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The Casabrews Ultra Espresso Machine is TikTok’s favorite coffee maker, but can it live up to the hype?
1:58 pm | June 30, 2025

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

Casabrews Ultra Espresso Machine: one-minute review

Founded in 2020, Casabrews hasn’t been around for very long, and so, it really hasn’t had its chance to shine among some of the best espresso machines. That said, it has cultivated some buzz on platforms like TikTok, thanks to the brand’s mix of affordability and aesthetics.

The Casabrews Ultra takes things one step further and provides additional options for refining your espresso. I appreciate the approach of Casabrews developing a low-cost semi-automatic espresso machine that’s a kind of gateway into making great coffee at home. However, the espresso it yielded quite literally left a bad taste in my mouth.

It’s true that a bad workman blames their tools, but ultimately, when I found myself about five hours deep in searching through subreddits and forums for a solution to my awful coffee, I realised that I was likely at the point where any actual customer would’ve sought out a new machine.

All in all, the Casabrews Ultra sits in a bit of an odd no-man’s-land, given that it asks for far too much of a casual, beginner user but delivers far too little customization and control for a hardcore coffee hobbyist. With some upgrades and a good deal of experimentation, the Casabrews Ultra could be someone’s espresso machine of choice, but I encountered far too many insurmountable problems during my testing period to be able to recommend the machine wholeheartedly. After the unfortunate loss of my old espresso machine, I’ve been on the hunt for a worthy replacement. But I can’t say the Casabrews Ultra will be inducted into my daily coffee routine anytime soon.

Casabrews Ultra Espresso Machine: price and availability

  • List price: $249.99 / £199.99
  • Available in the US and UK
  • Discounts available at the Casabrews website

Like the rest of Casabrews’ product lineup, the Casabrews Ultra is a pretty budget-friendly option. The machine will set you back less than $250, which is definitely on the low end of things for a semi-automatic espresso machine with a steam wand attachment.

You can purchase the Casabrews Ultra directly from the Casabrews website, often with a welcome discount to make it an even more affordable option. For example, at the moment, you can pick it up for $215. Third-party retailers like Walmart and Target are worth checking out for deals, too.

If you’re based in the UK, you can take advantage of the savings on Casabrews’ website too. In terms of third-party retailers, your main option is Amazon.

  • Value score: 4/5

Casabrews Ultra Espresso Machine: specifications

Casabrews Ultra Espresso Machine

Type

Semi-automatic espresso machine

Drink options

2 (single and double espresso)

Pump pressure

20 bar

Water tank capacity

2.3 quarts / 2.2 liters

Steam wand

Yes, manual

Size (H x W x D)

12.99 x 12.2 10.31 inches / 330 x 310 x 262mm

Weight

13.55lbs / 6.15kg

Casabrews Ultra Espresso Machine: design

  • Large, but attractive machine
  • Stiff steam wand articulation and portafilter
  • Useful floater in drip tray to indicate water level

When compared to other models from the brand, the Casabrew Ultra has a wider footprint, which is not great for tiny kitchens, but it certainly helps it look the part of a fancy espresso machine. Atop the machine is a little cup warming setup. Despite being a handy addition in theory, the cup warmer doesn’t actually transfer enough heat to achieve its one and only function. I found it much more effective to just use the machine’s hot water dispenser to prepare my cups.

The articulation on the steam wand is stiff, but it was nothing compared to the portafilter. I found it unusually difficult to twist it into place on the group head, even without any grounds in the basket. In fact, during my first few uses, I started to think that there may have been some debris on the shower screen or a warped O-ring gasket, causing the level of resistance I was getting.

After doing some investigating and disproving this theory, I just kind of resigned myself to accepting that the whole thing was just threaded really bloody tight, and so, making my coffee in the morning would be an unwitting workout for the rest of my test period. All that said, as long as I planted my non-dominant hand on the machine for leverage and let out a little grunt (yes, I’m almost certain that makes me stronger), I could mostly overcome that problem.

Outside of these stiff components, I have very few complaints about the build quality of the machine. Included with the Casabrews Ultra are baskets for one-cup and two-cup espresso: two pressurized and two unpressurized. The light plastic tamp/scoop tool serves far better as a scooper than it does as a tamper, so thankfully, a sturdier tamper is included as well.

Another feature I appreciate is the floater in the drip tray. This buoyant little nugget of red plastic provides a clear indicator of when to empty liquid in the tray. Admittedly, it’s pretty bad form not to give the machine a cleanout daily, but who hasn’t forgotten to empty their drip tray for a week and discovered what looks like the contents of a petri dish? Just me?

  • Design score: 3/5

Casabrews Ultra Espresso Machine: performance

  • Recommended coffee dosage is much too high
  • Strange metallic taste (even when just used to heat water)
  • Steam wand works well once you're used to it

I was willing to accept that a $250 machine wouldn’t produce the kind of coffee worth swishing around your mouth and plotting on one of those coffee taster flavor wheels. What I wasn’t prepared for were quite so many shots that were ‘spit-it-in-the-sink’ bad.

My very first shot with the Casabrews Ultra was under-extracted, with minimal crema and a taste that wasn’t at all what I had come to expect from my chosen beans. Knowing that these tell-tale signs might mean that my water was travelling through the grounds too quickly, my first instinct was to up the dose of coffee loaded in the basket.

The problem with that was – despite my leaning on the lower end of what the manual recommended for a double espresso – my basket was already basically overflowing. With each shot I had pulled so far, the puck touched right up against the shower screen and, in most cases, even stuck to it. Thankfully, the Casabrew Ultra allows for reprogramming shot volume and temperature, so I could play around with those variables in the hopes of achieving something drinkable (or even tasty, if I’m lucky).

Unfortunately, while the quality of my extraction improved, shot after shot, I was presented with a pretty foul battery-like taste that I couldn’t totally camouflage with milk or by diluting into an americano. Light roasts are notoriously difficult to dial in, so I started to think that maybe I was presenting the Casabrews Ultra with too steep a challenge.

However, with payday too far off on the horizon, I couldn’t quite justify another bag of specialty coffee that I likely wouldn’t actually drink. As a compromise, I picked myself up a bag of Lavazza Rossa, a cheap but reliable medium roast that I used to chuck in my espresso machine as a teen prior to having adult money. It’s a sort of rich, chocolatey, everyman’s coffee that doesn't require too delicate a touch.

The Lavazza beans were pre-ground, which didn’t bode well for me achieving anything professional barista level, but at this point, I just wanted some coffee I could get through a full cup of without wincing. Besides, thanks to the pressurised basket, I could produce a shot with a nice faux crema even with beans that were technically a little stale.

The results were a familiar taste marred by an awful chemical, metallic note. I swapped in bottled water just in case the problem was Bath’s hard tap water, but it did very little to resolve the issue. Cleaning the shower screen, flushing, descaling – nothing seemed to do the job.

Iced americano prepared using Casabrews Ultra Espresso Machine

(Image credit: Abigail Shannon)

At one point, I served my partner cooled water that had run through the Casabrews Ultra to gauge his reaction (yes, I did this without warning; I never said my test process was ethical.). Lo and behold, he wanted to know why it tasted so metallic. It’s funny you’d ask, James. I was wondering about that exact thing.

Finding myself over 220g of beans down and yearning for a good coffee, I have to admit I was feeling pretty bitter. Given the 75% five-star reviews on Amazon, I can only assume this was an issue specific to the unit I tested or that the majority of customers use enough sugar and milk to hide any strange aftertastes. Obviously, the espresso-making part of the Casabrews Ultra is the main event, but it’s not all doom and gloom; the steam wand performed a whole lot better.

Milk steamed using Casabrews Ultra Espresso Machine

(Image credit: Abigail Shannon)

I first learned to make microfoam using a knob-operated steam wand, and honestly, I had no experience using one that was controlled via a button until I tested the Casabrews Ultra. Its steam wand has a couple of seconds of delay after you activate it, and given you aren’t in control of how quickly the steam output ramps up, it can be a real learning curve getting used to the rhythm of the machine. What’s more, the delay makes purging the steam wand just that bit more of a pain.

After some experimentation (and a refrigerated pitcher to make it harder to scald my milk), I managed to adapt my technique to create a microfoam I was reasonably happy with, which sported a silky mouthfeel and a pleasant sheen. A few visible bubbles lingered, but I’d say a lot of that was down to me being out of practice. Besides, there’s always the option to go full rip and make some dry foam when I’m in the mood for a cappuccino …I just needed to make sure I got my espresso elsewhere.

  • Performance score: 2/5

Should you buy the Casabrews Ultra Espresso Machine

Attribute

Notes

Score

Value

A low-cost machine with discounts available.

4/5

Design

A sturdy setup for the most part, but has some flaws.

3/5

Performance

For the most part, the Casabrews Ultra underperformed. Its espresso is a particular low point.

3/5

Buy it if

You’re big on milky coffees

Once you get the hang of it, the Casabrews Ultra’s steam wand is a solid performer that produces good microfoam.

You’re happy to give it a shot

Casabrew’s 30-day return window means that you’re not stuck using the Ultra if it just isn’t for you. View Deal

Don't buy it if

You want a machine from a legacy brand

Casabrews is something of a new kid on the block, and so there’s less information out there on troubleshooting, upgrades, or servicing.

You’d like a high-performing espresso machine

If you want a coffee that’ll get you out of bed in the morning, treat yourself to a machine that performs consistently and helps you get the most out of your beans.

You want a bean-to-cup machine

If you don’t fancy the hassle of seeking out a separate grinder, you’ll want to buy a machine that performs all those functions in one.

Casabrews Ultra Espresso Machine: also consider

Not sure if the Casabrews Ultra is the right espresso machine for you? Here are two others to consider.

De'Longhi Linea Classic

Despite setting you back $50 less, the De’Longhi Linea Classic delivered far better results than the Casabrews Ultra. Its reviewer even said it might be the “one of the best espresso machines for new and experienced baristas”-- that’s some high praise.

Read out full De'Longhi Linea Classic review

De'Longhi Dedica Style

The Delonghi Dedica Style is another great option for an espresso machine under $200. What’s more, if you want to save yourself the mess and trouble of puck prep, the Dedica Style also takes ESE pods.

Read our full De'Longhi Dedica Style review

How I tested the Casabrews Ultra Espresso Machine

My testing period for the Casabrews Ultra lasted three weeks, and during that time, I regularly made espresso and steamed milk to create drinks. Throughout this process, I alternated between using freshly-ground light roast beans from a local specialty coffee shop, and pre-ground medium roast commercial coffee. While operating the steam wand, I used chilled whole dairy milk, semi-skimmed dairy milk, or almond milk.

The main points of reference I had to compare the Casabrews Ultra to were the De'Longhi Scultura and the Breville Bambino.

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

First reviewed June 2025.

The Casabrews Ultra Espresso Machine is TikTok’s favorite coffee maker, but can it live up to the hype?
1:58 pm |

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

Casabrews Ultra Espresso Machine: one-minute review

Founded in 2020, Casabrews hasn’t been around for very long, and so, it really hasn’t had its chance to shine among some of the best espresso machines. That said, it has cultivated some buzz on platforms like TikTok, thanks to the brand’s mix of affordability and aesthetics.

The Casabrews Ultra takes things one step further and provides additional options for refining your espresso. I appreciate the approach of Casabrews developing a low-cost semi-automatic espresso machine that’s a kind of gateway into making great coffee at home. However, the espresso it yielded quite literally left a bad taste in my mouth.

It’s true that a bad workman blames their tools, but ultimately, when I found myself about five hours deep in searching through subreddits and forums for a solution to my awful coffee, I realised that I was likely at the point where any actual customer would’ve sought out a new machine.

All in all, the Casabrews Ultra sits in a bit of an odd no-man’s-land, given that it asks for far too much of a casual, beginner user but delivers far too little customization and control for a hardcore coffee hobbyist. With some upgrades and a good deal of experimentation, the Casabrews Ultra could be someone’s espresso machine of choice, but I encountered far too many insurmountable problems during my testing period to be able to recommend the machine wholeheartedly. After the unfortunate loss of my old espresso machine, I’ve been on the hunt for a worthy replacement. But I can’t say the Casabrews Ultra will be inducted into my daily coffee routine anytime soon.

Casabrews Ultra Espresso Machine: price and availability

  • List price: $249.99 / £199.99
  • Available in the US and UK
  • Discounts available at the Casabrews website

Like the rest of Casabrews’ product lineup, the Casabrews Ultra is a pretty budget-friendly option. The machine will set you back less than $250, which is definitely on the low end of things for a semi-automatic espresso machine with a steam wand attachment.

You can purchase the Casabrews Ultra directly from the Casabrews website, often with a welcome discount to make it an even more affordable option. For example, at the moment, you can pick it up for $215. Third-party retailers like Walmart and Target are worth checking out for deals, too.

If you’re based in the UK, you can take advantage of the savings on Casabrews’ website too. In terms of third-party retailers, your main option is Amazon.

  • Value score: 4/5

Casabrews Ultra Espresso Machine: specifications

Casabrews Ultra Espresso Machine

Type

Semi-automatic espresso machine

Drink options

2 (single and double espresso)

Pump pressure

20 bar

Water tank capacity

2.3 quarts / 2.2 liters

Steam wand

Yes, manual

Size (H x W x D)

12.99 x 12.2 10.31 inches / 330 x 310 x 262mm

Weight

13.55lbs / 6.15kg

Casabrews Ultra Espresso Machine: design

  • Large, but attractive machine
  • Stiff steam wand articulation and portafilter
  • Useful floater in drip tray to indicate water level

When compared to other models from the brand, the Casabrew Ultra has a wider footprint, which is not great for tiny kitchens, but it certainly helps it look the part of a fancy espresso machine. Atop the machine is a little cup warming setup. Despite being a handy addition in theory, the cup warmer doesn’t actually transfer enough heat to achieve its one and only function. I found it much more effective to just use the machine’s hot water dispenser to prepare my cups.

The articulation on the steam wand is stiff, but it was nothing compared to the portafilter. I found it unusually difficult to twist it into place on the group head, even without any grounds in the basket. In fact, during my first few uses, I started to think that there may have been some debris on the shower screen or a warped O-ring gasket, causing the level of resistance I was getting.

