it has many windows with bright sunlight pouring in. But this model has so far bucked that trend.

Screenshots from Dreame Matrix10 Ultra robot vacuum app

Click to enlarge (Image credit: Dreame / Future)

During my tests the Matrix10 Ultra has planned efficient, seemingly logical cleaning paths rather than wandering around randomly. It's also adjusted dynamically when furniture was moved or when unexpected obstacles appeared, updating its routes mid-clean to maintain full coverage without wasting time or missing too many corners.

Unfortunately I wasn't in a position to test its ability to scale high thresholds and small steps because I don't have any access to them. However, I have seen demonstrations of this bot negotiating a threshold and roll-steel furniture legs and it has simply sailed over them.

Obstacle avoidance

The Dreame Matrix10 Ultra's obstacle avoidance is one of its most impressive performance features, combining advanced sensors and AI to navigate real-world environments with finesse. As mentioned in the Design section, the robot uses a combination of retractable DToF LiDAR for precise distance mapping and structured-light 3D sensing paired with an AI-enhanced RGB camera. This fusion of sensors allows it to detect a wide range of objects, from small items like cables, socks, shoes, bags and pet toys to furniture legs and other household obstacles.

Dreame Matrix10 Ultra robot vacuum navigating around obstacles on a wooden floor

(Image credit: Future)

In practice, this means the Matrix10 Ultra rarely bumps into or gets stuck on objects, though I'll admit that a loose pair of scissors caught it out on one occasion. In my first home test, it manoeuvred between a loose glove and tape measure without any touching, but rode slipshod over the scissors; and yet it avoided the scissors in a subsequent test. I put this first failure down to the robot having approached the scissors from an acute angle beyond the line of sight of its RGB camera.

I then set up another obstacle test in the village hall using a clutch of pens, a book, a plastic Dyson vacuum nozzle and the same tape measure. Remarkably, it negotiated all obstacles without any touching and you can see this in the attached demonstration video.

Would I rely on the Matrix10 Ultra to avoid a dog poop? No I wouldn't, though on evidence of my tests, I'd say that there's a much better chance of this bot avoiding it rather than smearing it all over the carpet.

Vacuum performance

The Dreame Matrix10 Ultra delivers very decent vacuum performance. It dual-brush system lifted dust, debris and pet hair with ease on my hard floors, while its automatic edge brushes did a grand job of scuttling debris from corners into the path of its suction portal.

It has spent two weeks vacuuming my home with no glaring signs of it having missed anything and it's been absolutely faultless in the village hall, too, with a perfectly cleaned swathe of wooden flooring and very little evidence of any forgotten debris along the skirting boards. The Matrix10’s cleaning ability on hard floor is as good as the best I’ve seen from any robot vacuum brand.

However, I was a little underwhelmed by its performance on a medium-pile rug, even when I had the suction set to Max+. For this test I selected zone cleaning in the app and sprinkled a good dollop of oats, rice and small chunks of crushed dried pasta. The robot duly headed to the rug and proceeded to ramp up the suction power when its sensor detected extra debris. It then performed a series of tight circles in these areas before continuing in an up-and-down parallel fashion to finish the job.

It definitely left more debris behind than I expected, given the ultra-powerful 30,000 Pa suction spec. Despite the supposedly higher suction, it didn't perform as well on carpet as my Roborock 10R or Roborock 10 in this particular high-debris test.

I am mindful that this was an extreme task and one that would normally be performed to much better effect by a human with a decent cordless stick vac. The Matrix10 Ultra's day-to-day carpet cleaning has been perfectly acceptable – the robot’s bin has always been full enough to suggest it had collected a lot of pet hair – just not quite as outstanding as I'd hoped for. At just 54.9dB from about six feet away, it's also one of the quietest bots I've ever tested.

Mopping performance

The Matrix10 Ultra's mopping is genuinely among the most advanced of any hybrid combos. Its rotating Dual Omni‑Scrub mop technology applies consistent downward pressure, scrubbing hard floors deeply rather than simply swiping across them. Moreover, the base station supports a full cycle of mop‑pad care – heated water washing, drying and automatic water refill of the robot's smaller water tank. This level of automation keeps the mop pads hygienic, fresh and ready for repeated cleaning, without any manual scrubbing or pad wringing.

Dreame Matrix10 Ultra robot vacuum mopping a wooden floor

(Image credit: Future)

Of course, one of this model's most clever touches is its ability to switch mop pad types automatically, depending on what the space demands. Water flow is also regulated automatically depending on floor type and expected dirt levels, which helps avoid over‑wetting.

In my daily tests, the mopping system delivered smooth, even results with no streaking. It also handled a spill of some milk with no issues to report. However, no hybrid robot is flawless when it comes to removing deeply ingrained grime, thick stains or sticky messes.

Dreame Matrix10 Ultra robot vacuum mopping a wooden floor, with mop pad extended

(Image credit: Future)

While this model will tackle them to some degree, programming it to head to a specific spot by creating a zone in the Dreame app is a world of pain and takes more time to set it up and the robot to perform the task accurately enough than it does to simply grab a mop, kitchen towel of a decent cordless hard floor cleaner like the excellent Roborock F25 Ultra.

Dock performance

As previously mentioned, rather than just charging the robot, the Matrix10 Ultra's dock stores three sets of mop pads and automatically selects the correct one for each room. It also washes them in 212F / 100C water before drying them with hot air. The jukebox-style pad selection system is undeniably clever, but I can't comment on the long-term reliability of this complex mop-swapping innovation. I should add that I personally haven't experienced any issues, but who knows how well it will behave in a year or two.

Inside the dock for the Dreame Matrix10 Ultra robot vacuum

(Image credit: Future)

What I will wholeheartedly praise is the dock's excellent bin emptying system. I've often experienced issues with some robot vac docks that have clogged up when faced with too much pet hair in the robot's smaller bin. To date this model has performed immeasurably well and I think I know why.

A bit like the Eufy Omni S1 Pro, this model's dock goes through a pre-suction process whereby it performs a full power suck for about a second to loosen any clumped hair in the robot's bin before pausing another second. It then goes into full suction for about 8 seconds. After umpteen emptying sessions, I have no blocked suction tubes to report and that's a major bonus in my book.

Dreame Matrix10 Ultra robot vacuum in its dock

(Image credit: Future)

Another point in this dock's favor is the low volume it emits while going through the emptying process. I measured it at 64.2dB from about 10 feet away and this is pretty quiet for a dock of this nature. But perhaps more importantly, the low sound frequency of the emptying process is so much easier on the ears than many other docks, specifically some of those by iRobot which emit an ear-splitting high-frequency scream whenever emptying the contents of their robots' bins.

Battery performance

I was initially concerned about this model's battery capacity when first putting it through its paces. I'd fiddle with it for no longer than 10 minutes with pauses in between and the battery would show something in the region of 91%. Hence I didn't hold out much hope of the battery lasting for an entire vacuum clean of a 121-square meter village hall without having to recharge midway through the cleaning session.

But I was wrong, because I've checked the Dreame app's Care History section and, on average, the Matrix10 Ultra has completed every task – the hall, kitchen and toilets – in one go in around 117 minutes with +/- 28% of battery life remaining. And that's a very reassuring stat for anyone thinking of purchasing this autonomous hybrid vac for their country mansion.

  • Performance score: 4.5 out of 5

Dreame Matrix10 Ultra review: app

  • Extremely comprehensive
  • Slowish to respond
  • Not that easy to navigate

The Dreame app offers a highly capable and feature-rich experience, giving users minutely detailed control over their robot vacuum and mop. From the first LiDAR scan, it builds an accurate map of your home, allowing you to name rooms, create zones, set no-go zones, create multi-floor maps and adjust cleaning parameters like suction strength or mop water flow rates on a per-room basis. Scheduling, remote control and notifications help keep cleaning convenient, while smart-home integration with Alexa, Siri and Google Assistant adds hands-free flexibility.

Screenshots from Dreame Matrix10 Ultra robot vacuum app

Click to enlarge (Image credit: Dreame / Future)

However, it took me a while to get a handle on this app and an especially long time to work out how to set up routines. Even then, I needed to make sure I'd saved and tapped on any tick icons or it didn't save anything. I'd have preferred to see a system like that adopted by Roborock which saves its routines (a series of pre-programmed short cuts like ‘vacuum the hall', ‘mop the kitchen' and ‘clean the dog rug') on the homepage for instant accessibility. I've also noticed that the Dreame app is a bit slower to react to commands and send them to the robot – but we're talking seconds here.

Despite these small niggles, I've been mightily impressed by the huge wealth of customisation you can achieve in this app. However, I would advise spending a good deal of time learning about all the settings because, by ignoring them, you almost certainly won't get the most out of this sterling autonomous home helper.

  • App score: 4 out of 5

Should you buy the Dreame Matrix10 Ultra?

Attribute

Notes

Rating

Value

Ultra-premium at list price, but it looks like discounts won't be hard to come by – and it does boast an awful lot of tech.

3.5 / 5

Design

Ambitious and complex, with a mop-pad dispensing dock, feet for vaulting over steps and a retractable LiDAR puck.

4.5 / 5

Performance

Generally extremely impressive, with excellent mopping and hard floor vacuuming, and accurate navigation and object detection. Its carpet performance not as outstanding as I'd expect for those suction specs.

4 / 5

App

Perhaps a little too comprehensive for its own good – technophobes may have trouble getting a handle on it.

4 / 5

Buy it if...

You have advanced mopping needs

The Matrix10 Ultra really shines when it comes to its mop setup, with multiple mop types and cleaning fluids (and the ability to swap between them automatically).

You're worried about cross-contamination

The Matrix10 Ultra provides different mops for different rooms, to keep things contained.

You have a big home with lots of obstacles

This model delivers some of the most accurate and efficient mapping and navigation I've experienced – perfect for large, challenging spaces.

Don't buy it if...

You don't have much room for the dock

The Matrix10 Ultra's dock is about the size of a small fridge, so not ideal if you're short on space.

You don't need auto mop pad swapping

Is the specter of cross-floor contamination really an issue? If you're not fussed about reusing your bathroom mop pads in the kitchen (with a clean in-between), there are plenty of cheaper and simpler alternatives to choose from.

