The BourgeRV JuiceGo could be mistaken for a trendy juicer, but make no mistake, this diminutive unit is no pushover and redefines the concept of portable power stations by being slightly larger than a dictionary.
Specifications
Battery Chemistry: LiFePo4
Battery capacity: 240Wh
Number of charge cycles: Over 2000
AC output power: 150W
Number of AC outlets: 1
Number of DC outlets: 4
AC inverter efficiency: 88%
Number of power inputs: 2
Fastest charge time: 3 hours
Additional features: LED flashlight
Weight: 2.8kg
Volume: 2.7L
Price: $210
The slick plastic enclosure contains a 240WH LiFePo4 battery, three USB sockets, a cigar port, an emergency LED light, and a 150W AC output socket. A small LCD shows input and output power consumption and battery charge.
The JuiceGo is ideal for traveling as it weighs only 2.8kg. The only accessories provided are USB Type-C and car charging cables. A built-in hand strap makes moving the station painless. The main limitation of the unit remains the 100W USB Type-C socket, which cannot be used as output while charging through the DC input socket. The station does not ship with a power adapter, making the out-of-the-box experience underwhelming.
The JuiceGo has an MSRP of $209 on the BourgeRV website. It can be bundled with a 50W solar panel, bringing the price to $300. Until the end of the year, buyers can use the code AFF24 to get 24% off BougeRV products, including the JuiceGo.
(Image credit: Future)
BougeRV JuiceGo: Design
The JuiceGo comes with only a few accessories, including a USB Type-C and a car charging cable. To charge the station, the user must provide a power adapter. The plastic unit measures 26 cm x 17 cm x 6 cm and weighs 2.9 kg. A plastic strap serves as a handle for carrying the station around. The back of the enclosure contains a small fan, which cools the AC inverter and battery charging circuits.
The black plastic station does not have any feet, which gives the JuiceGo the unique characteristic of being able to be placed horizontally or vertically. The edge of the case is rubbery and will prevent the station from easily toppling over. BougeRV uses a 240Wh LiFePo4 battery technology with over 3000 charge cycles before experiencing a 20% capacity drop.
The user interface comprises a small rectangular LCD and three push buttons. The display looks crowded from a distance; tiny characters show the battery charge, input and output power consumption, potential warnings, and enabled outputs. Using the push buttons is straightforward. A long press on the Power button will turn the device on, while a short press will turn it off.
The front panel contains all DC outputs. Three USB sockets, including two Type-Cs, are grouped on the right. A cigar car socket in the center provides 130W to small devices such as a portable fridge, while a barrel-type DC7909 socket can charge the unit with a voltage range between 12V and 32V, at a maximum of 100W. A single AC output on the back provides up to 150W.
(Image credit: Future)
BougeRV JuiceGo: In use
The JuiceGo fan makes noise under stress when fast charging or outputting at maximum power. The LED flashlight, controlled by the Light push button, can be fully on, dimmed to half intensity, or set to flash. With the 12V cigar lighter DC output, the JuiceGo becomes a helpful roadside companion, enabling the use of a small fridge on the go.
The unit charges through the dedicated DC input socket or the 100W Type-C connector. One major limitation of the power station is that both sockets cannot be used simultaneously, even when using the Type-C as an output. With both connected, the JuiceGo will turn off the Type-C while other outputs, such as the two USB sockets, remain powered.
The fastest way to charge the unit is through the DC7909 socket, which takes about three hours to complete. Since the unit does not ship with an adapter, the user will usually charge through the Type-C connector, which will also take about three hours to complete. The DC7909 socket also supports solar panel charging with MPPT and a 12V to 32V input.
The inverter and battery are 88% efficient, giving less than one and a half hours at full power usage. The unit consumes about 1W while idle and can save energy by turning off the AC outlet or the whole unit with nothing connected for one hour or more. The JuiceGo can become a simple UPS for small computers and appliances, with AC and DC outputs available during charge.