After doing some investigating and disproving this theory, I just kind of resigned myself to accepting that the whole thing was just threaded really bloody tight, and so, making my coffee in the morning would be an unwitting workout for the rest of my test period. All that said, as long as I planted my non-dominant hand on the machine for leverage and let out a little grunt (yes, I’m almost certain that makes me stronger), I could mostly overcome that problem.

Outside of these stiff components, I have very few complaints about the build quality of the machine. Included with the Casabrews Ultra are baskets for one-cup and two-cup espresso: two pressurized and two unpressurized. The light plastic tamp/scoop tool serves far better as a scooper than it does as a tamper, so thankfully, a sturdier tamper is included as well.

Another feature I appreciate is the floater in the drip tray. This buoyant little nugget of red plastic provides a clear indicator of when to empty liquid in the tray. Admittedly, it’s pretty bad form not to give the machine a cleanout daily, but who hasn’t forgotten to empty their drip tray for a week and discovered what looks like the contents of a petri dish? Just me?

  • Design score: 3/5

Casabrews Ultra Espresso Machine: performance

  • Recommended coffee dosage is much too high
  • Strange metallic taste (even when just used to heat water)
  • Steam wand works well once you're used to it

I was willing to accept that a $250 machine wouldn’t produce the kind of coffee worth swishing around your mouth and plotting on one of those coffee taster flavor wheels. What I wasn’t prepared for were quite so many shots that were ‘spit-it-in-the-sink’ bad.

My very first shot with the Casabrews Ultra was under-extracted, with minimal crema and a taste that wasn’t at all what I had come to expect from my chosen beans. Knowing that these tell-tale signs might mean that my water was travelling through the grounds too quickly, my first instinct was to up the dose of coffee loaded in the basket.

The problem with that was – despite my leaning on the lower end of what the manual recommended for a double espresso – my basket was already basically overflowing. With each shot I had pulled so far, the puck touched right up against the shower screen and, in most cases, even stuck to it. Thankfully, the Casabrew Ultra allows for reprogramming shot volume and temperature, so I could play around with those variables in the hopes of achieving something drinkable (or even tasty, if I’m lucky).

Unfortunately, while the quality of my extraction improved, shot after shot, I was presented with a pretty foul battery-like taste that I couldn’t totally camouflage with milk or by diluting into an americano. Light roasts are notoriously difficult to dial in, so I started to think that maybe I was presenting the Casabrews Ultra with too steep a challenge.

However, with payday too far off on the horizon, I couldn’t quite justify another bag of specialty coffee that I likely wouldn’t actually drink. As a compromise, I picked myself up a bag of Lavazza Rossa, a cheap but reliable medium roast that I used to chuck in my espresso machine as a teen prior to having adult money. It’s a sort of rich, chocolatey, everyman’s coffee that doesn't require too delicate a touch.

The Lavazza beans were pre-ground, which didn’t bode well for me achieving anything professional barista level, but at this point, I just wanted some coffee I could get through a full cup of without wincing. Besides, thanks to the pressurised basket, I could produce a shot with a nice faux crema even with beans that were technically a little stale.

The results were a familiar taste marred by an awful chemical, metallic note. I swapped in bottled water just in case the problem was Bath’s hard tap water, but it did very little to resolve the issue. Cleaning the shower screen, flushing, descaling – nothing seemed to do the job.

Iced americano prepared using Casabrews Ultra Espresso Machine

(Image credit: Abigail Shannon)

At one point, I served my partner cooled water that had run through the Casabrews Ultra to gauge his reaction (yes, I did this without warning; I never said my test process was ethical.). Lo and behold, he wanted to know why it tasted so metallic. It’s funny you’d ask, James. I was wondering about that exact thing.

Finding myself over 220g of beans down and yearning for a good coffee, I have to admit I was feeling pretty bitter. Given the 75% five-star reviews on Amazon, I can only assume this was an issue specific to the unit I tested or that the majority of customers use enough sugar and milk to hide any strange aftertastes. Obviously, the espresso-making part of the Casabrews Ultra is the main event, but it’s not all doom and gloom; the steam wand performed a whole lot better.

Milk steamed using Casabrews Ultra Espresso Machine

(Image credit: Abigail Shannon)

I first learned to make microfoam using a knob-operated steam wand, and honestly, I had no experience using one that was controlled via a button until I tested the Casabrews Ultra. Its steam wand has a couple of seconds of delay after you activate it, and given you aren’t in control of how quickly the steam output ramps up, it can be a real learning curve getting used to the rhythm of the machine. What’s more, the delay makes purging the steam wand just that bit more of a pain.

After some experimentation (and a refrigerated pitcher to make it harder to scald my milk), I managed to adapt my technique to create a microfoam I was reasonably happy with, which sported a silky mouthfeel and a pleasant sheen. A few visible bubbles lingered, but I’d say a lot of that was down to me being out of practice. Besides, there’s always the option to go full rip and make some dry foam when I’m in the mood for a cappuccino …I just needed to make sure I got my espresso elsewhere.

  • Performance score: 2/5

Should you buy the Casabrews Ultra Espresso Machine

Attribute

Notes

Score

Value

A low-cost machine with discounts available.

4/5

Design

A sturdy setup for the most part, but has some flaws.

3/5

Performance

For the most part, the Casabrews Ultra underperformed. Its espresso is a particular low point.

3/5

Buy it if

You’re big on milky coffees

Once you get the hang of it, the Casabrews Ultra’s steam wand is a solid performer that produces good microfoam.

You’re happy to give it a shot

Casabrew’s 30-day return window means that you’re not stuck using the Ultra if it just isn’t for you. View Deal

Don't buy it if

You want a machine from a legacy brand

Casabrews is something of a new kid on the block, and so there’s less information out there on troubleshooting, upgrades, or servicing.

You’d like a high-performing espresso machine

If you want a coffee that’ll get you out of bed in the morning, treat yourself to a machine that performs consistently and helps you get the most out of your beans.

You want a bean-to-cup machine

If you don’t fancy the hassle of seeking out a separate grinder, you’ll want to buy a machine that performs all those functions in one.

Casabrews Ultra Espresso Machine: also consider

Not sure if the Casabrews Ultra is the right espresso machine for you? Here are two others to consider.

De'Longhi Linea Classic

Despite setting you back $50 less, the De’Longhi Linea Classic delivered far better results than the Casabrews Ultra. Its reviewer even said it might be the “one of the best espresso machines for new and experienced baristas”-- that’s some high praise.

Read out full De'Longhi Linea Classic review

De'Longhi Dedica Style

The Delonghi Dedica Style is another great option for an espresso machine under $200. What’s more, if you want to save yourself the mess and trouble of puck prep, the Dedica Style also takes ESE pods.

Read our full De'Longhi Dedica Style review

How I tested the Casabrews Ultra Espresso Machine

My testing period for the Casabrews Ultra lasted three weeks, and during that time, I regularly made espresso and steamed milk to create drinks. Throughout this process, I alternated between using freshly-ground light roast beans from a local specialty coffee shop, and pre-ground medium roast commercial coffee. While operating the steam wand, I used chilled whole dairy milk, semi-skimmed dairy milk, or almond milk.

The main points of reference I had to compare the Casabrews Ultra to were the De'Longhi Scultura and the Breville Bambino.

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

First reviewed June 2025.

The Ecovacs Winbot W2 Pro Omni got my filthy windows sparkling clean in minutes, and I can’t quite believe it
1:00 pm | June 28, 2025

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

Ecovacs Winbot W2 Pro Omni: two-minute review

I've reviewed a lot of products during my time as a tech journalist, from tiny smart rings right the way through to electric cars, but I can honestly say that the Ecovacs Winbot W2 Pro Omni is one of the most impressive devices I've ever used.

It does exactly what it promises, getting even filthy windows spotlessly clean, and it's so easy to use that you barely need to glance at the instruction manual. In the words of the late Steve Jobs, it just works.

TechRadar Smart Home Week

This article is part of TechRadar's Smart Home Week 2025. From lighting and switches to robot vacuums and smart thermostats, we're here to help you pick the right devices to make your life easier, and get the most out of them.

It's more expensive than some of its rivals (such as the Hobot S7 Pro, which we tested recently), but the Winbot W2 Pro Omni offers a lot to justify its price tag. Its portable power station is particularly useful, allowing you to use the bot even when you can't access a power outlet.

The station holds enough charge for about 100 minutes of cleaning, and doubles as storage for the bot and its accessories, so you can clean the outside of your home without having to feed power cables through windows or rely on extension leads.

Bumpers on each of the Winbot's edges let it know when it's reached a window frame and needs to change direction, but it also has a small spherical sensor on each corner that allow it to detect the edges of frameless glass panels. This means you can use it on glass balcony walls, as well as shower doors and even mirrors.

You can use the bot straight out of the box – just fill its reservoir with cleaning solution, dampen its cleaning cloth and you're ready to start – but connecting it to your phone via the Ecovacs app unlocks its full set of cleaning modes, including light cleaning for interior surfaces that need a quick spruce-up, spot cleaning for troublesome grime like bird poop, and edge cleaning. There's even a manual mode, so you can drive the bot around your window yourself.

Most importantly, the Winbot will get glass really, really clean. I tested it on some embarrassingly filthy windows that hadn't seen soap in over a year, and despite only using a spritz of cleaner and a damp cloth, the bot got them spotless with just one cleaning cycle.

The bot never lost suction either, though the power station should be weighty enough to anchor it in the unlikely event that it does drop. There's even a tether so that you can secure the power station to something solid for even more peace of mind.

I only encountered two minor issues during my time with the Winbot. First, the fact that it has a round sensor in each corner means the microfiber cloth can't get right into the corners of your windows where dirt sometimes accumulates. It's not a huge problem, though, and you can give them a quick wipe after removing the cloth from the robot post-cleaning.

Second, the noise of the Winbot's fan sometimes drowns out the spoken instructions emitted through a speaker on the power station. A volume control would be a worthwhile addition, even if it's only accessible through the app.

In all other ways, the Winbot excels, and I'd happily give it a place in my own home; I don't think my windows have ever been so clean, and it took virtually no effort.

Ecovacs Winbot W2 Pro Omni: price and availability

  • Costs $699.99 / AU$999, but sometimes on offer
  • Not currently sold in the UK
  • More affordable Winbot devices are also available

The Winbot W2 Pro Omni is Ecovacs’ top-end window-cleaning robot, and costs $699.99 / AU$999. It’s sometimes available for a discount, and if you have any of the company’s other products (such as a robot vacuum), you can save a little more cash by signing up for the membership program within the Ecovacs app and completing tasks like connecting your robot via Bluetooth for the first time.

It’s certainly a premium price tag, but if your budget won’t stretch that far, there are other options. For example, the regular Winbot W2 Omni, has all the same features as the Pro, except for the ability to charge its battery and clean simultaneously. This is the only version of the bot available in the UK, where it costs £519.99.

If your windows are all within reaching distance of a power outlet, you might prefer to opt for the Winbot W1 Pro, which costs $399.99 / AU$799. It’s currently sold out in the UK, but has similar specs to the £329 Hobot S7 Pro, which we tested recently.

There’s also the smaller Winbot Mini, which is $239.99 / £299 and can clean windows less than 25cm wide. The Winbot Mini isn’t available in Australia.

  • Value score: 4/5

Ecovacs Winbot W2 Pro Omni: design

  • Portable power pack for cleaning away from an electrical outlet
  • The Winbot itself is lightweight and ergonomically designed
  • Strong cable to prevent the bot dropping if it loses suction
  • Power pack can also be tethered for peace of mind

The Winbot W2 Pro Omni is unusual for a robot window cleaner in that it’s connected to an external battery pack, so you can use it without a permanent connection to a power socket. This makes it easy to move around the inside and outside of your house, and helps you get the job done faster.

The standard Winbot W2 Omni also has a power pack, but as mentioned above, the Pro version can clean while it charges. This means you can juice it up while cleaning your interior windows, then take it outside fully charged for the exterior work.

WinBot W2 Omni inside charging case

(Image credit: Future)

The power pack has a robust, comfortable handle with a rubberized grip, and a soft base that protects and grips onto hard floors. It doubles as a storage case for the Winbot and its accessories. These include a bottle of cleaning solution, two cleaning cloths, and a charging cable.

The power station weighs 11.5lbs / 5.2kg, which will probably be enough to anchor the bot in the unlikely event that it drops off the window, but there’s also a strong tether with a carabiner clip so you can secure the station to something solid for extra peace of mind.

WinBot W2 Omni charging cable and tether

The power station alone should be heavy enough to anchor the Winbot in the unlikely event that it falls, but you can also secure it using a tether for extra peace of mind (Image credit: Future)

The Winbot itself is very light in the hand, with a soft, leather-like handle and a power button that’s easily operated with your thumb. Blue lights on the top and underside of the bot show when the power is on.

On the top you’ll find a small reservoir for cleaning fluid, which holds about 60ml. That might not sound like much, but the bot is very frugal with it. When the bot is working, the fluid sprays out of nozzles on the top and bottom depending on its direction of travel, and is mopped up with the cloth.

Adding window cleaner to WinBot W2 Omni

The Winbot has a reservoir for cleaning solution, and will alert you when it's starting to run low (Image credit: Future)

Turn it over and you’ll see two tracks that allow the bot to move across your window, an inlet for the suction that holds it firmly against the glass, and a textured surface that holds a microfiber cloth in place.

Bumpers on each edge tell the bot when it’s met a window frame, and spherical sensors in each corner detect the edges of surfaces without a frame. You’ll be prompted to clean these regularly, which only takes a quick wipe.

Cleaning cloth attached to WinBot W2 Omni

The bot comes with two microfiber cleaning cloths, so you can wash one while using the other (Image credit: Future)

The Winbot is connected to the power pack by a robust cable, which according to Ecovacs has a tensile strength of up to 100kg. The cable has a smooth braided nylon exterior, which lets it move smoothly without snagging if you need to run it through an open window.

