For thirteen years, Final Cut Pro was branded as Final Cut Pro X, having been rebuilt from the ground up from its Macromedia origins, with its version number firmly stuck at X (read ten).

Every major update since its launch in June 2011 only got a decimal point increase. But last year, all that changed: Apple dropped the X, and introduced the world to Final Cut Pro 11. Does this brand new numbering system (now at 11.2) mean radical changes for Apple’s best video editing software? Let’s check it out…

Final Cut Pro: Price & availability

• You pay once, and it’s yours forever, including any future updates, large or small. That’s one heck of a deal, and it’s been this way for 14 years.

First things first, how much does it cost? Surprisingly little. I mean, it’s not subscription based, so you’re not renting your software month after month like Adobe Premiere Pro. But it’s also not free, like DaVinci Resolve.

Final Cut Pro sits comfortably in the middle, and will set you back $300 / £300 / €350. That might sound like a lot at first, but consider this: every single update, large or small, has been free since the original Final Cut Pro X was released. Even the mighty version 11 I’m looking at here, was included in the price. That’s one heck of an incentive.

• Score: ★★★★⯪

Final Cut Pro: Interface

• It has a small amount of customizability, but you can’t move panels around. They can be resized a little, though. Yes, it does feel like it’s Apple’s way or the highway, but at the same time, you can sit in front of any FCP interface and get to work without trying to figure out where everything is.

If you’re new to FCP, or are wondering if you should be using it over a competing product, let’s take a quick look at its interface. Unlike Premiere Pro, which prides itself in its impressive customisability, FCP’s interface is pretty rigid. You’ve got your list of libraries on the left (where all your media is stored), your inspector sidebar to the right (where all the changeable parameters can be found), the lower third is for the timeline, and roughly in the centre is your preview window. Many editors have two preview windows, FCP only has one. It may feel confusing but it actually works very well: mouse over a clip in your library and it’ll appear in that section; do the same in the timeline, same result.

You can’t move these sections around, but it’s possible to hide or reveal them, so they’re there when you need them, and disappear when you don’t. You can also resize the borders between these sections to a certain extent, so you can see more or less of them as you require. Definitely useful, but compared to Premiere Pro, it’s pretty anemic.

But what you lose in customisability, you gain in familiarity: I can step in front of any FCP interface, and get to work immediately, without wasting time trying to figure out someone else’s highly individual layout!

One thing I’d like to quickly mention is the ‘magnetic timeline’. Usually, when you work on an edit, and delete a clip in between others, you’re left with a gap, which you then need to fill with a new clip, or by dragging to the left all the clips to its right.

This still happens in FCP, but not when working in the primary timeline. When you resize or delete a clip there, all the clips to its right are automatically shunted to the left. It can take a while to get used to, especially since clips on other layers are actually tethered to clips in the primary timeline; delete a clip that has other clips tethered to it, and they all go.

It requires a little bit of management because of that, but when you’re used to it, you edit so fast. Interestingly, Adobe recently released Premiere Pro for iPhone, and guess what? It uses the magnetic timeline concept, even though the desktop version of Premiere Pro doesn’t. Apple’s been ahead of the curve for a long while with that one.

• Score: ★★★★☆

Final Cut Pro: New features I love (and hate)

• There’s a bunch of little touches that are so useful when editing, you have to wonder why they hadn’t been implemented before. And yes, there are big tentpole attractions too, which are powerful and well implemented - as long as your Mac can run them.

I could obviously go through the long list of features new to version 11 and above, but I'm going to focus on the ones I’ve grown to love over the months. Yes, you’ve got a couple of new effects, and a couple of fancy transitions. However, the absolute best feature - the one I still think “why didn’t they implement this years ago?” - is a simple keyboard shortcut to move clips up or down a different layer without having to drag them around.

The problem with dragging is, more often than not, the selected clip(s) might move a few frames along the timeline as you do that. There are ways to prevent this, but they’re sadly not foolproof. And fixing the timing takes time. Now, I just need to select the clip(s) I wish to move, hold down the Option key (you might know it as Alt), and press the up or down arrow key as many times as I need. That’s it. It has saved me so much time, it’s worth the price of admission alone.

