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The Terra Kaffe TK-02 brings the high-end coffee shop to your home

4:00 pm | September 21, 2025

Terra Kaffe TK-02: two-minute review

Who knew excellent coffee could be so easy? Fill up the water tank and pour your bag of whole coffee beans into the hopper. If you like milk-based drinks, put your milk of choice into the milk carafe and attach it to the machine. The Terra Kaffe TK-02 will craft your favorite drink that rivals your local coffee shop with just a tap.

Choose from a limited menu on the Terra Kaffe TK-02's screen, or select from a longer list in the app. Create custom beverages to suit your personal taste. You can also teach (Amazon assistant) Alexa to brew your drink of choice on your voice command.

Terra Kaffe TK-02 making a flat white — (Image credit: Karen Freeman / Future)

While it's certainly not perfect, this is the be-all, end-all coffee maker that replaces the two Nespresso machines, drip coffee machine, and coffee grinder I had in my coffee nook. The Terra Kaffe TK-02 is an expensive machine, though one could argue that if this gets you to eliminate your daily coffee shop runs it could pay for itself in a couple of years or less. The footprint is pretty large, though not nearly as big as the four machines it replaces for me. And like any coffee machine, it does require regular cleaning and maintenance, though none of it is difficult.

The bottom line is this: I've tested a lot of coffee machines in my personal and professional life, but I have never made better-tasting coffee and espresso drinks more quickly and easily than I have with the Terra Kaffe TK-02.

Flat white coffee — (Image credit: Karen Freeman / Future)

Terra Kaffe TK-02: price and availability

Available at Terra Kaffe and several high-end online and brick-and-mortar retailers
Retails for $1,995 (£1,461 / AU$2,991)
Terra Kaffe has a rental program

You can purchase the Terra Kaffe TK-02 directly from Terra Kaffe's website, where it retails for $1,995 (£1,461 / AU$2,991). Currently, there is a $300 discount offer if you pair the machine with a coffee subscription. You can also rent the machine from Terra Kaffe for $119 per month.

Other places you can purchase the machine include high-end retailers like Bloomingdales, Nordstrom, CB2, and Seattle Coffee Gear. The Terra Kaffe TK-02 is available in two colors: black and white.

Terra Kaffe TK-02 on counter — (Image credit: Karen Freeman / Future)

Terra Kaffe TK-02: specs

Name	Terra Kaffe TK-02
Type	Automatic
Dimensions (D x W x H)	17.5” (D) x 10.4” (W) x 14.3” (H) / 44.45 cm (D) x 26.42 cm (W) x 36.32 cm (H)
Weight	29.5 lbs / 13.38 kg
Water reservoir capacity	75 fl oz / 2.22 liters
Milk frother	Yes
Bars of pressure	9

Terra Kaffe TK-02: design

Modern, sleek design
Everything you need except coffee and cups included
So easy to use

The Terra Kaffe TK-02 is sleek and modern, basically a giant rectangular cube with a drip tray sticking out the front. It's not immediately identifiable as a coffee machine, on looks alone. I tested the white model, but it also comes in black. I'd recommend the black version if you don't have a strong preference, since white shows the coffee spatters. The touchscreen on the top left front of the machine comes awake when you tap it.

Terra Kaffe TK-02 with all its accessories — (Image credit: Karen Freeman / Future)

The Terra Kaffe TK-02 is pretty big and heavy, at 17.5” (D) x 10.4” (W) x 14.3” (H) / 44.45 cm (D) x 26.42 cm (W) x 36.32 cm (H) and weighing in at 29.5 lbs / 13.38 kg. Still, it easily fits into my coffee nook with plenty of room to spare. And it takes up a lot less room than the four machines I had in there previously. My husband likes to use his own beans, so his coffee grinder and drip machine, plus my two pod machines (both coffee and espresso) were previously filling up that entire nook. The Terra Kaffe TK-02 eliminates the need for all the other machines.

It comes with a milk carafe that hooks up to the Terra Kaffe TK-02 to make lattes and other milk drinks, a wooden spoon for measuring ground coffee, a water filter, cleaning solution, and descaling solution.

Terra Kaffe TK-02 top of machine — (Image credit: Karen Freeman / Future)

There are two coffee compartments on top. The main hopper holds up to 16 ounces (a typical bag) of whole bean coffee. A smaller, secondary compartment is for pre-ground coffee. If you use this option, add just one scoop of ground coffee and select the pre-ground coffee option from the brewing menu. Note that Terra Kaffe does not recommend using oily or flavored coffee beans.

A dial on the right side of the machine adjust the amount of steam you get in your milk. Dial it to the top to just heat your milk, or dial it to the bottom marker to froth.

Terra Kaffe TK-02 water tank — (Image credit: Karen Freeman / Future)

The water tank sits behind a door on the front of the machine. As with all maintenance, the Terra Kaffe TK-02 will alert you when the water is running low, though the water level is visible even with the door closed.

The touch screen is the brain of the machine, and it will also let you know when the grounds container (which holds nine pucks) or drip tray needs to be emptied, when you need to descale or deep clean the machine, and when you need to refill the coffee hopper.

Terra Kaffe TK-02 removing grounds — (Image credit: Karen Freeman / Future)

Design score: 4.5/5

Terra Kaffe TK-02: performance

Crafts amazing coffee and espresso drinks
Steam or froth your milk of choice
Could not be easier to use

What you really want from a coffee machine is delicious coffee, and the Terra Kaffe TK-02 delivers. You probably also want flexibility to create different kinds of beverages, easy/quick brewing, and easy clean-up. You get all of that with this machine. There are definitely some quirks, but overall, this machine's performance is excellent.

Double espresso over ice in front of Terra Kaffe TK-02 — (Image credit: Karen Freeman / Future)

The Terra Kaffe TK-02 has lots of pre-set coffee and espresso settings, but any of them can be altered to your tastes. You can adjust the grind size, the amount of coffee, the amount of water, and the amount of milk. When making espresso, you can choose between "TK Standard" and "TK Specialty" brew. The TK Specialty tastes slightly stronger to me, so I reached out the company and they confirmed that it is indeed a stronger brew.

You can create your own custom beverages to your exact specifications, so the possibilities are nearly endless. You can only put 10 drinks at a time on the machine's touchscreen menu, but it's easy enough to add and remove your favorites in the Terra Kaffe app.

Terra Kaffee TK-02 brewing iced coffee — (Image credit: Karen Freeman / Future)

I brewed an iced coffee, which comes out at a slightly lower temperature and is specially designed for drinking over ice. I found it a bit weak, so I just changed the recipe, reducing the amount of water and increasing the amount of coffee. That made it perfect for my tastes. I also created a drink just for my husband, which is basically a standard Americano with an extra two shots of espresso. You can literally create anything and make it an option on your touchscreen menu.

The touchscreen menu is limited to ten drinks, so put your ten favorites there. You can still access plenty more (or create more anytime) easily with the Terra Kaffe app. You can teach your Alexa Amazon Assistant to work your Terra Kaffe TK-02, but I found that connection to be rather inconsistent.

The machine has to be on already; Alexa won't turn it on. Then you have to ask Alexa to launch the machine, because if you just ask to brew right away, she won't get it. Even then, sometimes she doesn't do what you ask. And she keeps asking you questions when you're done brewing, which is kind of annoying. Frankly, I found myself not really using Alexa much; both the touchscreen and the app are so easy to use. I open the app and wake the machine while I'm still in bed; by the time I get downstairs, the Terra Kaffe TK-02 is ready to brew.

Terra Kaffe TK-02 brewing a macchiato — (Image credit: Karen Freeman / Future)

Though I'm not really a milky coffee drinker, I did test out a number of milk-based drinks such as latte, cappuccino, macchiato, and flat white. They were all quite good, the milk frother heats and froths the milk as you'd expect. How much foam you get can also depend on the sort of milk you use. I used 2% dairy milk.

Terra Kaffe TK-02 brewed latte — (Image credit: Karen Freeman /Future)

The Terra Kaffe TK-02 automatically grinds your beans to the correct size for the type of coffee you're brewing. For drip coffee, the beans will be ground on the coarser side. For espresso, you'll get a finer grind. Both of those can be adjusted to your preferences. Like all the best espresso machines, the Terra Kaffe TK-02 brews espresso at 9 bars of pressure.

If you prefer to use pre-ground beans, you put them in a separate designated hopper and select the pre-ground beans option before brewing. This is helpful for the occasional cup of decaf or using gifted grounds, but otherwise I'd stick to fresh whole beans.

Terra Kaffe TK-02 brewing Americano — (Image credit: Karen Freeman / Future)

Cleaning is pretty simple, but the machine does require regular attention. The Terra Kaffe TK-02 self-rinses frequently. I got in the habit of keeping a cup under the spout when not in use to catch the majority of rinse cycles. You can expect the machine to rinse out a few ounces of water when warming up, and again when shutting down. It also just rinses itself at random times.

We drink four cups a day on average, and even with the cup under the spout, I still have to empty the drip tray roughly daily. This is because water comes out directly into the drip tray sometimes too. If you froth milk, you'll need to run a rinse of the milk system right after. As you might expect, the water tank needs to be refilled pretty frequently as well.

Cleaning up the grounds couldn't be easier. All of the grounds end up as pucks in the grounds bin, you just have to pull it out and dump it roughly every nine brew sessions.

At some point, I'll need to do a deep clean and a descale. But in several weeks of use, it has not come up yet. You do not have to guess when to do any of this maintenance, as the machine will let you know when to do it and offer guidance if you're not sure how to go about it.

Terra Kaffe TK-02 cappuccino — (Image credit: Karen Freeman / Future)

Performance score: 5/5

Should you buy the Terra Kaffe TK-02?

Terra Kaffe TK-02 score card
Attribute	Notes	Score
Value	It's expensive, but is it cheaper than your daily coffee shop runs?	4/5
Design	It's cleverly designed and looks sleek on your countertop.	4.5/5
Performance	There's no learning curve. Brewing amazing coffee and espresso drinks is so easy.	5/5

Buy it if

You want delicious coffee and espresso drinks

Both the coffee and espresso are just delicious. Drip coffee, iced coffee, espresso, Americano, latte, cappuccino, macchiato, flat white: all amazing. I have no notes.

You want to kick the daily coffee shop habit

I can't imagine wanting to pay for a drink in a shop when the Terra Kaffe TK-02 is at home. Other than buying your whole coffee beans of choice, you might not even go to the coffee shop anymore.

You want easy

It literally couldn't be easier to make coffee from whole beans. Touch a button or tell Alexa to make your drink of choice in seconds. It's no harder than a pod machine but offers so many more options and produces excellent results.

Don't buy it if

You don't have it in the budget

If you have an expensive coffee shop habit and do the math, you might find that the Terra Kaffe TK-02 pays for itself—eventually. But this machine is quite pricey, even if you do a monthly rental.

You don't have space

While the Terra Kaffe TK-02 fits quite nicely in my coffee nook, it's not a small machine by any means. If you have a smaller kitchen, you'll need to decide how much counter space you can give up.

Terra Kaffe TK-02: also consider

Jura J10

In a similar price range but slightly cheaper, the Jura J10 makes all the espresso drinks you'd expect. But its specialty is incorporating your favorite flavored syrups into your milk foam.

Read our full Jura J10 review

De'Longhi La Specialista Touch

Looking for something smaller and cheaper? A semi-automatic espresso machine like this one might be for you. It has a built-in frothing wand, coffee bean grinder, and touch screen. It makes nine different drinks with ease.

Read our full De'Longhi La Specialista Touch review

How I tested the Terra Kaffe TK-02

Over the course of two weeks, I brewed multiple variations of coffee, espresso, iced coffee, and Americanos. I also made espresso-based milk drinks such as latte, cappuccino, macchiato, and flat white using cold 2% dairy milk. I performed maintenance on the Terra Kaffe TK-02 as directed by the machine: emptying the drip tray, refilling the water, emptying the coffee grounds, and adding new coffee beans.

First reviewed September 2025

The Casabrews CM5418 is a small but mighty espresso machine for the casual coffee lover

6:00 pm | September 17, 2025

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

Casabrews CM5418: one-minute review

For many folks attempting to recreate the cafe experience at home, the absolute best of the best espresso machines just aren’t a practical choice.

Not only do luxury options come with a pretty crushing price tag, they also tend to be larger and offer fewer beginner-friendly modifications. Although, you could argue that this is by design; those who approach espresso as a deeply-involved hobby won’t mind trading off some extra counter space and time in exchange for perfectly dialled-in shots. Meanwhile, if your goal is a consistently pretty tasty output with very few bells and whistles, something like the Casabrews CM5418 really hits the mark.

At just $139.99 / £149.99, the CM5418 is a seriously budget-friendly espresso machine, even when compared to the rest of Casabrews’ already low-cost lineup. There are a few areas where cut corners feel like an obvious downgrade: mainly in the feel of the portafilter and the accessories the machine comes with. However, it performs consistently with the aid of its double-walled baskets, continually producing well-extracted espresso with noticeable crema that the majority of coffee enjoyers would be pleased with.

It may be worth investing in a couple of upgrades if you want to be able to pull espresso that wows, but in the meantime, you can enjoy perfectly pleasant americanos, lattes, and more from the CM5418 as is.

Casabrews CM5418: price and availability

List price: $139.99 / £149.99 (price varies depending on color variants)
Available in the US and UK
Discounts available on Casabrews' website

When it comes to espresso machines that are kind to your wallet, the price of the Casabrews CM5418 is close to as good as it gets.

In the US, you can purchase the Casabrews CM5418 for $139.99 at the Casabrews site and on Amazon. Though it’s worth noting that the MSRP for colored versions is a little higher, at $169.99. The Casabrews site has regular coupon codes and sales, so you may be able to score this machine for even cheaper.

Casabrews ships to the UK as well, but all the prices are listed in US dollars. Alternatively, you can pick up the CM5418 from Amazon UK. Unfortunately, the full color range isn’t available on Amazon UK, but this won’t be an issue if you had your heart set on a silver or black version.