Before using the Winbot, you check the reservoir has enough cleaner, then dampen the cloth and place it on the bottom of the machine. Unlike the Hobot S7 Pro, it uses one cloth at a time, so you don’t have to worry about lining up separate pieces. When it’s dirty, either turn it over and continue cleaning, or toss it in the wash and use the spare one provided.

  • Design score: 5/5

Ecovacs Winbot W2 Pro Omni: performance

  • Exceptional cleaning, even on very dirty windows
  • Can also be used on frameless glass surfaces
  • Never lost suction during testing
  • Fan sometimes drowns out spoken instructions

The Winbot W2 Pro Omni exceeded all my expectations, and made light work of some frankly filthy windows, despite only using a spritz of cleaner and a damp cloth. The before and after image below shows just how much grime its ‘thorough’ cleaning program can remove with a single pass on each side of the glass, and I think it speaks for itself.

Split image showing window before and after cleaning with WinBot W2 Omni

Window before using the Ecovacs Winbot W2 Pro Omni, and after (Image credit: Future)

The Winbot is also extremely easy to use, and the battery pack even comes pre-charged so you can start cleaning straight away. To begin, just fill the reservoir with cleaning solution (the bottle has a fine nozzle that prevents accidental spillage), put the damp cloth in place, hold the button on the power pack for two seconds until you hear a chime, then hold the Winbot against your window and hold its button for another two seconds.

The suction will begin and the bot will swivel a little to make sure it’s established a good seal against the glass. A speaker in the power pack will announce when the bot is firmly attached to the window and it’s safe to let go.

Person's hand holding WinBot W2 Omni against window

Press the power button for two seconds and the Winbot will attach itself securely to your window (and wiggle a little) (Image credit: Future)

Once you’ve released it, the bot will roll across your window, gently nudging your frame or detecting the edge of the glass, and changing direction accordingly. Its wide-angle nozzles will spray a little cleaner every few seconds, while the cloth works to lift dirt. The Winbot will ‘remember’ the dimensions of your window, helping ensure it gets right to the edges on subsequent passes.

Once it’s finished cleaning, the bot will always return to where it started, making it ideal for cleaning tricky windows where you can’t reach the whole pane.

Because the robot only uses a light spray of cleaner and a damp cloth, there’s no need to worry about runs and drips. However, I’d still recommend working from top to bottom in case the spray hits your bottom windows as the bot is moving.

WinBot W2 Omni cleaning window seen from the outside

The bot has a spherical sensor at each corner, which detect if it's reached the edge of a pane of glass (Image credit: Future)

Although it’s not mandatory, the Ecovacs mobile app gives you access to a lot more cleaning modes, including edge cleaning, light cleaning for indoor surfaces, and manual control so you can drive the bot around the window yourself and tackle stubborn marks.

Setup is straightforward - just install the app and create an account, allow it to connect to the bot via Bluetooth, and give the bot a name to unlock its full collection of cleaning modes:

  • Fast cleaning
  • Spot cleaning
  • Deep cleaning
  • Thorough cleaning
  • Edge cleaning
  • Zone cleaning
  • Heavy-dury cleaning

Controlling WinBot using Ecovacs app

Using the Ecovacs app will unlock the Winbot's full set of cleaning modes (Image credit: Future)

The last mode is particularly useful, allowing you to change the cloth partway through cleaning a pane, then resume in the same place.

I particularly appreciated the Winbot’s ability to clean frameless glass. This would be very handy if you have frameless glass panels around the edge of a balcony, but it also means you can use it to clean mirrors or even shower doors. Unlike the Hobot S7 Pro, the Winbot W2 Pro Omni copes well with surfaces that are too small for it to make a complete turn.

WinBot W2 Omni on window

Sensitive bumpers on the bot's edges let it know when it's reached the window frame (Image credit: Future)

The bot never ran into trouble during my testing, but if it does somehow lose suction, the speaker on the power pack will issue a loud warning chime and the light on the Winbot will turn red to indicate a problem.

In fact, I only experienced two small issues during my time testing the bot. First, although the Winbot W2 Pro Omni is relatively quiet (Ecovacs cites a range of 76dB to 63dB, and during my tests it averaged around the lower end of this scale), sometimes the noise of its fans made it hard to hear the spoken instructions from the speaker in the power pack. I would have appreciated a volume control to make the announcements a bit louder.

Secondly, the spherical sensors on the underside of the bot mean the cloth can’t reach right into the very corners of your window. I can’t really see a way to avoid this, and you can easily give the corners of the glass a quick wipe with the microfiber cloth after you’ve removed it.

Overall though, I was extremely impressed by the Winbot W2 Pro Omni. I had modest expectations after hearing about my colleague Ruth’s experiences with her first window-cleaning robot, but the Winbot blew me away. If you’ve been wondering whether to pick one up, I don’t think you’ll regret it.

  • Performance score: 5/5

Should you buy the Winbot W2 Pro Omni?

Ecovacs Winbot W2 Pro Ultra score card

Attribute

Notes

Score

Value

A premium robot window cleaner with a price tag to match. Slightly lower-spec versions are available if your budget won't stretch this far.

4/5

Design

The portable battery pack is a great addition that lets you use the bot virtually anywhere, and anti-drop systems give peace of mind. Bot itself is light and comfortable to hold, and easy to use.

5/5

Performance

Exceptional cleaning performance with or without the app, even on frankly filthy windows, with easy clean-up afterwards.

5/5

Buy it if

You struggle to clean windows manually
Cleaning windows is labor-intensive, but with the Winbot W2 Pro Omni, there's no scrubbing, carrying water, or worrying about ladders.

Your home has a lot of glass
The Winbot W2 Pro Omni can handle glass with or without a frame, making it great for a lot more than just windows.

Don't buy it if

You can't reach your windows at all
Even if you can't touch the entire window, you need to be able to reach far enough to place the Winbot on the glass and take it off again.

You have particularly small windows
The Winbot W2 Pro Omni doesn't need much space to work, but bear in mind that it measures 10.7 inches / 27cm square, so it won't physically fit on very small panes of glass.

Ecovacs Winbot W2 Pro Omni: also consider

Ecovacs Winbot W2 Omni

This robot window cleaner has everything the Pro version does, except for the ability to charge while it's cleaning. If you can't quite justify the price of the top-end model, it's one to consider.

Hobot S7 Pro

The Hobot S7 Pro is a more affordable window-cleaning robot, though during our testing it didn't clean as well as the Winbot. If your windows aren't too dirty then it may be worth investigating.

Read our full Hobot S7 Pro review

How I tested the Ecovacs Winbot W2 Pro Omni

I used the Ecovacs Winbot W2 Pro Omni to clean windows of various sizes, including floor-to-ceiling panes, on the inside and out using the cleaning solution provided. Many of the windows were very dirty on the outside and presented a tough challenge. I used the robot in its default mode (thorough cleaning), and tested its various different presets.

I also tested the Winbot on frameless glass panels, including a shower door and mirrors of various sizes to see whether its sensors would successfully detect the edges, and how well it would cope with surfaces not much larger than the bot itself.

I assessed how easy the Winbot was to use, and checked for any design features that might prove problematic over time. I also checked the volume of its fan in operation using a decibel meter.

First tested June 2025

This tiny sensor will turn your Philips Hue lights into a home security system – and it’s cheap too
5:00 pm | June 27, 2025

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

Philips Hue Motion Sensor: two-minute review

The Philips Hue Motion Sensor, as the name suggests, is a palm-sized device that triggers your smart lights when it detects movement. That's not all, though – it also works as a home security sensor, alerting you to potential intruders while you're away. Just tap a button in the app to 'arm' the Motion Sensor (plus any other Philips Hue cameras and sensors in your home) and it'll enter security mode, making your lights behave differently and sending you a phone notification if something happens in your absence. For example, your lights could turn red or flash, while the app lets you call an emergency contact with a tap.

The Motion Sensor requires a Philips Hue Bridge to work, so it's best if you already have an established smart lighting setup. If you're not familiar with the Bridge, it's a small hub that connects to your Wi-Fi router, and uses the Zigbee wireless protocol to connect all your Philips Hue devices in a mesh network.

It has a list price of $44.99 / £39.99 / AU$69.95, which means it's not the cheapest motion sensor around, and if you're not going to use its security functions then you might be better served by a simpler Zigbee device instead. However, the Philips Hue Motion Sensor's extra security features mean it could even be a cornerstone of your security system, and from that perspective it's excellent value.

Philips Hue Motion Sensor mounted on wall

The Philips Hue Motion Sensor may be small, but it's an extremely capable device and could be a key part of a home security system. (Image credit: Future)

The sensor is a small, lightweight device and comes ready to go, with two AAA batteries already installed. To connect it, just scan the QR code on the back using the Philips Hue app, then hold the 'setup' button until the LED on the front flashes orange to pair it, as instructed on screen.

Once the sensor is paired, you'll be prompted to assign it to a room, then asked which lights you want it to control. These lights don't have to be in the same location; for example, you may want to have a light activated in your study if motion is detected in the porch so you don't miss a package delivery (provided it's under cover – you'll need the Philips Hue Outdoor Motion Sensor if it's going to be exposed to the elements).

The sensor can turn lights on and off, but you can also use it to adjust their brightness, and even apply scenes.

Setting up lights with Philips Hue Motion Sensor in app

You can change the way your lights react to movement depending on the time of day, which is particularly helpful for keeping lights dim in your hallway at night (Image credit: Future)

Like the Philips Hue Dimmer Switch the Philips Hue Motion Sensor allows you to set different actions for your lights depending on the time of day.

During my tests this worked perfectly, and helped me and my partner avoid being dazzled at night. I installed the sensor in our hallway and kept the lighting level low after 11pm so we could find our way to the kitchen for a drink of water without being jarred into full wakefulness after bedtime.

Philips Hue Motion Sensor detection alert in app

Once your Philips Hue Motion Sensor is armed, you can choose to receive notifications on your phone when movement is detected, and the app will keep a log of events that occurred while you were out (Image credit: Future)

As I mentioned earlier, the Dimmer Switch also functions as a security device (either by itself or with other Hue sensors and cameras), the app lets you decide what events it should trigger when it's set to 'armed'. By default, it will make connected Philips Hue lights flash when motion is detected, but you can also simply make them turn on, or have them change color. An intimidating red might be a good option.

The sensor doesn't have a siren of its own, but if you have a Philips Hue Secure camera, it can play an audible alert when the sensor detects movement.

Setting up security notifications for Philips Hue Motion Sensor in app

Set up an emergency contact, and the app will allow you to call them with a single tap when you receive an unexpected movement notification (Image credit: Future)

During my tests the app reliably sent me a notification whenever my partner wandered by and the system was armed – and he informed me that the living room lights turned pink as well. After increasing the sensitivity a little, the sensor was able to detect him entering the living room even when mounted on a wall at the other end of the room, opposite the door.

It's worth noting that although you can change the direction of the sensor by simply shifting it on its magnetic mount (as described below) and dial its sensitivity up and down, the absence of a camera on this sensor means it's not possible to create custom zones that won't be monitored, so you might need to spend some time experimenting with the settings so it picks up movement near doors and windows.

That's not a major issue though, and the magnetic mount can even be fitted to the ceiling, making it simple to keep an eye on potential entry points.

Philips Hue Motion Sensor: price and availability

  • Costs $44.99 / £39.99 / AU$69.95
  • Often discounted, particularly in sales events

The Philips Hue Motion Sensor is available globally direct from Philips Hue, and from third-party retailers including Amazon.

It has a list price of $44.99 / £39.99 / AU$69.95, but is often available at a steep discount, particularly during sales events like Amazon Prime Day and Black Friday. You'll find today's best prices in your area listed below.

You can also find it bundled together with the Philips Hue Bridge and a set of smart light bulbs as part of a Philips Hue Starter Kit.

Philips Hue Motion Sensor: design

  • Can be mounted on a wall or used free-standing
  • Magnetic wall mount allows you to angle the sensor
  • Only available in white

The Philips Hue Motion Sensor is a discreet white device with a magnetic back containing a single screw, which you can undo to replace the two AAA batteries powering it. The sensor can be mounted on a wall or ceiling, or simply placed on a piece of furniture if you'd prefer not to drill holes.

It measures 6.9 x 2.8 x 2.2 inches / 174 x 72 x 55mm (H x W x D) and weighs 2.8oz / 80g.

Hand holding Philips Hue Motion Sensor with magnetic mount

(Image credit: Future)

The mount (which comes with two screws and a wall plug) is a small circular magnet. Once it's screwed in, you simply place the sensor on top, then tilt it to face the direction you want to monitor. During my tests the sensor felt most secure when facing straight on, but it never felt likely to fall off when tilted.

Unlike other Philips Hue accessories (such as the Philips Hue Dimmer Switch) you can't attach the Motion Sensor to your wall using 3M tape. The mount has a slightly rubberized finish that doesn't work well with adhesives, and the strength of the magnets means the tape would likely pull away when you remove the sensor unit.

Installing mount for Philips Hue Motion Sensor on wall

(Image credit: Future)

Unlike some Philips Hue accessories, the Motion Sensor is only available in white. However, since it's likely to be mounted close to a white ceiling, that's not too much of an issue.

The sensor isn't weather-resistant, and therefore can't be used outdoors. If you want a sensor for detecting movement in your yard, you'll need the Philips Hue Outdoor Motion Sensor, which is also wireless and can be mounted on a wall or used free-standing.

Should you buy the Philips Hue Motion Sensor?

Buy it if

You can't fit a whole security system at home

Whether it's the price, the inconvenience, or the need to drill holes in the walls, a full hard-wired security system isn't the right fit for a lot of homes. With one (or more) of these little sensors, you can enjoy peace of mind for a fraction of the price, and with none of the hassle.

You want hands-free lighting

The Philips Hue Motion Sensor is a particularly great option for dark hallways, especially when you're coming home at night with your hands full, and groping for the light switch is a hassle. It can also trigger more gentle after bedtime so you can find your way to the bathroom without being dazzled.