Another welcome improvement takes place in the library: when you sync clips together, or create a Multicam clip, the original files are automatically hidden. Sure, you could do it manually before, but every second you save through automatic decluttering, can and is put to good use later on in the editing. It doesn't sound like much, but it’s the little things, you know.

One feature I’ve found I can’t do without is more technical: the magnetic mask. It’s oh so clever: it uses special algorithms to analyse an item on the screen, allowing you to select it, while ignoring the rest. Once you’re happy with what’s highlighted, FCP analyses the entire clip and tracks it over time. It works if the object (or person) moves, or even turns around, and the camera doesn’t need to be static either. You can fine tune the results should you need to of course. It’s a great way to separate an item from its background, remove the background entirely, perform separate colour corrections on both, let your imagination run wild. Goodbye manual rotoscoping! Highly impressive (and so fast on a Mac equipped with an Apple Silicon chip).

One cool feature I’ve used a few times is applying colour correction to an adjustment clip which is placed above others in the timeline. Doing so changes all the clips beneath it. Fine tune the adjustment clip, and it affects all the clips beneath it in one go. Another great time saver.

Then there’s the one I’m dying to use but can’t: automatic transcription and captioning: FCP uses more clever algorithms to create written words from spoken dialogue, making subtitles appear at the right time on the screen. Apple is seriously behind with this feature, and it’s a much needed addition. I’ve tried it myself on a Mac other than my own, and it’s fast, and surprisingly accurate. So why can’t I use it? Because I’m still on an Intel Mac, and powerful though my machine still is, only Macs equipped with Apple Silicon can take advantage of this feature (grumble grumble).

And since I’m grumbling, I might as well mention that version 11.2 removes support for FireWire devices if you’re running macOS Tahoe. It breaks my heart to see FireWire disappear like that. If you don’t know what FireWire was, it used to run rings around USB, and could do things USB-C still can’t. Oh well, that’s technology for you.

All in all, Final Cut Pro is a powerful video editor, and these new additions help it catch up to the competition once more. I would easily put it in the top three - the other two being Premiere Pro and Resolve. Editing with it is fluid, it has many powerful features, with third party hooks to add additional effects and transitions. The newest features certainly do make it so much better, especially if you own an Apple Silicon Mac. Most features still work on old venerable Intel Macs, although the writing’s all too clearly on the wall for those.

• Score: ★★★★⯪

Final Cut Pro: Final verdict

I've always been a fan of Final Cut Pro. Yes, it's an underdog in the video editing world - despite having the backing of one of the biggest forces in the creative industry. Of course, it being limited to Mac devices isn't going to help - even more so with Apple now limiting some of its best features to high-spec Macs and MacBooks.

But in terms of editing video, it's fluid, intuitive, and the new features really speeds up the entire workflow. Sure, it does feel like Apple's playing catch up with the other top names in the arena - notably Adobe's Premiere Pro. However, at least those modern editing tools are coming online now, and not festering away, unloved and forgotten. Honestly, it used to feel like Apple has abandoned Final Cut Pro, so I'm happy to see the renewed support.

And I can't knock that one-off cost with lifetime updates and upgrades. For that, no other video editor comes close.

• Final score: ★★★★☆

Should I buy Final Cut Pro?

Buy it if...

You’re looking for an affordable video editor for your Mac, don’t like too much customizability, but appreciate a fancy, fluid and fast way of working, with powerful tools to create great edits.

Don't buy it if...

You don’t appreciate new editing concepts and would rather stick to the tried and true traditional way of editing video, and if you don’t own a Mac.

For more alternatives, we've tested the best free video editing software, best video editing software for beginners, and the best video editing apps for phones and tablets.

I've reviewed a number of products from Eureka Ergonomic - office chairs, standing desks - and each one always has a certain style to them that goes beyond the usual office furniture designs. So, when I had the chance to review the Nox genuine leather office chair, I had to check it out.