(Image credit: Future)
BougeRV JuiceGo: The competition
BougeRV’s JuiceGo fills a niche at this size and price. The Jackery Explorer 300 portable power station is targeted at a similar audience but is more costly at $419. It is also bigger and heavier and uses the older LPF battery chemistry. The lack of a flashlight makes it less handy on road trips. Finally, with only one 60W Type-C USB socket, the Explorer 300 is a no-go for charging many high-end laptops, such as the MacBook Pro, using USB only.
BougeRV JuiceGo: Final verdict
The JuiceGo from BougeRV is ideal as a temporary energy source on the go. The 240Wh LiFePo4 battery should provide over 2000 charge cycles before experiencing a voltage drop. What’s great about the JuiceGo is its many features, such as a flashlight, dual Type-C USB sockets, a cigar lighter output, and a handle that does not take up a lot of space. The unit can be placed horizontally or vertically and features a rubbery edge to prevent accidental slips.
The AC output is on the low end at 150W, meaning the station can only accommodate items such as laptops or small fridges. The charging could also have been better, as the main Type-C socket gets disabled when charging through the dedicated DC input socket.
Buy it
if you need a compact power station for roadside emergencies.
Don’t buy
if you need to charge anything other than small devices.
The Pecron E1500 portable power station offers affordability and expandability in a compact footprint
Specifications
Battery chemistry: LiFePo4
Battery capacity: 1500Wh
Number of charge cycles: Over 3500
AC output power: 2200W, Surge to 4400W
Number of AC outlets: 3
Number of DC outlets: 10
AC inverter efficiency: 85%
Number of power inputs: 4
Fastest charge time: 2 hours
Additional features: Bluetooth/WiFi, UPS
Weight: 18kg
Volume: 7.7L
Price: $1299
Based on a LiFePo4 battery, it provides more than 3500 charge cycles before experiencing a 20% drop in power. The station can have its capacity upgraded to 7680Wh as a three-unit system. With a Wi-Fi connection and a well-designed mobile app, the E1500 becomes a power station accessible worldwide.
The black plastic case has an industrial appeal and feels more rugged than the competition. A segmented LCD on the front panel shows vital data about the station. Two buttons control the entire unit, which can sometimes make usage cumbersome. The AC output can supply 2200W continuously, which drops to 1800W when used in UPS mode. The lack of a flashlight limits its usage on the road, although the provided 12V cigar socket and the possibility of charging from a car battery make this option appealing.
The Pecron E1500 starts at $1299 for the 1536Whr/2200W station. It is currently available at a 38% price reduction, bringing the total to under $800. At less than $0.6/Wh, it is one of the most affordable units available. If the battery capacity is insufficient, the E1500 can take two extra 3kWh battery modules for $1499 each, making it a 7.5kWh station.
(Image credit: Future)
Pecron E1500: Design
The Pecron E1500LFP ships with a small case containing five cables, allowing connection to a car’s cigar port or a standard solar panel. Like other Pecron units, the E1500LFP sports a rugged black plastic case with orange rubber covers at each corner. Two embedded handles help move the station with ease. Two large fans on the left push a decent amount of air for cooling. The unit measures 37.7 cm x 23.7 cm x 30.5 cm and weighs around 18 kg.
The front LCD provides straightforward information about the unit's operation. A 10 cm diagonal screen shows the battery capacity using six levels. Icons for Wi-Fi, UPS mode, temperature, and output alarms turn on when features or errors are enabled or detected. Input and output power consumption update in real-time. The display is always on when any output is enabled. The brightness is adjustable using the mobile app.
Only two push buttons are available to control the unit. These are dual functions, with long presses enabling the AC and DC outputs. A short press on the DC button will display an alternate setting on the LCD, switching between battery capacity and voltage. Pressing both buttons for a few seconds resets the unit and is particularly helpful when having Wi-Fi connection issues.
All user ports are well located on the front panel, occupying the upper half of the case. Charging inputs are on the left, AC outputs are in the middle, and DC outputs are on the right, except for the top wireless charging port. The input ports consist of two DC connectors, each with a particular purpose. A high-current GX16MF socket accommodating up to 700W connects to solar panels, while a handy 100W 12V DC5521 makes charging through the carport a breeze. The only AC input supports up to 1400W, allowing high-speed charging in less than two hours.