Don't buy it if

You have a Ring doorbell and no Hue lights

If you already have a Ring doorbell and no Philips Hue Bridge, it makes sense to stick with Ring for your home security needs. Depending on which Ring Home membership you choose, you can have several devices covered by the same plan. Take a look at our full guide to Ring subscriptions for more details.

You want to be alerted when a door opens

The Philips Hue Contact Sensor works in a similar way to the Motion Sensor, triggering lights and sending you an alert on your phone if a door or window is opened. Depending on your security needs, it may be a better option. Both devices are about the same price.

Philips Hue Motion Sensor: also consider

Ring Alarm Motion Detector

If you've already got a Ring doorbell, it's worth checking out the company's motion sensor before plumping for the Philips Hue version. It's mostly made with security in mind, but can also control smart lights if you create an automation using IFTTT (If This Then That).

Philips Hue Secure Contact Sensor

This sensor works in much the same way as the Philips Hue Motion Sensor, activating lights and/or sending an alert to your phone, but instead of movement it's triggered when a door or window is opened. Ideal for your front door or a dark cupboard.

How I tested the Philips Hue Motion Sensor

I connected the Philips Hue Motion Sensor to my home smart lighting setup, which includes several bulbs, switches, and a pair of Philips Hue Play Light Bars. I started by installing it in my hallway so I could test its sensitivity and time-based functionality (specifically triggering dimmer illumination at night). I then moved it to the living room to test its security features, triggering alerts on my phone and setting the main ceiling lights to pink while my husband was home to monitor the effects.

This palm-sized Philips Hue gadget has revolutionized my smart-lighting setup
5:22 pm | June 24, 2025

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

Philips Hue Dimmer Switch: two-minute review

TechRadar Smart Home Week

This article is part of TechRadar's Smart Home Week 2025. From lighting and switches to robot vacuums and smart thermostats, we're here to help you pick the right devices to make your life easier, and get the most out of them.

The main function of the Philips Hue Dimmer Switch, as its name suggests, is to adjust the brightness of your Philips Hue lights without the need to use a mobile app or smart speaker command. However, it can also do a lot more thanks to its customizable buttons (particularly those above and below the main dimmer control).

It's not quite as flexible as the Philips Hue Tap Dial Switch, but it puts scenes and time-based controls at your fingertips, and is one of the best smart switches for your home lighting setup.

Setting up the switch is a piece of cake. Like almost all Philips Hue accessories, it has a QR code printed on the back, which you scan using the Hue app to identify the device. You'll then be instructed to hold the top button for three seconds until the status light on the switch blinks orange, and within a few moments the switch will be added to your home.

Once that's done, you'll be asked which lights you want the remote to control. Signify (the company behind Philips Hue) recently added a new feature that prompts you to create a room or zone when adding an accessory if you haven't done so already, which prevents an issue where some users found themselves unable to use all of the switch or sensor's features later on.

With that done, it's time to configure the buttons. The brighten/dim controls can really only be used for that purpose, which is what differentiates the Dimmer Switch from the Tap Dial. However, you have a lot more choice when it comes to the top 'power' button and the 'Hue' button at the bottom.

As standard, the top button lets you turn your selected lights on or off, but you can choose different settings depending on the time of day. For example, you might want your lights to turn on fully during the day, but have them come on at a lower brightness level at night to avoid jarring you or your partner awake.

Philips Hue Dimmer Switch in woman's hand

(Image credit: Future)

The bottom button cycles through a set of scenes. The default option includes a selection of different light temperature and brightness settings, but you can choose any scenes you like – either presets from the gallery, or custom-made. You can also decide the order in which your favorites should appear as you tap the Hue button to scroll through them.

It's all very simple to configure, and once it's set up, all members of your household will be able to access use and settings with a familiar physical control. Smart lighting just got a lot more accessible.

Side view of Philips Hue Dimmer Switch

The Dimmer Switch is lightweight and comfortable to hold, with buttons that give a pleasingly tactile click when pressed (Image credit: Future)

Philips Hue Dimmer Switch: price and availability

  • One of the cheaper Philips Hue smart switches
  • Available globally from Philips Hue and third-party retailers
  • Often sold at a discount or as part of a bundle

The Philips Hue Dimmer Switch is widely available, and can be bought direct from the Philips Hue store, or from third-party retailers.

The Dimmer Switch is one of the cheaper controllers in the Philips Hue range, with a list price of $27.99 / £19.99 / AU$39.95. For comparison. the Philips Hue Smart Button (which can perform just one function when pressed and another when held) costs $32.99 / £19.99 / AU$49.95, and the four-button Philips Hue Tap Switch Mini is $49.99 / £44.99 / AU$79.95.

The Dimmer Switch is often available at a discount, and is frequently included in bundles with the Philips Hue Bridge and a selection of smart light bulbs. You'll find all of today's best offers below.

Philips Hue Dimmer Switch: design

  • Can be used as a remote or mounted on a wall
  • Lightweight and comfortable to hold
  • Can be mounted with screws or no-drill options
  • Only available in white

The Philips Hue Dimmer Switch is a lightweight rectangular device that can be used as a handheld remote, or attached to a backing plate for use like a regular light switch. It's held on the plate with a magnet, so you can easily remove it if you want to control your lights from your sofa.

The plate offers a choice of mounting options: there are holes in the back so you can attach it to the wall using screws (not supplied), it has two strips of strong 3M tape so you can stick it up in seconds, and it's magnetic if you want to attach it to your fridge (for example). I used the adhesive tape to attach it to the wall near my blinds and it didn't budge, even when knocked.

The buttons have a pleasing click when pressed, and the handheld device weighs just 70g, including the button cell battery that's preinstalled.

My only criticism of the design, and it's a small one, is that the Philips Hue Dimmer Switch is only available in white. Many other Philips Hue accessories are also available in black, so it's a shame not to have that as an option.

Philips Hue Dimmer Switch: also consider

Philips Hue Tap Dial Switch

If you want more flexibility, this circular switch offers four programmable buttons, plus a customizable dial that you can use to dim your lights, or adjust their color. Like the Dimmer Switch, it can be wall-mounted or used as a handheld remote control.

Read our full Philips Hue Tap Dial Switch review

Philips Hue Smart Button

Smart lighting controls don't come much simpler than this: a single customizable switch that can perform your favorite function with a press. The most obvious use is to switch your lights on and off, but why not get creative in the app? Note that Signify has recently redesigned the Smart Button, making it larger and more angular, but retaining the same functions as the original model.

Read our full Philips Hue Smart Button review

Should you buy the Philips Hue Dimmer Switch

Buy it if

You live in a household with others
If your family or housemates aren't quite as tech-savvy as you, this switch will let them use your Hue setup's different lighting settings with a familiar physical control.

You don't want to replace your existing switches
Some smart switches (such as the TP-Link Tapo Smart Switch) are designed to be hard-wired into your home. This has its advantages, but the Philips Hue Dimmer Switch gives you a lot more options when it comes to placement, and there's no DIY necessary.

Don't buy it if

You only want to turn your lights on and off

The Philips Hue Smart Button is a simpler option if you don't need four customizable controls, and can often be found for a lower price than the Dimmer Switch.

You're on a tight budget

This is relatively cheap for a Philips Hue accessory, but if you really want to keep costs down then you can pick up a simple Zigbee smart switch that will work with your lights (though it won't be as customizable).

How I tested the Philips Hue Dimmer Switch

I connected the Philips Hue Dimmer Switch to the smart lights in my living room, and mounted it on a painted wall using the 3M tape provided. I experimented with different options for controlling my ceiling and entertainment lighting within the Philips Hue app, assigning various functions to the switch's buttons. My partner, who isn't familiar with the Hue app, also used the switch to control the lights and shift between different lighting scenes.

First reviewed June 2025

I tested the wireless Nanoleaf Solar Garden Lights, and they’re a fun way to light up your yard all night long
11:00 am |

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

Nanoleaf Solar Garden Lights: two-minute review

TechRadar Smart Home Week

This article is part of TechRadar's Smart Home Week 2025. From lighting and switches to robot vacuums and smart thermostats, we're here to help you pick the right devices to make your life easier, and get the most out of them.

Nanoleaf specializes in energy-efficient LED smart lights, or the home, and now the garden too. Recently launched, these solar-powered outdoor lights are available in a two-pack for $49.99 / £49.99, or a six-pack for $139.99 / £139.99.

We tested the pack of two light clusters, which come in a long box along with two solar panels that can either be stuck in the ground or screwed to a fence with the brackets and screws provided (we tried both types of installation).

Alternatively, it's possible to power the lights via a USB-C power socket on the solar panel if there isn’t enough power from the sun. I tested the Nanoleaf lights during an unusually sunny period in London, so I didn’t have to rely on an external power source – the sun’s rays were more than enough to keep the lights going all night.

Nanoleaf Solar Outdoor Lights in garden

(Image credit: Chris Price)

Really, it’s best to think of each light as a bunch of eight flowers attached to a central stalk that sticks into the ground or a flowerpot. Two different sized tubes are provided depending on whether you want to have a long or a short stalk (we tried both).

What’s more, each of the flowers in the bunch can be adjusted to face whichever way you want, though they should be handled from the bottom closest to the stalk rather than the top of the stem next to the LED lightbulb.

Once the solar panels are installed where you want them, you can switch on the power using a button on the bottom underneath the actual panels and a green light will indicate you how much charge each of the lights has (four bars means it's fully charged).

Using the bracket and screws provided, I installed one of the solar panels relatively high up on a south facing fence, angling the panel up to the sun, while the other was placed in the ground on a north facing fence. Needless to say, since I'm in the UK, the south-facing panel charged up much quicker, although both provided more than enough power for the LED lights to come on at night.

Of course, the real magic starts once it starts to get dark and the lights actually switch on to illuminate your garden – not until nearly 10pm in the summer in the UK, but much earlier in the winter.

Unlike other Nanoleaf products, such as the Matter Smart Multicoloured Rope Lights, which connect via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, these lights are actually refreshingly old school. So instead of using a mobile phone connected to the Nanonleaf app for control, you use a conventional remote control instead.

Powered by two AAA batteries (provided), this looks similar to an Amazon Firestick remote. At the top are buttons for switching the lights on and off, while underneath there are controls for changing the color of the lights.

Pressing RGB toggles the lights to the next solid color, with options for decreasing and increasing brightness (marked with sunshine icons) on either side. In addition, you can choose warmer or colder whites. These are marked with thermometer icons with either a sun or a snowflake.-

Underneath the lighting options are timer settings (four-hour, six-hour and eight-hour timers are provided) as well as an ambient light sensor which will turn the lights on or off automatically at sunset and sunrise.

There’s also the option of toggling between 11 animated scenes with the different bulbs lighting up in an array of colours, like a sort of less noisy firework display.

It's all great fun and overall we were pleased with the lights and the way they performed. Using a standard remote rather than relying on Wi-Fi control via a mobile phone will obviously suit many, especially those who struggle to get a Wi-Fi signal outdoors. The range of the remote also seems quite good (around 33 feet / 10 meters) so it may be possible to control the lights from indoors if you have a small garden or yard.

Nanoleaf Solar Outdoor Lights in garden

(Image credit: Chris Price)

However, there are a couple of small niggles. One of the problems we found is that experimenting with the lighting settings was a little bit tricky, especially in the dark when we weren’t able to see the remote control very well to make changes.

Ironically, given you shouldn’t need a smartphone to control the lights, we found we had to use the torch option on the phone to light up the display on the remote control. Also, it took a bit of getting used to all of the different buttons and what they each of them did. Personally, I found the brightly-colored animated scenes a little over-the-top for everyday use though quite enjoyed the solid colours and warm/cool whites the lights could offer. However, it is largely a matter of individual taste.

Nanoleaf Solar Garden Lights: price and availability

  • $49.99 / £49.99 (two-pack)
  • $139.99 / £139.99 (six-pack)
  • Available direct from Nanoleaf

Available either in packs of two or six, the Nanoleaf Solar Garden Lights represent pretty good value for money (I had been expecting them to cost nearly twice as much). Each of the units has eight bulbs and they are quite well made (they also offer IP65 waterproofing). They are available direct from Nanoleaf in the US and the UK.

Particularly impressive are the solar panels which, rather usefully, tell you how much charge they have as well as providing back up power via USB-C charging. And while obviously the garden lights aren’t as high-tech or as sophisticated as some smarter lighting solutions, that’s not necessarily a bad thing.

Finally, they also offer much more bang for your bucks than many standard LED garden lights, which often don’t allow for any customization at all.

Nanoleaf Solar Garden Lights: specs

Product name

Nanoleaf Solar Garden Lights

Price

From $49.99 / £49.99

Total assembled height

37.4 inches / 950mm

Length of each stem

17.3 inches / 439mm

Solar panel dimensions (W x H)

5.2 x 5 inches / 132 x 102.5mm

IP rating

IP65

Brightness

50 lumens

Color temperature range

2,850 - 3,150K

Color channel configuration

RGBW

Charging methods

Solar, USB-C

Solar charge time

6-10 hours

Control distance

30 feet / 10m

Should you buy the Nanoleaf Solar Garden Lights

Nanoleaf Solar Garden Lights score card

Attribute

Notes

Score

Value

Given all the elements that make up this two-pack, the flower-like Nanoleaf lights represent excellent value for money. In fact they’re not that much more expensive than two bunches of real flowers (much brighter too).

5/5

Design

Maybe it’s not for everyone, but I quite like the innovative design of the Nanoleaf lights. Particularly impressive are the stems which you can easily bend to the optimum position as well as the flexible mounting options for the solidly-built solar panels.

4.5/5

Performance

While many may prefer using a standard remote rather than a mobile phone app in the garden, it’s not always easy to make changes in the dark. That said, once up and running, the lights are impressive.

3.5/5

How I tested the Nanoleaf Solar Garden Lights

  • I used the Nanoleaf solar garden lights for a week
  • I experimented with all the lighting options
  • I used in various configurations with different lengths of ‘stalk’, and both wall- and ground-mounted solar panels

Testing solar garden lights isn’t the most sociable of activities. After all, you can only really make changes after dark, which means testing after around 10pm when approaching the longest day in the UK. Also, as noted earlier, it’s not easy to make changes when you can’t see the remote very well in the dark, which is why I also had to use a phone to provide light.