It doesn't fit the mold of most of the best office chairs I've reviewed, and maybe that's just what makes it a space in the market. This chair has a distinct vibe that will be an absolute dream - if you don't mind the executive price-tag.

Eureka Ergonomic Nox: Price and availability

The Eureka Serene Nox is an upgrade to the Standard Serene chair that I have reviewed in the past. The Nox is made of genuine leather and, like the Model T Ford, is offered in only one color: black.

It's currently available direct from Eureka Ergonomic's website, retailing for $750 - although at the time of review, it's down to $600.

Eureka Ergonomic Nox: Unboxing and First Impressions

The Eureka Nox came in quality packaging, nice protective material and a quality box. The setup was quick and painless, only taking about 20 minutes by myself to build. While most chairs have a handful of colorway options, by very nature of the name itself, the Nox comes in black, and only black.

This, paired with the sleek metal frame makes this chair look stunning. The lumbar has a slight pattern to it which is super interesting to look at, and other than that, the angular armrests are artistic over functionality, though they are fine most of the time.

Eureka Ergonomic Nox: Design & Build Quality

This chair doesn't scream but confidently whispers high-end, professional office chair. Whether that is a top-tier executive or Bondian super-villain, I cannot tell yet. It's a bold design, all about strong lines gently tapering at the lumbar support, sweeping padded armrests that glide around the chair to the seat base. It's striking in all the right ways.

The chair has simple, yet capable controls, offering tilt and lock options, height adjustments, and tension control. The lumbar section of the chair provides a good amount of support, but doesn't affect that silhouette, remaining cool, calm, unobtrusive. One part that I noticed even more than the lumbar is the waterfall-style seat, caressing the sides of my legs and alleviating pressure at the same time.

All around, this chair is supportive, firm, yet comfortable, and minimal, all while looking beautiful. It’s perfect for a professional office, an executive suite, the Batcave.

Eureka Ergonomic Nox: In use

I’ve had this chair in my rotation for my team for 100 days. Member of my team and I have spent entire days in this chair, all without any discomfort or need to switch to another chair. The lumbar support is not the most aggressive, but that’s okay, not every chair needs to have intense lumbar protrusions.

Even after a full work day, we have not had any complaints of back pain, so I’d be willing to say that lumbar support is a strong suit of this chair. Another interesting note is that even though these armrests are not adjustable, I have yet to have a team member complain. Perhaps that is because when you sit in this chair you don’t expect it to be something that it’s not, you sit in this chair and you feel like an executive.

You could be sitting in this chair in your office with literally nothing to do, no power, on your first day and you’ll feel like you are starting with a leg up due to this chair. That’s just how this chair makes you feel when you sit in it.

There are some scenarios where these armrests may not be ideal, but for most, they’ll be fine, or worth the lack of adjustment if you like the style and overall aesthetic and feel of this chair.

Some chairs you give up look and design for overall comfort and features. The Nox is the exact opposite, you give up highly adjustable armrests and lumbar for the overall aesthetic.

That’s another element of this chair that you should probably know. You’re not going to want to use this chair with a cheap folding desk, nor at the kitchen table, where your temporary workspace is, you won’t even want to use this chair in a bullpen, you want to use this chair in offices, in executive corner suites, you want this chair at the reception desk of a high end corporation so that it can look the part and still provide comfort.

Eureka Ergonomic Nox: Final verdict

The Eureka Serene sits in a very specific niche. It’s for professionals, it’s for executives, its for those who want something that looks the part, looks professional, looks high end, and looks luxury. This chair isn’t the kind you’d see at a budget operation, but one that you would see at a highly successful firm.

And, as a result, this kind of chair makes anywhere that it is feel a bit elevated. If you are looking for a quality chair that fits an aesthetic first and foremost, then you should absolutely consider the Eureka Ergonomic Nox. But if you’re on a budget, or want something that is more lumbar supportive, than this may not be the best chair for you, maybe send the link to your boss.