(Image credit: Future)
Pecron E1500: In Use
Three AC sockets provide 100V or 120V of 2200W pure-sine energy continuously or 4400W for a short period. The low-voltage DC section comprises six USB sockets, including a 100W Type-C, a 360W XT16 connector, a 120W regulated carport, and a 60W 12V DC5521 barrel socket. A 15W wireless charger completes the list of output options available.
The E1500LFP's LiFePo4 battery and price point sets it apart. With over 3500 charge cycles before experiencing a 20% drop, Pecron’s new station will lose little charge capacity over ten years even if charged daily, representing an excellent investment at less than $0.9 per Wh. It becomes a no-brainer with features such as fast charging, Wi-Fi, and the UPS mode, where the station switches from AC input to battery supply in under 20ms.
The E1500LFP can be controlled through the Pecron mobile app and is available on iOS and Android ecosystems. The unit configuration is registration-free, requiring only the device’s QR code or through Bluetooth scanning. The device is accessible even on stand-by, and the wireless connection consumes little power. All features available through the front panel are also present on the app.
The app allows one to change the output voltage and frequency, allowing the use of a more comprehensive range of appliances. The station's efficiency is 85%. Two fans generate a noticeable hum while the unit is in use or charging. A 700W solar input limits the charging time to four hours. Finally, there is no built-in flashlight, which can be helpful in a night-time road emergency.
(Image credit: Future)
Pecron E1500: The Competition
There has been a deluge of middle-sized power stations recently, thanks partly to the automotive industry, which has made affordable battery packs a reality. Jackery, at the forefront of portable power technology, offers the Explorer 1500 Pro, which has features similar to those of the E1500LFP. However, with an MRSP of $2100, it is twice the price of Pecron’s offering while capable of less output power at 1800W, compared to 2200W for Pecron. Finally, the Explorer 1500 Pro battery capacity is limited to only 1512Wh, while the E1500LFP can be upgraded to 7500Wh.
Pecron E1500: Final Verdict
The Pecron E1500LFP power station can help in many situations. It packs a powerful 2200W AC inverter that is also 85% efficient. The battery is just enough to power a whole range of 1kW-rated home appliances for one hour. The E1500LFP features an upgrade port, enabling a combined battery capacity of 7.5kWh. Wi-Fi, UPS mode, and a decent number of output ports make the unit excellent value for money.
Portable power stations have become an essential item for homes and businesses, providing a back-up power solution for charging and powering a massive range of devices.
The Bluetti AC70 is a smart portable power station chiefly designed for homes, home offices, and on the road. This model boasts a 1000W pure sine wave inverter, making it better suited to lower-powered devices - think laptops, phones, other home office essentials - with a 2000W Power Lifting Mode for higher-powered household appliances.
We’ve tested out a number of the best portable power stations, and having been impressed with previous Bluetti models, we were keen to see how the new AC70 compares.
Bluetti AC70: Pricing & availability
The Bluetti AC70 is available worldwide, with an RRP of $699 / £699. However, at the time of review, it was on sale for $499 / £649. This does place the AC70 at the mid-to-high end of the spectrum for a power station of this type.
You can find the AC70 on the official Bluetti site, Amazon, and most electrical retailers.
Bluetti AC70: Design & features
(Image credit: Bluetti)
Specs
What's in the box: 1x Bluetti AC70, 1x mains charger, 1x cigarette lighter charger, 1x solar panel charging cable, 1x grounding screw Battery capacity: 768Wh Output: 1000W / 2000W in Power Lifting Mode Inverter: Pure Sine Wave AC output: 2 DC output: 1 USB output: 4 (2x USB-A, 2x USB-C) Weight: 22.5 lbs / 10.2kg Dimensions: 12.4 × 8.2 × 10.1in / 314 × 209.5 × 255.8mm
The AC70 is a compact but weighty little box (it clocks in at 22.5lb / 10.2kg) - although transportation is made easier with the built-in handle. It’s all part of the same casing as the rest of the unit, and feels firm during transit. However, we were glad to set it down after a while.