Will I continue to use these lights long after the review has been published? (That’s always the real test of any review.) Yes I think so although I will probably keep them on a single white light setting rather than having them cycle through various colored scenes which can be a little over the top.

As my son said when he first saw the bright colored lights coming on in the garden after a night out: ‘Why has our garden been transformed into Love Island?’

This flexible rope light made it easy for me to create a color-curated neon sign, and I can’t get enough of it
1:00 pm | June 23, 2025

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

Govee Neon Rope Light 2 review

The Govee Neon Rope Light 2 is a fun and flexible RGB light strip that’s easy to use and yet another example of why Govee remains a go-to when many people are shopping for smart lights.

TechRadar Smart Home Week

This article is part of TechRadar's Smart Home Week 2025. From lighting and switches to robot window cleaners and smart thermostats, we're here to help you pick the right devices to make your life easier, and get the most out of them.

I tested the 16.4ft / 5m model of the Govee Neon Rope Light 2, which is available to purchase on the Govee website for $99.99 /£99.99, as is the 9.8ft / 3m length, which has a list price of $69.99 / £79.99. At the time of writing, Govee US is offering the 9.8ft model for $49.99, and the 16.4ft for $84.99, and there’s a 20% discount off the five-meter model at Amazon UK, lowering the price to just £79.99, so it’s worth checking which retailer has the best offer before purchasing. I got to test the white model, but it’s also available in black, so it should blend in whether you’re making a statement in your living room or adding another element to your RGB-heavy gaming setup.

The rope light is coiled up and surrounded by the fixing accessories.

(Image credit: Future)

The material of the Neon Rope Light 2 looked good quality and was as smooth and soft to the touch as you'd expect from any of the best smart lights on the market. However, due to the nature of the material, it proved to be a bit of a magnet for dust and lint. It was flexible and easy to shape, but it still took two of us to recreate one of the example designs on the app – mostly because 16.4 feet / five meters was a lot to wrestle with on my own. The step-by-step process given by the app was blissfully easy to follow, with the rope light showing red sections to indicate where it should be curved or fixed.

I found the bendable metal clips really easy to work with, as I just needed to slot them over the base of the rope light and bend them into the required shape, before peeling off the backing of the 3M adhesive pad and sticking it in place. There were 10 of these bendable clips included, along with 15 plastic mounting clips, which were more than enough to recreate the design of the woman's face, but more are available to purchase for more complex designs, or if replacements are needed.

I’ve tested quite a few Govee products to date, and I still can’t help but fan girl a little over the Govee Home app every time. It’s satisfyingly easy to navigate, and pairing it to the Neon Rope Light 2 was almost effortless, as the app detected it mere moments after I connected the rope light’s adapter to an outlet.

Even without connecting to the app straight away, I could easily cycle through warm and cold whites and kinetic color scenes using the control box wired into the power cord, with which I could also control the brightness level and turn the light on or off. There was a whole lot more to play with in the Govee Home app, with a pleasing number of ready-made color palettes and scenes to choose from, plus the option to create my own color sequences.

The level of customization available goes far beyond this, however, with settings such as Segment Management allowing me to fine-tune the color combinations to create satisfying gradients, complementary color combinations, and more. I could easily generate colorful effects using the AI generator too, and the Finger sketch function, which was one of my favorites to use with the Neon Rope Light 2, as it allowed me to simply pick a color and apply it to a very small or large segment, illuminating my creation on the rope light in real time. The only things I felt this feature was missing were a recently used color palette and the ability to undo, as I found it was easy to add color accidentally when trying to scroll down the page.

A close-up of the control box and cable.

(Image credit: Future)

I’ve encountered most of these customizable settings before when reviewing other Govee smart lights, such as the Govee RGBIC LED Strip Light, but the shape mapping feature was a new one for me, and I’ve got to say, I was very impressed. The idea behind it is that the shape of the Neon Rope Light 2 is mapped from a photograph, allowing for better lighting customization, plus enabling the lighting effects to display accurately across the design as a whole.

To test this feature out, I created a large swirl pattern and took a photo when prompted by the app. I learned quickly that there needs to be a clear gap between each rope light section for it to map correctly, so I loosened the spiral ever so slightly, and it picked it up straight away on my second attempt. I tried out a couple of the Scenes to test how good the resulting effect was, and the Color Painting scene in particular made it clear how well this feature works, as colors strobed across the whole of the swirl.

I’m a sucker for anything bright and colorful, but the Neon Rope Light 2 took my appreciation to another level. The wide variety of effects makes it perfect for highlighting existing features with a solid color, or making a statement as a neon sign with some kinetic lighting, adding instant wow-factor to any room. It’s a pricey purchase, undoubtedly, but if you’re someone who’s always coveted a neon sign, or are looking for something a little different to zhoosh up your decor, then you’ll be quite happy with the Govee Neon Rope Light 2.

Govee Neon Rope Light 2 review: Price and specs

Price

$99.99 / £99.99

Model

H61D5

Colors

RGBIC

Number of light sources

420

Connectivity

2.4GHz WiFi, Bluetooth

App

Yes

Voice control

Yes

Additional features

Matter compatible, shape mapping

Should I buy the Govee Neon Rope Light 2?

Buy it if...

You want to make a statement
This flexible rope light offers the opportunity to create a colorful neon sign that can be based on one of the many example designs, or your imagination, if you like to get creative.

You want an abundance of options
The Govee Home app offers 64 preset lighting effects, 12 music sync modes, and a wide range of customizable settings, so you can fine-tune the lighting to your satisfaction.

Don't buy it if...

You want subtle and simple RGB lighting
This flexible rope light’s clever format and abundance of features could prove overkill for anyone who simply wants to add some color to their space.

You don’t want a visible controller
It’s unfortunate that the controller for the rope light is a fixed part of the power cord, as it could prove a bit of an eyesore if the chosen design or placement leads to it being visible.

Govee Neon Rope Light 2 review: Also consider

Govee RGBIC LED Strip Light
If you like the sound of the Govee Home app and its multitude of preset scenes and color customization, but want something a little simpler and a lot cheaper, then I highly recommend the Govee RGBIC LED Strip Light. It doesn’t offer WiFi connectivity or voice control, but uses the same control box as the Neon Rope Light 2, and can be controlled with the app via Bluetooth. If this sounds appealing, then I highly recommend checking out my review of the Govee RGBIC LED Strip Light.

How I tested the Govee Neon Rope Light 2

  • I assessed the material and build quality of the Govee Neon Rope Light 2
  • I tested the different features and customizable settings
  • I followed the step-by-step process to recreate one of the recommended designs

I began by checking the quality of the Govee Neon Rope Light 2 and its accessories. I tested how flexible it was and experimented by creating various shapes.

I tested the different settings and features in the Govee Home companion app to see the different effects that could be achieved, and used Segment Management, the AI generator, and the Finger Sketch tool to create my own effects.

I followed the step-by-step process provided on the app to recreate one of the many example artworks from start to finish to assess how easy it was to shape and how well the fixings worked.

I created a swirl with the rope light to see how easy it was to use the shape mapping feature and how well it performed.

The lack of smart features made me quick to judge this Dyson purifying fan, but its impressive performance quickly turned things around
9:00 am | June 15, 2025

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

Dyson Purifier Cool Gen1 TP10 Purifying Fan: two-minute review

The Dyson Purifier Cool Gen1 TP10 Purifying Fan is a tower fan and air purifier combo that helps you beat the heat while improving the quality of the surrounding air.

Available in the US, UK, and Australia, you can find the Dyson Purifier Cool Gen1 TP10 Purifying Fan with a list price of $429.99 / £449.99 / AU$799 at Dyson or third-party retailers. As I write this, there are discounts available at Dyson US and Amazon UK, reducing the price to $299.99 / £349.99, so it’s worth checking if there are savings to be made before you buy.

With its bladeless loop amplifier, glossy plastic, and metallic finishes, the Dyson Purifier Cool Gen1 TP10 Purifying Fan has the modern, clean aesthetic we’ve come to expect from the brand. Generally, it’s available in a white and nickel colorway, but there’s a bonus option of black and nickel over in the US.

A woman has the remote control for the TP10 purifying fan in her hand.

(Image credit: Future)

Unlike most of the best fans and best air purifiers, the Dyson Purifier Cool Gen1 TP10 Purifying Fan lacks onboard controls and app compatibility, and can only be controlled with the included remote control. While this in itself isn’t an issue, as the remote works well and has a magnetic, curved design that makes it easy to store on the top of the loop amplifier, it does mean that you’d be a bit scuppered if you happened to lose the remote. Not to mention that, at this price point, it’s verging on stingy that Dyson hasn’t given the TP10 the app compatibility that’s included with their more expensive products.

In terms of the fan performance, I got the results I expected when testing the TP10 Purifying Fan; namely that it produced a smooth and cooling flow of air, the strength of which was particularly impressive when running at top speed, as I could still feel the cooling effects 14ft / 4.3m away.

As the Dyson Purifier Cool Gen1 TP10 Purifying Fan’s sensors can only detect particulate matter and not VOCs (volatile organic compounds), it won’t automatically react to all airborne nasties, but it’s still capable of filtering them thanks to the HEPA H13 and activated carbon filter. The LCD screen displays the real-time levels of PM2.5 and PM10 in micrograms per cubic meter, with color coding making it clear how this translates to air quality, ranging from good to very poor. There’s also a 24-hour graph, which offers a basic indication of the changes in air quality over time.

The HEPA 13 and activated carbon filter can be seen inside the outer panels of the purifying fan.

(Image credit: Future)

I was happy with the speedy detection and prompt air clearing I recorded during my time testing the TP10 Purifying Fan, with it detecting and clearing contamination from dry shampoo within a minute of me spraying it, and automatically upping its power when my two fluffy cats paid a visit. It didn’t make a noticeable impact on food odors or the dry shampoo fragrance, however.

The noise levels were also commendable, with the Dyson Purifier Cool Gen1 TP10 Purifying Fan giving whisper-quiet readings as low as 26dB and 33dB in auto mode and on fan speed one, and the highest reading on fan speed ten being just 52dB, which is equivalent to light traffic.

Despite my frustrations around the lack of app support, I’d still recommend the Dyson Purifier Cool Gen1 TP10 Purifying Fan, thanks to the overall good performance from both elements. If you’ve not got your heart set on a Dyson, or don’t want to have a tower fan running in the colder months, I recommend teaming up the Blueair Blue Pure 411i Max with the Shark TurboBlade. Both performed well in our testing, and thanks to regular deals, the two together often work out cheaper than the Dyson Purifier Cool Gen1 TP10 alone.

Dyson Purifier Cool Gen1 TP10 Purifying Fan review: price & availability

  • List price: $429.99 / £449.99 / AU$799
  • Available now in the US, UK, and Australia

Available from Dyson and other retailers, the Dyson Purifier Cool Gen1 TP10 purifying fan has a list price of $429.99 / £449.99 / AU$799. It’s available in white and silver, with an additional option of black and nickel for shoppers in the US. It’s worth keeping a lookout for potential savings, as at the time of writing, there’s a generous $130 saving on the white model at Dyson US, bringing the cost down to $299.99. Meanwhile, in the UK, there’s a 22% discount in effect, lowering the price to £349.99.

According to Dyson, the 360 Combi Glass HEPA + Carbon air purifier filter used in the TP10 could last around 12 months of 12-hour use. Replacement filters have a list price of $79.99 / £75 / AU$99, so it’s worth considering whether you’re happy to commit to paying this out on a fairly regular basis before making a purchase.

I initially considered the Dyson Purifier Cool Gen1 TP10 Purifying Fan a little overpriced, largely due to the lack of app support for the cost, but the TP10 won me over with its strong airflow, prompt particulate detection, and quick reaction times. Could you get a separate tower fan and air purifier that would do the job just as well for less money? Probably, but if you’re a Dyson fan who wants a Dyson fan, plus an air purifier, I’d recommend this combo.

  • Value score: 4 out of 5

Dyson Purifier Cool Gen1 TP10 Purifying Fan review: specs

Type

Purifying tower fan

Fan speeds

10

Oscillation

45, 90, 180, 350 degrees

Timer

Yes

CADR (Clean air delivery rate)

Requested

Filter

HEPA H13 and activated carbon

Particle sizes detected

PM2.5, PM10

Dimensions

8.7 x 8.7 x 41.3 inches / 22 x 22 x 105cm

Weight

10.4 lb / 4.7kg

Control

Onboard power button and remote control

Timer

Only in sleep mode

Additional modes

Sleep mode

Dyson Purifier Cool Gen1 TP10 Purifying Fan review: design and features

  • Offers real-time, color-coded PM2.5 and PM10 readings
  • No smart features or app compatibility
  • HEPA H13 filters are easy to access and replace

Featuring the classic Dyson aesthetic with its bladeless fan and smooth curves, this is a purifying fan I didn’t mind having out on display. That being said, I did find the glossy white plastic was a bit of a dust and lint magnet. The metallic nickel-color plastic was too, but it was barely noticeable compared to the white.

A useful combo for the summer months, the Purifier Cool Gen1 TP10 consists of a bladeless tower fan that sits on a purifying unit. This purifying unit houses a HEPA H13 filter, with H13 being considered to be within the highest tier of HEPA air filtration, and is understood to capture 99.95% of particles as small as 0.2 microns. The filter comes in two halves, with one half clipping into the front of the purifying unit, the other at the back. Both halves are easy to get to thanks to the push-down catches on either side of the unit.

A woman is removing the front panel from the body of the purifying fan.

(Image credit: Future)

There are ten fan speeds to cycle through, as well as an auto mode, which uses the sensors on the TP10 Purifying Fan to detect and react to the presence of particulate matter with a diameter of up to ten micrometers. It can’t detect VOCs (volatile organic compounds), which can be emitted by paint and cleaning chemicals, among other sources, but the carbon element of the 360 Combi Glass HEPA and Carbon air purifier filter means it’s still capable of clearing them from the air.