Should you buy a Eureka Ergonomic Nox?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

For more office furniture essentials, we've tested and reviewed the best standing desks.

The LiTime X Mini 12V battery is more than just an ordinary LiPo battery with high current and capacity.

The 4kWh type is approximately the same size as a car battery. It features an intelligent BMS, Bluetooth telemetry, self-heating capability, and durability of over 4,000 charge cycles before experiencing a 20% drop in charge. What is even more remarkable is the unit's compact size and relatively light weight, at just 25kg.

LiTime provides a slew of accessories to support the 12V battery. Users can build the best portable power station for their needs with a charging time as fast as one hour and an output power of 2.56kW.

The companion 2kW inverter is ideal for retrofitting in an RV, providing remote access to a substantial amount of power. The battery supports low-temperature operation down to -20 degrees Celsius.

LiTime X Mini Battery: Price and Availability

The 12V battery with a 320Ah capacity has an MSRP of $930 and is currently on sale for $650. A battery alone will not do much, though, and a complete system with a 720W charger and 2000W inverter adds an extra $730, which is relatively cheap, considering that similar 4kWhr/2kW stations have a $2000 price tag.

LiTime X Mini Battery: Design

From the outside, the LiTime LiPo battery looks strikingly similar to a lead-acid battery, having an identical form factor but with smaller posts.

The battery ships with a product manual, screws, and a quick start guide. The 25kg unit measures 38cm x 19cm x 25cm. The IP65 certification protects against water ingress should the product come into contact with water.

Since the case is hermetically sealed, the plastic enclosure will dissipate heat during charging at the maximum allowed power. Two handles, one on each side of the battery, allow the unit to be transported with some effort.

The tested 12V, 320Ah battery outputs 12.8V with an internal resistance of less than 40mΩ, providing a maximum power of 2.56kW. The charging current is limited to 200A continuously, resulting in a charge time of approximately two hours.

LiTime recommends using a 20% current capacity to prevent heat build-up. Two nuts embedded in the case act as positive and negative terminals. A torque wrench set to 12 Nm secures the provided M8 bolts to cable lugs and the battery.

LiTime sells two essential accessories for lithium batteries. The AC inverter is built around a pure-sine wave generator that can output up to 3kW for the 12V model. The 2kW model we tested features four 120V AC sockets, two USB ports, a remote-control port, and a high-power terminal connector.

The second, but equally important, accessory is the battery charger. We tested an 800W unit that generates significant noise through its fan. This kind of energy storage is generally unsuitable in an office and better suited to a remote location or a garage.

LiTime X Mini Battery: In use

A complete battery system is inherently passthrough, where the charging current passes through both the battery and the inverter, thus doubling as a Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) in the event of a blackout.

The ability to adjust the setup according to the owner's usage is also a great feature that other non-modular units lack. A second inverter can be easily added, turning the system into a 240V station, or the battery capacity can be increased by connecting up to 16 batteries in parallel and in series.

The LiTime mobile app is available on both Android and iOS platforms and supports only the battery. The setup involves adding the unit via Bluetooth using a combination of QR code and barcode.

The battery’s state is available from the main menu and includes capacity, output voltage, current, and power. The app can turn off the unit’s Bluetooth module, thereby saving energy. Bluetooth is re-enabled automatically when charging the battery.

LiTime battery products feature a built-in battery management system with over 20 protection safeguards, including overcurrent and temperature protection. The LiFePO4 chemistry is also more stable than other lithium chemistries, significantly reducing the risk of thermal runaway. The battery is protected against high temperatures and is certified by organizations such as the FCC and CE.

LiTime X Mini Battery: The competition

Renogy’s Core Mini, the closest model to the LiTime battery we tested, only supports 300Ah instead of 320Ah. Since the Core Mini is a 12V model, the net power reduction is about 16Wh, for a similar size, weight, and price. The Core Mini's output power of 1800W is also lower than LiTime's 2560W.

LiTime X Mini Battery: Final verdict

Lithium power storage cannot be more modular than LiTime’s X Mini battery and its accessories.