Value score: 5/5

Casabrews CM5418: specifications

Type	Semi-automatic espresso machine
Drink options	2 (single and double espresso)
Pump pressure	20 bar
Water tank capacity	34oz / 1 liter
Steam wand	Yes, manual
Side (H x W x D)	12.28 x 5.47 x 11.97 inches / 31.19 x 13.89 x 30.14cm
Weight	8.6lb / 3.9kg

Casabrews CM5418: design

Small-scale, charming design
Available in seven colors
Cheap-feeling portafilter and disappointing accessories

The Casabrews CM5418 is a compact little espresso machine that’d be right at home in small kitchens, office spaces, or even on the road in a campervan. With it coming in at under six inches wide, you really shouldn’t have any difficulty finding a home for it, even in living areas that are tight on space. What’s more, it’s exceptionally light too. So even if you do decide to store in the cupboard between uses, you’ll only have to shift 8.6lbs in and out each time.

I’d prefer to keep my machine out of the counter though, and not just for convenience’s sake; the CM5418 actually looks rather cute. The pressure gauge on the front face is not only a very practical clue of how well your espresso is extracting but also adds some visual interest to a machine lacking a LCD screen. Though this is actually inline with my own preferences, to be honest: I found the four simple, tactile buttons on the CM5418 to be far more satisfying to use than the digital displays or touchscreens found on some expensive espresso machines.

If you fancy jazzing up your coffee station a bit, there’s a decently wide range of color options to choose from: silver, black, beige, sapphire blue, baby blue, pastel green, and pink. This is a win for anyone who’s a sucker for color coordination, but you will end up paying a $30 premium for any color other than silver. Such is the cost of beauty, I guess.

True to its lower price point, the CM5418’s build doesn’t feel composed of particular high-end materials. But, in my time testing it, I never found the slight compromise on component quality to be much of an issue. That is, with the exception of the machine’s 51mm portafilter.

Not only is the portafilter handle made from a hard plastic that really doesn’t feel especially pleasant in the hand, but the mechanism for securing the basket into it is a little unwieldy too. The standard method involves having a spring clip to maintain tension when the basket is pushed into the portafilter, but the CM5418 baskets have a notch that has to be threaded into a gap in the portafilter’s lip instead. As a result, the basket wobbles and clacks around noisily when the portafilter is moved, and it’s not difficult to disturb your puck preparation with this instability. I didn’t have any problems with the basket outright falling out of the portafilter during my tests, but it’s not hard to imagine that the looseness of the threads could occasionally lead to you accidentally sending your basket flying into your knock box.

The CM5418 comes with a one shot basket and a two shot basket, both of which are pressurized. Casabrews’ decision to not include a non-pressurized basket says a lot about how beginner-friendly this machine is supposed to be. Instead of relying on the resistance of water traveling through your coffee puck, the extra wall in a pressurized basket does the heavy lifting when it comes to regulating extraction pressure and creating the appearance of crema. As a result, less precision is needed for a consistent output and you can even get away with using preground coffee. However, the trade off is that you just won’t achieve the same peak in flavor.

If you do find that you’d prefer to use a non-pressurized basket with your CM5418, you’re in a bit of a pickle. Not only does the machine have a relatively uncommon grouphead size of 51mm but as mentioned before, the portafilter doesn’t use a spring clip. Not even on the Casabrews website is there an option to buy single-walled baskets that are compatible with the CM5418’s stock portafilter. So, if you want to make this change, you’ll have to purchase a whole new portafilter.

Even if you don’t opt for a single-walled upgrade, there are some accessories you’ll want to pick up that aren’t covered by what you get in-box. For example, the CM5418 doesn’t come with a stainless steel jug to steam your milk in. So, if you’re going to try your hand at lattes, that’s worth chucking in your basket. A plastic tamp-scoop is included that’s extremely lightweight, and the scoop end makes it difficult to position your hand for proper tamping. It’s fine in a pinch, but definitely not ideal. For the price, these are less ‘deal breakers’ and more annoying yet understandable cut corners.

Design score: 3.5/5

Casabrews CM5418: performance

Quick heat-up time and simple operation
Consistent espresso output
Impressive steam wand

As with most entry/mid level espresso machines, the CM5418’s water is heated using a thermoblock rather than a traditional boiler. The main benefit of a thermoblock heating system (other than cutting down cost) is just how speedy it makes the preheating process. As a matter of fact, the CM5418 is ready to go in about 40 seconds. While this isn’t quite as fast as the 5-second heat up time promised from the CM5418 Pro, it’s still far from anything that would disrupt your morning routine. After all, 40 seconds isn’t the kind of wait that would get in the way of your coffee-making flow; it's like the perfect amount of time to grab your favorite mug and weigh out your beans.

Thanks to the double-walled baskets, pulling a tasty shot of espresso with the CM5418 is a lot more foolproof than it would otherwise be. Of course, the beans you choose still matter – as does your grind size, extraction time, and dosage – but pressurized baskets help to crank the difficulty meter down a bit. You’re still aiming for that bullseye although the area of the bullseye is just that bit bigger. So, while I still dealt with some fussing adjusting my grind for the best extraction, it didn’t take too much effort to get to something tasty.

For the majority of my test shots, I used Mask of the Mire from Dark Arts Coffee. These beans yielded espresso which was nutty and sweet, if lacking in complexity just a bit. Though it’s not hard to imagine that my shots could fare better with some slight upgrades to the machine, what I had was consistently great for the basis of an americano or a milk drink …despite being a tad boring on its own.

Even right out of the box, the steam wand had a fluid range of motion that made it easy to position it at the right point in my milk jug. It’s operated by a knob on the side of the machine and responds quickly to activation, meaning you can get straight into aerating your milk without much fuss. Some other budget espresso machines like the (non Arte) DeLonghi Dedica have what’s called a panarello wand, which is best suited to making fluffy, dry cappuccino foam, but majorly falls down when it comes to creating microfoam. Meanwhile, the CM5418 has no trouble delivering velvety milk well suited to a flat white.

As mentioned before, the water (and subsequently, the steam) is heated with a thermoblock and while this makes the process faster, it does mean that pulling espresso and steaming milk can’t be done at the same time. Switching between modes takes mere seconds. So, this is really only a problem if you anticipate making multiple milk-based drinks in a row.

4.5/5

Should you buy the Casabrews CM5418?

Casabrews CM5418 score card
Attribute	Notes	Score
Value	Espresso machines don't get much more affordable than this.	5/5
Design	Small, charming design in a choice of colors, but accessories feel cheap.	3.5/5
Performance	Quick to heat up, easy to use, and more consistent than many of the budget espresso machines we;ve tested.	4.5/5

Buy it if

You’re looking for an espresso machine under $150

Putting together a coffee setup can get pricey really quick, and if you’re trying to keep costs low, it’s worth splurging most of your budget on a good grinder.

You tend to follow the same espresso recipe daily

The CM5418’s single-walled baskets and lack of temperature controls make it a little more difficult to finetune your recipe to get the very most out of a new bag of beans. If you’re a creature of habit who doesn’t experiment too much with their coffee, this shouldn’t be a problem.

You’re a fan of milk-based drinks

The CM5418 has a steam wand that does a superb job at whipping up steamed milk, foam, or microfoam. If you’re not the type to drink your espresso straight, this machine is a winner.

Don't buy it if

Your budget for an espresso machine is $250+

If you can afford to drop hundreds of dollars on an espresso machine, it’s worth considering more high-end options than the CM5418. It’s an impressive performer at its price range, but it would definitely get blown out of the water by luxury models.

You want a bean-to-cup machine

After you pick up a CM5418 (or any espresso machine for that matter), a great grinder should be the next thing on your shopping list. Though if you’d prefer to save yourself the hassle, you can always opt for a bean-to-cup machine instead.

Casabrews CM5418: also consider

If you’re unsure of whether the Casabrews CM5418 is the right espresso machine for you, it’s worth checking out these alternatives:

Breville / Sage Bambino

The Breville Bambino (or Sage Bambino, as it’s known in the UK) is a definite jump-up in price from the CM5418, but it’s still good value. This machine heats up lightning fast and is a good fit for those beginning their journey with coffee as a full-blown hobby.

Read our full Breville / Sage Bambino review

De'Longhi Dedica Style EC685

Our reigning champion in the arena of the best budget espresso machines, the DeLonghi Dedica Style EC685 is another fun-sized espresso machine that’s well-suited for beginners. It’s just a tad more expensive than the Casabrews CM5418 and less suited for producing microfoam, but it comes from a much more established brand (making upgrades and repairs an easier process).

Read our full De'Longhi Dedica Style EC685 review

How I tested the Casabrews CM5418

I tested the Casabrews CM5418 over a period of four weeks, using it regularly to make black and milk-based espresso drinks.

During my tests, I alternated between using light, dark, and omni-roasted fresh espresso beans bought from specialty coffee roasters. All beans were ground using the Baratza Encore ESP, with the grind size adjusted a number of times to achieve the optimal result.

The steam wand was tested with fresh, full-fat dairy milk, semi-skimmed milk, and oat milk. After each steam, I made sure to purge and clean the wand to keep it operational. For more details, see how we test, review, and rate products at TechRadar.

First reviewed September 2025

The Casabrews CM5418 is a small but mighty espresso machine for the casual coffee lover

6:00 pm |

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

Casabrews CM5418: one-minute review

For many folks attempting to recreate the cafe experience at home, the absolute best of the best espresso machines just aren’t a practical choice.

Casabrews CM5418: price and availability

List price: $139.99 / £149.99 (price varies depending on color variants)
Available in the US and UK
Discounts available on Casabrews' website

Value score: 5/5

Casabrews CM5418: specifications

Type	Semi-automatic espresso machine
Drink options	2 (single and double espresso)
Pump pressure	20 bar
Water tank capacity	34oz / 1 liter
Steam wand	Yes, manual
Side (H x W x D)	12.28 x 5.47 x 11.97 inches / 31.19 x 13.89 x 30.14cm
Weight	8.6lb / 3.9kg

Casabrews CM5418: design

Small-scale, charming design
Available in seven colors
Cheap-feeling portafilter and disappointing accessories

Design score: 3.5/5

Casabrews CM5418: performance

Quick heat-up time and simple operation
Consistent espresso output
Impressive steam wand

4.5/5

Should you buy the Casabrews CM5418?

Casabrews CM5418 score card
Attribute	Notes	Score
Value	Espresso machines don't get much more affordable than this.	5/5
Design	Small, charming design in a choice of colors, but accessories feel cheap.	3.5/5
Performance	Quick to heat up, easy to use, and more consistent than many of the budget espresso machines we;ve tested.	4.5/5

Buy it if

You’re looking for an espresso machine under $150

Putting together a coffee setup can get pricey really quick, and if you’re trying to keep costs low, it’s worth splurging most of your budget on a good grinder.

You tend to follow the same espresso recipe daily

You’re a fan of milk-based drinks

The CM5418 has a steam wand that does a superb job at whipping up steamed milk, foam, or microfoam. If you’re not the type to drink your espresso straight, this machine is a winner.

Don't buy it if

Your budget for an espresso machine is $250+

You want a bean-to-cup machine

Casabrews CM5418: also consider

If you’re unsure of whether the Casabrews CM5418 is the right espresso machine for you, it’s worth checking out these alternatives:

Breville / Sage Bambino

Read our full Breville / Sage Bambino review

De'Longhi Dedica Style EC685

Read our full De'Longhi Dedica Style EC685 review

How I tested the Casabrews CM5418

I tested the Casabrews CM5418 over a period of four weeks, using it regularly to make black and milk-based espresso drinks.

First reviewed September 2025

The Casabrews 3700 Essential is a budget-friendly entry to espresso, but it trips on one too many hurdles

1:20 pm |

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

Casabrews 3700 Essential: one-minute review

Casabrews hasn’t quite garnered the same brand recognition as names like De’Longhi or Breville. But given it was only founded in 2020, it’s natural we don’t see Casabrews machines dominating lists of the best espresso machines just yet.

It’s difficult to know what to expect from this relative new-kid-on-the-block, and in my experience testing Casabrews’ espresso machines so far, the brand’s line-up has been a real mixed bag. The 3700 Essential continues that legacy of leaving me conflicted. While it’s attractively designed, impressively compact, and delivers top-notch steamed milk; there’s just too little consistency when it comes to the espresso itself. Add to that a persistent problem of dripping and messes after pulling shots, and my feelings are totally split.

Casabrews 3700 Essential: price and availability

List price: $129.99 / £139.99
Available in the US and UK
Discounts available on Casabrews website

The Casabrews 3700 Essential is an affordable pick that’s undoubtedly on the lower end of budget espresso machines.

Those in the US can buy the Casabrews 3700 Essential at the Casabrews website or on Amazon, and regardless of where you choose to shop, it’ll usually set you back $139.99. That said, Casabrews frequently has discounts available on its range.

In the UK, you can still order from the Casabrews’ site though all prices are listed in dollars. Alternatively, you can pick it up from Amazon UK. However, your only color choices are silver and black, and the black variant costs $149.99.

Value score: 5/5

Casabrews 3700 Essential: specifications

Type	Semi-automatic espresso machine
Drink options	2 (single and double espresso)
Pump pressure	20 bar
Water tank capacity	43.9 oz / 1.24 liters
Steam wand	Yes, manual
Side (H x W x D)	12.5 x 5.7 x 12.6 inches / 31.75 x 14.48 x 32cm
Weight	10.25lbs / 4.65kg

Casabrews 3700 Essential: design

Suitable for tiny kitchens
Available in 5 colors (green, blue, silver, black, beige)
Some high quality details, some not so high quality

In many respects, the Casabrews 3700 Essential is basically a slightly cheaper twin of the Casabrews CM5418: they share the same portafilter size, almost the same dimensions, and have virtually identical functions. For the most part, all that sets them apart is a $10 price difference … and a pretty substantial disparity in performance (but we’ll get to that later).

The Casabrews 3700 Essential is an espresso machine that feels made to be space-savvy. A small footprint on a budget machine is almost always a great choice. After all, if you’re on the hunt for an espresso machine under $150 dollars you might be a student, someone trying to budget, or just not ready to dive headfirst into the world of espresso. No matter what your reason for opting for a low-cost machine, you likely don’t have tons of counter space, or don’t want to sacrifice it.