One thing that frustrates me with some Dyson devices is the lack of smart features and app compatibility. Considering this functionality is available with the more expensive Dyson products, and far cheaper brands offer remote control and air quality data via their apps, it seems a little unfair for Dyson to hold this feature back unless customers are willing to pay an even higher premium.

Aside from the power button, there’s a distinct lack of onboard controls on the TP10. This isn’t an outright issue, as I’d have used the included remote control nine times out of ten anyway, but with no app compatibility, it does mean I’d find myself in a bit of a pickle if I managed to lose the remote. As with all of the Dyson remotes I’ve used, the one for the TP10 is curved and magnetized, meaning it can be kept on the top of the fan.

A woman is placing the remote control on top of the loop amplifier.

(Image credit: Future)

The round LCD screen on the front of the TP10 is bright and large enough to read easily. It was easy to cycle through the multiple different displays using the information button on the remote control. The information I was most interested in was the particle readings, and I was happy to find there were dedicated screens showing the ambient levels of both PM2.5 and PM10. Both readings are independently communicated in numerals and color rating, making them simple to understand. The TP10 has been programmed to classify readings below 35 micrograms per cubic meter as good air quality, with higher readings colored either yellow for fair air quality, orange for poor, or red for very poor.

While the lack of a companion app means it’s not possible to view historical data, or real-time data when away from home, there’s a 24-hour graph on one of the display screens, so I could at least see if there’d been any spikes in contamination throughout the day – though that was as detailed as it got. It’s worth noting that the continuous monitoring needed to support this function isn’t enabled by default, but it’s a simple case of holding the auto button on the remote for five seconds to enable it.

  • Design score: 3.5 out of 5

Dyson Purifier Cool Gen1 TP10 Purifying Fan review: performance

  • Returned air quality to an acceptable level within a minute of air contamination
  • Didn’t reduce or eliminate odors from cooking or fragrances
  • Quickly reacted to the presence of cat fluff and dander

All of the fan functions performed as expected during my time testing the Dyson Purifier Cool Gen1 TP10 Purifying Fan. It was good to have a wide range of oscillation options, with four choices from 45 to 350 degrees, and I appreciated that, unlike the Dyson Cool CF1 desk fan, the TP10 remembered the last oscillation setting I’d used, so I didn’t have to cycle through the options each time. I find it curious that the timer on the TP10 Purifying Fan is only available in sleep mode, which dims the display, so I had to use the remote to wake the display if I wanted to view the current air quality reading whenever I used the timer.

The airflow felt smooth, but seemed to fluctuate a little at times. In terms of fan strength, I found I could feel a noticeable, cool breeze around 4ft / 1.2m away from the TP10 Purifying Fan on setting one, 7ft / 2m on setting five, and 14ft / 4.3m on speed 10, which is admirable considering it doesn’t run very loud.

A woman is about to press the power button on the TP10 air purifier. The LCD screen shows the particle and that the fan is on speed two.

(Image credit: Future)

To test the PM2.5 detection while the fan was on auto mode, I sprayed some dry shampoo around two feet away from the front of the TP10. The sensors picked up the presence of the dry shampoo particles in about 16 seconds, and I saw the levels of PM2.5 per cubic meter rapidly climbing on the LDC screen.

It was interesting to see a numerical representation of the speed at which the Dyson TP10 cleared the air, as not all air purifiers offer this level of data. In this case, the contamination dropped from 89 micrograms per cubic meter to 35 micrograms per cubic meter, which was back within the green range, within a minute of me spraying the dry shampoo. While it made quick work of clearing the particulates in the air, it didn’t have any effect on the odor from the dry shampoo or from the food smells from the minestrone soup I had on my lunch break.

It’s very easy to tell whether the larger-particle sensors on an air purifier are doing their job once I get my two very fluffy cats involved in the testing process, after evicting them from my living room for the initial stages of my testing, so that I can set a baseline. It was clear the particle sensors on the TP10 were sensitive to pet-related particles like fur and dander after both kitties came to investigate, as both the PM2.5 and PM10 readings rose by around eight micrograms, and the fan speed increased slightly to compensate. It stayed at roughly this level, with the occasional ramp-up in speed, for the entire time they were in the room. Once they’d wandered off, it took less than ten minutes for the purifier to bring the reading back down to its usual level.

A view of the back of the TP10 purifying fan, showing the apertures for the particle sensors.

(Image credit: Future)

The Dyson Purifier Cool Gen1 TP10 Purifying Fan operated really quietly, considering its size, with a lower than whisper-quiet reading of just 26dB when idling on auto mode, rising to 33dB on fan speed one, 38dB on speed 5, and just 52dB on speed ten, which is comparable to light traffic or background music. This is particularly positive when compared to the readings I got from the Molekule Air Pro, which gave an output of 38dB at the lowest fan speed, 51dB on speed three, and a pretty shouty 78dB at speed six, though admittedly the TP10 doesn’t have any where near as many bells and whistles.

As an added testament to the quiet functioning of the TP10 Purifying Fan, my very timid female cat spooks at most things, but was comfortable enough to touch her nose on the display even when the purifier was ramping up in response to her presence. It’s also worth mentioning that it was quiet enough to fall asleep next to, and I could happily watch TV with the TP10 running at level five fan speed nearby.

The quick detection, reaction, and purifying times meant I was pleased with the performance of the Dyson Purifier Cool Gen1 TP10 Purifying Fan overall, though I didn’t find it made the air feel quite as fresh as the GoveeLife Smart Air Purifier Lite.

  • Performance score: 4.5 out of 5

Should I buy the Dyson Purifier Cool Gen1 TP10 Purifying Fan?

Section

Notes

Score

Value for money

The TP10’s premium design, pleasant cooling, and powerful purifying performance mean you won’t be disappointed, but you could save money by ditching Dyson and combining a well-performing fan and purifier instead.

4/5

Design & Features

The smooth curves, bladeless design, and nice material finish make the TP10 an attractive purifying solution. It detects and communicates the ambient levels of particulate matter before they’re captured by the HEPA H13 filter. It’s just a shame there’s no smart features.

3.5/5

Performance

I appreciated the satisfyingly strong airflow and prompt purifying performance, with the TP10’s sensors making quick work of detecting and removing particles from the air. Its quiet operation meant it wasn’t disruptive, so much so that it didn’t phase my flighty feline.

4.5/5

Buy it if...

You want something that’ll purify around your pets
The TP10 reacted promptly to my kitties’ presence, yet was still quiet enough that it didn’t unsettle my timid rescue cat.

You want detailed, real-time air quality readings
It’s easy to see the level of contamination with the usefully color-coded PM2.5 and PM10 readings. Plus, once continuous monitoring is enabled, there’s a 24-hour graph to get a view of the changes in air quality over the last day.

You want two functions in one device
If you’ve been tempted by a Dyson tower fan before, and want to make some improvements on your air quality, too, then this purifying fan is a good way to save space.

Don't buy it if...

You want a purifier that’ll detect VOCs
While the carbon element of the 360 combi filter can tackle VOCs (volatile organic compounds), the TP10 doesn’t have the tech to detect and react to raised levels.

You want to use the purifier independently
The 2-in-1 format of the TP10 worked well for me as I tested it in warmer weather, but as the purifier doesn’t work independently from the fan, it’s worth considering whether that’ll prove problematic in the colder months.

You want to keep an eye on your air quality data
As the TP10 isn’t compatible with the MyDyson app, short of registering your purchase and viewing user guides, there’s no way to view the air quality remotely or to keep track of the trends in air quality readings over time.

Dyson Purifier Cool Gen1 TP10 Purifying Fan review: Also consider

Dyson Purifier Cool Gen1 TP10

Blueair Blue Pure 411i Max / Blue Max 3250i

Shark TurboBlade

Type

Purifying tower fan

Air purifier

Multi-directional tower fan

Price

$429.99 / £449.99 / AU$799

$169.99 / £169

$299.99 / £249.99

Fan speeds

10

3

10

Additional modes

Auto, sleep mode

Auto, night mode

Natural Breeze, Sleep Mode, BreezeBoost

Oscillation

Up to 350 degrees

N/A

Up to 180 degrees

Filter

HEPA H13 and activated carbon

HEPASilent and activated carbon

N/A

App support

No

Yes

No

Dimensions

8.7 x 8.7 x 41.3 inches / 220 x 220 x 1,050mm

18.9 x 10.6 x 10.6" / 481 x 269 x 269 mm

11.8 x 31.6 x 44.8" / 300 x 800 x 1,120mm (max)

Weight

10.4 lb / 4.7kg

7.5 lbs / 3.4 kg

15lb / 8.8kg

Blueair Blue Pure 411i Max / Blue Max 3250i
If you’re after a purifier with smart capabilities that won’t cost you an arm and a leg, then this super-lightweight alternative will fit the bill. It’s better suited to smaller rooms, has fewer speed settings, and only detects and reacts to PM2.5, but it can still filter out the same nasties as the TP10. A key detail is the washable fabric prefilter, which helps reduce the amount of dust that reaches the HEPA filter within, and comes in a range of colors. To find out more, have a read of our full Blueair Blue Pure 411i Max / Blue Max 3250i review.

Shark TurboBlade
This tower fan twist offers multi-directional airflow and a range of adjustments to help customize your cooling, and is a fantastic alternative if you happen to like the bladeless aspect of Dyson fans, but not the price. Tower fans don’t typically offer height or vertical angle adjustments, so this clever concept from Shark is a breath of fresh air. If you’d like more information, go ahead and take a look at our full Shark TurboBlade review.

How I tested the Dyson Purifier Cool Gen1 TP10 Purifying Fan

  • I used the TP10 purifying fan in the office and at home
  • I observed its detection and purification skills
  • I evaluated the strength of the airflow and the sound levels

I used the Dyson Purifier Cool Gen1 TP10 Purifying Fan in our photo studio, my home office, and my bedroom for one week. I evaluated how easy it was to operate, along with the build quality and aesthetics, and explored the available functions and features.

I tested the strength of the airflow by determining at what distance I could still feel a cooling breeze. I also observed the TP10 Purifying Fan’s detection and purification skills, both passively and during standardized testing.

I used a decibel meter app on my iPhone to record the noise levels, taking readings from around 2ft / 600mm away, ensuring the fan wasn’t blowing directly into the microphone.

I checked the timer worked as expected, and tested out the sleep mode to see whether the TP10 Purifying Fan was quiet enough for me to be able to sleep well with it running overnight.

The Sage Barista Touch Impress with Cold Extraction might just be the most satisfying coffee machine I’ve ever used
1:00 pm | June 14, 2025

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

Sage Barista Touch Impress with Cold Extraction: two-minute review

If you want to make sure you’re getting the best possible flavor from your coffee beans, the Sage Barista Touch Impress with Cold Extraction will help you achieve it with minimum fuss and zero mess. It guides you through the process of dialling in the grinder and preparing exactly the right amount, so that each shot of espresso is extracted in optimum time for a well-rounded flavor. It isn't the quickest way to make coffee (for that, look for a fully automatic espresso machine), but if you want to do justice to your beans, this is a great option.

The Impress Puck System is my favorite feature, letting you pull down a lever to tamp your freshly ground coffee without having to remove the portafilter handle from beneath the grinder. You never have to move a filter basket full of loose coffee and risk spilling it, and the tactile feeling of the lever is very satisfying.

Coffee ground and tamped using Sage Barista Touch Impress machine

The lever-operated tamping system is satisfying to use, and produces a neat, even bed of ground coffee (Image credit: Future)

Once you’ve got your basic espresso just right, you’ll unlock the whole menu of 14 hot and cold drinks. Some popular coffees are conspicuous by their absence (flat white and macchiato, for example) but everything in the list is easy to customize, so you can tweak a preset to create your own creation quite easily.

Cold brewing involves allowing the bed of ground coffee to infuse in cold water (a process known as blooming) before it’s extracted at high pressure. The result is a smooth-tasting drink that’s a good alternative to traditionally made cold brew, in a fraction of the time.

For me, the only real disappointment was the AutoMilq system, which struggled to create a smooth microfoam with dairy milk. The plant preset worked much better, particularly with oat milk, and using the steam wand manually was a piece of cake. The angle of the wand and shape of the pitcher make it easy to create a good whirlpool, and steam pressure remains consistent.

Sage Barista Touch Impress with Cold Extraction: price and availability

The Barista Touch Impress with Cold Extraction is available direct from Sage for £1,199.95 (about $1,600 / AU$2,500). That’s the same price as the original Barista Touch Impress, so you’re essentially getting the cold-brew option thrown in for free.

The Barista Touch Impress with Cold Extraction is currently only available in the UK. When it does launch internationally, it will be under the "Breville" brand rather than Sage.

If you’re looking for something more affordable, take a look at the Ninja Luxe Café. It's also a semi-automatic espresso machine, meaning it grinds beans directly into the portafilter basket, and guides you through the process of preparing different drinks. Like the Sage machine, the Ninja also has a cold-brew option for chilled drinks. The Ninja Luxe Café is available for $499.99 / £499 (about AU$750).

  • Value score: 3.5/5

Sage Barista Touch Impress with Cold Extraction: specs

Name

Sage Barista Touch Impress with Cold Extraction

Type

Semi-automatic espresso machine

Dimensions (W x H x D)

14.2 x 13.4 x 16.3 inches / 36 x 34 x 41.5cm

Weight

24.18lbs / 10.97kg

Water reservoir capacity

2.1 quarts / 2 liters

Milk frother

Automatic and manual

Bars of pressure

9

User profiles

a

Sage Barista Touch Impress with Cold Extraction: design

The Sage Barista Touch Impress with Cold Extraction comes in four colors: stainless steel (shown here), black stainless steel, black truffle, and sea salt. When it comes to size, it’s one of the biggest home espresso machines I’ve tested to date, measuring 14.2 x 13.4 x 16.3 inches / 36 x 34 x 41.5cm. For comparison, the similarly specced Ninja Luxe Café is 12.99 x 13.39 x 14.57in / 330 x 340 x 370mm.

When you’re measure your work surface to see whether you have enough space, it’s also worth bearing in mind that the water tank slides onto the back of the machine, so you’ll need enough room to pull it away from the wall when it’s time for a refill. The tank is easy to remove thanks to a robust carry handle on the top, and has a hinged lid that snaps into place to keep the water clean.