You don't have that much hard floor

The USP here is really the mopping – if you're not going to be making the most of the different mop pad types and cleaning fluids, I'd pick a different bot.

How I tested the Dreame Matrix10 Ultra

I've had this model running on two separate floor spaces – at home and our large village hall, where it currently resides. Aside from evaluating both the robot and unique mop-swapping dock, I let it loose at home for two weeks and left it to its own devices using a series of daily cleaning schedules. I then performed a hard-floor pick-up and mopping test in the kitchen before hauling it up to the hall (it's heavy) where I performed a carpet cleaning and obstacle avoidance test before leaving it to run five scheduled vacuum and mopping sessions per week. It's been doing this for the past two weeks with no hiccups to report.

Read more about how we test robot vacuum cleaners

  • First reviewed December 2025
Echo Show 8 (4th gen, 2025) review: Amazon’s smaller smart displays get a much-needed refit
5:41 pm | November 26, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Home Smart Home Smart Home Hubs | Tags: | Comments: Off

Two-minute review

The Echo Show 8 (2025) is the fourth-generation model of Amazon’s second-smallest smart display, offering a great canvas for hallways, living rooms, offices and beyond. Announced in September 2025 alongside the Echo Dot Max, Echo Studio (2nd-generation) and the Echo Show 11.

Adopting a similar design language to the Echo Show 10 (2020), the Echo Show 8’s speaker is now the base for a floating, thin display, rather than the slightly clunky wedge shape design of previous generations. It’s a lovely change that makes the speaker feel far less utilitarian in the home like many of the best smart displays it's competing against, but there’s a casualty; there’s now no physical camera shutter. You can still mute and blind the Echo Show 8 with a button on the device, or fully switch off the camera in the app (or, of course, cover it with a sticker), but it’s an unfortunate loss for those who want that extra layer of built-in privacy and peace of mind.

Amazon Echo Dot Max Hands On

(Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)

The new 8.7-inch screen is wonderful to use with minimal lag, and the speakers are pretty accomplished. Everything, from reading recipes to Alexa queries, is zippy thanks to the new AZ3 Pro chip, topped by a great streaming experience. There’s also a great array of smart home features, including the Omnisense technology as well as Thread, Matter, and Zigbee support.

Overall, it's a powerful boost for Amazon's second-smallest smart display, and if you can get past the lack of a physical privacy shutter and the slightly cluttered interface, it's a real crowd-pleaser, and easily one of the best Alexa speakers available today.

Echo Show 8 (2025)

(Image credit: Future)

Echo Show 8: Specs

Echo Show 8 (4th-gen, 2025)

Size

21 cm x 15 cm x 13 cm (W x H x D)

Display

8.7-inch HD touchscreen with 1340 x 800 resolution

Camera

13 MP with auto framing

Audio

1x 2.8-inch woofer and 2x full-range drivers

Connectivity

Zigbee, Matter & Thread Border Router, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth

Processor

AZ3 Pro with AI Accelerator

Sensors

Ambient Temperature Sensor, Presence Detection, Camera

Privacy features

Microphone & camera enable/disable button, dedicated physical and in-app camera controls, voice recording management – but no physical camera shutter.

Echo Show 8: Design

  • Fresh redesign akin to the Echo Show 10 (2020)
  • Bright and beautiful floating display
  • No physical camera shutter

The Echo Show 8 gets a fresh new look, modeled after the Echo Show 10 (2020) with a round, pill-shaped speaker base and a floating thin screen. It’s a much more sophisticated look than the Echo Shows of yore, and doing away with the chunky wedge shape is drastically improves the smart display’s appeal. It does, however, make the whole thing a little more space-consuming at 21 cm x 15 cm x 13 cm (W x H x D).

Its speaker base is clad in a mesh fabric, following the suit of other newer smart speakers and similar to the materials used in Apple’s HomePod and Google’s new Home Hub speakers. Inside are housed two full-range, front-facing drivers for spatial sound and a 2.8-inch woofer.

The screen is an all-around upgrade; it measures 8.7 inches (versus the previous generation’s 8 inches) with a resolution of 1,340 by 800 pixels, (versus 1,280-by-800). It’s fully attached to the base, meaning you can’t adjust the height or the orientation; a slight missed opportunity, but the price jump doesn’t quite cover such engineering, perhaps. It's a shame, though, as the Echo Show 10 offered this function, but neither the new Show 8 nor 11 could fit it in.

Echo Show 8 (2025)

(Image credit: Future)

Centered at the top of the screen is the 13 MP camera with auto framing; of note is that there’s no more physical privacy shutter, presumably to allow for that lovely thin screen, but that does mark a downgrade for the privacy-conscious. While settings in-app and the on-device mute button do cancel the camera feed, you can just as easily grab an affordable stick-on shutter or use a bit of tape.

On the right side of the screen are the mute buttons and volume rocker, and the rest of the controls are touch-based on the screen.

You win some, you lose some in the world of tech, and the victims of a lovely, more sophisticated design are unfortunately handy screen-adjusting mechanisms and a physical camera shutter. For a lot of customers, neither will be missed, but both are nice to have in a pinch.

  • Design: 4.5/5
  • Design: 4/5

Echo Show 8 (2025)

Echo Dot Max next to an Echo Dot (5th-gen) (Image credit: Future)

Echo Show 8: Performance

  • Zippy and responsive touch screen, decent audio
  • Sensors are accurate and genuinely useful
  • User interface a little cluttered

In performance, the Echo Show 8 is broadly the same as the Echo Show 11, owing to the components being the same; however, the screen experience differs somewhat.

Starting there, the display is vibrant, clear and plenty bright, making it easily visible from a few meters away unless you need to make out detailed text. The smaller screen real estate means it suffers a little more under the weight of Amazon’s suggested content (i.e. the recipes, TV shows and products it wants you to engage with) than its 11-inch sibling, but I found setting up a photo album for the Echo Show to shuffle through reduced the amount of advertising and recommendations.

Otherwise, the user interface (UI) was easily operated, responding quickly to touch controls. Widgets do feel a little squashed in places, and some buttons within apps can be awkwardly small, but it’s nowhere as bad as trying to do anything more than adjusting volume and brightness on the Echo Show 5.

Every now and then, there’s a slight stutter to an animation, with some customers reporting mild to moderate issues with input delay. I did find that to be the case with the Echo Show 11 I tested, but the Show 8 was very reliable for me on test. You can swipe down the control center to quickly toggle settings and access various hubs, and swipe left on the screen for your customizable widgets. Just be mindful that the screen is an absolute fingerprint magnet when you’re liberally swiping around.

Echo Show 8 (2025)

(Image credit: Future)

The speaker on the Echo Show 8 is the same as the Echo Show 11, but I ran the same tests in case the larger screen impacted the sound quality. As long-time Amazon speaker users will know, audio quality is never the main selling point for Echo devices; the performance is often admirable for the size and price, but not one for the audiophiles (though the Echo Studio and Echo Dot Max buck that trend somewhat).

I streamed lossless tracks from Spotify to test the audio quality, starting with Luafey’s Falling Behind. Her jazzy vocals came through warmly with great clarity, underpinned by the lively but slightly dulled staccato of an acoustic guitar. Older tracks began to show the cracks, however. Fleetwood Mac’s The Chain was muddy, with the vocals sinking further into the track than usual; however, the bass was still nice and punchy.

That drive isn’t consistent, though, and some tracks suffer more from the muddiness. Portishead’s Glory Box was flat all around, losing that breathy quality to the vocals and flattening the usually well-rounded bass, and Jeff Buckley’s rich, haunting vocals are thoroughly buried in the higher layers of Last Goodbye. Still, at this price and size, it’s a pretty accomplished speaker, and Amazon has done well to create a truly room-filling sound out of this smart display.

Echo Show 8 (2025)

(Image credit: Future)

Inside the Echo Show 8 are a range of sensors that can be used to set up Routines with Alexa and help you monitor your home. There’s an auto-framing 13MP camera centered at the top of the screen, just like in the last generation, and the onboard microphones are great for clear audio on video calls or drop-ins. Also housed in the Echo Show 8 are temperature, motion and brightness detectors, all of which worked well in my testing, as did the facial recognition and personalization features that underpin the seamless Alexa experience.

Alexa and VegaOS generally run well, and the Echo Show 8 is fantastically responsive thanks to the AZ3 Pro chip. Queries are rapidly responded to (sometimes prematurely), with Alexa delivering suggested recipes, playing music and summoning your favorite TV shows and movies in double time. I had a few hiccups trying to watch shows on Netflix and YouTube on the Echo Show 11; but the Echo Show 8 worked perfectly out of the box, and Alexa has come on leaps and bounds when it comes to searching and playing your requested media.

We don’t yet have Alexa+ access in the UK, but we’ve got a full Alexa+ review coming soon that will give the full low-down about its performance on a range of Echo devices.

  • Performance: 4/5

Echo Show 8 (2025)

(Image credit: Future)

Echo Show 8: Price and availability

  • List price: $179.99 / £179.99 / AU$349
  • Announced September 2025, released November 2025

Announced in September 2025, the Echo Show 8 costs $179.99 / £179.99 / AU$349 and is available in black and white. Of note, this marks a $30 / £30 / AU$100 price increase versus the last generation, which sold for $149.99 / £149.99 / AU$249.

Broadly, this cost increase is due to the design overhaul, which greatly modernizes Amazon’s second-smallest smart display. It’s not a huge jump in price, and it feels somewhat justified given the improvements to the performance and display. There’s also an optional (and stylish) stand, which will set you back $39.99 / £34.99 / AU$69.95.

Still, it's worth highlighting the value of the device depends in part on whether or not you're bothered by Alexa+. Right now, its early access programme is exclusively available in the US, and this device automatically enlists you for that service, but elsewhere in the world we're effectively losing a selling point for the same price for the foreseeable future.

  • Value: 4/5

Should I buy the Echo Show 8?

Buy it if...

You’re upgrading from older Echo Shows

Especially if you want Alexa+ to work at peak performance, the Echo Show 8 is a must-have; but the refreshed design, zippy AZ3 chip and lovely display also mark significant improvements.