Soft, curved edges and a dark gray coloring makes this feel smart and accessible - its presence not dominating, but subtle, suitable for a range of locations. Driving the unit is a 768Wh LiFePO battery, which is relatively small when it comes to power stations, but does keep things more portable.
On the front of the power station, you’ll find a bright, clear LCD screen and buttons for powering on the device and switching between AC and DC outputs. Pressing these together lets you access and navigate the settings menu. It’s simple enough, after some trial and plenty of error, although we recommend using the Bluetti app for managing the power station, especially if you’re in and out of settings. For example, by default the unit is set to the power-saving eco mode. According to the manual, this mode is best turned off when charging smaller devices like phones. We found it far quicker to hop into the app and make that change than fiddle in the on-device menus.
When it comes to connections, the Bluetti AC70 is well-rounded for general use. Beneath the power button are two USB-A and two USB-C ports. A DC output and cigarette lighter port, letting you charge up the power station from your vehicle, sit to the left. On the right are two AC outputs. Around the side, a grounding pole and an AC input to recharge the unit via mains. A solar panel charging cable is included in the box to draw power from Earth’s yellow sun, with solar panels available separately.
Bluetti AC70: Performance
(Image credit: Bluetti)
In use, the Bluetti AC70 portable power station works exactly as intended. Quietly powering our devices, turning the screen off after a minute, and generally being as unobtrusive as possible through our testing process. It’s worth checking the specs for any high-energy device you connect here. For example, our standard UK kettle (average 3000W) wouldn’t work even in Power Lifting Mode, which increases the power station’s reach to 2000W. Impressive technology, but hardly a game-changer compared to many we’ve tried.
That makes it a fairly low-level portable power station for more casual everyday use. In this regard, we had no issues at all, with the AC70 easily handling all devices within the 1000W range without any issue at all. Phones, battery chargers, laptops, lamps all worked instantly via AC and USB (DC) connections. However, if you use this for camping trips, you’ll want to store it somewhere safe and dry - keep it in the van. While the sockets do have rubber caps to protect from water and dust, the unit itself has no MIL-STD or IP ratings to complement the lifestyle of more rugged adventurers and road warriors.
For extra utility, the AC70 also boasts turbo charging when plugged into the mains. Documentation states the unit charges to 80% in forty-five minutes, and full charge in 1.5 hours in this mode. In our own tests, this was broadly accurate. You can switch between Standard, Turbo, and Silent charging modes in the app, and even charging on standard mode, it took the device from 33% to 75% in forty-five minutes. So, you won’t have to wait long to put the power station to use, whatever charging mode you use. We checked and the AC70 also supports pass-through charging, powering devices while you charge or run the unit off the mains.
You control this, and much more, within a beautifully designed app. It's incredibly easy to navigate and find what you need, with a series of taps and toggles for controlling pretty much every feature, from Power Lifting and Eco Mode to Grid Self-adaption, an option that lets you continue a steady charging rate even during electrical spikes and volatility. Connecting the device to the app took us seconds after signing up, with any changes made in the app immediately reflected on the AC70’s screen.
Bluetti AC70: Final verdict
(Image credit: Bluetti)
The Bluetti AC70 is a solid portable power station ideal for household use and the van-life - although in this regard, it’s likely best as a secondary or tertiary back-up unit, given its lower wattage output. Capable of powering most everyday devices, such as laptops and phones, it works very well, with a range of charging options and minimal fuss for those who just want to charge up devices on the go. For us, the companion app was a real highlight. Using this was absolutely seamless, giving you as much (or as little) control over the AC70 as you need.
It’s not perfect - what is? - and certain users are going to find the power output simply too low, the battery too small for their needs. But then, this isn’t designed for high-capacity or industrial use. If your needs are smaller, then it's a very nice unit, with a pleasing design and construction that, while heavy, remains highly portable for solo users.