So, whether you have a cramped kitchen or want a caffeine fix in your office, the 3700 Essential fits the bill for a compact espresso machine, thanks to it coming in at less than six inches wide. It’s half an inch larger in the back than the CM5418 in the back though to accommodate a larger water tank though, which is a bit of a shame. To me, a larger tank is only ever really a bad thing, as it incentivises you going longer without changing your water – stagnant water isn’t ever a note you want to bring to your coffee.

Aside from the machine itself, you also get a one-shot pressurized basket, a two-shot pressurized basket, and a plastic tamp scoop. These accessories are pretty bare bones, but this is to be expected given the price. With the inclusion of two pressurized (or double-walled) baskets and no non-pressurized (or single-walled) baskets, the 3700 Essential should – in theory – deliver a more consistent output, even when using coffee that is too coarse or not freshly ground.

Design score: 4/5

Casabrews 3700 Essential: performance

Inconsistencies with espresso output
Beware of messes and drips
Steam wand performs ideally

None of the Casabrews machines I’ve tested so far have had a three-way solenoid valve to relieve pressure on the puck after extraction, but the CM3700 Essential appears to suffer the most from its absence. Post-pull dripping was a notable issue with it, even beyond the amount I had come to tolerate while using budget espresso machines. I also had issues with the puck appearing soupier than expected, and even experienced a nightmarish ‘portafilter sneeze’ which sent wet, gloopy grounds flying across my drip tray and work surface.

This is a minor annoyance in the grand scheme of things but it’s not difficult to find a similarly priced-machine that doesn’t suffer from these problems to the same degree. All of this meant that I had to remind myself to wait a little while after pulling a shot before removing (and cleaning) my portafilter to avoid having to drop sludge into my knock box. This is a deceptively simple request for someone like me, who’s likely to forget about it entirely, and find myself greeted by a gross crusty puck the next morning.

Thankfully, the side effects of excess portafilter pressure can be mitigated by getting properly accumulated to the rhythm of your machine. For the most part, you can avoid a big clean-up job once you figure out exactly when to stop your shot, when to remove your cup, how fine you can grind before your machine starts to ‘choke’, and when to safely and cleanly remove your portafilter. That knowledge comes with time and practice but I can’t help feeling like other machines I’ve tested took far less getting accustomed to.

The slightly messy fuss of the CM3700 Essential might feel worth it if I was consistently pleased with the espresso that came out of it. While I had high hopes based on my first shot, performance proved to be variable in the long run.

I had some difficulty getting a confident, clean tamp on my puck as the tamp scoop was light, awkward to wield, and ever so slightly smaller than for my basket. This meant I had to perform multiple tamping motions while shifting the tamp around the puck in order to flatten the full surface area. Obviously, this wasn’t ideal and I could see the puck getting slightly cracked with each new push, but I worked to get the best preparation I could despite my struggles.

Besides, pressurized baskets are designed to compensate for imperfect grind size or technique, essentially forcing a thicker crema and “pretty good” extraction even with suboptimal coffee and puck prep. That’s why so many entry-level machines include them. Thankfully, the pressurized basket had created a pleasant-looking layer of crema which—while not technically a sign of well-extracted espresso in this case– certainly looked the part. The taste was solid too: it had managed to produce something quite flavorful and pleasant to drink black, as is.

However, from that point on, espresso shots from the 3700 Essential proved to be more of a gamble. To be clear, I wasn’t expecting a $129 espresso machine to rival a top of the line model, but even by budget standards the fluctuations felt a tad extreme. I compared it directly with the Casabrews CM5418 (again, the 3700 Essential can’t escape the shadow of its more capable brother), and it produced more balanced results with the same beans and recipe. The 3700 Essential just doesn’t inspire confidence that I could get the same cup twice in a row, which is all you can really ask of your machine.

It’s not all doom and gloom though. My tinge of disappointment was softened by how well the machine handles steaming milk. Despite being a compact and inexpensive machine, the 3700 Essential delivers the kind of steam pressure and precision you need to produce silky microfoam, as well as airy cappuccino froth.

The steam wand is controlled by a knob on the side of the machine, and while it’s a small detail, I did appreciate the silicone grip around its perimeter. Not only does it feel more comfortable in my hand than steel or plastic but it offers better traction when turning, which is helpful for maintaining control while steaming. The last thing you’d want is to fumble when trying to turn the knob and end up burning your milk.

Performance score: 2.5/5

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Should you buy the Casabrews 3700 Essential?

Casabrews 3700 Essential score card
Attribute	Notes	Score
Value	Affordable coffee machine that's definitely at the budget end of the market.	5/5
Design	Very compact machine, but accessories are very bare-bones.	4/5
Performance	Inconsistencies with espresso output, and messy drips, though steam wand works well.	2.5/5

Buy it if

You’re on a budget

There are few espresso machines that are quite so kind to your wallet as the Casabrews 3700 Essential. Even when compared to Casabrews’ already economical range, the 3700 Essential has the second lowest price tag out of any of the brand’s other machines.

You enjoy your coffee with flavored syrups

While testing it, I found that not every shot from the Casabrews 3700 Essential was a winner. However, even slightly ‘meh’ espresso can serve as a good base for flavored lattes. If espresso isn’t the star of the show in your favorite beverages, this machine should serve you just fine.

You’re big into milk-based drinks

If you’re looking for a machine with a steam wand that’ll let you make cappuccino foam or microfoam, the 3700 Essential has you covered. Its steam wand is comfortable to use and easy to get the hang of.

Don't buy it if

You’re a lover of espresso or black coffee

In my testing, the Casabrews 3700 Essential produced decent shots, but that quality wavered quite a bit. The output was never so bad as to be a total dealbreaker, but you’re not guaranteed the same drink every morning, no matter how closely you adhere to your usual technique.

You’re planning on getting into coffee as a hobby

A lot of the frustrations presented by the Casabrews 3700 Essential is likely to put you off the ritual of making your own espresso. What’s more, you’ll probably want to upgrade to another machine after a short while.

Casabrews 3700 Essential: also consider

If you're not sure that the Casabrews 3700 Essential is the right coffee maker for you, here are two alternatives to consider.

Breville / Sage Bambino

One of the most commonly-recommended espresso machines for beginners is the Breville Bambino (or Sage Bambino, as it’s called in the UK), and that’s for good reason. While the Bambino is certainly a rung above the Casabrews 3700 Essential in terms of price, it's likely to deliver a more satisfying intro into the world of espresso.

Read our full Breville / Sage Bambino review

Casabrews CM5418

As mentioned previously, the Casabrews CM5418 and the Casabrews 3700 Essential have a whole lot in common. The former is ever so slightly more expensive, but that extra cost is more than worth it given the upgrade in performance.

How I tested the Casabrews 3700 Essential

I tested the Casabrews 3700 Essential over a period of three weeks. During this time, I used it to brew espresso and steam milk.

Across my testing, I used light, dark, and omni-roasted fresh espresso beans bought from specialty coffee roasters. I adjusted my dose and grind size in pursuit of the best recipe for each variety. All beans were ground with the Baratza Encore ESP.

Steam wand functionality was tested by using fresh, full-fat dairy milk, semi-skimmed milk, and oat milk. After each steam, I made sure to purge and clean the wand to keep it clean and functional. For more details, see how we test, review, and rate products at TechRadar.

First reviewed September 2025

Using La Pavoni’s Europiccola lever espresso machine is a labor of love, but the steep learning curve made me a better at-home barista

5:00 pm | September 15, 2025

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

La Pavoni Europiccola: one-minute review

Few coffee makers have caught my attention quite like La Pavoni and its range of manual espresso makers, which feature a lever-operated piston that generates the pressure required to brew delicious espresso shots. Little did I know when I signed up to review one of its machines that I was lining myself up for a months-long quest to manual mastery.

We write about a lot of very accessible coffee makers here at TechRadar, from some of the best espresso machines to the best bean-to-cup models, but La Pavoni machines sit in an entirely different arena.

I’ve had the La Pavoni Europiccola Lusso for over six months, spending much of my time experimenting with different beans, various pressure levels, treated water, as well as generally learning the machine’s temperament. I’m not simply anthropomorphising the machine for effect when I talk about its temperament, either. While I don’t have children, I’d wager learning to wrangle a La Pavoni machine is as close to parenthood as you can get with a coffee maker, and just as rewarding when you get it right.

That, or you could compare it to a workout machine; you’ll need a strong arm to pull your daily dose with this coffee maker, since the results are best when highly pressurized. Unlike a workout machine, though, it comes with limited instructions. In particular, when you’re using a basic model such as the Europiccolla Lusso, which comes without any helpful features such as a pressure gauge, things can be pretty trial and error.

I toyed with a slightly higher score of 4.5 stars for La Pavoni’s classic lever machine, but its steep learning curve, middling milk frothing and some small inconveniences owing to the all-metal design set it back a half-star. However, for a real coffee enthusiast, a higher score is more than justified.

Coffee lovers with a real appreciation for the craft and science of coffee extraction will surely appreciate the hard-earned results, but also its sleek, art deco design, which makes it a fantastic centerpiece for any javaphile’s kitchen. It isn’t for the faint of heart, nor are the often rocket-fuel strength results, but for those wanting the supreme manual experience, look no further.

La Pavoni Europiccola: price and availability

Price: €699,00 (roughly $800 / £600)
Available directly from La Pavoni, or third-party retailers such as Amazon.

La Pavoni’s Europiccola Lusso is the simplest lever coffee machine made by the Italian brand, starting at €699,00 (roughly $800 / £600). It’s very basic, and lacks useful features (a pressure gauge and temperature indicator, for example, which is actually rather problematic while you’re learning), as well as some of the neat design accents that feature on the pricier models in the range. Fundamentally, though, it’s all the same machine.

Compared to its biggest competition, La Pavoni is in the mid-range of lever coffee makers. New brands, such as Flair, have emerged in recent years to capture some of the entry-level market, while more premium brands, like the Olympia Cremina, round out the top end. Nevertheless, with a long history in the game La Pavoni is a safe bet and offers pretty great value for money, especially if you back yourself to learn the ropes without the assistance of pressure and temperature gauges.

However, I must say I was very disappointed by the accessories included; in particular, the measuring spoon and tamper. Aside from being cheaply made, the included tamp gets stuck in the portafilter, which feels antithetical to the premium build quality in every way. It also includes two basket sizes for the filter holder.

Value score: 4/5

La Pavoni Europiccola: specifications

Name	La Pavoni Europiccola
Type	Lever coffee machine
Dimensions	12.6 x 7.87 x 11.42 inches / 20cm x 29cm x 32cm
Weight	5.5kg
Water reservoir capacity	0.8L
Steam wand	Manual
Max pressure	1 bar
User profiles	N/A

La Pavoni Europiccola: design

Beautifully designed manual machine
Robust and well-made
Lacks hellpful bells and whistles

La Pavoni’s lever coffee machines are, at least in my opinion, the most beautiful, elegant manual coffee makers you can buy – and it’s not just because the lever gives them an iconic look.

Lustrously chromed and robustly built, there’s little to critique when it comes to the design itself. The Lusso is fairly slim, especially compared to many espresso machines, at 12.6 x 7.87 x 11.42 inches / 20cm x 29cm x 32cm (w x d x h), and is fairly lightweight at 5.5kg, owing to its mostly steel and brass materials. The accents are – as standard – plastic, but you can opt to glow-up your La Pavoni with walnut wood handles and lids, which you can buy separately.

You can’t remove the boiler, which is inconvenient if you have leftover water in the tank that needs emptying after a brew. To the left of the base you’ll find the boiler power controls, and on the rear, the power supply cable.

The main body of the machine is its 0.8L boiler, which can make up to eight espresso shots in one sitting and features a screw-top lid. To the left of the boiler is the water level, and to the right are its safety valve and steam pipe. Mounted on the front of the boiler is the grouphead and the all-important lever controls.

One slightly puzzling inclusion, especially given frequent feedback from stalwart La Pavoni fans, is the dual-spout portafilter. A bottomless portafilter might have made more sense, especially given that it’s rare for espresso to pour evenly between the two spouts and you’ll generally need to pull the lever again for your second shot, anyway.

As mentioned above, the included tamper is also a rogue choice to accompany this machine, and not least because mine didn’t even appear to be the right size, getting stuck in the portafilter. I replaced it quickly with a basic 51mm alternative I found on Amazon – note that if you’re reading this as a prospective buyer of a second-hand model from before 2001, you’ll need a 49mm tamper.

The machine can also getvery hot to the touch, owing to its metallic build. The boiler is entirely exposed to the open air, and the heat quickly conducts to the grouphead; this means it’s less-than-ideal for households with children. You’ll also need to let it cool before refilling the boiler for your next batch, and given that it takes up to 10 minutes to heat, you could be in for a long morning if you’re serving more than two rounds.

Design score: 4.5 / 5

La Pavoni Europiccola: performance

Heats up slowly, and very hot to the touch
Steep learning curve...
... but mastering it leads to great results
A little tricky to keep clean

Simple as it may sound, operating a lever coffee machine such as La Pavoni is hardly intuitive – and it doesn’t arrive with a wealth of information to help you learn the ropes. Among online communities, there are ample tips and tricks – which will vary slightly depending on the beans you’re using – that broadly help to make the machine more accessible. Really, though, this hyper-manual coffee maker requires you to understand the mechanics of what’s actually happening in every step of the extraction process, rather than relying on the device to guide you.

As with any machine, your bean choice is key, but the tactile experience of lever-pulling makes it all the more apparent that your prep work is crucial. Oily beans must be coarsely ground, but they offer excellent results, while medium and lighter roasts should be ground more finely and dosed higher. I found that around 14g worked well for the former, but up to 19g is necessary for lighter roasts.

In terms of pulling your shots, what I personally found worked best for my taste is the following process: fill and heat your boiler (you’ll know it’s done when the indicator light turns off), and then release the false pressure. Insert your portafilter and pre-infuse the coffee by lifting the handle just enough to hear the hiss as water enters the grouphead.

Allow it to warm through and build a little pressure above the puck, and then finish lifting the handle; if coffee is already running freely at this point, you likely need a finer grind, or to better tamp your coffee to allow that crucial final pressure chamber to develop above the puck. A few small drops should start to come through, though, and that’s how you know pre-infusion is complete and it’s time for the fun part – pulling the lever!