Upgrading the system simply involves connecting wires to additional batteries and inverters. At the same time, it can go into more places than its integrated counterpart for the same amount of energy.

The X Mini has a reasonable price, good build quality, and great online support. The Bluetooth connection is a nice addition, allowing constant monitoring of the battery’s vital signs.

The documentation could be better, with more detailed diagrams showing how to expand the system. Since only the battery supports Bluetooth, one cannot remotely control the inverter outputs or examine the overall system efficiency.

Buy the X Mini if ... you are looking to increase battery capacity or output power later.

Don’t buy the X Mini if ... DIY isn't your cup of tea.

We've listed the best rugged laptops and the best rugged phones.

The LiTime X Mini 12V battery is more than just an ordinary LiPo battery with high current and capacity.

The 4kWh type is approximately the same size as a car battery. It features an intelligent BMS, Bluetooth telemetry, self-heating capability, and durability of over 4,000 charge cycles before experiencing a 20% drop in charge. What is even more remarkable is the unit's compact size and relatively light weight, at just 25kg.

LiTime provides a slew of accessories to support the 12V battery. Users can build the best portable power station for their needs with a charging time as fast as one hour and an output power of 2.56kW.

The companion 2kW inverter is ideal for retrofitting in an RV, providing remote access to a substantial amount of power. The battery supports low-temperature operation down to -20 degrees Celsius.

LiTime X Mini Battery: Price and Availability

The 12V battery with a 320Ah capacity has an MSRP of $930 and is currently on sale for $650. A battery alone will not do much, though, and a complete system with a 720W charger and 2000W inverter adds an extra $730, which is relatively cheap, considering that similar 4kWhr/2kW stations have a $2000 price tag.

LiTime X Mini Battery: Design

From the outside, the LiTime LiPo battery looks strikingly similar to a lead-acid battery, having an identical form factor but with smaller posts.

The battery ships with a product manual, screws, and a quick start guide. The 25kg unit measures 38cm x 19cm x 25cm. The IP65 certification protects against water ingress should the product come into contact with water.

Since the case is hermetically sealed, the plastic enclosure will dissipate heat during charging at the maximum allowed power. Two handles, one on each side of the battery, allow the unit to be transported with some effort.

The tested 12V, 320Ah battery outputs 12.8V with an internal resistance of less than 40mΩ, providing a maximum power of 2.56kW. The charging current is limited to 200A continuously, resulting in a charge time of approximately two hours.

LiTime recommends using a 20% current capacity to prevent heat build-up. Two nuts embedded in the case act as positive and negative terminals. A torque wrench set to 12 Nm secures the provided M8 bolts to cable lugs and the battery.

LiTime sells two essential accessories for lithium batteries. The AC inverter is built around a pure-sine wave generator that can output up to 3kW for the 12V model. The 2kW model we tested features four 120V AC sockets, two USB ports, a remote-control port, and a high-power terminal connector.

The second, but equally important, accessory is the battery charger. We tested an 800W unit that generates significant noise through its fan. This kind of energy storage is generally unsuitable in an office and better suited to a remote location or a garage.

LiTime X Mini Battery: In use

A complete battery system is inherently passthrough, where the charging current passes through both the battery and the inverter, thus doubling as a Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) in the event of a blackout.

The ability to adjust the setup according to the owner's usage is also a great feature that other non-modular units lack. A second inverter can be easily added, turning the system into a 240V station, or the battery capacity can be increased by connecting up to 16 batteries in parallel and in series.

The LiTime mobile app is available on both Android and iOS platforms and supports only the battery. The setup involves adding the unit via Bluetooth using a combination of QR code and barcode.

The battery’s state is available from the main menu and includes capacity, output voltage, current, and power. The app can turn off the unit’s Bluetooth module, thereby saving energy. Bluetooth is re-enabled automatically when charging the battery.

LiTime battery products feature a built-in battery management system with over 20 protection safeguards, including overcurrent and temperature protection. The LiFePO4 chemistry is also more stable than other lithium chemistries, significantly reducing the risk of thermal runaway. The battery is protected against high temperatures and is certified by organizations such as the FCC and CE.