You make good use of smart home features

From its omnisense technology to its smart home connectivity, the Echo Show 8 is fully equipped with clever features to make your home work for you.

Don't buy it if...

You want a physical camera privacy shutter

Sure, you can mod this yourself or disconnect the feed in the app, but some people will just want absolute privacy out of the box.

You’re on a budget

With its new price point, the Echo Show 8 isn’t affordability-first anymore; it’s by no means premium, either, but you could buy a very capable older smart display for less.

Amazon Echo Show 8: also consider

Scorecard

Value

4/5

Price increase versus older models, but in line with redesign and feature additions.

Design

4/5

Big design upgrade versus the Echo Show 8 (3rd gen)

Performance

4/5

Sound is decent enough, especially for the size of room this display is best-suited for

If you're not sure the Amazon Echo Show 11 is the right Alexa smart speaker for you, here are further options to consider from Amazon:

Echo Show 8 (4th-gen, 2025)

Amazon Echo Show 15 (2nd gen)

Echo Show 5

Price

$179.99 / £179.99 / AU$349

$299 / £299.99

$89.99 / £79.99 / AU$129

Size

21 cm x 15 cm x 13 cm (W x H x D)

410 x 260 x 36mm (W x H x D)

147 x 91 x 82 mm (W x H x D)

Display

8.7-inch HD touchscreen with 1340 x 800 resolution

15.6-inch HD touchscreen, 1920 x 1080 resolution

5.5-inch touchscreen, 960 x 480 resolution

Camera

13 MP with auto framing

13MP wide angle camera with shutter

2 MP

Audio

1x 2.8-inch woofer and 2x full-range drivers

2x 2-inch woofers & 2x 0.6-inch tweeters

1x 1.7-inch driver

Connectivity

Zigbee, Matter & Thread Border Router, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth

Zigbee, Matter & Thread Border Router, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth

Matter, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth

Processor

AZ3 Pro with AI Accelerator

AZ2 neural engine

MediaTek's 8169 B chip

Sensors

Ambient Temperature Sensor, Presence Detection, Camera

Camera, presence detection, ALS RGB, Accelerometer

Camera, presence detection

Privacy features

Microphone & camera enable/disable button, dedicated physical and in-app camera controls, voice recording management – but no physical camera shutter.

Microphone and camera enable/disable button, dedicated physical and in-app camera controls, voice recording management, physical camera shutter.

Microphone and camera enable/disable button, dedicated physical and in-app camera controls, voice recording management, physical camera shutter.

Echo Show 15

If you’d rather have a wall-mounted solution and the added benefit of a Fire TV remote, the latest Echo Show 15 is an excellent option. It has fewer sensors but functions more as a small TV or household management display than it does an entertainment center.

For more information, check out our full Echo Show 15 review.

Echo Show 5

For a smaller option that just covers the basics, the 3rd-generation Echo Show 5 offers a lot of the core functions from the Echo Show product line, but it’s less technically advanced and feature-filled.

How I tested the Echo Show 8 (4th gen, 2025)

  • I used it pretty much non-stop for a week
  • I tested its smart home features and sensing
  • I performed our standard audio and movie streaming tests

To put the new Echo Show 8 through its paces, I used all of the advertised features over a week of testing. I tried setting up automations that use its various sensors and connectivity options to ensure everything worked seamlessly, and used Alexa for my everyday household tasks.

I also tested the speakers using a variety of tracks in different genres to see how well the speakers can replicate music for a wide range of customers, and used streaming services like Netflix and YouTube, as well as Amazon Prime Video both to assess the display’s performance and the general user experience.

I’ve been testing smart speakers for four years, and use an Alexa-based smart home setup every day. I’m well-acquainted with the system and its features, but I’ve also spent a lot of time in other ecosystems to learn the pros and cons of each.

Echo Show 11 review: a new, bigger screen size but less for the privacy-conscious
5:14 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Home Smart Home Smart Home Hubs | Tags: , | Comments: Off

Two-minute review

The Echo Show 11 is Amazon’s latest mid-size smart display, releasing alongside the latest Echo Show 8, Echo Studio and the new Echo Dot Max. It’s a new screen size for Amazon’s smart displays, but it’s technically the successor to the Echo Show 10 (2020) with a slightly larger screen.

That being said, its positioning isn’t quite as secure as some of its siblings, nor its predecessor. It lacks some of the features we loved from older generations (and in particular from the Echo Show 10 (2020)), and it’s largely packing the same specs as the Echo Show 8, with the main difference being the larger screen.

Still, it’s far from a bad smart display, and still sees improvements over older devices; it’s powered by the latest AZ3 Pro chip, the screen is now 1080p, audio performance is decent, and there are ample smart home features and connectivity benefits, including the addition of Matter and Thread support.

Echo Show 11

(Image credit: Future)

The refinements to the Echo Show 10’s floating display design are small but mighty, making the whole speaker feel more sleek and less clunky. That is, of course, barring the removal of the rotating screen and a physical camera privacy shutter – but these two features might just be the deciding factor for some customers when choosing the best smart display.

As of writing, it’s also worth noting that there seem to be some software issues when it comes to streaming. I tested the Echo Show 8 alongside the 11 and had no such challenges, so it seems like a bug, albeit one I have seen a fair few consumers complain about online. Still, it’s early days for the product, and I’d expect this to be ironed out within the coming weeks.

Overall, it’s a great option for kitchens and offices, and I’m delighted to see Amazon paying more and more attention to aesthetics with its newer smart speakers. I just wish that didn’t come at the expense of utility.

Echo Show 11

(Image credit: Future)

Echo Show 11: Specs

Product name

Size

26 cm x 18 cm x 13 cm (W x H x D)

Display

11.95-inch HD touchscreen with 1920 x 1200 resolution

Camera

13 MP with auto framing

Audio

1x 2.8-inch woofer and 2x full-range drivers

Connectivity

Zigbee, Matter & Thread Border Router, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth

Processor

AZ3 Pro with AI Accelerator

Sensors

Ambient Temperature Sensor, Presence Detection, Camera

Privacy features

Microphone & camera enable/disable button, dedicated physical and in-app camera controls, voice recording management – but no physical camera shutter.

Echo Show 11: Design

  • Refines on Echo Show 10 (2020) design
  • Bright and beautiful floating display
  • No physical camera shutter

Much like the Echo Show 10, the Echo Show 11 sees a thin and light display mounted on a rounded speaker stand. While the Echo Show 10 may have introduced Amazon’s newer floating display design language, the Echo Show 11 refines it, squashing the height of the speaker a little into a pill shape and expanding the screen to a lovely 11.95-inches. These subtle changes make an impact, making the latest Echo Shows much more appealing for the home versus the older wedge-shaped devices.

The net size is still pretty minimal at 26 cm x 18 cm x 13 cm, comprised of the mesh fabric-covered speaker base and affixed screen. This marks a slightly negative departure from the Echo Show 10, which allowed you to adjust the screen for optimal viewing; it’s an important feature if you’re often using the device in your kitchen and don’t want to stoop down every time you need to check a recipe.

Otherwise, the screen is a solid upgrade; as well as the size boost, the screen now offers a resolution of 1920 x 1200 (versus the Echo Show 10’s 1280 x 800 pixels). In use, the color HD display is rich and bright, easily enjoyed even from wider viewing angles.

Echo Show 11

At the center of the top of the screen is its 13 MP camera with auto framing, but there’s no physical privacy shutter this time. This is likely due to the design constraints of thin screens, but privacy-conscious buyers might not like the change. You can kill the camera feed in-app or use the on-device mute button, but you can also just as easily grab an affordable stick-on shutter or a bit of tape.

Located on the screen’s right side are the mute buttons and volume rocker, and the rest of the controls are touch-based on the screen. The speaker houses a 2.8-inch woofer and two front-facing, full-range drivers that can deliver spatial audio.

Overall, it’s a great all-around upgrade for Amazon’s mid-sized screen, and I doubt anyone will disagree that it’s a much-needed improvement, visually. The whole unit feels a lot more premium and of better build quality, but it’s taken a long time for Amazon to come this far. It’s a shame that two really useful, functional design features had to come at the cost of a fresh look, too.

  • Design: 4.5/5

Echo Show 11

(Image credit: Future)

Echo Show 11: Performance

  • Zippy and bright touch screen, decent audio
  • Sensors are accurate and help with home automation
  • Streaming features didn’t work very well

So we know the Echo Show 11 looks good, but how is it in use? In short, it’s fast, facile and feature-filled, but it doesn’t always stick the landing.

Let’s start with the display. It’s bright and beautiful, perfect for enjoying TV and movies up close or to glance at your calendar or reminders from across the room. It is, of course, cluttered with suggested content a lot of the time, but that’s par for the course with Echo Shows (as well as other smart displays), and it becomes far less of a problem if you set up an album of your favorite photos to display throughout the day.

The user interface (UI) is generally quite clean and easy to navigate, with widgets rendering nicely on the large canvas screen. Recipes are easy to follow, video content is bright and vibrant, and animations are pretty slick, barring the occasional stutter.

Touch controls are quick and responsive most of the time, though I have had to reboot it a few times after it becomes unresponsive. Some users have also reported some mild to moderate issues with input delay; however, I couldn’t replicate these issues myself. Interestingly, I’ve not faced these issues on the Echo Show 8 I tested in parallel to the 11-inch model, so I have to assume it’s an issue with the UI’s screen optimization. The touch interface is easy to navigate, though; swipe down for the control center and left for your widgets. The screen hasn’t got any smudge-proofing, though, so it becomes grubby rather quickly with regular use.

Echo Show 11

(Image credit: Future)

Audio performance follows suit with other Amazon Echo devices I’ve tested; it’s not one for audiophiles (those would be better off with the Echo Studio or even the new Echo Dot Max) but the performance is nonetheless decent for its price category.

I tested the speakers by streaming lossless tracks through Spotify, starting with Laufey’s Falling Behind, which was rendered warmly through the Echo Show 11’s speaker base. It had lost some of the crunch from the bossa nova-style acoustic guitars, but Laufey’s voice shone through with great clarity. Fleetwood Mac’s The Chain was muddy, losing the vocals a little more than usual, but still packed a good punch with clear highs.