Slowly pull down the lever, maintaining as constant a pace as possible – even while pushing through the resistance – until the lever returns to its neutral position; the pull should take about 25 seconds all in all. Once you’re done, release the rest of the pressure using the valve and remove the top, which can be a little stiff after use. If you want to refill your portafilter and continue using the machine, it’s important to let the pressure dissipate first, lest you experience the unfortunate portafilter “sneeze”, where hot grounds catapult across your kitchen. I usually use the time to either grind more beans, foam my milk or wistfully admire the beautiful coffee machine in all its glory.

It sounds simple, but all the way through, you’ll be reacting in real-time to the feeling and responses from your La Pavoni – and that’s the real art of it. Once you’ve mastered it, though, the espresso shots are worth the effort. Rich in flavor and topped in a satisfying copper-hued crema, you can understand why La Pavoni has earned its fame.

The steam wand is adequate for milk frothing; however, as per the rest of the machine, you’ll have to adapt to its specific needs. La Pavoni doesn’t supply a milk jug, so invest in one of those, too. Ensure there’s enough water in the boiler (the machine can rinse through a fair amount while steaming) before fully opening the steam valve, placing the head of the wand just beneath the surface of the milk and steaming for roughly 15-30 seconds. In my experience, milk alternatives such as oat or coconut milk aren’t great, but cold milk works fine.

Regular cleaning of your La Pavoni isn’t too onerous. The drip tray is easily removed, albeit a little sharp if you need to take the metal plate out for a deeper clean. It’s made of stainless steel, so as long as you’re not grubbying it up with dirty fingerprints constantly, it’s easily kept. However, you’ll need to upend the machine to empty out any remaining water you’d rather not leave stagnating inside, and advice on longer-term maintenance is scant online. You should descale the machine (there’s no La Pavoni-specific solution for this) four to five times per year with baking soda or white vinegar.

Performance score: 4/5

Should you buy the La Pavoni Europiccola

Casabrews 5418 Pro score card
Attribute	Notes	Score
Value	Quite pricey, given it's manual, but in line with other similar lever machines	4/5
Design	Gorgeous and effective, but impractical in places, and lacking some helpful bells and whistles.	4.5/5
Performance	Long hard road to good results, but worth it once you reach the summit.	4/5

Buy it if

You’re a big-time coffee enthusiast

My partner is a huge coffee nerd, and watching him dote on the La Pavoni Lusso has honestly made me a little jealous at times. However, the science and craft of it all is naturally appealing to those with a passion for it, and will delight coffee lovers endlessly.

You want a design-first machine

I don’t think I’ve ever loved how a coffee maker looks until I laid eyes on the La Pavoni, even more so with the classy accessories such as the wooden handles on my review unit.

You love a strong, rich espresso

Once you’ve cracked the code and learned how the machine works, the results from La Pavoni are fantastic – but prepare for slightly stronger coffee than you might be used to. View Deal

Don't buy it if

You want something quick and easy

I really hope this one is self-explanatory after reading the review; using the La Pavoni is hard graft.

You want to make big batches of coffee

The 8-cup boiler on the model I tested is great in theory, but there’s a fair amount of depressurizing and fiddling that would make running the machine four times consecutively with a double basket portafilter a bit of a pain.

La Pavoni Europiccola: also consider

If you're not sure whether the La Pavoni Europiccola is the right coffee machine for you, here are two alternatives to consider.

Breville / Sage Bambino

Around the same list price as the Casabrews 5418 Pro, the Bambino (branded as Sage in the US and Breville in the rest of the world) is a reliable little espresso machine that's stood the test of time, and is regularly recommended as a good option for beginners.

Read our full Sage Bambino review

De'Longhi Dedica Style

Even more affordable, the Dedica Style is a reliable performer that's compact and simple to use. It tends to drip after brewing, much like the 5418 Pro, but stopping the pump early will prevent you pouring too much espresso.

Read our full De'Longhi Dedica Style review

How I tested the La Pavoni Europiccola

I spent six months with the La Pavoni Europiccola Lusso, which is the longest and most extensive testing I’ve ever done on a coffee machine. During that time, I learned the ins and outs of the machine and its best practices, tried a wide range of bean types and milk types, and pulled everything from a quick espresso shot to an eight-person batch.

I tested the machine in my home, navigating issues such as space and storage as well as cleaning and maintenance, just like a prospective customer would, and compared the results to my previous coffee-maker testing experience and against results using other types of coffee makers in my home.

I’ve been testing small appliances, including coffee machines, for three years, and I’ve been testing tech more broadly for five years. In that time, I’ve developed a good sense of what makes a great product.

First tested September 2025

My favorite smart lamp now doubles as a speaker with JBL sound – here’s how it performs

2:59 pm |

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

Govee Table Lamp 2 Pro x Sound by JBL review

The Govee Table Lamp 2 Pro x Sound by JBL is a smart lamp and Bluetooth speaker combo that enables you to switch up the vibe in moments.

Available to purchase directly from the Govee website or at Amazon, the Govee Table Lamp 2 Pro x Sound by JBL has a list price of $179.99 / £169.99. While the price is certainly on the steep side, if you’re already a big Govee fan and want to save space by incorporating a speaker into your smart light setup, this would be a good way to go about it.

Having said that, the Govee Table Lamp 2 Pro x Sound by JBL already been subject to a $20 / £20 discount in the Govee Fall sale, which sweetens the deal a little. That's despite the fact that it has only been available in the US for around 11 weeks, and less than a week in the UK, at the time of writing.

The Govee Table Lamp 2 Pro x Sound by JBL is emitting a warm white light. — (Image credit: Future)

Being so used to the Govee Table Lamp 2, which I happen to have two of, the Govee Table Lamp 2 Pro x Sound by JBL looks a little on the chonky side. This is understandable, considering it’s packing a speaker and a 5,200mAh rechargeable battery, which can provide up to four and a half hours of playback if the volume and brightness are set to fifty percent.

There’s a notable difference between the US and UK models when it comes to the power cable. The connector is set at a 90-degree angle in both cases, as the power port is located on the bottom of the lamp, but the US uses a small DC connector, and the UK uses USB-C.

More importantly, the cable for the US model is moulded to a US plug, so you can just plug and play; but in the UK, a USB-C cable is all that’s included, so I needed to source an adapter with a minimum of 35W for it to run efficiently. The first adapter I had to hand turned out to be too low-powered, and the lamp was clearly unimpressed.

A view of the DC connector and power cable of the American model of the Govee Table Lamp 2 Pro x Sound by JBL. — (Image credit: Future)

Getting the Govee Table Lamp 2 Pro x Sound by JBL synced with the app and with the WiFi networks in the office and at home was a quick and simple process. There are two separate Bluetooth connections, one for the lamp itself and one for the speaker. I found this a little inconvenient at times, as it seemed I needed to reconnect the speaker in my phone’s Bluetooth settings whenever I’d been out of the room. But overall, it makes sense that it’s set up this way, as one may want to listen to music on their headphones while still enjoying the features of the lamp.

A close-up of the speaker and controls on the top of the Govee Table Lamp 2 Pro x Sound by JBL. — (Image credit: Future)

There are two elements of the Govee Table Lamp 2 Pro x Sound by JBL’s design that provide eye-catching lighting effects. These are the main body of the lamp, as you’d expect, but also the base, thanks to its clever reflective design. Both elements can be used independently or together, so you can have your lighting effects as stand-out or as subtle as you’d like.

The control panel on the top of the Govee Table Lamp 2 Pro x Sound by JBL was simple to use, with a push power button and four touch buttons for the speakers' volume controls, playing and pausing, and a button for cycling through nine customizable presets.

A close-up of the base of the Govee Table Lamp 2 Pro x Sound by JBL, which is reflecting the purple lights from above. — (Image credit: Future)

My favorite way to control the Govee Table Lamp 2 Pro x Sound by JBL – and all the Govee products I’ve tested, actually – is by taking advantage of the voice control via my Echo Dot (5th Gen) or hopping onto the feature-packed Govee Home app.

If you’ve already read some of my other product reviews, such as the highly rated Govee Neon Rope Light 2, you’ll already have some idea of how fond I am of the Govee Home app.

Along with the run-of-the-mill power, brightness, and volume controls, it also boasts over 100 preset scenes, with themes ranging from the ocean to the universe. The Govee Home app offers opportunities to get creative with lighting effects, too, with a finger sketch feature that allows you to decorate the canvas with random colors or drawings before choosing a motion setting and speed, as well as an AI effect generator.

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The Govee Table Lamp 2 Pro x Sound by JBL is lit up dark blue with multi-colored patches. — (Image credit: Future)

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The Govee Table Lamp 2 Pro x Sound by JBL is displaying a diagonal rainbow effect. — (Image credit: Future)

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The Govee Table Lamp 2 Pro x Sound by JBL is displaying and gradient of green and yellow. — (Image credit: Future)

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The Govee Table Lamp 2 Pro x Sound by JBL shows a colorful jellyfish scene. — (Image credit: Future)

One small niggle I have stems from the preset audio that plays by default when some of the scenes are selected. I found some of them to be somewhat irritating, especially if they caught me by surprise when cycling through the default presets using the onboard controls. Fortunately, they can be disabled in the app, but only one at a time, so I had to go through and turn them off for all of my favorite scenes that were afflicted.

The Govee Table Lamp 2 Pro x Sound by JBL is shown in a dark room and is showing a pink and purple sunset effect. — (Image credit: Future)

The audio quality was as I expected from a JBL speaker, by which I mean it was a solid performer. The treble sounds clean, and I could hear a good level of definition in the high-pitched percussion in the background of Sunny Days by Kolter. The bass lacks some impact, but it still has a good weight to it and isn’t bad going, considering the price. Unless you happen to be an audiophile, you’ll probably be perfectly happy with the audio quality on offer here.

The Dynamic Music feature added some fun when listening to music, especially the Gridding and Ripple effects, and was enjoyed by everyone in my office. I did notice they can struggle to hit the right notes if the track has a lot of different elements, but it’s nonetheless a fun dynamic effect, especially when paired with bass-heavy tracks.

A woman is pressing one of the touch buttons on the top of the Govee Table Lamp 2 Pro x Sound by JBL. — (Image credit: Future)

Overall, the Govee Table Lamp 2 Pro x Sound by JBL offers eye-catching and day-brightening lighting effects and a satisfying-sounding speaker for the price. So, if you love the look of the Govee Table Lamp 2 and want a solid speaker to listen to tunes, podcasts, or audiobooks, then you’ll be happy wth the Govee Table Lamp 2 Pro x Sound by JBL.

If you’re in the mood to check out more ambience-altering lighting, then why not take a look at our pick of the best smart lights?

Govee Table Lamp 2 Pro x Sound by JBL review: Price and specs

Price	$179.99 / £169.99
Model	H6020
Colors	Lamp Body: RGBICWW, Base: RGBIC
Lumens	600
Dimensions	6.1 x 6.1 x 10.1 inches / 18.9 x 18.9 x 34cm
Connectivity	2.4GHz Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
App	Yes
Control methods	Alexa, Google Home, Matter, IFTTT, Apple Watch, Razer
Speaker	Sound by JBL 2.5-inch 500cc full-range speaker
Additional features	Rechargeable battery

Should I buy the Govee Table Lamp 2 Pro x Sound by JBL?

Buy it if...

You want a fun and feature-packed smart light
Thanks to its rechargeable battery, voice control, and the many eye-catching preset scenes and customizable lighting effects, there’s a lot to appreciate here.

You want a smart light and Bluetooth speaker in one
The combination of pretty lighting effects and satisfying audio makes this a versatile smart lamp, whether you have it at your bedside or in your living space.

Don't buy it if...

You don’t want to be interrupted by random audio
The default sounds linked to some of the preset scenes may prove a little irritating.

You want a subtle smart lamp
Whether it’s lit up in bright colors or being used as a reading light, the built-in speaker makes this a pretty hefty smart lamp.

Govee Table Lamp 2 Pro x Sound by JBL review: Also consider

Govee Table Lamp 2
If you’re more interested in the smart lighting effects than the audio element of the Table Lamp 2 Pro, then I recommend checking out the previous model. With most of the same features, including a bucket load of preset scenes, customization, and voice control via smart home hubs, the Govee Table Lamp 2 has a lot to offer. Plus, its list price is $100 / £100 cheaper. For more details, and to learn why I awarded it 4.5 stars, check out my full Govee Table Lamp 2 review.

How I tested the Govee Table Lamp 2 Pro x Sound by JBL

I tested the Govee Table Lamp 2 Pro x Sound by JBL for a couple of weeks
I tested the different features and customizable settings
I observed its performance as a smart light and as a speaker

I used the Govee Table Lamp 2 Pro x Sound by JBL on my desk and next to my bed for a couple of weeks.

I followed the setup process on the Govee Home app and explored its features, testing how different scenes looked, and used the creative features to create my own.

I tested the audio quality by listening to different genres of music and bumping up the volume to assess the output at higher levels.

First reviewed: September 2025
Read more about how we test

I’ve used the Dreame U20 for months and it still surprises me how well this affordable cordless vacuum cleans pet hair

8:20 am | September 9, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Home Small Appliances Vacuums | Tags: Australia, LED, UK, US | Comments: Off

Dreame U20 cordless vacuum: two-minute review

Hailing from parent company, Xiaomi, Dreame is fast becoming a popular sub-brand with an extensive product lineup. Ranging from wet-dry vacuums, air purifiers, robot vacuums (including a robot lawnmower), cordless stick vacuums and hair dryers, Dreame has it all, and across different budgets, too.

While its high-end robovacs are items to dream about (pun intended), as you can see in our Dreame X50 Ultra review, I’m in love with a much cheaper product that helps me clean up after my pets. The affordable Dreame U20 has become my lifesaver, combining Dyson-like tech with the signature Dreame style. It’s a versatile and lightweight cordless vacuum that delivers great performance for an exceptionally low cost, as it’s very frequently discounted.

Its color scheme belies its budget price point – available in a gorgeous gold and beige colourway, the Dreame U20 looks far more premium than its $249.99 / £250 / AU$399.99 price point suggests.

What I found even more impressive is its suction. For the price, its 120AW power isn’t bad at all, which isn’t too far off the Shark Cordless Detect Pro’s 123AW of suction, and yet it was more than enough to clean my pup’s fur off my sofa and carpets well. Needless to say, it handles hard floors very easily, making it a candidate for being one of the best cordless vacuum cleaners.