The Ugreen PowerRoam GS1200 power station packs the latest rechargeable Lithium technology in a compact format.
Specifications
Weight: 11.5kg
Battery Type: LiFePo4
Battery Capacity: 1024Wh
AC Inverter power: 1200W (2500W for certain appliances)
Number of AC outputs: Six
Number of USB outputs: Four; 2 Type-A, 2 Type-C
Number of DC outputs: Three 12V
Solar Input Voltage Range and power: 12V - 48V, 400W Max
Fastest Charge Time: One hour
Wireless: Bluetooth and WiFi
Other features: Flashlight, Electronic fuse, ground tab, UPS mode
AC Efficiency: 85%
The 1024Wh battery offers over 3000 charge cycles, while the built-in AC charger can top the unit in less than one hour. With a total of fourteen ports, including six 10A 120V AC outlets and eight low-voltage DC ports, the GS1200 can power appliances such as microwave ovens while simultaneously charging a gaming laptop.
The user can proudly display the sleek GS1200 on an office table, where it can also serve as a UPS. Dedicated on/off switches make using the station straightforward. The large segmented LCD offers excellent contrast, being readable from several meters. If that’s not enough, a mobile app brings all controls to the owner’s fingertips. With two cooling fans, the GS1200 is quiet enough to be used in a room at night.
Ugreen offers several options when purchasing a GS1200. A single unit costs $999, while two costs under $1900. That is cheap for a LiFePo4 battery type at $0.97 per Wh. The station is also available with one or two 200W solar panels for $1247 and $1749, respectively.
UGreen’s PowerRoam GS1200 station measures 34 cm x 22 cm x 27cm for 11.5kg. The grey plastic shell feels tough and will easily withstand knocks. A non-retractable handle located at the top helps to carry the unit effortlessly. Two fans provide adequate airflow to cool internal components while charging the battery, along with air vents on both sides.
A large segmented LCD sits on the front panel, showing battery capacity and input/output power consumption. In addition, various icons show which outputs are enabled or if issues are present while operating the station. The display’s white color segments on a dark background offer excellent contrast and are readable in bright sunlight, even from a few meters away.
Push buttons control output sections with a single click. A faint white LED embedded in each button indicates whether the output is activated or not. An IoT button enables the unit's Bluetooth and WiFi capability and helps connect to the companion mobile App. The station also includes a multifunction LED flashlight that supports two intensity levels and a strobe mode.
The GS1200 integrates a 1024Whr LiFePo4 battery pack, which should provide over five years of usage when recharged daily before experiencing an 80% capacity drop. The built-in 1200W AC inverter can supply 2500W for short periods through six AC sockets located on the right. The low-voltage DC section comprises two Type-C 100W and two Type-A 22.5W sockets. The Ugreen power station also incorporates three regulated 12V output sockets, two DC5521, and one cigarette carport. Output sections can provide a maximum of 1565W combined under normal usage.
(Image credit: Ugreen)
Ugreen PowerRoam GS1200: In Use
The GS1200 includes 2.4GHz WiFi and Bluetooth radios to connect to a smartphone running either Android or iOS. Setting up the app is straightforward; on-screen instructions guide the user and require only a few steps. We noted that WiFi is disabled after some time to save power.
The mobile app contains elements available on the station’s front panel. The user can remotely turn output sections on and off while displaying real-time battery capacity and power consumption or adjusting settings that include power-saving or always-on mode.
The station guards against output short-circuits by shutting them down and displaying an error code. In addition, the GS1200 supports an Uninterruptible Power Supply mode or UPS capable of instantly switching power from the grid to the inverter and battery in case of a blackout.
Charging the GS1200 can be done in several ways, the most practical being using the embedded 1200W power adapter. A full charge usually takes under one hour. Solar charging is also available, but with the station capable of a maximum of 400W, it is the slowest charging mean. The solar input offers a wide voltage range from 12V to 48V, thus allowing panels in different configurations.