Cleaning kit for Sage Barista Touch Impress coffee maker

The machine comes with a full set of cleaning products, plus a brush and needle tool for the steam wand (Image credit: Future)

The machine is supplied with a water filter to remove impurities, which can affect the taste of your coffee. The package also includes a water hardness testing strip, so you can configure it to suit your tap water. If your water is particularly hard, Sage recommends using pre-filtered water instead.

You’ll also need to make sure there’s sufficient space on the left-hand side of the machine to use the manual lever that compresses your freshly ground coffee. The grinder and tamper (together known as the Express Puck System) mean you’re never handling a portafilter handle full of loose coffee grounds, making the process of brewing espresso much less messy.

The Barista Touch Impress with Cold Extraction has a large power button on the front of the case, but everything else is operated via its bright touchscreen. This feels smooth and responsive – and, unlike the screens on some other coffee machines, it isn’t prone to fingerprints.

Drip tray from Sage Barista Touch Impress with Cold Brew with storage drawer behind

A handy drawer behind the drip tray offers a place to store accessories (Image credit: Future)

Something I particularly like about the Sage Barista Touch Impress is the number of accessories included in the box. You get a stainless steel milk pitcher with a fine spout that’s ideal for latte art; the usual set of single-wall and pressurized filter baskets; a cleaning pin tool for the steam wand; a barista towel; a water filter; and a full set of cleaning products. Open the Eco Starter Kit and you’ll find enough descaler, group head cleaner, grinder cleaner, and milk wand cleaner to keep you going for several months.

If you’re wondering where you’ll keep all that, don’t worry – pull out the machine’s drip tray and you’ll find a handy little accessory drawer. It’s a thoughtful touch.

Sage Barista Touch Impress with Cold Brew bean hopper full of coffee

The bean hopper is tinted plastic, helping keep light away from your beans while still allowing you to see how many are left (Image credit: Future)

The bean hopper is tinted, which reduces the amount of light reaching your beans (something that can cause the flavor to degrade) while also letting you see how many are left – a smart compromise. The hopper also has a good rubber seal to help keep unused beans fresh.

The grinder offers 30 settings, and can be adjusted using a dial on the left-hand side of the machine, near the tamping handle. The dial isn’t marked with numbers, but each time you switch between grind sizes you’ll hear a small beep, and the display will show the new setting. This is far easier than having to peer round the side of the coffee maker.

  • Design score: 4.5/5

Sage Barista Touch Impress with Cold Extraction: performance

The Sage Barista Touch Impress with Cold Extraction guides you through the process of brewing a well-rounded espresso, handling the more complicated tasks for you to turn the usually tedious process of choosing the correct grind size into something fun.

The first time you use the machine, you’ll be guided through the process of configuring it for your particular coffee beans. This involves calibrating both the grind size and the dosage.

Usually this process (known as dialling in) involves brewing several shots of straight espresso, but the designers at Sage have acknowledged that people have different tastes, so you can pick from a short menu of different drinks right from the start: espresso, long black, latte, cappuccino, and flat white. You’ll unlock the more extensive menu of hot and cold beverages once the initial setup is complete.

Portafilter handle ready for grinding in Sage Barista Touch Impress with Cold Brew

You don't need to remove the portafilter handle from beneath the grinder for tamping, so there's no risk of spilling loose coffee (Image credit: Future)

Pick a grind size by turning the large dial on the left-hand side of the machine (near the lever), then follow the onscreen instructions to grind the beans into the filter basket. You’ll then be instructed to pull down the tamping lever to create a nicely formed puck. This is the most pleasing part of the process, and the machine recommends doing it twice for the best results. It doesn’t take much pressure, but you get some satisfying resistance with the right dosage.

If you don’t have enough ground coffee in the basket, the machine will offer to grind a little more, then let you try tamping again. If there’s too much coffee, you can use the trimming tool provided in the box to remove a little without creating cracks in the puck.

Person using tamping lever on Sage Barista Touch Impress machine

The tamping lever is extremely satisfying to use (Image credit: Future)

Once the machine has worked out the optimum amount of coffee, it will save it for future use. Don’t worry if you want to use different beans later on, or your coffee’s properties have changed as the beans age – the Barista Touch Impress will check each time you make a drink and make adjustments on the fly.

Once your coffee is nicely tamped, it’s time to insert the handle into the brewing group and start making your first coffee. The Barista Touch Impress will time how long it takes for your shot of coffee to pour, and warn you if it’s taking a long time (and is likely to be over-extracted and sour) or has poured too quickly (making it watery). I like the fact that the machine won’t insist that you discard over- or under-extracted shots, recognizing that some coffee-drinkers have different preferences.

Espresso made using Sage Barista Touch Impress with Cold Brew

After a little experimentation, you'll be able to brew consistently well-balanced shots of espresso to enjoy alone, or as part of a longer drink (Image credit: Future)

Once the machine is dialled in, you’ll have access to the full menu of 14 hot and cold presets. It’s a pretty impressive list, but some (such as hot chocolate, shakerato, and espresso martini) are recipes rather than drinks you can prepare using the machine alone. It’s also worth noting that unlike the Jura J10 and the De’Longhi Primadonna Aromatic, there’s no way to foam cold milk.

The options are:

  • Flat white
  • Latte
  • Cappuccino
  • Espresso
  • Long black
  • Babyccino
  • Café crema
  • Hot chocolate
  • Tea (ie. hot water)
  • Cold brew
  • Cold espresso
  • Espresso shakerato
  • Latte shakerato
  • Espresso martini

I was a little surprised that Sage chose to forego some popular coffee drinks (such as caffe latte, flat white and macchiato) while including so many esoteric options such as shakeratos; but all drinks are editable, so you can easily create your favorites by tweaking the presets. The original Barista Touch Impress offered just eight options.

Latte shakerato recipe on Sage Barista Touch Impress with Cold Brew screen

There are recipes for some uncommon drinks in the menu, but a few classics such as the trusty flat white are absent (Image credit: Future)

When you select a cold brew drink, the machine will pulse cold water over the bed of freshly ground coffee in the filter basket and wait a moment to let it bloom before passing cold water through at high pressure.

The result isn’t quite as full-bodied as that from the Jura J10, but it's still noticeably sweeter and smoother than coffee brewed hot, and a very good alternative to traditionally made cold brew when you don’t have hours to spend steeping grounds in the fridge.

The only feature I found lacking was the Sage Barista Touch Impress’s AutoMilq system, which is designed to heat and froth dairy and plant-based milk automatically.

During tests, AutoMilq seemed to struggle, in particular with full-fat dairy milk. This is surprising, because this is usually the top choice for creating a silky microfoam. Rather than creating a fine foam with the texture of emulsion paint when preparing a latte, the steam wand pumped in too much air, creating a lot of large bubbles, which were unstable and burst as it switched to heating the milk. The result was nicely heated milk, but barely any foam.

I had more success with oat milk, with the machine creating smooth and pourable microfoam for lattes, or thicker and "dryer" foam for cappuccinos. You can choose between milk texture options when making your drink, and the machine will incorporate different amounts of air to suit.

I had no problem using the machine to steam milk manually, though, and the angle of the raised wand made it easy to position the jug correctly to get a good whirlpool going.

Latte made using Sage Barista Touch Impress with Cold Brew

If you want to steam dairy milk, use the wand manually (Image credit: Future)

Cleaning the machine after use proved straightforward. The machine rinses its brew head when powered on, the steam wand purges automatically after each use, and tapping the "settings" button at the top-right of the screen will let you access step-by-step instructions for descaling, using the blank disc and cleaner to refresh the brewing group, and cleaning the milk wand.

However, it won’t explain how to use the grinder cleaner, and the manual only explains how to dismantle the grinder and use the brush to remove debris. There's no explanation about how to use the sachet of milk wand cleaner, either.

  • Performance score: 4/5

Should you buy the Sage Barista Touch Impress with Cold Extraction?

Sage Barista Touch Impress with Cold Extraction score card

Attribute

Notes

Score

Value

Well made and feature packed, but over twice the price of the Ninja Luxe Café, and closer to the price of machines that can also foam cold milk.

3.5/5

Design

Easy to use, with clear instructions on displayed on the bright touchscreen. Lever-operating tamping system is satisfying to use. Large footprint won't fit some kitchens.

4.5/5

Performance

Excellent hot and cold coffee brewing and smart guidance for dialling in grinder, but AutoMilq system seems to struggle with whole dairy milk. Plant milk foams better and wand works fine manually.

4/5

Buy it if

You want optimum flavor from your beans

This machine guides you through the process of dosing coffee and choosing the ideal grind size for a perfectly extracted shot. It might take a while to get it just right, but it’s worth the time, and there’s zero mess involved.

You want tasty cold brew without the wait

The latest version of the Barista Touch Impress does a good job replicating the smooth taste of traditionally made cold brew by allowing the coffee grounds to bloom before pulling a shot.

Don't buy it if

You don’t want to steam dairy milk manually

Sage’s AutoMilq system struggled to create a good texture with fresh whole dairy milk, although it worked much better with oat milk. Raising the wand and using it manually yielded good results.

You just want coffee as fast as possible

The Barista Touch Impress is all about perfecting your espresso, and getting the optimum extraction for the best flavor. If you don’t have time to spend making multiple shots and configuring the grinder, a fully automatic espresso machine might be a better option for you.

Sage Barista Touch Impress with Cold Extraction: also consider

Ninja Luxe Café

Like the sound of the Barista Touch Impress, but don’t have the space? The Ninja Luxe Café is a more compact alternative, and it can make filter coffee as well. You don’t get the tidy tamping system, though.

Read our full Ninja Luxe Café review

De’Longhi Primadonna Aromatic

If you like cold brew but want more variety, this superb espresso machine not only creates great-tasting coffee, it can also foam cold plant and dairy milk for iced lattes. It works brilliantly; the iced latte macchiato was my personal favorite during testing.

Read our full De'Longhi Primadonna Aromatic review

KitchenAid KF8

If you want a well-extracted coffee but don’t have the time to spend configuring a grinder, this is easily one of the best fully automatic espresso machines I’ve tested. This version has a preset for plant milk, but if you only drink dairy then you can save a little cash by opting for the KF6 instead.

Read our full KitchenAid KF8 review

How I tested the Sage Barista Touch Impress with Cold Extraction

I used the Sage Barista Touch Impress with Cold Extraction for two weeks in place of my usual coffee machine, and brewed coffee using a blend of freshly roasted Brazilian and Colombian arabica beans. I spent time dialling in the grinder for the beans to begin with, and followed the directions to tweak the grind size each time I made a new drink.

I went through the whole drinks menu, and tested the steam wand using full-fat dairy and oat milk. I used the AutoMilq system, and steamed milk manually.

Once I’d finished testing, I ran through all of the machine’s cleaning and maintenance programs.

First tested June 2025

I tested the Eufy E15 robot lawn mower, and it’s so easy to use even technophobes will love it
9:00 am |

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

Eufy E15 robot lawn mower: two-minute review

To date I've tested quite a few wire-free, autonomous lawn mowers, but of all of them, the Eufy E15 is the easiest to set up and use. Much of that is down to the robot's AI algorithm-rich software, its superb dual camera system and the simplicity and excellent navigability of the Eufy app.

This admittedly odd-looking lawnbot uses Full Self Driving (FSD) technology, which means there's no need to lay a perimeter wire or install an RTK GPS antennae. In fact, setup took all of about 15 minutes – it can automatically map a lawn up to 800 square metres by cleverly distinguishing the textural differences between grass and planted borders. It then goes out and cuts the lawn in pristine parallel stripes before finishing off with an edge cut along the borders.

Like many robot mowers, the E15 is equipped with a small 20cm cutting deck comprising three razor-like blades attached to a spinning disk. These blades are so sharp that they snip grass with the cleanliness of a pair of scissors, leaving the tips of the nitrogen-rich cuttings to fall back to earth, which in turn fertilise the lawn.

There are a few minor niggles – the navigation system means it can't mow at night, and it can't handle gradients over 18-degrees – but overall, this is an extremely impressive lawnbot and a very strong recommendation for technophobes in particular. Aside from an easily-fixed map-making mistake, and one expected issue regarding small obstacle avoidance, the E15 hasn't put a foot wrong during several weeks of testing. It just works out of the box. That's the short version; read on for my full Eufy E15 review.

Eufy E15 robot lawn mower on tester's lawn

(Image credit: Future)

Eufy E15 review: price & availability

  • List price: $1,799.99 / £1,499
  • Available: US / UK
  • Launched: June 2025

Eufy's first robot mower is available in two variants – the E15 I'm reviewing here, and the E18, which is only available in the US. Both machines are the same size and spec but the E18 has a larger capacity battery which allows it to cut lawns up to 1,200m² / 0.3 acre – that's 400m² more than the E15.

If you live in the UK, you can purchase the E15 direct from Eufy UK for £1,499. Granted, it's an awful lot of money but that's the price one pays for new tech that saves a ton of time and effort. I personally think it's very competitively priced, especially given the fact it comes with a roofed garage to protect it from the elements. It's also exceedingly well built, using highly-quality materials with expert fit and finish.

Stateside dwellers, meanwhile, have a choice of either the E15 or E18. The US Eufy site lists the E15 at $1,799.99 but if you have a lawn larger than 800 square metres (0.2 acre), I would suggest the E18. Eufy sells this model for $1,999.99.