Overall, it lacks drive, and some tracks make that clearer than others; Jeff Buckley’s haunting vocals get lost in the weaving higher layers of Last Goodbye, while Portishead’s Glory Box felt flat overall, compressing those wonderfully breathy vocals and the big fat bass into a thoroughly clipped mid-range. Still, the clarity and volume are impressive, especially at its size and price point, and the speakers really are room-filling; I had to stand a good 5m away before I felt the volume drop become noticeable.

Echo Show 11

(Image credit: Future)

The Echo Show 11 houses a range of sensors, too. The camera, centered at the top of the screen, is the same as the last generation; a 13MP auto-framing peeper that works as described, accompanied by microphones that offer great, clear audio pickup for video calls or quick drop-ins to check on your pets and loved ones. Elsewhere, its temperature, motion and brightness detectors all work as expected, and can be used for Alexa Routines. Facial recognition, personalization and screen scaling all work smoothly in the background, just the way all smart devices should.

As always, the range of compatible software and services is great, with a native app for Netflix and Prime and browser-based access to most of the more popular streaming services. For some reason, however, the Echo Show 11 I tested had an issue with launching and searching on streaming services via voice control at first. Using the control center to manually open apps worked fine, so I had to perform a hard reset before I could summon streaming apps hands-free.

Speaking of Amazon’s voice assistant, Alexa is faster than ever with the AZ3 Pro chip on board, and replies come incredibly quickly – once or twice, before I’d even finished speaking. Asking for recipes elicits lightning-quick responses, music loads quickly even through third-party services, and all of Alexa’s standard commands work as expected. I’m based in the UK, so I couldn’t test Alexa+, but we’ll have a full separate review soon.

  • Performance: 4/5

Amazon Echo Show 11 on Stage

(Image credit: Future/Jacob Krol)

Echo Show 11: Price and availability

  • List price: $219.99 / £219.99 / AU$429
  • Announced September 2025, launched in November.

Priced at $219.99 / £219.99 / AU$429, the Echo Show 11 is the middle child of Amazon’s smart displays inbetween the Echo Show 5 and 8 and the larger, wall-mountable Echo Show 15 and 21. It’s available in black or white, and there's also a stylish optional stand, which costs $34.99 / £34.99 / AU$69.95.

The Echo Show 11 largely packs the same specs as the smaller Echo Show 8, rather than carrying over some of the defining features from the Echo Show 10 such as its rotating screen. That does make it marginally more affordable than the Show 10 ($249.99 / £239.99 / AU$399.99), but it’s still $40 / £40 / AU$80 more than the latest Echo Show 8.

I’m not entirely convinced that the larger screen alone justifies the price difference between the Show 8 and Show 11; I'd have hoped to see one or two extra premium features exclusive to this slightly larger screen to convince me it has a reason to exist beyond offering more real estate (often swallowed up by suggested content in standby mode). Plus, the price drop from the Echo Show 10 comes at the expense of features I’d really like for this more functional screen. Still, fundamentally it’s still a relatively affordable smart display and a huge upgrade if you have a 5+ year-old Echo Show 5, 8 or 10.

Value: 3.5/5

  • Value: 3.5/5

Should I buy the Echo Show 11?

Buy it if...

You’ve got an older Echo Show

Whether you just fancy a change or specifically want one that makes you more Alexa+ ready, the Echo Show 11 is a solid purchase that brings some much-needed attention to design and performance.

You use a lot of smart home features

Packing in a range of smarts from Omnisense technology to its smart home connectivity, the Echo Show 11 is well-equipped to help you automate and monitor your home.

Don't buy it if...

You want a physical camera privacy shutter

For peace of mind, that physical shutter is a must-have, and while you can mod your own, it’s a shame to see this dropped from the design.

You don't desperately need the screen size

You can save some money by opting for the slightly smaller Echo Show 8, which packs pretty much identical features and perforance barring the screen size.

Amazon Echo Show 11: also consider

Scorecard

Value

3.5/5

Despite being cheaper than the Echo Show 10 it replaces, it's slightly less feature rich, and can't step out of the better value Echo Show 8's shadow.

Design

4.5/5

Refines the Echo Show 10's floating display design, great improvements to the screen, but removes the privacy shutter.

Performance

4/5

Muddy but powerful, room-filling audio with a decent enough streaming experience once you work around slight software bugs.

If you're not sure the Amazon Show 11 is the right Alexa smart display for you, here are further options to consider from Amazon:

Echo Show 11

Amazon Echo Show 15 (2nd gen)

Echo Show 5

Price

$219.99 / £219.99 / AU$429

$299 / £299.99

$89.99 / £79.99 / AU$129

Size

26 cm x 18 cm x 13 cm (W x H x D)

410 x 260 x 36mm (W x H x D)

147 x 91 x 82 mm (W x H x D)

Display

11.95-inch HD touchscreen with 1920 x 1200 resolution

15.6-inch HD touchscreen, 1920 x 1080 resolution

5.5-inch touchscreen, 960 x 480 resolution

Camera

13 MP with auto framing

13MP wide angle camera with shutter

2 MP

Audio

1x 2.8-inch woofer and 2x full-range drivers

2x 2-inch woofers & 2x 0.6-inch tweeters

1x 1.7-inch driver

Connectivity

Zigbee, Matter & Thread Border Router, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth

Zigbee, Matter & Thread Border Router, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth

Matter, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth

Processor

AZ3 Pro with AI Accelerator

AZ2 neural engine

MediaTek's 8169 B chip

Sensors

Ambient temperature sensor, presence detection, camera

Camera, presence detection, ALS RGB, Accelerometer

Camera, presence detection

Privacy features

Microphone and camera enable/disable button, dedicated physical and in-app camera controls, voice recording management – but no physical camera shutter.

Microphone and camera enable/disable button, dedicated physical and in-app camera controls, voice recording management, physical camera shutter.

Microphone and camera enable/disable button, dedicated physical and in-app camera controls, voice recording management, physical camera shutter.

Echo Show 15

If you’d rather have a wall-mounted solution and the added benefit of a Fire TV remote, the latest Echo Show 15 is an excellent option. It has fewer sensors but functions more as a small TV or household management display than it does an entertainment center.

For more information, check out our full Echo Show 15 review.

Echo Show 5

For a smaller option that just covers the basics, the 3rd-generation Echo Show 5 offers a lot of the core functions from the Echo Show product line, but it’s less technically advanced and feature-filled.Echo Show 15

If you’d rather have a wall-mounted solution and the added benefit of a Fire TV remote, the latest Echo Show 15 is an excellent option. It has fewer sensors but functions more as a small TV or household management display than it does an entertainment center.

For more information, check out our full Echo Show 15 review.

Echo Show 5

For a smaller option that just covers the basics, the 3rd-generation Echo Show 5 offers a lot of the core functions from the Echo Show product line, but it’s less technically advanced and feature-filled.

How I tested the Echo Show 11 (2024)

  • I tested it at home for a week
  • I tested its smart home features and sensors
  • I performed our standard audio and movie streaming tests

To test Amazon’s Echo Show 11, I tried all of the advertised features over a week of testing, from Alexa queries to Omnisense monitoring and automations to streaming.

I played music from a variety of genres, as well as the spoken word, to test the speakers and examine how well the Echo Show 11 replicates sound, and also watched movies and TV through streaming services like Netflix and YouTube, as well as Amazon Prime Video to test out the display’s performance and general user experience.

I’ve been testing smart speakers and other smart home devices for years, and my home runs on an Alexa-based setup. While well-acquainted with Amazon’s system and its features, I’ve also tested other ecosystems to learn the differences, strengths and weaknesses.

Echo Dot Max review: Amazon’s best mid-range speaker, but not by much
4:20 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Home Smart Home Smart Home Hubs | Comments: Off

Two-minute review

Amazon announced its new Echo Dot Max alongside the new Echo Studio, Echo Show 8 and Echo Show 11 in September 2025, heralding a new generation of its mid-range smart speakers and smart displays with a focus on better audio, Alexa+ compatibility, smart-home connectivity and a fresh new design-led look that brings them closer in terms of appearance to competitors from Google and Apple.

Although its name suggests that it succeeds the 5th-generation Echo Dot released in 2022, technically, the Echo Dot Max model replaces the 4th-generation Echo speaker, which is quietly phasing out across global markets. Regardless, Amazon is pitching the Max as more of a ‘Pro’-grade improvement to the Echo Dot than a direct follow-up, and it's gearing up to be one of the best smart speakers in Amazon's current line-up.

Amazon Echo Dot Max Hands On

(Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)

So, what does the ‘Max’ moniker get you versus the standard model? According to Amazon, a two-way speaker system that offers three times the bass, faster processing thanks to the new AZ3 chip, and a stylish re-fit – oh, and it’s twice the price.

Broadly speaking, these upgrades all pay off in one of the best Alexa speakers I've tested: music is noticeably more bassy and carries more weight, Alexa is quick to respond, and the design looks more chic than the rather basic base model. Each of these points comes with a caveat, though: yes, the audio is decent with some smart features for home theatre fans, but still not enough to satisfy audiophiles, and I wouldn’t argue that audio is always strictly “better” than the regular Echo Dot. The speaker’s processor is clearly superior, but without Alexa+ to put it to the test, that difference is hard to notice. The redesign is lovely, but the front-facing controls are a little awkward to use.

All in all, given that the Echo 4th-gen offers a solid audio experience and is only marginally larger, and that Amazon didn’t bring back the 3.5mm jack it removed between the 4th and 5th-generation Echo Dot, calling this Echo Dot a ‘Max’ model feels only partially justified, and it’s hard to tell quite who Amazon has made this speaker for at times.

If ‘Max’ denotes its Alexa+ compatibility, well, that service is still in Early Access and exclusively available in the US as of writing, with no firm plans for global rollouts. From what we do know so far in the US, reception has been mixed. If ‘Max’ denotes audio performance, then yes, the speaker is impressive for its size, but it's still far from audiophile-approved.

Still, I enjoyed my time with the Echo Dot Max, and it's exciting to see this new direction for Amazon's smart speakers take form.