The 1200W AC inverter found in the station is about 85% efficient. Power loss through heat dissipates with the help of the fan, which generates less than 50dB of noise at one meter. The WiFi module has a good range, covering a radius of 10 meters. The testing unit shows some functional hiccups, as AC outputs are turned off even with the power-saving feature disabled, making the unit unusable with a PC in sleep mode.
(Image credit: Ugreen)
Ugreen PowerRoam GS1200: The competition
Ugreen’s GS1200 compact power station offers features such as long battery life, WiFi connectivity, and a UPS mode. Stations with similar characteristics sell at a price premium and are only available with higher power and battery capacity.
The EcoFlow Delta 2 portable power station is bigger and heavier than the GS1200. It possesses an 1800W AC inverter and a 1024Wh LiFePo4 battery, the same battery chemistry used in Ugreen’s station. Still, with a higher price tag, the Delta 2 lacks an emergency light, making it less practical on the road.
Ugreen PowerRoam GS1200: Final verdict
The GS1200 is a proper portable power station at a low price point. It is surprisingly compact for the LiFePo4 battery chemistry and AC inverter offered. Built-in WiFi coupled with UGreen’s mobile app makes life easier, allowing remote connection to the station. The unit supports popular DC sockets, from the ubiquitous Type-C and barrel-type DC5521 to the 12V car cigar socket. Six AC outlets capable of 1200W should be enough to power all common household appliances.
The Ugreen GS1200 is far from perfect; the station’s firmware requires some additional work to be great. The WiFi connection is lost after a while, making the unit unreachable. The unit also turns off AC outputs if it thinks no electrical loads are connected. A small load, such as a PC in sleep mode, will get powered off.
Buy If
You want a compact and affordable unit with built-in WiFi connectivity, UPS mode, and long battery life, then the GS1200 is good for you.
Don’t Buy If
With an underwhelming charge time through the solar port, the GS1200 might not be the right station for campers.
Acer's Predator line of laptops is well-known at this point, offering everything from desktops like the Acer Orion 7000 to high-end laptops such as the Acer Helios 300. The latest gaming machine to grace my test bench is the Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 - a more budget-conscious entry into the Predator line.
That's a welcome sight since many of the best gaming laptops are fearsomely expensive; sure, I love the new Razer Blade 14, but it starts above two thousand bucks, and the average person just can't afford to casually drop that amount of money on a gaming machine.
In today's fraught economic landscape, good-value hardware is king - and I reckon the Predator Helios Neo 16 checks that box. With this redesign of Acer's existing Helios laptop line, we've still got a high-quality machine with the latest internal components, but now at a new (and more accessible) price point.
(Image credit: Future)
Now, I'm not saying that the Helios Neo 16 is worthy of our best budget laptops list - it's still a gaming laptop and therefore not exactly cheap, as you'll see below. However, it offers plenty of bang for your buck thanks to 13th-gen Intel processors and RTX 4000 GPUs across a variety of different configurations.
It also doesn't feel cheap, thanks to its RGB keyboard, sturdy chassis, and large display. Although the more affordable versions pack an FHD display, my review unit is a slightly pricier model packing a QHD+ screen that looks fantastic. The hinge is also suitably durable, with minimal wobble if the laptop is moved or picked up.
Will this Helios spin-off earn a spot among the best laptops? How does it stack up against rival laptops in the same price range? Let's take a deeper look.
Acer Predator Helios Neo 16: Price & availability
How much does it cost? Starting at $1,199.99 / £1,399 / AU$1,998
When is it available? Available now
Where can you get it? Available in the US, the UK and Australia
The Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 starts at $1,199.99 / £1,399 / AU$1,998, although I noted while verifying prices for different models that the base US configuration (which features an RTX 4050 GPU) actually isn't available in the UK and Australia; those starting prices are for RTX 4060 models.
The highest-end model, which uses an RTX 4070 and i7-13700HX, will run you £1,799 / AU$3,999 (about $2,230), though I couldn't find that configuration anywhere in the States. The highest-spec model there appears to be my review unit, which features an RTX 4060 and costs $1,549.99 / £1,399 (around AU$2,400).