It comes with the standard attachments, including a multi-surface brush head with LED blue lights to illuminate dark areas, a mini motorized brush for cleaning upholstery, a crevice tool and a removable battery that's rated for up to 60 minutes.

Realistically, though, you'll get no more 37-40 minutes when using the two motorized attachments on the lowest suction, but that's fine for smaller homes – I can easily vacuum my living area, two bedrooms and two bathrooms within that time. However, if you mostly have carpets, I found it can take longer to get it clean as you may need to go back and forth a few times, thus consuming more battery. The only battery indicator on the U20 is a tiny light on the end cap, which is hard to see while in use, and it blinks when it’s running low. There’s also no quick charging here, and the vacuum can take up to 3.5 hours to fully recharge.

The only other downside to this otherwise great buy is that the dustbin capacity is only 0.5L, meaning you might need to empty it frequently if you have a large home with pets. If you don't need any more bells and whistles, the Dreame U20 is easy to recommend as a top-notch budget cordless vacuum cleaner.

Dreame U20 vacuuming with blue light — (Image credit: TechRadar)

Dreame U20 review: price & availability

List price: $249.99 / £250 / AU$399
Availability: Sold in the US, UK and Australia at third-party retailers

The Dreame U20 can be picked up in the US at Target for a list price of $249.99. It’s also available on Instacart, with supplies stocked at Costco and other smaller retailers. It is currently not available on Dreame's US store.

In the UK, the list price is £250, and you can pick it up from Amazon UK or Curry's, but again, the vacuum is currently unavailable at the brand's UK store.

For customers living in Australia, Amazon AU lists it for AU$399.99, but it's typically discounted to AU$199.99. Even in Australia, the U20 isn't available on the Dreame website.

The Dreame website lists 27 countries where its devices are available, including the U20. If you're having trouble finding the product, check their website to see if it's available where you live.

Even at full price, the Dreame U20 represents superb value for money, particularly if you can find it at a discounted price. Admittedly it's a very basic model, so if you want a touch more suction, Dreame has other mid-range models, with the Dreame R20 review scoring very well for balancing price and performance.

Value for money score: 5 out of 5

Dreame U20 review: specs

Type:	Cordless stick vacuum
Bagless:	Yes
Weight:	7.27 lbs / 3.3kg
Bin size:	0.5 liters / 500ml
Max runtime:	60 mins
Charge time:	3.5 hours
Tools:	Multi-surface brush head, motorized mini brush head, wide combination crevice tool and extension rod
Power:	120AW

Dreame U20 review: design

Compact cordless stick vacuum in a lovely color scheme
Five attachments, including LED multi-surface brush, mini motorized brush and combination tool
Can be used as a stick vacuum or a small handheld vacuum

I’m new to the world of vacuum testing, with just one other for sister site Tom’s Guide under my belt. Needless to say, the Dreame U20 has been quite the dream, especially when it came to design. For me, the gold and beige colorway was a winner, a stray away from the typical grey or black of other competitors. It lends the affordable vacuum a classy look.

Other than that, the Dreame U20 has a stock-standard design which allows it to become a handheld unit quickly for cleaning cars, sofas, mattresses and, hey, even dog beds. To pair with the handheld unit, there’s a motorized mini brush in the box that would be handy for said dog bed and the sofa. It could even be used on carpeted stairs.

Dreame U20 attachments in lifestyle — (Image credit: TechRadar)

It has a trigger, like most Dyson models, but you don’t need to keep this pressed at all times to run the machine – you just need to click it on and off. There’s just one other control button on the motor’s end cap to change suction modes and that should be easy to reach for most users with the thumb when holding the U20.

The main floor-cleaning attachment is called the Multi-Surface Brush, which features LED blue lights that help illuminate the floor in front of the brush head but don’t highlight miniscule dust particles like Dyson’s Fluffy tool does. And that’s OK because it still helps you see in dark areas – for example, I was able to see scattered kitty litter in an unlit bathroom.

The other attachment in the box is a combination crevice tool, but a wall-mount kit also ships with the vacuum in case you want to stow it away in a convenient place without compromising floor space.

Weighing 3.3kg / 7.27lbs, the Dreame U20 isn't exactly lightweight (in comparison, the Shark Cordless Detect Pro weighs 2.7kg / 5.9lbs), but it's still very easy to push around. It measures 16cm x 30cm x 68cm with the extension rod attached.

Dreame U20 speed modes — (Image credit: TechRadar)

The 120AW motor is capable of running at three different speed modes, indicated by three lights on the end cap of the motor. You can switch between the speed settings (low, medium and high) by tapping the button directly below the lights and switching it on by using the trigger. For most cleans, I found I tended to flick between medium and high, especially when cleaning carpets.

According to Dreame, the U20 motor has a multi-layer filtration system that captures up to 99.9% of fine dust and particles. Its HEPA filter also keeps debris out of the air and inside the bin while vacuuming, which is pretty standard for any cordless vacuum cleaner these days.

For its price point, the 0.5L bin is quite standard, but it'll likely fill up fast if you have, say, a two-bedroom or larger home with pets, meaning you'll need to make more trips to empty it. The bin has a handy sticker on the front (which I did refer back to many times) that indicates how to insert or remove it to empty, and its as simple as pushing the button on the base and twisting the canister clockwise. After detaching, all you have to do is unscrew the filter from the container to remove the debris – finer dust or crumbs fall out easily, but you may need to get your fingers inside to remove clumps of hair from the bin.

Dreame U20 attachments — (Image credit: TechRadar)

The detachable battery pack could be handy for some users as you can clip it into the wall-mount attachment and begin charging it while you’re emptying the vacuum for example. However, if you’re a renter who can't drill holes into your wall – like me – you can leave the battery attached to the U20 and keep the vacuum propped up against a wall or in a cupboard for topping up.

It lacks an LCD screen to show suction modes or time remaining before the next charge. Instead, the battery life is displayed by a small vertical light on the pack itself, which flashes when it needs charging. It's unfortunate that it faces forward, so it’s not visible to the user, and neither is it a very noticeable light – and this is my biggest complaint with the Dreame U20 as there were a few instances where the machine shut down mid-clean during my testing.

Dreame U20 on dog bed — (Image credit: TechRadar)

The U20’s multi-surface brush head is quite similar to many floor-cleaning attachments from other brands, but it features blue LED lights on the front that illuminate two small triangular sections of the floor immediately in front of the brush head. While it looks similar to Dyson’s green dust-illuminating light on the Fluffy Optic, this blue light doesn’t highlight invisible dust on the floor, but I found it’s bright and vivid enough to help walk around in a dark room without bumping into things. Case in point: it perfectly showed scattered kitty litter in an unlit bathroom that was, at the time, pitch dark.

The brush also has V-shaped bristles with comb-like teeth – in my experience, this not only prevents tangles effectively, but can pick up human hair and pet fur from low-pile carpets just as well.

This brush head is quite flexible, rotating 90º around chair legs and furniture. It’s also not as large as you’d find on other (more expensive) vacuum cleaners and I found it can get into corners, which is particularly helpful in my pet hair-filled home.

My favorite attachment, however, is the motorized mini brush, which clips in just under the bin for handheld use. It’s just right for sucking up fur from my couch and cushions – it’s both maneuvrable and anti-tangle.

If it wasn’t for the missing display to check battery life, I’d say that Dreame would deserve top marks for the U20’s design.

Design score: 4 out of 5

Dreame U20 review: performance

Excellent maneuverability
Impressive performance on hard floors and low-pile carpets
Lower suction than competitors but still tackles pet hair well

I've spent a few months with the Dreame U20 (as of publishing this review) and I still can’t get over how impressive its maneuverability is. The 90º rotating main brush head makes it very easy to clean around chair legs and furniture and I had no trouble handling the 3.3kg / 7.2lbs vacuum. That said, if you are using the extension tube to clean ceiling corners, the U20 could begin to feel heavy for some users quickly.

The controls are well placed, which are as simple as pushing the end cap button to select the speed and hitting the trigger underneath. And as I’ve mentioned previously, there’s no need to keep the latter depressed continuously for power like a Dyson.

Speaking of power: sure, we could ask for higher suction than its 120AW, but given its price point, it’s hard to argue with what it has. If you do need better performance, you could consider the Dreame R20 (if it’s available where you live), but I found the U20 does an admirable job nonetheless. It can struggle on some carpets as you will need to go over a particular spot multiple times to get a deeper clean, and I've found myself needing to push with full shoulder force on occasion.

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Dreame U20 hardwood floors with oats — (Image credit: TechRadar)

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Dreame U20 on hardwood — (Image credit: TechRadar)

Throughout my testing, the Dreame U20 impressed in more ways than one. I performed TechRadar’s standard tests for vacuum cleaners, sprinkling a smattering of oats and tea from a bag on both my hardwood and carpeted floors. As an extra measure, I also made sure the floors had extra pet debris – i.e. kitty litter and fur – which were my two motivations for purchasing the U20 in the first place.

During the hardwood mess test, the U20 performed remarkably well on the lowest speed setting in picking up most of the oats. I needed to boost the speed to the second (or medium) setting to do another pass to pick up every last speck of oats, though, but that left the hard floor entirely clean.

As for the tea, the U20 did a better job, sucking it all up in one go on the low setting, so it handles lighter and smaller dirt better than larger debris. It was the same for pet hair on hardwood – all strands got sucked up in one pass on the low setting. The vacuum struggled a touch with kitty litter, leaving a few specks behind on hard floors in a single pass, but it was cleaned up in the second go.

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Dreame U20 on carpet — (Image credit: TechRadar)

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Dreame U20 carpet — (Image credit: TechRadar)

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I wasn’t expecting as impressive a performance on carpets, but the U20 did better than I had anticipated on a low-pile carpet in my tests, quickly removing the oats and tea dust from a bag in one pass on the low suction setting. It will, however, struggle with medium and high-pile carpets, particularly if the dust and debris is deep-seated, although loose dirt will come away if you give the area a few gos with the U20.

In terms of pet hair on carpet, the U20 did indeed struggle at the lowest setting, leaving more than a few strands behind after the first pass. The U20 performed the best with pet hair on the same low-pile carpet at maximum suction, and didn't require several passes to get the job done. The kitty litter yielded a similar result to the hardwood floor test, but I needed to boost suction again to pick up every last piece.

While it can tackle low-pile carpets with ease, pet hair embedded in medium- or high-pile carpets will remain even after several passes – you can expect about 80% off the fur to be sucked up from these kinds of flooring.

As a pet mum, it was important to me to own a vacuum cleaner with a tangle-free brush, as I’ve often painstakingly cleaned out wads of hair from cleaning attachments of older machines. I was thrilled to find that the U20's V-shaped bristles were especially impressive at leaving no evidence of entanglements. That's made ongoing maintenance of the vacuum easier.

This sentiment also rang true for the mini motor brush when cleaning my couch and cushions. It does, however, require several passes when using the handheld motor and mini brush to clean up pet hair due to its smaller footprint, but it still worked a treat.

The U20 collects a nice volume of hair in its 0.5L bin, and I have particularly enjoyed how easy it is to empty the bin with a twist of the base. If you are a pet owner with a shedding furry friend, then I would recommend the U20 for a quick, daily tidy-up, but you might want to consider other pet-focused vacuum cleaners, like the Shark Stratos Pet Pro (IZ400), as they usually have a larger-capacity bin and boast more suction power.

Despite its relatively lower suction and smaller bin, the U20 performs very well, given its budget price – it's very easy to recommend for quick clean-ups.

Performance score: 4.5 out of 5

Dreame U20 on carpet resting against white wall — (Image credit: TechRadar)

Dreame U20 review: battery life

Average battery life for an affordable cordless vacuum
3.5-hour charging time
Expect shorter runtimes if the floor is dirty

According to Dreame, the U20 has a battery life of up to 60 minutes on a full charge, and takes around 3.5 hours to top up from practically empty. Take that number with a pinch of salt, as it indicates runtime when using non-motorized tools, which in this case is the combination crevice attachment only.

With a motorized head like the main floor cleaner and the mini brush, I found that it lasts a maximum of 37 minutes on its lowest setting – and there’s no dynamic suction here to drain the battery faster. At TechRadar, we've tested over a hundred vacuum cleaners over the last decade, and we've found that the average battery life for a budget cordless vacuum is around 40 minutes, which puts the U20 on par with others, including the Dyson V8 .

Higher the suction, the faster the battery will drain, of course and, in testing, I got about 17 minutes of runtime on a full charge when set to maximum. That’s not bad, considering some premium models like the Dyson V15 Detect can give you lesser runtime on Boost mode (about 8 minutes on a dirty mid-pile carpet), although it automatically adjusts suction power to suit the amount of dirt it detects.

So while the U20 has average battery runtime, I’d recommend it for smaller homes or something for the shed, perhaps.

Battery life score: 4 out of 5

Should you buy the Dreame U20?

Attribute	Notes	Rating
Value	Often on sale, the U20 is an excellent budget option with great performance.	5/5
Design	The color combination makes it look premium, and its attachments are useful. It would have been good if there was a better way to gauge battery life.	4/5
Performance	Great for everyday, quick cleaning, even of pet hair, on hard floors and low-pile carpets, but it may struggle on particularly dirty mid- and high-pile carpets.	4.5/5
Battery	Rated for up to 60 minutes, but expect about 35 minutes in real-world use on low power.	4/5

Buy it if...

You need something to quickly clean up after your pet

The U20 handled masses of pet hair quite well, thanks to its V-shaped multi-surface brush head.

You want something easy to maneuver

It might be heavier than the likes of the Shark Cordless Detect Pro (which weighs around 2.7kg / 5.9lbs), but its swivelling main brush head makes it very easy to move around, particularly on hard floors.

Don't buy it if...

You live in a large home

With average battery life for its price point, the U20 is better suited for smaller areas or homes that don't require extensive vacuuming.

You want the latest vacuuming tech

The U20 doesn't house the most advanced features, it even misses out on an LED screen to display battery life. If you don’t want something this basic, you’ll need to look elsewhere and spend more money.