Amazon Echo Dot Max

(Image credit: Future)

Echo Dot Max: Specs

Echo Dot Max

Dimensions

4.27 x 4.27 x 3.9 inches / 10.8 x 10.8 x 9.9cm

Speakers

0.8-inch tweeter and 2.5-inch woofer

Processor

AZ3

Connecivity

Zigbee, Matter, Thread Border Router, eero

Voice assistant

Alexa

Weight

17.8oz / 505.3g

Echo Dot Max: Design

  • New, more premium materials
  • Neat and petite
  • Control placement isn’t great

The Echo Dot Max, along with the new Echo Studio, features a new design language – a chunkier knit-fabric exterior, new front-facing controls, and a slightly larger frame than the standard Echo Dot.

Star Wars fans will surely delight in this Death Star-esque design refresh, but if you regularly use touch controls on your Echo speakers you might not love the new button placement. Prodding the controls leads the speaker to scoot across the surface, so you have to hold onto it during use – not a deal-breaker, but a little annoying.

The iconic blue Alexa ring has also moved to surround the control panel, and as with some more recent Echo speakers, it can also show the volume percentage and provide other status cues like notifications, connectivity issues and mute mode. Under the hood, the Echo Dot Max packs a 0.8-inch tweeter and 2.5-inch woofer as well as the new AZ3 chip.

On the rear is a single power port, and just like the last-generation Echo Dot, there’s no 3.5mm jack on this model. That feels like a slightly more glaring omission; this is a really useful utility for streaming music through a better home audio system via the Echo, and while its removal from the 5th-gen Echo Dot could just about be excused given its price and positioning, it’s unfortunate that it hasn’t made a return in this pricier model.

While I do like the new fabric-mesh coating and control panel, overall the Echo Dot Max redesign ends up being more inconvenient in manual operation, and it really is a shame that Amazon opted not to include the 3.5mm jack. The heavier, more robust Echo Studio suits the new form factor quite nicely, but the Echo Dot Max, especially in the purple colorway I tested, isn’t quite as convincing in its Death Star-ness.

  • Design: 4/5

Amazon Echo Dot Max

Echo Dot Max next to an Echo Dot (5th-gen) (Image credit: Future)

Echo Dot Max: Performance

  • New two-way speaker system
  • Decent audio features and performance
  • Alexa is zippy

Amazon’s new Echo Dot Max is a solid all-rounder, with iterative upgrades to the 5th-gen Echo Dot, but it generally comes in just below the 4th-gen Echo base model.

The Echo Dot Max is the first Echo Dot from Amazon with a two-way speaker system. There’s a single 20mm tweeter and a 6cm woofer, meaning your favorite playlist will fill the room better than ever before. However, it’s marginally less powerful than the 1.73-inch speaker found in the 5th-gen Echo Dot, and the Echo 4th gen’s 3-inch woofer and two 20mm front-firing tweeters offer a better all-around audio experience. It’ll be a matter of taste, in some cases, as well as positioning that determines if the Echo Dot, regular Echo or the Echo Dot Max is technically ‘better’ for your audio needs, but it’s nonetheless impressive.

The Echo Dot Max can be surprisingly loud, with lovely clear vocals and highs. Laufey’s Falling Behind is plenty warm and rounded, and while you lose the crispness on the syncopated acoustic guitar hits, the vocals still poke through well. Tracks with less complexity in the rhythm and bass come out quite cleanly, and at times fare better than when played on the Echo Show 8 and Echo Show 11 I tested alongside the Echo Dot Max. Jeff Buckey’s Last Goodbye is an excellent example of this, with his dulcet tones ringing out gorgeously, and Bowie’s vocals are also beautifully clear on Heroes, even as the intensity amps up throughout the track.

Other tracks feel far flatter through the Dot Max, which can’t always deliver a rounded, powerful bass; Fleetwood Mac’s The Chain is missing the punchy drive of the drums and feels weaker all round, and the same goes for Running Up That Hill by Kate Bush, where what should be the driving, insistent rhythm lacks the force to lift the emotion of Bush’s chirping vocals. Glory Box by Portishead is far less muddied and clipped than when I played it on the Echo Show 11 and 8, though it still feels compressed too much into the mid-range, and can’t deliver the nicely rounded bass I love in the track. For its size and price, it’s still impressive, and I can forgive its weaknesses, but I wouldn’t say it quite delivers the ‘Max’ experience I’d expect based on audio quality alone.

However, the Echo Dot Max redeems itself with the audio smarts it packs under the hood, including Lossless High Definition and Automatic Room Adaptation. In practice, that means the speaker is able to adapt its audio to wherever it’s placed, and it’s the first time we’ve seen this tech in an Echo Dot. I really value immersive sound over and above a speaker’s power, so these audio smarts make the Echo Dot Max much more to my liking.

Amazon Echo Dot Max Hands On

(Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)

Soon, the Echo Dot Max will gain another feather to its audio cap; you’ll soon be able to connect up to five Echo Dot Max or Echo Studio speakers plus an optional Echo subwoofer to Fire TV Stick 4K (2nd-gen), Fire TV Stick 4K Plus, Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2nd-gen), or Fire TV Cube (3rd-gen) to use Amazon’s new Home Theatre feature. Simply set it up using the Alexa app and Amazon’s voice assistant will automatically configure the placement and tune the sound using its spatial awareness sensors for an immersive surround sound experience. This setup will support Dolby Atmos from selected streaming services, and you’ll be able to control volume with voice commands or a Fire TV remote.

The Echo Dot Max has the same temperature and ultrasound motion sensors as the Echo Dot (4th gen), but also adds a new Wi-Fi sensing capability. All of these worked well on test, and are great for setting up even smarter Alexa Routines. For instance, I set up an automation that turns on my smart lights when I enter a room as well as one that turns on my electric heater when the temperature drops too low for my liking.

When it comes to the more standardized Alexa features, the Echo Dot Max performs as expected. If you’ve used more recent Echo devices, you likely won’t really feel the speed boost from the AZ3 chipset, but it’s a marked difference compared to older models. Alexa responds in rapid fashion, pulling up information and executing commands quicker than ever; it’s unlikely that the base version of Amazon’s voice assistant can actually get much quicker without pre-empting your query – and given that Alexa on the Dot Max actually cut me off once or twice, we should be careful what we wish for here.

Of course, all that new computing power is really in service of powering Alexa+, which, at the time of writing, is not available in the UK, where I’ve been testing the Echo Dot Max. We’ve got a full review of Amazon’s agentic AI platform coming soon, so keep your eyes peeled for that or check back here for updates.

Personally, I enjoyed my time with the Echo Dot Max. Along a similar vein to my verdict on the design, I'm not sure its performance improvements justify the price increase, and the fact it won't quite be good enough for audiophiles yet still offers better audio makes it hard to place in Amazon's line-up of Echo Speakers.

  • Performance: 4/5

Amazon Echo Dot Max Hands On

(Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)

Echo Dot Max: Price and availability

  • List price: $99 / £99 / AU$199
  • Released November 2025

The Echo Dot Max sits in the mid-range of Amazon’s Echo family, positioned as a step up for Echo Dot fans who want a slight boost to audio, and better AI experiences when Alexa+ is eventually available to them. It’s available in black, white, and a bold purple colorway.

It’s $50 / £50 / AU$100 more expensive than the 5th-generation Echo Dot, which for the foreseeable future, is still available for purchase. For that extra cost you do get some decent improvements, but it still can’t beat the 4th-generation full-size Echo for audio, which sold at a similar price point.

For me, the differences between the Echo Dot and Max models aren’t quite enough to justify the jump in list price; and especially not when one of the key selling points – that being Alexa+ compatibility – is only available in Early Access the US at the time of writing, and costs more on top – unless, of course, you have an Amazon Prime subscription. I probably wouldn’t buy this at list price, but as we all know, Amazon loves a juicy discount around sales events.

  • Value: 3.5/5

Should I buy the Echo Dot Max?

Buy it if...

You want room-filling audio

While I’m 50/50 on whether or not the Echo Dot Max’s audio performance can be considered truly “better” than the regular Echo Dot, it’s certainly better at filling a space thanks to the addition of Lossless High Definition, and Automatic Room Adaptation.

You’re upgrading from an older Echo speaker

More recent Echo smart speakers pack fairly similar specs and performance, but the AZ3 chip brings a marked improvement.

Don't buy it if...

You are an audiophile

It’s impressive what the Echo Dot Max does within the boundaries of its size and price point, but the speaker is still far from perfect and won’t render your favorite tracks perfectly.

You don’t like Death Stars

I’m being a little tongue-in-cheek here, but the design won’t be for everyone - especially if you’re a fan of using the manual controls, which, when pressed, can push the speaker across surface.

Amazon Echo Dot Max: also consider

Scorecard

Value

3.5/5

Far from pricey, but doesn't quite live up to its premium positioning or price point

Design

4/5

New design shape may be divisive, control panel a bit annoying, but lovely build quality

Performance

4/5

You win some, you lose some; smart, both in sound and home automation, but not quite powerful enough.

If you're not sure the Amazon Dot Max is the right Alexa smart speaker for you, here are further options to consider from Amazon:

Echo Dot Max

Echo Dot (5th-gen)

Echo (4th-gen)

Dimensions

4.27 x 4.27 x 3.9 inches

3.53 inches x 3.94 inches x 3.94 inches

5.7-inch x 5.7-inch x 5.2-inch

Speakers

0.8-inch tweeter and 2.5-inch woofer

1.73-inch front-firing speaker

3.0" (76.2 mm) neodymium woofer and two 0.8" (20 mm) front-firing tweeters with Dolby Audio support

Processor

AZ3

AZ2 Neural Edge

AZ1 Neural Edge

Connecivity

Zigbee, Matter, Thread Border Router, eero, Wi-Fi 6

Zigbee, Matter, Thread Border Router, eero, Wi-Fi 6

Zigbee, Matter, Thread border router. Dual-band Wi-Fi, eero, Bluetooth

3.5mm audio line-in/out.

Weight

505.3g

328g

970g

Also consider Echo Dot (5th-gen)

The 5th-gen Echo Dot is the predecessor to the Echo Dot Max, and while its audio specs aren’t quite as adaptable, the sound quality will be slightly better for some owing to the slightly more powerful speaker.