While these prices aren't exactly budget, the definition of an 'affordable gaming laptop' has shifted somewhat over the last few years. With this goalpost-moving in mind, I feel pretty comfortable saying that the Helios Neo 16 is actually a great-value product, despite costing more than a budget gaming laptop did five or ten years ago.
Interestingly, the aforementioned entry-level RTX 4050 model is already on sale at Best Buy at the time of writing, going for just $999.99 - a pretty stellar deal in today's gaming laptop market, so consider snapping that one up!
Price score: 4.5 / 5
Acer Predator Helios Neo 16: Specs
As I noted above, configurations of the Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 vary wildly between regions. I've done my best to include the base, review, and high-end configurations here, but bear in mind that the top-spec model listed below isn't actually available in the US (not yet, anyway).
(Image credit: Future)
Acer Predator Helios Neo 16: Design
Stylish design
Beautiful display
Plenty of physical ports
The first thing I noticed upon unboxing the Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 was the printed design on the exterior of the lid. My understanding is that not every Neo model has this design, but it certainly adds to the aesthetic of the laptop and makes it a bit more eye-catching than the average gaming system.
Opening the Neo up, I'm immediately treated to an excellent display. I've long been a fan of the 16:10 aspect ratio now becoming more common in laptops since it gives you that extra little bit of vertical screen real estate that makes scrolling through web pages or documents a little easier. The 1600p resolution on my review unit is excellent, with strong color density and deep blacks.
Considering that this isn't an OLED screen, it's one of the best IPS displays I've seen on a laptop. The anti-glare coating works well in all but the most brightly lit environments, and the maximum brightness of 500 nits is excellent. The 165Hz refresh rate (also found in the cheaper 1200p version of this display) is a great inclusion for anyone who plays fast-paced competitive games.
(Image credit: Future)
Moving down to the laptop's bottom half, we've got a relatively normal membrane keyboard that is mostly comfortable to use. The WASD, PredatorSense, and arrow keys are partially translucent to give them extra highlighting when the RGB lighting is turned on.
I have very little to say here; the keys don't feel overly squishy, but it's also not the best keyboard on a laptop I've ever used. Middle-of-the-road is perfectly fine at this sort of price point though, so I can't complain.
I will complain about the touchpad, however! While the pad itself felt suitably responsive and offered a decent amount of tactile feedback when clicked, the positioning seems a little... off. It's set to the left-hand side (already a risky move since the standard gamer hand position sees your fingers sitting atop the WASD keys), but it's also not properly aligned with the spacebar.
I actually struggled to put my finger on what exactly was putting me off, but it just feels slightly wrong. The palm rejection worked fine for the most part, although there were one or two occasions when my left thumb would catch the touchpad and register unwanted input while I was gaming. The large size of the touchpad - otherwise a good feature - made this an issue, though I imagine many users wouldn't have the same problem. I ended up disabling the pad since I was using a mouse anyway.
(Image credit: Future)
The overall casing is plastic, not the machined aluminum you'll find on more expensive gaming laptops, but it doesn't feel flimsy. In fact, the Neo's chassis feels quite robust, and the 1080p webcam embedded in the slim display bezel is another bonus - a lesser manufacturer might've opted for a cheaper 720p camera here instead, considering the overall price.
Around the edges of the Helios Neo 16, we've got a veritable smorgasbord of physical ports - something I love to see in this era of MacBook-inspired port minimalism. We've got 3 USB-As, 2 USB-C with Thunderbolt 4, HDMI for video output, RJ-45 for wired internet, a headphone jack, and even a microSD port.
This level of port support should be considered aspirational among gaming laptop makers. Please don't starve me of my ports; I still use physical flash drives!
Design score: 4 / 5
Acer Predator Helios Neo 16: Performance
Decent gaming performance
4060 can run anything at 1080p, most games at QHD+
Fans are loud but the system runs cool
Acer Predator Helios Neo 16: Benchmarks
Here's how the Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 performed in our suite of benchmark tests:
Considering the price tag, my RTX 4060-equipped review model of the Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 performed admirably. I've seen slightly better figures from other 4060-wielding laptops, but the difference is pretty marginal.