LiTime X Mini Battery: The competition

Renogy’s Core Mini, the closest model to the LiTime battery we tested, only supports 300Ah instead of 320Ah. Since the Core Mini is a 12V model, the net power reduction is about 16Wh, for a similar size, weight, and price. The Core Mini's output power of 1800W is also lower than LiTime's 2560W.

LiTime X Mini Battery: Final verdict

Lithium power storage cannot be more modular than LiTime’s X Mini battery and its accessories.

Upgrading the system simply involves connecting wires to additional batteries and inverters. At the same time, it can go into more places than its integrated counterpart for the same amount of energy.

The X Mini has a reasonable price, good build quality, and great online support. The Bluetooth connection is a nice addition, allowing constant monitoring of the battery’s vital signs.

The documentation could be better, with more detailed diagrams showing how to expand the system. Since only the battery supports Bluetooth, one cannot remotely control the inverter outputs or examine the overall system efficiency.

Buy the X Mini if ... you are looking to increase battery capacity or output power later.

Don’t buy the X Mini if ... DIY isn't your cup of tea.

We've listed the best rugged laptops and the best rugged phones.

ByteSIM is an eSIM provider that provides internet connectivity for travelers. Its services work across all continents, from the U.S.A. to Switzerland, New Zealand, Thailand, Egypt, China, and more.

Founded in 2021 and based in Hong Kong, ByteSIM has quickly grown into one of the most popular eSIM providers worldwide.

But what makes it a popular option? What are its pros and cons, and is it the best choice for you? This review will answer these questions. Read on to learn what ByteSIM offers and whether it’s ideal for you.

ByteSIM: Plans and pricing

ByteSIM offers flexible pricing based on your selected data volume and plan duration. Pricing also varies across countries, with some countries being noticeably costlier than others.

Prices start from $2.90 for 500 MB for 1 day. For $21, you can get 500 MB per day for 30 days, totaling 15 GB. 1 GB daily for 30 days costs $28, 2 GB daily costs $50, 3 GB daily costs $67, and 10 GB daily costs $100 for the same 30 days.

Instead of paying for a specific amount of data per day, you can choose a total data package upfront from 3 GB to 50 GB. For reference, a 3 GB 15-day plan costs $6 and a 50 GB 30-day plan costs $50.

ByteSIM also offers unlimited data (with a fair usage policy) for prices ranging from $12 for 3 days to $63 for 30 days.

Its pricing structure seems convoluted, but it is actually easy to understand. ByteSIM lets you choose the amount of data (500 MB to 50 GB, or unlimited) and the number of days it is valid for. Prices vary widely according to your choice.

Overall, ByteSIM’s prices are friendly on high-data packages (10 GB upwards) but aren’t the best on the smaller sub-10 GB plans.

ByteSIM: Features

ByteSIM’s standout features include:

Unlimited data

An unlimited data plan is included among ByteSIM’s offerings. However, as with telecom networks, unlimited data doesn’t literally mean what it says.

Instead, there’s a fair usage policy limiting how much data you can consume before the browsing speed gets throttled. This data cap varies depending on the underlying network.

ByteSIM works with different telecom networks in each country, but you can always verify the data cap before buying your plan.

Regional plans

Like many eSIM providers, ByteSIM offers regional plans that unlock network connectivity across multiple countries with a single eSIM.

For example, the Asia plan provides coverage in 21 countries, including Malaysia, South Korea, Vietnam, Thailand, and Taiwan.

If you plan to visit multiple Asian countries, you should choose the Asia plan, as it’s more affordable compared to paying for a new plan in each country you visit.

Unlimited hotspot

With your ByteSIM data allowance, you can use your smartphone as a hotspot without limits. For example, you can share data with friends during your trip or connect your PC to the internet from your smartphone.

Many eSIM providers restrict how much data you can use in hotspot mode, but ByteSIM has no restrictions.