For more information, check out our full Echo Dot (5th-gen) review.

Also consider Echo (4th-gen)

The 4th generation of Amazon’s base model Echo speaker may be getting long in the tooth, its audio performance is admirable, it’s often on sale at bargain prices, and offers a similar performance.

For more information, check out our full Echo (4th-gen) review.

How I tested the Echo Show 15 (2024)

  • I used the Echo Dot Max as part of my personal smart home setup
  • I played lossless audio through Spotify
  • I tried the standard Alexa and other advertised features.

I tried all of the advertised features of the Echo Dot Max (barring Alexa+, which is not currently available in the UK) to examine its value for money, performance and how successfully Amazon’s redesign accounts for user experience.

In addition to using Alexa for a variety of tasks like browsing, searching and connecting to third-party apps and services, as well as controlling smart home devices, I also used my Echo Dot Max as a speaker for lossless tracks streamed through Spotify. I tested a range of genres of music and different moods to see how well it represented some of my favorite tracks and testing playlist.

I’ve been using Alexa speakers for years, and professionally testing smart home devices for 3+ years. In addition to my at-home Alexa setup, I’ve also used both Google and Apple devices to assess the strengths and weaknesses of the most popular smart home ecosystems.

I’ve been testing the Shark Glam Multi-Styler, and it’s a cool concept ruined by one baffling design decision
1:18 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Hair Care Home Small Appliances | Tags: , | Comments: Off

Shark Glam: two-minute review

Product info

There are a few bundle options, with different accessories included.

US:
Shark Glam HD6051S
Shark Glam HD6052S
Build your own bundle HD6000

UK:
Shark Glam HD6051SUK
Shark Glam HD6052SUK

For this review, I tested the UK version. There may be minor differences between models offered in different countries.

The Shark Glam is a does-it-all styling tool that combines a tube-shaped hair dryer and various attachments for creating curls, waves, straight styles and anything in-between. The USP is two new tools that have heated ceramic elements, which work alongside the airflow to lock in styles and eliminate frizz. Named the "Silki" (the straightener attachment) and the "Glossi" (the round brush), both are designed to be used on either wet or dry hair.

It's an innovative idea that could have been a game-changer... if only Shark had provided a way to turn each one off. Surely, using hot plates on wet hair is likely to cause damage? Shark insists it's fine, because the ceramics drop to a cooler temperature when the Glam is in Wet Hair mode, but they're still too hot to touch, so I'm not convinced. Similarly, when using the Glam in Dry Hair mode, I could have done without air blowing my already-dry hair all over the place as I tried to create some shape with the Glossi round brush the day after wash day.

It's a shame that, in my opinion, this fundamental part of the Glam concept is flawed, because on other levels this tool is excellent. The dryer itself feels pleasingly compact, well balanced and comfortable to use, and it delivers powerful airflow. I was also impressed with the other accessories – the auto-wrap curl barrels work very well, the diffuser has adjustable prongs for different lengths of hair, and the double-walled concentrator feels a cut above average, too.

There's a lot to like about the Glam; but, unfortunately, it isn't the parts that are exclusive to this styler. This means it won't be knocking the Shark FlexStyle off our list of the best hair stylers any time soon. Read on for my full Shark Glam review.

Shark Glam Multi-Styler tool with Glossi barrel attached

(Image credit: Future)

Shark Glam review: price & availability

  • List price: from $399.99 / £369.99
  • Launch date: September 2025
  • Available: US and UK

The Shark Glam launched in September 2025, and is currently available widely including the US and UK (although not yet in Australia). There are a few bundle options available, with most including the dryer, Silki straightener attachment, Glossi heated brush attachment, and auto-wrap curl barrels; but beyond that they have different accessories.

In the US, you can opt for the HD6051S bundle, which includes a concentrator and FrizzFighter finishing tool. Alternatively, if you have natural curls or coils, you'd be better off with the HD6052S bundle, which has a wide-tooth comb and diffuser. Both of these options cost $449.99.

Alternatively, you can build your own bundle (HD6000) for $399.99. With this option, you get the Silki and Glossi attachments and choose two further accessories (the curl barrels are an option, but not included as standard).

In the UK, it's the HD6051SUK bundle, which comes with a FrizzFighter finishing tool, or the HD6052SUK, which swaps the finishing tool for a diffuser. Both cost £369.99.

Given the sheer variety of accessories and tools included here, the Shark Glam isn't a bad price. It's especially strong value if you'll be using all the attachments – buying an individual set of straighteners, dryer and hot brush would cost far more. However, if you don't need all the attachments, there are simpler muti-stylers available that will cost far less.

If you don't want the integrated ceramic plates (which I wouldn't personally pay extra for), you have many more options. The older Shark FlexStyle has a list price around $279.99 / £269.99. The Dyson Airwrap i.d. is notably pricier $599.99 / £479.99 – but it feels like a more premium option, and boasts a better auto-wrap curling system.

  • Value for money score: 3 out of 5

Shark Glam specs

Wattage:

1,500W

Temperature settings:

3 + cool shot

Speed settings:

3

Cord:

CHECK

Size w/ no attachments (L x W x H):

CHECK 4.3 x 4.1 x 27.4cm

Weight w/ no attachments:

~338g (no cord)/ 740g (with cord)

Airflow:

Not provided

Shark Glam review: design

  • Compact, tube-shaped dryer with lots of styling attachment options
  • Two attachments – Glossi and Silki – combine hot air and ceramic plates
  • Wet and dry modes, but no way to turn off air or ceramic plates in either

The Shark Glam is what I'd describe as the Swiss Army Knife of hair tools. The base machine is similar to that of any modern breed of multi-styler: a tube-shaped dryer, with a top section that twists to sit at 90-degrees to the handle, for easier drying. Where things get a little more exciting is in the accessories. The two most notable additions are the Silki and Glossi attachments.

Shark Glossi and Silki attachments for the Glam multi-styler, on a shelf in tester's bathroom

(Image credit: Future)

The Silki is a straightener attachment for creating sleek, straight styles. It delivers a directed blade of air (à la Dyson Airstrait) to dry hair, alongside hot ceramic plates of the type included in a traditional straightener, to smooth and remove frizz.

The Glossi is a round (or, more accurately, teardrop-shaped) brush tool. This, too, includes ceramic elements for smoothing. The asymmetrical shape is designed to enable you to get closer to the root of the hair.

Close-up of the controls on the Shark Glam Multi-Styler tool

(Image credit: Future)

These tools can be used in Wet Hair or Dry Hair mode, but the hot plates and the air will be on in both modes. Shark's instructions state that the hot plates will be at a lower temperature when used in Wet Hair mode, which makes the presence of settings to adjust the windspeed and temperatures manually even more baffling. Overall, the settings are confusing – even if you leave on the sticker that explains what each button does.

All the attachments for the Shark Glam Multi-Styler on a shelf in reviewer's bathroom

(Image credit: Future)

The other attachments are more standard. You get a pair of curl barrels that attract the hair, wrapping it around the barrel and setting it into curls as it finishes drying it. One barrel wraps clockwise, while the other wraps anti-clockwise; the Dyson Airwrap is still the only hair tool that offers both directions on one barrel (even the best Airwrap dupes can't manage this).

There's a variety of other compatible accessories available for the Shark Glam, but which you get will depend on the bundle you choose. Accessories include a FrizzFighter finishing tool for taming flyaways, a concentrator, a diffuser with extendable pins, and a wide-tooth comb.

Plug for Shark Glam Multi-Styler tool

(Image credit: Future)

The off-white and gold colorway of my review model looks stylish, but is ruined slightly by the bulky, somewhat ugly-looking plug. You'll also need to earth it by pressing two buttons simultaneously before each use (this is for the UK version; I'm not sure what the situation will be in other countries). My review model came in a soft carry case.

  • Design score: 3.5 out of 5

Shark Glam review: performance

  • Attachments feel secure, and airflow is powerful
  • Silki straightener is a bit unwieldy and can't get right to the root
  • Concerns about heat damage from using hot plates on wet hair

While I like the idea of combining hot air and ceramic plates in one do-it-all tool, I'm baffled that there's no way to turn either element off. Shark assures me that the hot plates won't cause damage when used on wet hair, but I remain unconvinced. In Wet Hair mode, the plates are meant to drop to a lower temperature; but this temperature is still too hot to touch with your fingers. Similarly, when used for a second-day touchup, I don't really need the Shark Glam to be blowing hot air onto my already-dry hair. It's just annoying.

During the review period, I also found the controls confusing. It isn't clear if the Wet Hair / Dry Hair mode slider switch overrides the manual controls or vice versa.

Shark Glam Multi-Styler tool twisted into hair dryer mode

(Image credit: Future)

My experience with the Silki straightening tool was mixed. One side of the straightener is much chunkier than the other, which makes it feel a little unwieldy if you're coming from using traditional straighteners. It also means that on one side of your hair, the chunky bit will be next to your head, and you won't be able to get close to your root (worth flagging that we had the same complaint with the Dyson Airstrait; the other major wet-to-straight option on the market). However, it did leave me with fairly smooth, straight locks once I was done.

Close-up of Silki attachment for Shark Glam Multi-Styler, on a shelf in tester's bathroom

(Image credit: Future)

It was a similarly mixed experience with the Glossi brush tool. The ceramic elements are tucked in on one side, and again you can't get right up to the root, despite the teardrop shaping. When used on wet hair, I found this setup did help deliver a smoother final look compared to using just a hot brush. However, when used on the day after washing, the hot air blasted my dry hair around and made styling tricky.

Tester holding Shark Glam Multi-Styler, with curl barrel attached

(Image credit: Future)

In terms of the basics, things are much more positive. The dryer itself is lightweight and comfortable to hold, and delivers strong airflow and a good range of temperatures at which to style hair. The attachments clip on and off securely, and I like the way the top section of the dryer can be twisted and redirected for more comfortable use.

I could also tell that a good amount of thought had gone into the design of the other attachments (the ones that don't have ceramic elements). The diffuser, for example, has pins that can be made longer or shorter to suit your hair length. And although the bubble-shaped curl barrels look a bit odd, they work perfectly well in practice.