If you drop the resolution to 1080p (the standard we use for benchmarking games), there's basically nothing you can't play with a clean framerate. Even Cyberpunk 2077's Ultra preset with ray-tracing turned on just about managed to clear the 60fps barrier, and performance in synthetic tests was also strong.
(Image credit: Future)
Dial things up to native resolution, and you might find yourself having to drop your graphical settings a tad to maintain a high framerate, though this won't be the case for every game. I was able to play Dirt 5 at 1600p Ultra without my fps dropping below 60, and plenty of games can now take advantage of Nvidia's DLSS upscaling tech to boost framerates when you're playing above 1080p.
CPU performance was also pretty strong - again, not the very best I've seen, but great when factoring in the price point here. I didn't experience any slowdown while opening numerous Chrome tabs or running two games at once. While the Neo comes with a perfectly acceptable 16GB of RAM in most configurations, it can be upgraded to 32GB if you're planning to run any memory-intensive software.
(Image credit: Future)
My only real gripe with the Helios Neo 16 during my testing process was the fan noise. Boy, those suckers are LOUD, even when using the balanced power preset. Knock things up to Turbo mode and it sounds like a jet engine firing in your living room.
That being said, the Neo did run pretty darn cool throughout my whole testing process, so those fans are clearly doing the job. The fans are custom-engineered all-metal 'AeroBlades' connected to five heat pipes and liquid metal thermal grease, which evidently works as advertised - props to Acer's laptop cooling team.
Performance score:4 / 5
Acer Predator Helios Neo 16: Battery life
Unimpressive battery life
Large, heavy AC adapter
Sure, gaming laptops are hardly known for their all-day battery longevity, but it's always nice to find one that outlasts the competition.
The Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 is sadly not that laptop, clocking in at less than two hours in the PCMark 10 mixed-use battery life test and only faring a bit better in our looped video playback test. In practical gaming tests I got similar results, with just over 90 minutes of playing Deathloop using the balanced power preset before the laptop gave up the ghost.
(Image credit: Future)
The Neo does at least charge pretty quickly, but the included AC adapter is huge and heavy, which severely impacts the laptop's portability. Ultimately though, most buyers will (and should) primarily use this as a desktop-replacement system, so it's not a huge issue - or at least, it's an issue shared by 95% of gaming laptops, so I can't knock the Neo too much for it.
Battery score: 3 / 5
Should you buy the Acer Predator Helios Neo 16?
Buy it if...
You want good value for money The Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 is competitively priced with a sensible starting price, meaning you get plenty of bang for your buck here - the higher-spec configurations aren't ridiculously expensive, either.
You want a multipurpose machine The comfortable keyboard and 16:10 display make the Helios Neo 16 a perfectly good choice if you want a desktop-replacement laptop that will serve you for work just as well as play.
Don't buy it if...
You crave portability The Neo isn't just a big laptop, it's also on the heavy side - and with its poor battery life, you'll also have to lug around the chunky AC adapter. This one's best left on your desk at home.
Acer Predator Helios Neo 16: Also consider
If the Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 has you considering other options, here are two more laptops to consider...
How I tested the Acer Predator Helios Neo 16
Replaced my everyday system for one week
Used for general gaming for around two weeks
I played a wide variety of games on the Acer Predator Helios Neo 16, not just our regular suite of test titles. I spent a decent amount of time in the evenings replaying Deathloop and also dipped my toe back into Apex Legends and Valorant (the latter of which I still suck at).
To test the brightness and glare resistance of the display, I used it during the daytime and at night, even sitting out in my backyard in the middle of the day. I used it in place of my desktop PC to write most of this review as well as some of my regular everyday work, including video calls to test the webcam.
I also took the Neo with me to my friend's house, playing the rather excellent Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun for a brief period on the train. Trust me, you don't want to try using a 16-inch gaming laptop on British public transport. Just don't do it.
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