ByteSIM: Installation

Installing your ByteSIM eSIM starts with heading to www.ByteSIM.com or downloading the ByteSIM app from the Play Store (Android) or App Store (iOS).

On the app or website, you can view all plans offered by ByteSIM, choose your desired plan and duration, and see the corresponding price. Enter your personal details, including your email address, and pay for your plan.

ByteSIM will confirm the payment and send a unique QR code to your email address. Scan the QR code to initiate eSIM activation —the on-screen instructions will guide you.

With ByteSIM's step-by-step instructions, the installation process doesn’t take long to complete. If you need help, you can consult ByteSIM’s FAQs page and blog or contact the support team.

ByteSIM’s mobile app isn’t compulsory for installing your eSIM, but it makes the process smoother. After activating your eSIM, you can monitor data usage from this app or top up data if needed.

ByteSIM: Coverage and speed

ByteSIM offers eSIM coverage in 200+ regions, or virtually all countries where it’s possible. Whether traveling across Europe, North America, Africa, Asia, South America, or Oceania, you’ll find a suitable eSIM package on ByteSIM.

This widespread coverage is one of the main reasons for ByteSIM’s popularity, particularly its regional plans that offer data coverage across multiple countries via a single eSIM.

You can access 5G connectivity with ByteSIM if it's available in your location. As a ByteSIM user, you’re dependent on local telecoms infrastructure in the country you visit, meaning speeds can vary.

In urban areas, 5G connectivity is more accessible but can be unavailable in rural areas. If 5G is unavailable, you’ll be switched, 4G or LTE.

Some countries have more robust 5G infrastructure than others, with examples including South Korea, the U.S., China, Switzerland, and Denmark. If visiting these countries, you’re more likely to enjoy 5G connectivity with ByteSIM.

ByteSIM: Support

For direct help, you can contact ByteSIM’s support team via email and WhatsApp. You can also dial the telephone support line during working hours, Monday to Friday.

Before seeking direct support, you can first check ByteSIM’s official FAQs page. This page has answers to routine issues users face, from device compatibility to installing eSIMs and troubleshooting slow connections.

Along with the FAQs page, ByteSIM’s official blog contains guides on selecting and installing its eSIMs.

Both the FAQs page and blog sections provide ample self-help resources. ByteSIM provides decent support resources on par with most eSIM providers I’ve tested.

ByteSIM: Final verdict

ByteSIM is a major contender in the eSIM market. It offers flexible eSIM plans for short or long foreign trips and provides reliable internet connectivity.

It’s not the most affordable option, nor does it have the best customer support, but it provides sufficient network coverage in virtually every region. We recommend ByteSIM for your foreign trips, although there are other eSIM options that you can take a look at.

ByteSIM: FAQs

Roamless provides internet connectivity for travelers with various eSIM packages. It works in over 200 regions, from the U.S. to Turkey, Greece, Brazil, Australia, China, and Indonesia.

Notably, you can use a single Roamless eSIM to obtain internet connectivity in multiple countries.

Formally launched in 2024, Roamless is one of the newest eSIM providers on the block.

But is it a suitable alternative to long-established eSIM providers? What sets it apart from the competition? This guide will answer these questions and help you decide whether Roamless is an ideal choice.

Roamless: Plans and pricing

Roamless has two pricing models: RoamlessFlex and RoamlessFix.

The former is a pay-as-you-go option, where you buy credits and use them on the go. If your credits run out, you can buy more to retain internet access.

Prices vary by country, but $2.45 per GB is the average for RoamlessFlex plans.

On the other hand, RoamlessFix offers fixed data plans, where you buy a specific amount of data that expires in 90 days.

Standard prices are $4 for 1 GB, $7 for 2 GB, $8.45 for 3 GB, $11 for 5 GB, $19 for 10 GB, and $30 for 20 GB, but they may vary by country.

For plans of 5 GB or more, the pay-as-you-go option is more expensive than a fixed plan. The tradeoff is the flexibility of not having to pay for a specific data volume, only to end up not using everything.