Dreame U20: alternatives to consider

Product:	Dreame U20 (reviewed)	Shark Cordless Detect Pro	Dyson V8
Weight:	7.27lbs / 3.3kg	6lbs / 2.7kg	3.48lbs / 1.58kg
Bin volume:	0.5L	0.4L	0.54L
Max runtime:	60 mins	40 mins	40 mins
Accessories:	Multi-surface brush head, motorized mini brush head, wide combination crevice tool and extension rod	Duster, crevice tool, optional auto-empty dock (costs extra)	2 x floorheads, Hair screw tool, Combination tool, Crevice tool

Shark Cordless Detect Pro

The Shark Cordless Detect Pro costs a lot more than the U20, but it has better suction and, you can opt for the additional auto-emptying dock, which is handy as the onboard bin canister here is very small. However, it's often discounted and, until it was displaced by the Shark PowerDetect, it used to be our pick of the best cordless vacuum for most people.

Read our full Shark Cordless Detect Pro review

Dyson V8

Despite receiving a newer upgrade in September 2025, the older Dyson V8 is still a strong choice, especially since this too can be had for a good discount. It boast good performance and suction, with up to 40 minutes of runtime on its standard setting. It's extremely lightweight at 1.58kg / 3.48lbs, but it lacks some of the useful features of newer Dyson models, and it might not always represent the best value for everyone.

Read our full Dyson V8 review

How I tested the Dreame U20 cordless vacuum

TechRadar adopts a strict testing regime for all its products so potential buyers know exactly what they're getting. To comply with the testing, I used the machine for a few months before putting it through some rigorous carpet and hard-floor tests using common pantry items, such as tea and raw oats. I also took into account the device's ergonomics, design and overall experience to determine my final verdict.

Read more about how we test vacuum cleaners

First reviewed September 2025

I’ve been testing the new flagship Dyson for 3 weeks, and it’s an excellent vacuum completely undermined by a poorly conceived floorhead

2:05 am |

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

Dyson V16 Piston Animal: two-minute review

The V16 Piston Animal is Dyson's new flagship stick vacuum, and it boasts a number of upgrades over its predecessors. Based on specs, this is the best Dyson vacuum you can buy. I've been busy testing it for three weeks to see how it matches up to the rest of the best cordless vacuums around, and it's a tale of two halves.

Let's start with the good bits. The dust compactor works extremely well and is a logical, solidly useful addition. It gives you more cleaning time without having to empty the bin, and when you do come to that part, the same mechanism expels the contents easily, with no need for fingers to get involved.

Dyson has redesigned the attachment mechanism so that you can connect and release attachments on the end of the wand without having to bend down. This seems like an effort-saver, and should also help those with mobility issues, although it does mean this vacuum isn't compatible with older attachments.

Generally speaking, the cleaning power is excellent, and the Auto mode has been improved so it now offers intelligent adjustment of not only suction power but also brushroll speed, based on floor type and dirt levels.

However, despite various technical improvements, the V16 unfortunately performed worse in our suction tests than both the Gen5detect and V15 Detect – the two previous flagship models. Specifically, it failed to pick up fine particles as efficiently, and it had a tendency to push large debris around rather than sucking it up.

That poorer performance, I think, is down to the floorhead, which has been given a big old redesign, and which is the source of my other big complaint with the V16. While the conical rollers do work well to prevent hair tangles, Dyson has also tapered the front of the floorhead so it comes to a slight point. That's a pain when you're trying to clean along the straight edge of a room, and especially so in situations when you can't approach from the side.

A couple of final notes before I crack on with the finer details of my tests. This is officially the first app-connected Dyson cordless, but at time of writing there weren't any in-app settings to explore. There's also a Submarine version available, with an extra mopping floorhead included (not reviewed here).

That's the short version; read on for my in-depth Dyson V16 Piston Animal review.

Close up of floorhead on Dyson V16 Piston Animal cordless stick vacuum being used on a rug — (Image credit: Future)

Dyson V16 Piston Animal review: price & availability

List price: £749.99 / AU$1,349 (US TBC)
Launched: September 2025
Available: UK and AU now, US sometime in 2026

The V16 Piston Animal was unveiled at the start of September, and is on sale now in territories including the UK and Australia. It will be available in the US, but not until sometime in 2026.

The regular version has a list price of £749.99 / AU$1,349 (the US list price will be released closer to the launch date). A Submarine version is also available, with an extra mopping floorhead, at a list price of £899.99 / AU$1,599.

For comparison, this model's predecessor, the Gen5detect, costs £769.99 / AU$1,549. The model below that, the V15 Detect, is £649.99 / AU$1,449.

Those prices position the V16 firmly in the premium price bracket, and make it one of the most expensive vacuums on the market. It's interesting to note that it's actually slightly cheaper than the Gen5detect in the UK (although that older model will attract more discounts). Perhaps Dyson feels it has reached the limit of what people will realistically pay for a vacuum cleaner, no matter how many advancements it crams in.

In its favor, I will say the V16 looks and feels premium. It has been meticulously designed and is packed with features – including some you can't find anywhere else on the market.

That said, it's a lot to spend on a vacuum, and for many people it won't be worth it. Personally, I'd keep an eye out for a discount on a V15 or Gen5detect.

Value for money score: 3.5 out of 5

Dyson V16 Piston Animal specs

Weight (total):	7.5 lbs / 3.4kg
Weight (body only):	4.9 lbs / 2.2kg
Bin size:	1.3L
Max runtime:	70 mins
Charge time:	3hrs 30
Dimensions (H x L x W):	10.2 x 51.1 x 9.8 inches / 25.9 x 129.8 x 25cm
Filter:	99.9% to 0.1 microns
Max suction:	315 AW

Dyson V16 Piston Animal review: design

Redesigned anti-tangle floorhead with conical rollers
Manual compression lever on bin
Automatic power and roller speed adjustment based on floor type

The V16 Piston is a premium cordless stick vacuum with a number of useful features, many of which are new to the Dyson lineup.

Key amongst the new additions – and the reason for the 'Piston' in the name – is a compression lever on the dust cup. This can be pushed down to squish dust and hair and increase dustbin capacity, and is also designed to wipe fine debris off the inside of the cup, and to be helpful in efficient emptying.

Dyson V16 Piston Animal cordless stick vacuum with bin open — The red lever on the dust cup compresses dirt and helps with emptying (Image credit: Future)

A second addition is the red cuff at the top of the vacuum's wand. This can be pushed down to release the floorhead without the need for you to bend down.

The docking section of the floorhead, meanwhile, sits upright at an angle, so you can also snap it onto the wand from a standing position.

Main floorhead for Dyson V16 Piston Animal vacuum — This model features a completely redesigned floorhead (Image credit: Future)

Speaking of the floorhead: this looks very different to anything I've seen before. Rather than being tube-shaped, the rollers here are conical.

The idea is that the tapering shape shifts long hair down to the narrow end, where it can be sucked up, rather than leaving it to tangle. As usual, there's a slider on the front to enable you to adjust air intake as required.

This floorhead – known as the All Floors Cones Sense, if you can remember all that – is designed for both hard floors and carpet, and is kitted out with a laser to illuminate dirt that might otherwise be missed.

Close up of screen on Dyson V16 Piston Animal cordless stick vacuum, showing that it's in Auto mode — A screen provides information (Image credit: Future)

There's a small screen on the machine itself to deliver information, including which mode you're in and how long you have left on the battery.

More impressively, it'll also provide you with real-time reports on the size and number of particles you're sucking up, as you clean. Yes, really. This works with the V16's 'Auto' mode, where the vacuum will automatically adjust suction and (newly) brushroll speed based on the kind of floor it's on and how dirty it is.

The main body of the vacuum is on the heavier side for a cordless vacuum, but Dyson has added a padded section above the hand grip for comfort.

The finish on this model is also matte rather than shiny, which makes it less likely to rub when you're using it for long periods and your hands are slightly clammy. It switches on with a button rather than a trigger, and the battery is removable and swappable.

This is apparently the first Dyson vacuum to be properly 'connected'. The companion app should provide cleaning summaries and offer advanced setting options, although during my test period (after the official launch) neither were available. I assume they'll filter in during later software updates.

Detail tools for Dyson V16 Piston Animal vacuum — (Image credit: Future)

Detail tools will vary slightly depending on which model you opt for, but there are a couple of notable upgrades.

The Hair screw tool now has a rubberized band across the front to help loosen hair that's 'stuck' to upholstery fabric. Hidden inside the wand, meanwhile, are two stubby Crevice tools – one at the top, attached to the main part of the vacuum, and the other at the bottom of the wand, revealed if you remove the floorhead.

Because of the redesigned docking mechanism, none of the tools are compatible with other Dyson stick vacuums.

Design score: 4.5 out of 5

Dyson V16 Piston Animal review: performance

Dust compaction is great, and lever makes emptying super-easy
Suction excellent, but not notably different to previous models
Angled floorhead is a pain for vacuuming the edges of rooms

Let's start with suction performance. In general use, it felt like this vacuum packed plenty of oomph. I tested it out in a four-floor house with hard floor, plenty of carpets, and a black Spaniel, and it had no trouble sucking up impressive volumes of dust, dirt and hair. In Auto mode, I could hear the power and brushroll ramping up and down as I moved into different areas and onto different floor types.

I found the on-screen dust reports as mesmerizing as ever – they've been redesigned here so they work on a traffic light system (green for clean, yellow for okay, orange for acceptable, red for 'oh my goodness your home is disgusting') which is more useful at a glance than the previous color system, which was seemingly just based on what looked cool.

Close up of screen on Dyson V16, showing different colored bars for dirt levels — The real-time dust reports now use a traffic light color coding system that's more useful at a glance (Image credit: Future)

Officially, the V16 has the most suction of any Dyson stick vacuum, due to improvements under the hood. During day-to-day use, I didn't notice a difference in cleaning power compared to the V15, which is what I usually use in this house. That vacuum is two models down from the V16 – despite what the number might suggest, the Gen5detect sits in the middle.

Unfortunately, when I did some side-by side cleaning tests comparing the V16 to its two predecessors, the newest vacuum actually performed the worst. I'll get into this more in the Suction tests section below.

Moving on to comfort. The V16 feels a little weighty in the hand, but the padded section above the grip helps boost comfort, and the fact it has a matte finish also means it's less likely to rub if your hands get a little clammy in longer use.

My 5ft Australian colleague found it was too tall for her to comfortably use – at 5ft 8in I had no issues, but perhaps worth noting if you're on the shorter side.

Dyson V16 Piston Animal vacuum in handheld mode, being used to clean a baseboard — The padded handhold makes the V16 more comfortable to hold for long periods (Image credit: Future)

I'm in two minds about the button operation. For longer cleaning sessions, it's nice not to have to continually compress the trigger, but for quick cleanups, it's a bit cumbersome to have to keep a hand free to turn the machine on and off (you can't reach the button with your gripping hand).

I also preferred the bigger buttons found on older models. Dyson seems on a mission to make the buttons on all of its appliances teeny tiny, and there's no benefit to the user.

Dyson V16 cleaning under a desk — The angled floorhead makes cleaning edges tricky (Image credit: Future)

I'm also not sold on the new floorhead. The front long edge of the floorhead comes to a slight point rather than being straight – and this means that you can't approach the edges of rooms front-on.

Instead, you have to go in from the side, and that quickly becomes very annoying, because it makes cleaning in spots where you can't approach from the side (for example, under the desk pictured above) very difficult.

Otherwise, it pivots well but feels a little harder to push than previous Dysons (and other vacuums I've tested).

Laser on floorhead of Dyson V16 Piston Animal cordless stick vacuum, illuminating a wooden floor — (Image credit: Future)

The quick-release works well and is an effort-saver, but the joints in general feel stiffer than on other Dyson stick vacuums I've used. It's also a shame that existing attachments won't work with the V16.

More of a success is the dust compactor. This is a solid win; the mechanism works a treat, and means you can fit in more cleaning without having to make so many trips to the trash.

It also makes it far easier to empty than most cordless vacuums I've used – including previous Dyson models. Press down the lever and everything in the bin is ejected, with no need to go in with your fingers afterwards.

Suction tests

For a more objective overview of the V16's suction capabilities, I ran TechRadar's standard suction tests. First, I sprinkled a teabag's worth of dry tea and a handful of oats on a carpeted floor. The idea here is to see how well the vacuum copes with fine and chunky debris.

After a single forward and backward pass in Auto mode (I could hear the suction increasing over the spillage) most of the oats were gone – although some pinged about a bit – and there was a fine strip of tea left where the center of the floorhead had passed. This is a good result – the tea test is purposefully very challenging. After a few more passes in Auto mode, everything was cleared.

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Loose tea and oats of the carpet, ready for the suction test — The tea and oats before the suction test... (Image credit: Future)

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A tiny sprinkling of tea and a couple of oat flakes on the carpeted floor after a single pass in Auto mode — ... and after one forward and backward pass in Auto mode (Image credit: Future)

I then repeated the same test on a hard, tiled floor, with surprisingly poor results. Although the tea was whisked away in a single forwards pass, quite a few of the oats were pushed into a pile in front of the floorhead, or behind it when I tried to pull it back over them.

I then lifted the floorhead to position it on top of the spillage, and oats sprayed everywhere. The V16 coped well with picking up single oats after this mini-explosion, but any more than that proved a struggle.

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Dyson V16 during suction tests on a tiled floor — Oats on and tea on the hard floor before the suction test (Image credit: Future)

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Next, I did some side-by-side testing with the previous two models – and here the V16 fared worse still.

Below, from left to right on screen, are the V16, the Gen5detect, and the V15 Detect. On the floor are piles of oats and then loose tea. In the test, you can watch as I vacuum the oats and first pile of tea with each vacuum in Auto mode, then the second pile of tea in Boost mode.

The V16 is the last vacuum to clean each pile, and it leaves a strip of tea in both Auto and Boost modes, and scatters the oats a little. In contrast, both the V15 and Gen5detect clear all the piles with a single pass.

Edges

I also tested how well the V16 cleaned along the edges of rooms. As I've already stated, the shape of the front of the floorhead makes this trickier than it usually would be.

For this test, I put a pile of tea and oats along the edge of a room, and approached from the side. The V16 did a solid job of capturing the spillage, even the bits right next to the edge. The crevices seemed to help with the pooling issue, by providing a break in suction.