  • Value for money score: 4 out of 5

Eufy E15 specs

Max lawn size:

0.2 acres / 800m²

Navigation:

Dual V-FSD cameras

Cutting deck width:

8in / 20.3cm

Cutting height adjustment:

1-3in / 2.5-7.5cm, motorized

Drivetrain:

Rear wheel drive

Maximum zones:

More than two

Maximum climbing ability:

40% / 18 degrees

Obstacle avoidance

3D Perception camera system

Connectivity:

Wi-fi, Bluetooth & 4G (sim optional)

Noise:

56dB

Waterproof:

IPX6

Rain sensor:

Yes

Mow time per charge:

About 100 minutes

Lawnbot size:

23.7 x 15.5 x 12.5 in / 60.3 × 39.4 × 31.8cm

Garage size (L x W x H):

28.6 x 18.9 x 17.8 in / 72.7 x 48 x 45.2cm

Lawnbot weight:

39.7 lbs / 11kg

Eufy E15 robot lawn mower review: design

  • Full self driving lawnbot, uses cameras to navigate
  • Comes with a charge dock but requires no boundary wires or RTK receiver
  • Otherwise relatively standard lawnbot design, with 20cm cutting deck

Eufy (a subsidiary of Chinese electronics manufacturer Anker) has approached the development of its first robot mower with the same set of design principals it has applied to its burgeoning range of excellent robot vacuum cleaners. Hence, the E15 is probably the most robot vacuum-like lawnbot on the market right now. And that's a very good thing for anyone who already owns a robot vacuum cleaner and is familiar with the way it is set up and used from day to day.

Although it's not the prettiest looker on the lawn (at least when compared to the F1-inspired Mammotion LUBA Mini), the E15 feels very high quality. It is also the only robot mower I know of to come with a roof for its charging dock as standard – that can be considered a major benefit because, while the E15 is IPX6 rated for waterproofness (IPX6 means ingress protection against powerful water jets), it's direct summer sunshine rather than rain that could have the biggest affect on batteries and electronics.

Incidentally, like all modern robot mowers, this model is fitted with a rain sensor so if it starts raining while it's out cutting, it will return to base and wait a predetermined number of hours before it heads out again.

Eufy E15 robot lawn mower on its charge station

(Image credit: Future)

Although size and weight is pretty inconsequential given that, once in situ, the E15 pretty much stays on the lawn until the end of the cutting season around late autumn, for the record the E15 measures 23.7 x 15.5 x 12.5 in / 60.3 × 39.4 × 31.8cm, weighs 39.7 lbs / 11kg and comes with an integral handle on the front so it's easy enough to lift if necessary.

Like all robot lawn mowers, the Eufy E15 is equipped with a cluster of manual control buttons on the top of its outer casing, including a large red Stop button for any unlikely emergencies. These buttons are handy for quickly pausing or cancelling a task, commanding the robot to return to its dock and turning it on and off without the need for the accompanying app. There is also a master on/off switch on the base of the cutting deck, which is only used when putting the robot into storage or transporting it in the car.

Top-down view of Eufy E15 robot lawn mower

(Image credit: Future)

Before we tackle the E15's clever navigation system, let's head below and take a closer look at the business end. This model is good for lawns up to 800m² (0.2 acres) and has an 8in / 20.3cm cutting width – that's the norm for a robot of this size, but still way short of the Mammotion LUBA 2 which has a generous 15.7in / 40cm deck.

Like almost all current robot mowers, the E15 uses an array of small razor-like blades for the cutting process. Put simply, a silent motor spins a circular disc with, in this case, three double-sided 1.5-inch razor blades attached to the disk's outer edge.

Since the blades are attached loosely and are able to spin 360 degrees, the disk's centrifugal force causes the blades to whip round at immense speed so the grass is cut to a much finer degree than any large-bladed rotary mower. Likewise, if they hit something hard like a stone, the easily replaced blades are less likely to be damaged. (Here's more on how robot lawn mowers work, if you're interested.)

Underside of Eufy E15 robot lawn mower

(Image credit: Future)

Aside from the whisper-quiet sound the cutting system makes (and believe me this thing is near-silent in operation), the main bonus of a system like this is that the fine nitrogen-rich cuttings the robot leaves in its wake are fed back into the lawn as future fertiliser. This 'mulching' method of grass maintenance is not only good for your lawn, but it also means you don't need to figure out what to do with all the cuttings.

The Eufy E15 is rear-wheel drive and those wheels are an ample 7.9 in / 20cm in diameter, with deep treaded paddles that provide excellent traction without causing any grass damage. The front end is fitted with a robust castor wheel that allows the robot to turn on a sixpence. Eufy states a maximum gradient of 40% (18 degrees) which is a few degrees steeper than much of the competition but still nowhere near the Everest-scaling, all-wheel-drive Mammotion LUBA 2 and LUBA Mini's 80% (38.6 degrees) ability.

Robot mower navigation tech has come on in leaps and bounds since the first models were introduced way back in the mid '90s. These early models required a boundary wire around the perimeter of the lawn and many robot mowers like this are still available to purchase today. However, recent advances in RTK GPS, LiDAR and camera-based navigation technologies are quickly making these types of wired robot mowers obsolete.

Take this model, for instance. The Eufy E15 is equipped with a FSD (Full Self Driving) camera tech that works in a similar way to many autonomous cars. The system itself is comprised of two side-by side cameras that produce a stereoscopic image with some depth to it, rather like a pair of human eyes. This, along with a smorgasbord of AI algorithms and heaven knows what else it has hidden beneath the bonnet, ensures that the robot can not only find its way around a lawn but also differentiate between grass and border plants.

Close up of cameras on Eufy E15 robot lawn mower

(Image credit: Future)

Like a human, it can spot the textural and height differences between grass and plants and map the lawn accordingly. And for those who love driving RC cars, you can easily do that with this mower, too, and even view a high-definition livestream of what the camera sees.

The downside to a camera-based system like this is that the E15 cannot mow beyond sunset because it won't be able to see where it's going. Eufy might elect to fit a bright headlamp on the next incarnation but for now, your best bet for night mowing is either the Mammotion LUBA 2 or its new smaller sibling, the LUBA Mini.

The upshot of this robot mower's superb navigation system is that it gives it the amazing ability to cut a lawn in a series of perfectly straight parallel stripes that never fail to impress. Granted, they're not bona fide stripes like a cricket ground, but they're the next best thing. I guarantee you'll be blown away by how smart your lawn looks after just one cut.

Finally, a shout out to the E15's security measures. Firstly, it's bonded to the user's account and Wi-Fi system making it useless to any light-fingered thieves. But as an extra precaution it also features GPS tracking over optional 4G while the unit itself will sound an alarm, enter a locked state and send a notification to the user if it's ever taken beyond its working boundary.

  • Design score: 4.5 out of 5

Eufy E15 robot lawn mower review: setup

  • Charge dock requires power source and good Wi-Fi signal
  • - Mapping is fully automated – and no-go zones can be added in-app if required
  • - Extremely fast and east to set up

No question, the Eufy E15 is one of the easiest robot mowers I've ever set up; there is no RTK GPS antennae to install and not a perimeter wire in sight. All you need is an electricity source within the eight metres of cable provided and a decent WiFi signal to the robot so you can initiate its setup procedure, update the firmware when required and program weekly schedules and other parameters in the Eufy app.

Once you've created a Eufy account in the app and mounted the charging dock using the provided ground screws, it's simply a case of firing it up and selecting the auto map function. I'd say the whole process took me about 15 minutes and most of the time was spent screwing in the dock's ground screws using the provided Allen key (a cordless driver with an Allen key bit speeds this process up considerably). The E15's excellent mapping ability is fully automatic – the bot can tell the difference between grass and plants, and uses this information to map the lawn.

Screenshots from within the Eufy E15 robot lawn mower app

Click to enlarge (Image credit: Eufy )

However, there may be instances when it treats a scrubby patch on the edge of the lawn as grass and map that too – as was the case in my testing. With some robot mowers you need to physically steer the robot like an RC car to the area in question and modify it by driving the bot on a different trajectory and then saving the map. With this model you simply add a no-go zone or a virtual boundary by drawing a square or line on the app's map. A big high-five to the designers for bringing this robot vac-style editing approach to the table.

While this whole process was very simple, I still hope Eufy will include a manual mapping option in a future update for those who want full hands-on control. Manual mapping – where you drive the robot around the perimeters of a lawn like an RC car – allows the user to fine-tune the map right from the off, with no need to add no-go zones or virtual boundaries.

Eufy E15 robot lawn mower on reviewer's lawn

(Image credit: Future)

Once the mapping has finished, it's time for the robot's first mow. But before you do this, make sure your grass isn't too long or the cuttings it creates could litter the lawn. Instead either opt for the highest cutting height first (these range from 25mm to 75mm in 5mm increments and are set using the app).

Alternatively, use your standard mower with grass catcher to cut the lawn to about 40mm (position 4) and set the robot off on its first cut a day later – I find that 35mm is a perfect height for UK rye grass. Once the grass is ready for the robot, chances are you may never need to use your standard mower again, though you will still need your line trimmer to tidy up some edges every now and then.

If you have a few different lawns separated by pathways and boundaries, that's not a problem. The Eufy E15 can be programmed to cut all of them in succession, even when they're many meters apart. Simply map the lawns individually and set a virtual passageway between them by steering the robot from one lawn to the next. The robot will then follow this set path from lawn A to lawn B and so on and so forth every time it's on a cutting session. Just make sure that there are no gates or stairs in the way and that the passage the robot takes is free of clutter and wide enough for the robot to navigate.

  • Setup score: 5 out of 5

Eufy E15 robot lawn mower review: performance

  • Neat, methodical cutting performance
  • Motorized cutting heights
  • Expert navigation and very good obstacle avoidance

In terms of cutting performance, I've been exceedingly impressed by how well this robot mower has navigated and cut my lawn, and in such methodical fashion too. It's a joy to watch the E15 as it trundles up and down the lawn in perfect parallel lines, and I love the pseudo stripes the wheels leave in their wake.

The fact you can easily adjust cutting parameters in the app – cutting height (from 25mm to 75mm), edge spacing (how close it cuts to the edge), path spacing (the amount of overlap between each pass), and travel and blade speed (slow, standard and fast) – is the icing on the cake. And if you're looking for the cherry on top of that, it'll be the Path Direction (cutting angle) setting, which is as simple as placing two fingers on the map of your lawn and swiveling the two arrows to the angle of cut you want, whether it's perfectly vertical, horizontal or any angle in between.

Despite this model only having three cutting blades against the Mammotion LUBA Mini's six, I haven't been able to detect any noticeable differences in cut quality. Yes, I prefer the wider tract of the big 40cm Mammotion LUBA 2 – the width of a small push mower – but I'm nitpicking here.

Eufy E15 robot lawn mower changing direction when it meets a dog toy

(Image credit: Future)

Obstacle avoidance on indoor robot vacuum cleaners is essentially for the convenience of not having to untangle a loose sock from under the robot, but a robot mower with fast spinning razor blades is an altogether different kettle of danger. Just as well that all autonomous robots and most wired models have various levels of obstacle avoidance built into their navigation systems.

The Eufy E15's obstacle avoidance is excellent for anything larger than about the size of a tennis ball. I tested it on a number of occasions using some dog toys. Amazingly, the E15 avoided every item including – surprisingly – a small whale-shaped toy with a slim tail. In fact I was especially impressed by how well it managed this last feat because the whale was off-centre to the robot, and yet its camera caught the obstacle in its periphery.

Eufy E15 robot lawn mower mowing neat stripes in reviewer's lawn

(Image credit: Future)

However, as expected, the E15 didn't spot a table tennis ball on two occasions and rode over it, almost slicing it in half. As a result, I wouldn't trust this model to avoid pet mess unless, perhaps, you have a Great Dane, or a horse. (This has been the case with every robot mower I've tested, and for that matter every robot vac, too.)

I'm pleased to report that everything has run smoothly with this model, from its initial auto mapping to its weekly routine of keeping the lawn looking spick and span. It has never got lost or failed to find its charging base, and it's always remained within the confines of its boundary. And that's not a bad accolade for any manufacturer hitting the market with a first-time product. Well done Eufy.

  • Performance score: 5 out of 5

Eufy E15 robot lawn mower review: app

  • Easy to navigate
  • Excellent interface
  • Could do with a couple of extra features

While I'm a huge fan of the Mammotion range of robot mowers, its accompanying app is quite technical and, in some areas, difficult to get a handle on. By contrast, the Eufy app (which also covers Eufy's security cameras) is mostly a joy to use, and mercifully free of any technical jargon. It's as simple as simple can be, but there is room for improvement.

Screenshots from Eufy lawnbot companion app

Click to enlarge (Image credit: Eufy)

What I'd like to see is an option to manually map a lawn and an option to mow in a chessboard pattern (i.e. cut vertically and horizontally) in one go. But I'm pretty certain we'll see something like this in a future update. It is, after all, early days for this newcomer.

  • App score: 4 out of 5

Should you buy the Eufy E15 robot lawn mower?

Attribute

Notes

Rating

Value

The Eufy E15 isn't cheap but it's in the same ballpark as other similarly-styled models on the market.

4.5/5

Design

Odd looks aside, the E15 is robust and extremely well equipped to deal with most lawn layouts, bar those with steep slopes.

4.5/5

Setup

Setup is also extremely fast and straightforward, thanks to accurate automatic mapping.

5/5

Performance

The E15 is a sterling operator that cuts grass brilliantly well while avoiding almost all obstacles in the process.

5/5

App

There is no simpler mowbot app on the market, though a few tweaks wouldn't go amiss.

4/5

Buy it if...

You're a technophobe

I haven't come across an easier model to set up and operate.

You want lawn stripes

The E15 is a deft lawnsmith that cuts in ruler-straight stripes.

You need simple reliability

This model has proved to be very reliable with great obstacle avoidance.

Don't buy it if...

Your lawn is very large

This lawnbot's smaller battery and cutting tract mean it's not well-suited to extra large lawns.

You want night mowing

Because it relies on cameras to navigate, the Eufy E15 can't mow in the dark. If that's a priority, consider the Mammotion LUBA Mini.

Your lawn has steep gradients

This bot will struggle on steep slopes – it's good up to 18 degrees.

How I tested the Eufy E15 robot lawn mower

I've been using this lawnbot for the past few weeks, and I've been working it hard during that time. It has been out on regularly scheduled mowing tasks, and I've also put it through a range of tests – including assessing its obstacle avoidance using dog toys. I also assessed the ease of setup, how user-friendly the app is, and how the cutting performance compared to other lawnbots I've reviewed.

Read more about how we test

  • First reviewed June 2025
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