Pay-as-you-go is preferable if you’re a casual internet user who doesn’t consume much data.

For plans of 5 GB or less, the pay-as-you-go option is cost-effective. Notably, Roamless offers free 500 MB data to users who activate a new eSIM plan.

Roamless: Features

Global eSIM

A key feature setting Roamless apart from competitors is its Global eSIM. Rather than having different eSIMs for each country, Roamless offers a global eSIM that you only need to activate once.

After activating your eSIM, you can travel to different countries and get internet access with it– you’ll still have to pay for data packages in each country.

The Global eSIM means you don’t have to go through the hassle of installing a new eSIM each time you travel. You’ll do it once, then roam the globe freely with your eSIM.

Flexible data plans

You can choose flexible Roamless data plans based on usage patterns. For example, if you’re planning a long trip, a RoamlessFlex pay-as-you-go option might suit you best, as you’ll pay per GB consumed with no expiry date.

For short trips, you can choose a fixed plan with a 30-day expiry and enough data to last your trip.

The downside is that Roamless doesn’t offer unlimited data plans like some competitors do. Its plans are flexible, but you’re restricted to a specific data volume.

On the bright side, you’ll get reliable 4G/5G internet connectivity and can use your phone as a hotspot without limits, as long as you have sufficient data credits.

International calls

Most eSIM providers don’t offer local phone numbers for calls or SMS, and Roamless doesn’t either. However, Roamless offers something close to this feature.

In the mobile app, you can make calls to international phone numbers at rates starting at $0.01 per minute.

Technically, you’re not assigned an international phone number. Rather, you’ll use Roamless’ phone numbers to make outbound calls, but can’t receive incoming calls. It’s a workaround that suited me fine.

Roamless: Installation

Activating your Roamless eSIM is a straightforward process that I had no issues following.

It starts with downloading the Roamless app from the Play Store (Android) or App Store (iOS). After downloading the app, I created an account and logged in immediately. Then, I chose a data plan, paid for it, and clicked the Install eSIM button.

Users have two options: 1-click activation or manual QR code activation. I chose 1-click activation, then followed a few on-screen instructions to activate the eSIM.

You can choose manual activation if you plan to install the eSIM on a different device than the one used to buy the data plan– Roamless will send a QR code to scan on that device for activation.

Roamless: Coverage and speed

Roamless offers eSIM plans in 200+ regions across Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia, Oceania, Africa, and the Middle East.

Stretching from the U.S. to Algeria, the Bahamas, Belgium, Ghana, Brazil, and Oman, Roamless offers internet coverage wherever you travel.

With your Roamless eSIM, you can get both 4G/LTE and 5G connectivity (where available). Roamless depends on local telecom carriers in each country, so 5G accessibility varies.

The general trend is that populated cities have reliable 5G connectivity while less populated areas have spotty 5G connectivity, or if at all. Some countries also stand out for more robust 5G infrastructure than others– examples are Sweden, South Korea, Denmark, and Singapore.

5G connections may get spotty, but you can expect reliable 4G/LTE connectivity at all times with Roamless.

In my experience, Roamless works with two or more domestic mobile networks in many countries, so there’s always a backup if one network experiences hiccups.

Roamless: Support

To access support resources, you can check Roamless’ official Help Center for dozens of user guides and explainers to frequently asked questions (FAQs).

If you’re a new user seeking how to navigate Roamless, this Help Center is the first place to consult. It’s also valuable if you’re looking to resolve problems like lagging connectivity and activation failures.

If the self-help support resources aren’t adequate to resolve your problems, you can seek direct help via email. Just send an email stating your problem and expect a response within a few hours.

There’s no live chat or telephone support, which is a drawback because many rivals offer these support channels.

Roamless: Final verdict

Roamless stands out from competitors with its Global eSIM, pay-as-you-go plan, and user-friendly app that makes eSIM activation smooth.

It provides reliable connectivity for frequent travelers, regardless of region. Though it has a few downsides, Roamless is one of the best eSIM providers you can choose.

Roamless: FAQs