Hair

The V16 is specifically designed to be great at dealing with long hair – up to 25 inches / 63.5cm long, actually. That's part of the reason behind the 'Animal' in the name... although I don't know many pets with hair that long, unless someone out there is keeping a horse in the house.

I tested it out on my own hair, which is around armpit length, and also the (much shorter) hair of my Cocker Spaniel – and the good news is that I didn't end up with any hair tangled around the conical rollers. But here's the thing: I never had issues with hair tangling around the rollers on Dyson's old-style floorheads, either.

I've regularly used both a Gen5detect and V15, and both are perfectly good at avoiding hair wrap, at least with hair of my length. Perhaps those with truly Rapunzel-like locks will benefit from the supercharged detangling on offer with the V16.

I was also supplied with longer, synthetic hair to try out on the V16 in the Dyson labs in Malmesbury. Here, I found it worked very well when the hair was laid out neatly in front of the machine, but when faced with a clump of hair it tended to get stuck – either in the space behind the cones, or in the 'corner' of the suction tube.

App

The V16 Piston Animal is the first of Dyson's vacuums to be truly app-connected; older models can be connected to the MyDyson app, but only as a hub for How-to videos and explainers.

You should be able to use the app to change settings on the V16 (including toggling the laser on and off, and changing how Auto mode behaves), and view a cleaning summary.

Unfortunately at time of writing I didn't have any adjustment options available in my app, and my cleaning wasn't being recorded. I assume software updates down the line will add the promised app functionality.

Performance score: 3.5 out of 5

Dyson V16 Piston Animal review: battery life

Up to 70 minutes of cleaning in Eco mode; ~17 mins in Boost
3 hours 30 mins to recharge
Removable and swappable battery

In the lowest mode (Eco) the V16 can last a quoted 1 hour and 10 minutes before needing to recharge. That's the same as the previous model (the Gen5detect) and up there with the longest runtimes on the market. There's also a Boost mode, which is just for the toughest of cleaning tasks. In my tests, the V16 lasted 16 minutes and 49 seconds in Boost.

Of course, most people aren't going to be using Eco mode or Boost mode on the regular. They'll be using Auto mode. This is probably the best feature, from a battery life point of view, because it means the machine is only using just enough power to clean effectively, based on the needs of the situation.

Recharge takes a quoted 3 hours and 30 minutes, which is a whole hour less then the two models below it in the Dyson lineup.

Finally, the V16 has a removable, swappable battery. That means you can, if you want, buy a backup battery to hot-swap for longer cleaning sessions. It's also good news for overall longevity, because on cordless vacuums it's often the battery that starts to fail first.

Battery life score: 5 out of 5

Should you buy the Dyson V16 Piston Animal?

Attribute	Notes	Rating
Value	Ultra-premium, with high build quality and truly innovative features.	3.5 / 5
Design	Advanced stick vacuum with lots of unique features such as dust compression, quick-release tools and an anti-tangle floorhead.	4.5 / 5
Performance	Strong suction and the compression is very useful, but the floorhead is poorly designed for edges, and the V16 performed worse than older Dysons in my suction tests.	3.5 / 5
Battery	Up to an 70 minutes per charge, with strong runtimes in Boost mode too, the V16 is up there with the best in terms of battery.	5 / 5

Buy it if...

You have a big home with lots of dust

The advanced automation capabilities, dust compaction and easy-release attachments come into their own when tackling big cleaning tasks.

You have trouble with hair tangling

With its conical rollers, the V16 really brings out the big guns when it comes to preventing hair tangling. If you've found other vacuums' anti-tangle functions can't handle your home's hair, this might be the model for you.

You want a 2-in-1 vacuum and mop

The V16 has an optional Submarine floorhead that you can add on to tackle hard floor mopping (this costs extra). It's one of only two vacuums in the Dyson lineup to have this option – the other is the V15s Detect Submarine.

Don't buy it if...

You want the edges of rooms ultra-clean

The new-style floorhead comes to a slight point at the front, which means to clean flush to the edges of rooms you'll need to reorientate yourself and approach from the side. The V16 is not compatible with older Dyson floorheads.

You're on a budget

The V16 is very expensive, and there are plenty of cheaper models that'll do just a good as cleaning job, day to day, for most people. Features such as the dust compaction are great – but you'll need to decide if they justify the extra cash. (If I was spending my own money, I'd probably go for a V15 Detect.)

There's a V15 or Gen5detect available

These two older Dyson cordless vacuums proved more effective at clearing both fine and chunky debris in my tests, so if you can find one for less than the price of the V16, I'd recommend either over this model.

Dyson V16 Piston Animal review: alternatives to consider

Model:	Dyson V16 Piston Animal	Dyson Gen5detect	Shark PowerDetect Cordless
Weight:	7.5 lbs / 3.4kg	7.7 lbs / 3.5kg	8lbs / 3.7kg
Bin size:	1.3L	0.77L	0.7L
Max runtime:	70 mins	70 mins	70 mins
Charge time:	3hrs 30	4hrs 30	4 hours
Filter:	99.9% to 0.1 microns	Whole-machine HEPA filtration	Felt + Washable Foam Filters plus HEPA Filter
Max suction:	315 AW	280AW	Not stated

Dyson Gen5detect

The Gen5detect is the model down from the V16 Piston in the lineup. It has the older (better) floorhead, but lacks the dust compactor and the Auto mode adjusts suction but not roller speed. It's an outstanding cleaner, packs tons of power and is easy to maneuver.

Read our full Dyson Gen5detect review View Deal

Shark PowerDetect Cordless

This is currently the best Shark vacuum based on specs. It's significantly cheaper than the Dyson (and feels notably less premium) but still boasts some cool automation features – including the ability to boost suction on the relevant side of the floorhead when approaching the edges of rooms.

Read our full Shark PowerDetect Cordless review View Deal

How I tested the Dyson V16 Piston Animal

I tested the Dyson V16 Piston Animal in a four-floored house with lots of carpet, plus tiled and engineered wood floors. It's home to one long-haired and one short-haired human inhabitant and a Cocker Spaniel.

I ran a series of standard suction tests to see how it could handle fine (dry tea) and chunky (oats) debris on hard floors and carpet. I also ran the same tests alongside two older Dyson stick vacuums to see how the three compared. I also assessed how the V16 dealt with hair and cleaning along the edges of rooms, and timed how long it took to run the battery flat and recharge it again.

Aside from the controlled tests, I also used the V16 regularly for a fortnight, to get a general feel for how easy it was to wield, how effectively it cleaned and if there were any niggling issues. I downloaded and explored the app, and tested the different functions available there.

Read more about how we test vacuum cleaners

First reviewed September 2025

This WiZ smart bulb may not be the brightest, but its colorful LED filament puts a modern twist on a vintage classic

12:00 am | September 7, 2025

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

WiZ Filament Bulb review

The WiZ Filament Bulb Clear 25W ST19 E26 is a color-changing smart bulb that features a coiled LED strip in place of a traditional filament.

It’s available in the US and the UK under slightly different names to reflect the difference in wattage, bulb shape, and fitment, but they have the same feature set and look very similar.

Known as the WiZ Filament Bulb Clear 25W ST19 E26 in the US, or the WiZ Filament Bulb Clear 40 W ST64 E27 in the UK, it has a list price of $32.99 / £27.99, and can be found at WiZ and Amazon.

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A close-up of the WiZ filament bulb. — (Image credit: Future)

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A close-up of the WiZ filament bulb's fitting. — (Image credit: Future)

I love the Filament Bulb’s classic shape, and was pleased to find that it didn’t feel overly fragile. I have mixed opinions about the coiled LED strip. I found it looked nice in warmer whites and red, but due to the combination of different colored LEDs, it proved a bit of an eyesore when in other colors, with the brightness turned up when using it in my lamp.

If you want a light that can light up a room in addition to providing some nice mood lighting, then this bulb won’t be suitable. It’ll just about do as a reading light if your book is positioned right next to it, but it’s not ideal – although I believe this is often the case due to the nature of filament-style bulbs.

The WiZ filament bulb is lit up red on a concrete lamp base. — (Image credit: Future)

While it looks pretty on certain settings, the width of the LED strip may prove off-putting if you’re looking for a more authentic-looking filament bulb. If so, you may be better off looking for a non-color filament-style alternative, which you can also find from WiZ, Philips Hue, and various other brands.

The Filament Bulb was pleasingly straightforward to sync with the WiZ V2 app, as it was automatically detected, and it connected to my Wi-Fi quickly and without any fuss.

The LEDs are clearly visible on the strip inside the WiZ filament bulb. — (Image credit: Future)

Unfortunately, the WiZ V2 app isn’t as intuitive as the Govee and Nanoleaf companion apps – although it would take a lot for an app to compare to the Govee Home app, which you’ll have probably guessed if you’ve already read my review of the Govee Table Lamp 2. Despite this, the WiZ V2 app provides access to a variety of useful functions, such as the control menu, which offers some static presets that include warm and cool options, and night, TV, and relax lighting modes, along with a few others.

I could also choose hues from a color graph, adjust the color temperature using a slider, or choose one of the twenty-five dynamic presets, each offering different color palettes and motions. I could also alter the speed of the color changes, though this adjustment was applied to all of the dynamic presets, rather than individually.

The WiZ filament bulb is lit up green. — (Image credit: Future)

The brightness was easy to adjust using a slider on the home screen or when adjusting settings in the control menu. Thanks to the rhythm function, which I set to change between different modes based on the local time, I was able to get the brightness and color temperature to adjust automatically throughout the day. There’s also a schedule feature, which I used to get the Filament Bulb to turn off at a set time.

I found the Filament Bulb could be slow to respond when switching between the Dynamic lights. And it was also a bit long-winded applying each one, as it asked me which room I wanted to apply it to each time, despite only having one setup. But I could set four of my preferred light settings on the home screen, up to eighteen in the quick action folder, or save them as scenes, so at least the process was quicker once I’d picked my favorites.

The WiZ filament bulb is emitting a warm white. — (Image credit: Future)

On the subject of scenes, I found it far more efficient to fine-tune the lighting effect I wanted in the control menu before saving it as a scene. While the same settings are available when creating a new scene, the bulb didn’t immediately reflect any changes I made. Instead I would only get to check the result after creating and enabling the new scene, which wasn’t ideal, meaning it was often better to tweak the lighting settings first.

Connecting the Filament Bulb to my Echo Dot (5th Gen) was nice and simple, as it was automatically detected by my Alexa app. I needed to put the Filament Bulb into pairing mode, which was a case of switching the light off and on until it began to pulse blue, and the syncing process took just moments to complete. I could then use voice commands to get the Filament Bulb to change colors, temperature, and brightness, which was very convenient, especially as my requested changes were applied promptly.

The WiZ filament bulb is pictured switched off on a concrete lamp. — (Image credit: Future)

Despite the disappointing elements of the app, once I’d fine-tuned the lighting effects and set up the automations and voice control, I quite enjoyed testing the Filament Bulb. Overall, I was pleased with the quality for the price. So, if you’re looking for a vintage-style bulb with modern smart features and want to change up the ambience with a little color, it’s worth checking out the WiZ Filament Bulb Clear 25W ST19 E26.

If you love smart lighting as much as I do and want to explore some other fantastic options, then I highly recommend checking out our best smart lights buying guide.

WiZ Filament Bulb review: Price and specs

Price	$32.99 / £27.99
Model	US: Filament Globe Clear 25W ST19 E26 UK: Filament Bulb Clear 40 W ST64 E27
Colors	Multicolor
Lumens	US: 300 / UK: 470
Temperature	US: 1800-2100K / UK: 2200-6500K
Connectivity	2.4GHz WiFi, Bluetooth
App	Yes
Voice control	Yes
Dimmable	Yes, using the app
Additional features	Matter compatible, motion sensor (with 2+ bulbs)

Should I buy the WiZ Filament Bulb?

Buy it if...

You want vintage style with modern features
The shape of the bulb is gorgeous, and while the coiled LED isn’t exactly traditional, it has its own charm in the right setting. This, combined with the smart features, makes it an eye-catching choice.

You want automation and voice control
The rhythms and schedules are easy to set up and work well, and controlling the light becomes pretty effortless when synced to smart home devices like Alexa.

Don't buy it if...

You want to light up the room
This bulb’s definitely destined for mood lighting rather than illuminating a space, so it wouldn’t be the brightest choice if you plan to use it as a solo pendant light.

You want a traditional-looking filament
Although the LED strip allows for colorful lighting effects, it has a noticeably different aesthetic compared to white filament-style smart bulbs.

WiZ Filament Bulb review: Also consider

Nanoleaf Matter Essentials smart bulb
If you’re looking for an alternative smart light with a difference, this Nanoleaf bulb may do the trick, thanks to its quirky faceted bulb. It’s cheaper than the WiZ Filament Bulb, yet also Matter compatible, vividly colorful, and can mirror your PC or Mac screen when used with the desktop app. If you’d like the learn more, check out our full Nanoleaf Matter Essentials smart bulb review.

How I tested the WiZ Filament Bulb

I tested the WiZ Filament Bulb for one week
I tested the different features and customizable settings
I observed its performance and brightness levels

I used the WiZ Filament Bulb on my desk in my office and in my living room. I screwed the bulb into a table lamp before powering it on and evaluating the setup process on the WiZ V2 companion app.

I explored the features, testing how different colors and settings looked, and created my own presets and scenes. I also tested how bright the bulb was both in daylight and in a dark room.

I synced the WiZ Filament Bulb with my Alexa app to check how straightforward the process was and to test out voice commands, which I did by altering the brightness, colors, and powering the bulb on and off.

First reviewed: September 2025
Read more about how we test

I upgraded to the Blink Video Doorbell (Gen 2), and it’s one of the easiest security systems I’ve ever installed

1:39 pm | September 1, 2025

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

Blink Video Doorbell (Gen 2) and Sync Module Core: two-minute review

The days of traditional ‘analog’ doorbells connected via wires to an internal chime are fast coming to an end. Increasingly, people are turning to video doorbells, which will send an alert to your mobile phone when someone comes to the door. They will even act as an intercom so you can talk to whoever is there whether you are in the house, walking the dog or sitting on a beach.