Close up of attachment lock on Shark Glam Multi-Styler tool

(Image credit: Future)

Overall, though, I'm struggling to get on board with the Shark Glam because of my earlier complaint. Without the ability to switch off the air and heated elements on and off independently of one another, I can't see myself reaching for the Shark Glam as my preferred styling tool in any situation. I'd use it with the curl barrels attached as an Airwrap alternative... but that part is the same as the (cheaper) Shark FlexStyle.

  • Performance score: 3 out of 5

Should you buy the Shark Glam?

Attribute

Notes

Rating

Value

You're getting a lot of tech for your money, but there are cheaper options if you don't want the ceramic elements.

3 / 5

Design

The decision to combine air and heated ceramics is innovative, but it's baffling that you can't use each one independently. Otherwise, well-designed and built.

3 / 5

Performance

Decent results, but using hot plates on wet hair surely isn't great for long-term hair health, and it's annoying to have air blowing at dry hair. Good results from the other tools, including curl barrels.

3 / 5

Buy it if...

You want the most versatile multi-styler

To my knowledge, this is the only multi-styler on the market to offer both hot plates and airflow in one tool. There's no style that the Glam couldn't (theoretically) create.

You struggle with frizz

The ceramic elements help smooth out frizz in a way that air alone can't do.

You spot a great deal

Although I wouldn't pay a premium to get the Glossi and Silki tools, if I spotted a deal I'd be very tempted – the basics are great here, including the auto-wrap curl barrels.

Don't buy it if...

You're worried about hair health

There's no way to switch off the ceramic plates on the Silki and Glossi tools, even in Wet Hair mode. Shark says it's fine, but I can't see how that wouldn't cause heat damage.

You already have a straightener

The Silki attachment is a little unwieldy – and considering you can't turn off the hot plates and just use the directed airflow, if you already have a pair of straighteners, then you might as well use them.

How I tested the Shark Glam

I used the Shark Glam as my main styling tool over the course of several weeks. I have frizz-prone, armpit-length wavy hair with some particularly curly patches. I tested the Glam in Wet Hair mode and Dry Hair mode (on wet and dry hair), and used all the different attachments, including the Glossi and Silki. I compared the results to what I could achieve with other multi-stylers I've tested, including the Dyson Airwrap i.d., the Shark FlexStyle and the Dreame AirStyle Pro.

Read more about how we test

  • First reviewed November 2025
The Shark PowerPro is the best-value vacuum cleaner I’ve tested – and it’s ideal for most households
9:30 am | November 22, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Home Small Appliances Vacuums | Tags: , , | Comments: Off

Shark PowerPro Cordless vacuum: two-minute review

Product info

There are a few different versions of this vacuum, with different product codes:

US: PowerPro Pet IZ373H; PowerPro Flex Reveal IZ382H

UK: PowerPro IZ380UK; PowerPro Pet IZ380UKFDB

AU: PowerPro IZ377H; PowerPro Flex Reveal IZ380H


For this review, I tested the IZ380UK. There may be minor differences between different countries' models.

The Shark PowerPro Cordless is a capable, no-nonsense stick vacuum that prioritizes consistent performance and everyday value over flashy extras. It’s one of the most affordable cordless models we've tested, yet it comes with very few compromises where it matters. And while its build isn’t premium, it's not a barebones vacuum either: one of the key selling points is automatic surface detection, which adjusts power as you move from carpet to hard flooring. It's a very strong contender for TechRadar's best budget vacuums guide.

Despite the budget price, you also get hallmark Shark touches like an anti-hair wrap brushroll, a flexible wand for reaching under furniture, plus a floorhead with built-in LEDs that illuminate dust and dark corners. Taken together, these features – borrowed from pricier models in Shark’s line-up – make the PowerPro feel like a far more rounded tool than its price might suggest.

That’s not to say it’s flawless. In places, the no-frills build betrays its budget status. It all clicks together with solidity, but there are some plastic components that cheapen the experience – particularly the boost trigger.

The appeal here lies in the PowerPro’s stripped-back convenience. You’re getting a functional, reliable vacuum with a handful of well-executed features that are genuinely useful in everyday use.

The interface is foolproof: there are no modes to select. Instead, the Floor Detect head automatically chooses the right setting based on the surface you’re cleaning. All you have to think about is using the Boost trigger at your fingertips. It won't offer dirt detection or edge detection (as found on the best Shark vacuums in the lineup), but this floor-based adjustment is useful nonetheless.

In use, the PowerPro is balanced and maneuverable. The floorhead moves easily over different surfaces, while the hinged wand unlatches to give you flexible reach beneath beds and sofas. Switch to a handheld configuration and the PowerPro is impressively lightweight. It’s slightly bulky for tackling tighter spaces like car footwells, but the crevice attachments help to hit nooks and crannies.

While not as powerful as the Shark PowerDetect cordless, the PowerPro performed impressively well in my cleaning tests. Suction was strong on carpeted floors, lifting both visible debris and ingrained dust without repeated passes. It also handled fine dust and heavier particles on hard floors, though Boost mode was useful for picking up larger pieces. One caveat is that the brush bar sits inset within the floorhead, which means it can struggle to get right into edges along skirting boards.

Battery life is decent, too. Although there's no battery-maximizing Eco mode, in Auto mode I achieved a very decent 40 minute average when cleaning a combination of carpeted and hard flooring. At around 3 hours, the PowerPro is relatively quick to recharge, too. Because the power plugs directly into the removable battery, you could enlist a backup battery if you wanted to extend runtimes.

The Shark PowerPro isn’t the most stylish or advanced stick vacuum on the market, but it might be the best cordless vacuum for budget-conscious shoppers. But with consistently strong performance, good battery life and a few thoughtful features, it’s a strong choice for households who need a no-fuss solution for busting dust. Robust enough for daily use, the PowerPro offers excellent overall value.

Shark PowerPro IZ380UK on test in a home

(Image credit: Chris Rowlands)

Shark PowerPro IZ380UK review: price & availability

  • List price: $329.99 / £249.99 / AU$399.99
  • Launch date: 2025
  • Availability: US, UK, AU

The Shark PowerPro launched in early 2025, and is widely available from Shark and various third-party retailers. At list price, the standard model costs $329.99 in the US, £249.99 in the UK and AU$399.99 in Australia. That puts this model towards the bottom of the mid-range bracket, but at time of writing it's heavily discounted in all territories.

Based on price history, it looks like discounts are fairly common, and you shouldn't have too much trouble picking up the PowerPro for closer to $200 / £180 / AU$300 – which is firmly in TechRadar's budget price bracket, despite it offering several features found on Shark’s pricier models.

Shark PowerPro IZ380UK on test in a home

(Image credit: Chris Rowlands)

There are a few bundle options around with different tools included (for example, the 'Pet' version has a mini motorized cleaner head for furniture), as well as a more advanced 'Flex Reveal' version in some territories. For this review, I tested the IZ380UK version, which ships with crevice and upholstery tools, in addition to the standard floorhead.

Based on the current discounts, the PowerPro is one of the most affordable Shark cordless vacuums, and I think its priced well for what it delivers. As a simple, effective cordless vacuum with a streamlined but useful featureset, it offers excellent value for money in its class.

  • Value for money score: 4.5 out of 5

Shark PowerPro specs

Weight (handheld unit w/ no attachments):

7.6 lbs / 3.45kg

Weight (with wand and floorhead):

3.7 lbs / 1.7kg

Dimensions (H x L x W):

45 x 12.4 x 10.4in / 114.3 x 31.6 x 26.4cm

Floorhead width:

8.5in / 21.5cm

Onboard bin capacity:

0.7L

LED headlights:

Yes

Max suction:

Not stated

Max runtime:

50 mins advertised, 40 mins on test

Charge time:

3hrs 30 mins

Shark PowerPro Cordless vacuum review: design

  • No-frills construction feels plasticky but sturdy
  • Flexible wand and bright floorhead LEDs
  • No wall mount, but locking floorhead helps it lean steady

The Shark PowerPro follows a practical design philosophy. It doesn’t pretend to be a premium vacuum, but still includes several thoughtful touches that elevate it above basic alternatives. It’s not an ugly unit either, although Shark has focused on functional choices rather than aesthetic refinement.

Out of the box, the PowerPro feels solid enough for daily use. Everything clicks together with a reassuring snap. That said, the construction leans heavily on plastics. Parts like the boost trigger and dustbin release latches feel hollow, while there’s some flex and creak in the casing, giving a clear indication of where costs have been saved. These don’t affect performance, but they do contribute to a less premium impression than pricier Shark models.

The PowerPro follows a familiar cordless stick design. There’s a tidily packaged handheld unit that attaches to a motorized floorhead at the base. Shark’s useful 'MultiFLEX / Flexology' wand is also part of the setup. A latched hinge in the middle allows it to bend, letting you reach more easily beneath furniture without crouching. It’s a feature usually found on Shark’s more expensive cordless models, so it’s a welcome presence at this price point.

The main unit is very lightweight, and while the wand and floorhead is less so, with that attached it still sits at the lighter end of the stick vacuum market.

The simple handle design isn’t exactly ergonomic, but it’s comfortable enough to maneuver in general use, thanks in part to the lightness of the main unit. It’s slightly too bulky for very tight spaces like car footwells, but the included crevice and upholstery tools help to maximize reach. The accessory set included with the classic model is modest, but it covers most essential tasks around the house.

Controls are deliberately minimal. Because the Floor Detect head automatically adjusts suction based on whether you’re tackling carpet or hard floors, there are no settings to toggle through. There’s just a power button and the boost trigger at the tip of your index finger. Three illuminated icons on top of the handheld unit show which mode is active, while three more on the battery show the charge level. This is less accurate than a digital readout, a feature not commonly found at this price.

At ground level, built-in LEDs illuminate dust and debris on darker surfaces. In contrast to more expensive Shark models like the Shark Detect IW4621KT, these headlights aren’t reactive depending on how well-lit the area is. They’re simply on whenever the vacuum is running, which will be perfectly fine for most users.