Like its predecessor, the Blink Video Doorbell doesn’t come with its own indoor chime. Instead, you can pair it with a Blink Mini 2 camera (sold separately) or connect via the Alexa app on your phone to a Fire Stick or Amazon Echo Show. This will allow you to see who is at the front door on your TV screen/multimedia display or you can get a voice message via your Amazon Echo Dot when someone presses the doorbell.

Alternatively, it may be possible to connect existing doorbell wiring from the Blink Video Doorbell to a legacy indoor chime providing its rated between 16 and 24 volts. Batteries are required for use whether you use existing doorbell wiring or not.

Split image showing back and front of Blink Video Doorbell Gen 2 — The Blink Video Doorbell (Gen 2) uses three AA lithium batteries (Image credit: Chris Price)

What I like about Blink devices is just how easy they are to add to an existing system. I’ve already got several Blink cameras around the house so adding one more was simply a case of scanning the QR code on the back of the device and adding it to the home set up. However, if you’ve never installed a Blink camera before you will need to download the app (Android or iPhone) as well as connect the sync module provided to your broadband router (this acts as a hub for up to 10 Blink security devices).

Unfortunately, as the one supplied isn’t compatible with local storage via a connected USB flash drive, you will need to pay a monthly subscription for storing video footage and accessing the latest features – see subscription options below.

When it comes to mounting the video doorbell on the door there are two options. You can either use the standard flat mount or a wedge mount if you are placing it on a door architrave. As I was replacing the previous Blink video doorbell (Gen 1) I was hoping I could re-use the mount from that one to save time on installation. However, that wasn’t possible because this unit is a slightly different size.

Instead I used the black mount provided for the black video doorbell supplied by the manufacturer (a white version with white mount is also available). At least I didn’t have to screw two new holes in the wood as they’re positioned in the same place on the mount as the previous version.

Blink Video Doorbell Gen 2 and hub in packaging — Installing the Blink Video Doorbell (Gen 2) is very straightforward, particularly if you already have other Blink devices at home (Image credit: Chris Price)

Once installed, controlling the camera is simply a case of using the Blink app. One of the main differences between this model and its predecessor is the camera’s lens, in particular the aspect ratio. Whereas the previous model offered a more conventional 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio with 1080p resolution, the new video doorbell boats a square 1:1 aspect ratio with improved 1440p resolution.

It also offers a larger field of vision (150 degrees horizontal and 150 degrees vertical) compared to 135 degrees horizontal and just 80 degrees vertical on the previous model. The result is that not only is it possible to get a head-to-toe image of someone coming to the door, you can also view the ground – handy to see any deliveries that have been left outside your front door.

Setting up Blink Video Doorbell Gen 2 in app — The in-app setup process is very simple (Image credit: Chris Price)

Certainly the 1:1 aspect ratio does take a little bit of getting used to, especially the square shape on the Blink home page next to all of the other more conventional widescreen cameras. However, it’s worth bearing in mind that, because the field of view is so much bigger than its predecessor you will need to reduce the device’s sensitivity, especially if you are paying for the Blink subscription with AI-powered Smart Detection.

Otherwise, you may well record every person and vehicle that goes past your house as well as those who come to the door. Not only will this severely reduce the lifespan of the batteries, it is also highly annoying to get pointless alerts every few minutes.

Blink Video Doorbell (Gen 2) and Sync Module Core: subscription options

There are two different subscription plans available depending on the number of Blink devices you own, and which features you require.

Location	Blink Basic Plan	Blink Plus Plan
US	$3/month per device, or subscribe via Amazon for $30/year	$10/month for unlimited devices or subscribe via Amazon for $100/year
UK	£2.50/month per device, or subscribe via Amazon for £24.99/year.	£8/month for unlimited devices or subscribe via Amazon for £80/year
Australia	AU$4.95/month per device, or subscribe via Amazon for AU$49.95/year	AU$15/month for unlimited devices or subscribe via Amazon for AU$150/year

Blink Video Doorbell (Gen 2) and Sync Module Core: price and availability

List price $69.99 / £59.99 (about AU$110)
Launched August 2025 with Sync Module
Currently available in UK and US (not Australia)

With its second-generation video doorbell, Blink has managed to maintain the same $69.99 / £59.99 price point as the original video doorbell (you can now buy the earlier model for under £30 on Amazon in the UK without the sync module). Really, it’s exceptional value for money, much cheaper than a Ring video doorbell device, despite the two companies sharing Amazon ownership.

However, it's not available in Australia at the time of writing, and it’s worth bearing in mind that if you want to benefit from the full functionality of the device, including the ability to store video clips, you will need to pay for a subscription costing from $3 / £2.50 a month. That’s because - unlike the first video doorbell which incorporated a sync module with the option of adding local storage – it’s not the case with the second-generation model.

Video captured by Blink Video Doorbell Gen 2 — You won't be able to store videos recorded by the Blink Video Doorbell (Gen 2) on the Sync Module Core (Image credit: Chris Price)

Instead of the Sync Module 2, the second-generation Blink video doorbell features the more basic Sync Module Core. Personally, I find that a little bit cheeky, but then at least the monthly subscription fees are cheaper than most of the rivals (Ring subscription plans start at $4.99 / £4.99 a month).

In addition to unlimited cloud video storage, the Blink subscription package includes Blink Moments which stitches together multiple events from multiple cameras into one video. Then there’s AI-Powered Smart Detection which tells you whether the camera has captured a person coming to the door/walking past your house, or a vehicle in your driveway/driving along the road. To reduce the amount of footage captured, which can be quite overwhelming, we recommend reducing the device’s sensitivity and also editing the ‘motion zones’ (areas of the frame that are active or private).

Value score: 4/5

Blink Video Doorbell (Gen 2) and Sync Module Core: design

Easy-to-install mounting bracket
Chunky design
Available in white or black

Blink cameras are renowned for being some of the most compact and lightweight devices on the market. However, the Blink Video Doorbell (Gen 2) is a little bit of an exception. Tipping the scales at 4oz/113g, it’s both heavier than the first-generation model (3.2oz/91g) and also a little thicker too at 1.44in/36.6mm compared to 1inch/27mm.

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Blink Video Doorbell Gen 2 and Gen 1 beside each other — The Blink Video Doorbell (Gen 2) is a little bulkier than its predecessor (Image credit: Chris Price)

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Side profile of Blink Video Doorbell Gen 2 and Gen 1

The Blink Video Doorbell (Gen 2) is a little bulkier than its predecessor (Image credit: Chris Price)

The main reason for this, of course, is that the new model incorporates space for three AA lithium batteries whereas the original model featured just two batteries. In turn, this means that battery life is much longer though it’s unlikely to be as long as the two-year lifespan that Blink’s marketing suggests.

Like its predecessor, two colour options are available (white or black) and there are two types of mount – one for placing flat on the door frame and another for mounting on a door architrave. Using the standard mount with the screws provided, it only takes around five minutes to install wirelessly, although if you are connecting to existing doorbell wiring the process is much longer. Since there's no built-in chime, you'll need to connect it to Alexa devices or buy a Blink Mini 2 camera to hear the doorbell indoors.

Blink Video Doorbell Gen 2 with mount components — It only took around five minutes to install the doorbell with the included mount (Image credit: Chris Price)

Looks-wise, the second-generation model is a little different from its predecessor with a larger oval shaped button in the middle, compared to the round button on the first generation model. Recording is also more subtle with a small blue light on the top right indicating when video is being captured, rather than the area around the central button becoming illuminated in blue.

When the button in the centre is pushed by a visitor, it illuminates white and a message is sent to the connected phone telling you ‘someone is at the door’. As with the first-generation model, the doorbell sits inside a bracket but can be removed for changing batteries etc. by inserting a small metal ‘key’ in the base. It is also rated IP-65 weather resistant which offers greater protection against the elements than the previous model which was only IP-54 rated.

Design score: 4/5

Blink Video Doorbell (Gen 2) and Sync Module Core: performance

Good image quality (especially in Best mode)
Stable video connection
Overly sensitive camera

There’s no question that when it comes to performance Blink has upped its game with this second gen model. The first one was certainly OK, but not as good as some of the admittedly more expensive video doorbells from companies such as Ring. However, in nearly every respect, the Gen 2 model offers better performance than its predecessor.

Not only does it have a wider field of horizontal view (150 degrees compared to 135 degrees for the first model), it also offers a 150-degrees vertical field of view for a perfectly square 1:1 aspect ratio image. At first I thought that was a bit odd, but having used it for a little while it’s incredibly useful. Not only can you see an entire head-to-toe image of someone at the door you can also see if a parcel has been left on your doorstep.

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Activity list for Blink Video Doorbell Gen 2 in app — The new square aspect ratio makes it easier to see both visitors and packages (Image credit: Chris Price)

Whereas the previous model offered 1080p video resolution, the second-generation model boasts improved 1440p video resolution. Three video quality settings are on board (Best, Standard, and Saver). I settled on Best as it’s good to be able to see details more clearly although this will obviously reduce battery life. The second-generation model also offers improved night vision.

Of course, it’s not all good news. The downside of the camera lens being much bigger is that it also collects much more footage – too much. Blink cameras are known for being sensitive anyway and this latest model is no exception.

Setting privacy zones for Blink Video Doorbell Gen 2 using app — Even with privacy zones set up, I found it necessary to dial the sensitivity right down to avoid false alerts (Image credit: Chris Price)

With motion sensitivity set to five, I found the camera was recording around 100 events a day, most of them of people walking their dog past the house or delivery vans going by. Even with the ‘privacy zones’ set up to block out the extremes of the frame (including areas of sky) the camera was still extremely active. In the end it was necessary to reduce sensitivity to just two out of 10 so it only captured people actually coming to the door.

Finally, it’s worth mentioning the sync module. Whereas the previous model included the Sync Module 2 with a USB socket so you could insert a USB flash drive for storing video clips, this model comes with the Sync Module Core without local storage. Essentially this means if you want to store video clips you will need to pay a subscription of at least $3 / £2.50 a month.

Performance score: 4.5/5

Should you buy the Blink Video Doorbell (Gen 2) and Sync Module Core?

Blink Video Doorbell (Gen 2) score card
Attribute	Notes	Score
Value	This video doorbell represents pretty good value for money. Even the monthly subscription charge for premium features is around half the price of some devices.	4/5
Design	Available in black or white, the Blink doorbell is a much bulkier model than its predecessor. It is accompanied by a small sync module which connects to your router.	4/5
Performance	Although the motion sensor is a little overly-sensitive, performance is very good indeed particularly the 1:1 aspect ratio for ‘head-to-toe’ video capture.	4.5/5
Overall	When it comes to performance Blink have upped their game with improved quality images and longer battery life. Just a shame the supplied sync module can’t be used for storing clips.	4.5/5

Buy it if

You already have a Blink camera

The software makes it easy to use the video doorbell as part of a Blink home security system comprising indoor and outdoor cameras.

You want a wide viewing angle

One of the main benefits of the latest Blink camera is the head-to-toe viewing angle so you can see whoever comes to the door and the parcels that are left on the doorstep.

Don't buy it if

You need a separate chime indoors

The Blink doesn’t come with a chime so you will need to turn up the volume of the device or rely on either a separate Blink camera or connect to Alexa-enabled device.

You don’t want to buy expensive batteries

With this model you will need to buy three expensive Lithium AA batteries. Blink claims up to two years’ battery life but it’s likely to be a lot shorter.

Blink Video Doorbell (Gen 2) and Sync Module Core: also consider

Product	Blink Video Doorbell (Gen 2) and Sync Module	Blink Video Doorbell (Gen 1) and Sync Module	Yale Smart Video Doorbell and Doorbell Chime	Ring Battery Video Doorbell Plus
Subscription price	From £2.50 a month	From £2.50 a month	From £3.50 a month	From £4.99 a month
Viewing angle	150 degrees horizontal	135 degrees horizontal	154 degrees horizontal	150 degrees horizontal
Network connection	Wi-Fi (2.4GHz)	Wi-Fi (2.4GHz)	Wi-Fi (2.4GHz)	Wi-Fi (2.4GHz)
Audio	Two-way audio	Two-way audio	Two-way audio	Two-way audio
Video	1440p Full HD resolution	1080p Full HD resolution	1080p Full HD resolution	1536p Full HD resolution
Power	Battery	Battery	Mains or battery	Battery
Hardware price	£59 (with Sync Module Core)	£59 (with Sync Module 2)	£129 (video doorbell), £29 (chime)	£129 (video doorbell), £139 (with basic chime)

If you're not sure whether the Blink Video Doorbell (Gen 2) and Sync Module Core are the right combo for you, here are two other options to consider.

Ring Battery Video Doorbell Plus

Amazon-owned Ring has firmly established itself as the ‘go to’ company for video doorbells. It offers several models including this wire-free model which also features a head-to-toe view.

Read our full Ring Battery Video Doorbell Plus review

Yale Smart Video Doorbell and Doorbell Chime

A solidly built video doorbell, the Yale device offers good image and sound quality. However, streaming recorded content and speaking to people at the door can be a little slow.

Read our full Yale Smart Video Doorbell review

How I tested the Blink Video Doorbell (Gen 2) and Sync Module Core

I used the doorbell every day for 10 days
I installed it myself
The doorbell was set up on the front door facing towards the road

To test a video doorbell properly you need to use it as part of your home system. Fortunately, I already have other Blink cameras so adding another one was particularly straightforward. But even if I didn’t then downloading the app would have been easy enough.

Installation takes around 15 minutes or so, requiring a screw driver to attach the mount to the door frame before positioning the camera in place. It’s roughly the same size as the previous one, in terms of length and width, so thankfully I didn’t have to worry about unsightly screw holes all over the door frame.

Blink Video Doorbell Gen 2 mounted beside purple door — The new Blink Video Doorbell is roughly the same height and width as its predecessor, so I didn't have to worry about messy screw holes when I upgraded (Image credit: Chris Price)

During the period of testing, I really began to appreciate the device’s head-to-toe viewing. I get a lot of deliveries, so being able to see if they have been left on the doorstep when I’m out is handy. Another bonus is the additional power that having another AA battery brings.

Whereas the previous model relied on two lithium AA batteries that had to be changed every three months, this one has three. However, I think it’s extremely unlikely these will last two years as Blink claims in its marketing blurb. I’m pretty sure I’ll be changing the batteries again in six months time given how sensitive the camera’s motion sensor is!.

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

First reviewed August 2025

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