At 0.7L, the dustbin slightly smaller than average, although it fills less quickly than you’d expect. The design of the dustbin itself is slightly unusual. To empty it, you press a latch to remove the entire bin from the handheld unit, before releasing the bottom door via another button. This adds an extra step compared to vacuums with direct drop-bottom bins, but it does help to reduce accidental spillage.

Charging the PowerPro isn’t as neat as it could be. The position of the charging port on top of the battery pack means that the cable trails up and over the handheld unit. It would be more natural if the port were positioned beneath it, but this is a necessary compromise to make the battery removable. The pay-off is that you can disconnect the cell to charge it, unlocking the option to keep several back-up batteries ready to swap in.

The PowerPro doesn’t include a wall mount or charging dock, which you’d expect to receive with a more expensive model. Instead, you’ll need to lean it up against a wall when you need a pause in cleaning. The unit can’t stand upright on its own at full height, but the floorhead can at least lock at 90 degrees, to stop it rolling away from the wall.

The forward-bending wand also enables you to fold the unit completely in half and lock it that way for more compact storage. These are neat practical touches for a model sold without a stand.

  • Design score: 4 out of 5

Shark PowerPro IZ380UK review: performance

  • Solid debris pick-up on carpets and hard floors
  • Brushroll misses edges
  • Automatic adjustment based on floor type works well

Performance is where the Shark PowerPro sets itself apart from other budget stick vacuums. On test, it consistently demonstrated effective debris pick-up, removing both surface-level and embedded dirt from carpet with just a single forward-and-back pass.

The Floor Detect head does much of the heavy lifting here. As you move the PowerPro from hard floor to carpet and vice versa, it automatically adjusts the power to suit the surface. The system is quick to respond to changes, with no lag to speak of. Suction is noticeably stronger on carpet, where the floorhead feels like it’s really pulling up dirt.

As a result, the PowerPro performed very well in my carpet tests. Tackling the fine, dry contents of a teabag sprinkled on a medium-pile carpet, the Shark PowerPro collected almost everything in its path with a single pass. The remnants were tidied up on the return sweep. It also dealt well with larger debris. 30g of oats were removed cleanly enough, with little in the way of snow-ploughing or scattering. This is an area where many budget cordless vacuums falter.

Shark PowerPro IZ380UK on test in a home

(Image credit: Chris Rowlands)

The PowerPro didn’t just grab visible debris, either: it also pulled up ingrained dust. After a week of regular use, the bin was still filling with fine grey dust and fluff during my tests, highlighting how effectively the PowerPro can lift deep-set dirt that other vacuums have left behind.

It’s also a strong performer on hard flooring. Fine tea disappeared cleanly from kitchen vinyl, as did drill dust. Standard suction was enough to collect heavier particles like oats, though switching to boost mode did speed things up.

Unlike some vacuums, the PowerPro generally didn’t push debris around or scatter it on hard floors. For the best performance, however, you might want to consider upgrading to a Shark PowerDetect Cordless, which has an extra flap added to the floorhead that specifically enables it to clear large particles on the reverse stroke.

Shark PowerPro IZ380UK on test in a home

(Image credit: Chris Rowlands)

The boost trigger deserves a special mention. While designed as a temporary power uplift rather than an always-on mode, it provides a genuinely significant increase in suction. I found it especially useful for tackling stubborn debris in carpet fibers and lifting heavier crumbs on hard floors. Running in Boost mode does cut battery life considerably, but for targeted use, it’s a welcome addition.

Edge performance is one area where the PowerPro shows some limitations. The brushroll is inset slightly within the floorhead, which means the suction window doesn’t reach right up to the bottom of cabinets and furniture.

When I scattered tea and oats along a skirting board, a thin strip remained even after a high-powered pass. This is a limitation of the head design rather than the power, and it means you’ll need to use the crevice tool for spotless edges.

Shark PowerPro IZ380UK on test in a home

(Image credit: Chris Rowlands)

The Floor Detect head features Shark’s anti-hair wrap head, with built-in rubber fins designed to stop strands from tangling around the brush bar. Over several weeks of running the PowerPro across carpets where longer human hair had been shed naturally, it worked very well.

The brushroll stayed broadly free from tangles and I didn’t need to cut away any wrapped strands, which is something many cheaper sticks struggle with. It’s another feature typically found on Shark’s pricier models that works just as effectively here.

Noise is well-controlled, too. Those rubber fins produce a low rumble on carpet as they whizz around inside the floorhead, while the handheld unit generates a relatively modest whine that only becomes pronounced when Boost mode is active.

To my ears, the PowerPro is quieter than other cordless vacuums I’ve tested. It’s not exactly hushed, but it avoids the harsh, high-pitched tones common among budget sticks. This makes it a better choice for households where noise sensitivity is a factor.

  • Performance score: 4 out of 5

Shark PowerPro review: battery

  • No Eco mode, average of 40 mins in Auto
  • Boost mode reduces battery life to <15 minutes
  • Battery removable, and can be charged independently

Shark quotes the PowerPro's battery life at 50 minutes. In reality, run-time varies a fair bit based on what and where you vacuum. Cleaning carpets is more power-hungry than hard floors, for example, while liberal use of the boost trigger will put a serious dent in the performance figures.

Unlike other Shark vacuums, the PowerPro doesn’t have an low-powered Eco setting. Because of this, you can’t force it to be more frugal by disabling the Floor Detect mode. Instead, it will always assess the surface it’s running over and adjust power accordingly.

As a result, you’ll get longer battery life if your home has hard floors throughout, versus one that’s clad primarily with carpet. My own home has an even balance of the two, meaning the numbers I achieved in my tests should be fairly representative of real-world performance across different surfaces.

Over several runs, I consistently netted between 35 and 45 minutes from full to flat. Taking the average as 40 minutes, that unsurprisingly comes in lower than the official number. It also puts the PowerPro a step below the best cordless vacuums when it comes to longevity – although do bear in mind that the given runtimes will almost always be for the Eco mode.

For me, 40 minutes felt like a healthy amount of time for a single stint and a competitive number for the price category. It’s certainly enough to cover a single-story home and have some charge left in the tank.

The more modest capacity also gives the PowerPro a shorter charge time than other models. Shark says it takes “approximately 3 hours” to fully charge the IZ380UK, which proved an accurate figure in my experience. While that’s hardly instantaneous, many vacuums take significantly longer.

Shark PowerPro IZ380UK on test in a home

(Image credit: Chris Rowlands)

Using Boost mode does have a considerable effect on battery life. Keeping my finger held on the trigger brought the number down to around 15 minutes. That's actually a strong runtime for a Boost mode – but it still reflects the fact that it’s intended to be used as a brief uplift for tougher debris, rather than an always-on solution for high-powered cleaning.

The PowerPro also benefits from a removable battery. The cell itself can be charged while detached from the vacuum. This means you can extend runtime by keeping a second back-up battery charged, ready to swap in when the first one runs flat.

  • Battery life score: 4 out of 5

Should you buy the Shark PowerPro Cordless vacuum?

Attribute

Notes

Rating

Value

A budget vacuum that represents excellent value, given its solid performance and surface detection smarts.

4.5 / 5

Design

The no-frills build feels plasticky in places, but it’s sturdy enough. A wall-mount would make charging neater, given the vacuum can’t stand up on its own.

4 / 5

Performance

Strong pickup and surface detection works well, with Boost mode available for tackling more stubborn debris. The brushroll doesn’t get right into corners.

4 / 5

Battery

No Eco mode, but an average of 40 minutes in Auto is very decent, as is the ~15 mins in Boost. Recharge is speedy.

4 / 5

Buy it if...

You want a great-value vacuum
With impressive suction, solid battery life and decent build quality at a competitive price, the Shark PowerPro ticks a lot of boxes for the money.

You prefer a simpler interface
With just two modes, a power button and a Boost trigger to master, the Shark PowerPro is more straightforward than many vacuums on the market.

You want a lightweight vacuum
In handheld mode the PowerPro is impressively light, and even with the (rather chunky) wand attached, it's on the lighter side for a stick vacuum.

Don't buy it if...

You need all the bells and whistles
While it has a Floor Detect head with built-in lights, you don’t get the edge detection smarts or charging dock of premium Shark vacuums.

You want premium build quality
The plastic body is robust enough to shake off bumps around the house, but the boost trigger and bin release latch feel cheaper than rivals.

You expect perfect pick-up
The floorhead does a great job of sucking up dust, it's not as powerful as the PowerDetect, and the brushroll doesn’t get right into corners either.

How I tested the Shark PowerPro Cordless vacuum

  • Used as my main vacuum cleaner for a month
  • Tested across hard and carpeted floors at home
  • Conducted standardized tests for debris pick-up

I tested the Shark PowerPro IZ380UK over a period of several weeks. I used it as my main vacuum cleaner in my own home, which has a mix of both carpeted and hard surfaces. Before running any formal tests, I used the PowerPro for ordinary daily cleaning to get an understanding of its general performance, noise levels, maneuverability and battery life.

I then moved on to running the PowerPro through TechRadar’s standard vacuum testing protocol. To assess fine dust pick-up, I sprinkled the contents of a dry teabag on both carpet and hard flooring, then passed over the area with the PowerPro on its standard setting. For a trial with larger debris, I repeated the process with a bag of oats. I only switched to Boost mode if the floorhead failed to collect everything on the first pass.

To test edge performance, I distributed tea and oats along skirting boards then checked how much was left behind when I ran the floorhead flush along them. I also evaluated hair pick-up by running the anti-hair wrap brushroll over areas of carpet home to longer strands, to see whether any tangled around the brush bar.

I measured battery life first by charging the vacuum to full, then running it continuously across a mix of surfaces until it powered down. I then charged it fully again to confirm the recharge time, before repeating the process to get an accurate average of battery life. I also ran similar trials using boost mode to verify the higher-powered run-time.

Finally, In tested the included crevice and upholstery tools on furniture, stairs and inside a car footwell to evaluate how effectively they picked up dirt, as well as the balance and reach of the unit as a handheld tool. Throughout my tests, I also paid attention to functionality and ease of use, especially when it came to regular actions in real-world situations, like emptying the bin.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed November 2025

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