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I tested the Philips 4000 Series Stacked Dual Basket Air Fryer — a premium appliance with looks to match

2:46 pm | March 16, 2026

Philips 4000 Series Stacked Dual Basket Air Fryer: 30-second review

The Philips 4000 Series Stacked Dual Basket Air Fryer is an accomplished, premium air fryer which provides solid cooking performance in a space-saving design.

It finds itself in a currently small sub-market of air fryers, with only a handful of rivals also offering the dual-stack baskets on offer here. The leader, and our current best air fryer, is the similarly priced Ninja Double Stack XL.

Both of these models offer a large cooking capacity (across two baskets), without the wider footprint you get with the traditional, side-by-side baskets design.

Philips 4000 Series Airfryer on kitchen counter — (Image credit: Future)

The Philips beats the Ninja in a couple of key ways. First up, its baskets have windows and a light, allowing you to keep an eye on the food you’re cooking without having to open the basket to check.

Secondly, the controls on the Philips 4000 Series are easier to see, and more intuitive to use, taking the hassle out of working out functions, temperatures and cooking times.

What’s not quite as good though are the quick start instructions when you take the air fryer out of the box for the first time, and the full manual is only accessible via a smartphone app.

Philips 4000 Series Airfryer on kitchen counter with bottom drawer open — (Image credit: Future)

It’s also only available in one colorway; black and gold. It’s a bold choice and it does look smart — although it won’t be to everyone’s taste, nor will it sit as well in traditionally-styled kitchens.

Cooking performance is solid though, and it was able to handle the various meat, vegetables and sweet treats I threw at it.

For those looking for a stylish, statement air fryer that also delivers versatility and practicality, and are willing to pay a bit more for the privilege, I would recommend the Philips 4000 Series.

Philips 4000 Series Stacked Dual Basket Air Fryer: price and availability

£269.99 / AU$449 list price makes it one of the most expensive air fryers
But it’s regularly discounted by around £100 / AU$100
Available in the UK and Australia, but not in the US

With a list price of £269.99 / AU$449 (about $360), the Philips 4000 Series Dual Stack is one of the most expensive air fryers on the market, but do keep an eye out for discounts.

I've seen it reduced to £169.99 at Amazon UK, Currys and John Lewis in the past, and AU$349 at Amazon Australia, making this double drawer air fryer a far more tempting proposition for families looking for a large capacity cooker.

That’s the same list price as the excellent Ninja Double Stack XL which we gave five stars to, but considerably more expensive than the £149.99 Tower Vortx XL Dual Stack.

This model is available in Europe and Australia, but is not on sale in the US.

Value score: 4/5

Philips 4000 Series Stacked Dual Basket Air Fryer: specifications

Review Model	NA462/79
Number of baskets	2
Number of cooking programs	6
Cooking programs	Frozen potato based snacks, steak, fish, vegetables, chicken, reheat
Extra functions	Shake reminder
Smart control	No
Wattage	2750W
Capacity	10L
Temperature range	40-200 degrees C
Time range	1-60 minutes
Dimensions (H x W x D)	15.7 x 9 x 18.5 inches / 40 x 23 x 47cm
Dishwasher-safe	Yes
Weight	20lbs / 9.1kg

Philips 4000 Series Stacked Dual Basket Air Fryer: design

Vertically stacked baskets offers space-efficient design
Premium build with a bold black and gold finish
Clear, intuitive controls, although touch-sensitive panel won’t be for everyone

Ninja laid the foundations for the double stack air fryer back in 2024, and it’s no surprise other manufacturers have jumped on the trend, offering large cooking capacity with a narrower, space-saving footprint.

The Philips 4000 Series Stacked Dual Basket brings a premium black and gold aesthetic to challenge Ninja’s market-leading air fryer. It’s a striking look, and one that might divide opinion. It’ll look great in a modern kitchen that uses one of the two colors. With my white countertops and blue cabinets, it certainly stands out on the work surface. The glossy, reflective front of the fryer is also a bit of a dust- and fingerprint-magnet, and needs regular wiping to keep it looking fresh.

I was pleased to see both 5L baskets and their base plates were dishwasher safe, making cleaning up after cooking much easier (although the handles of the baskets do collect water). A damp cloth is all that’s needed for the exterior of the machine, and a soft brush to gently clean the heating element.

Philips 4000 Series Airfryer with both baskets removed — Future

Philips 4000 Series Airfryer with person's hand opening bottom drawer — Future

Another nice touch, and something the Ninja doesn’t provide, is a cooking window on each basket, and an interior light, allowing you to keep an eye on the food inside. I much prefer air fryers with windows, as it helps me gauge when I need to shake or turn food.

It’s especially useful to see what’s going on without opening the baskets and pausing the cooking when you're first getting used to new air fryer, and starting to understand cooking times. It’s not an exact science and each air fryer is different, so the windows are a great visual aid.

There aren’t any accessories included in the box, unlike the Ninja Double Stack, which comes with a pair of stainless steel racks, doubling the usable space in its baskets.

You’ll want to be mindful of what food you’re cooking too, as both baskets have holes on their rear wall for air circulation. That means anything particularly wet could ooze out of the back and into the machine.

Philips 4000 Series Airfryer control panel — Future

What didn’t impress was the setup instructions, or lack thereof. You get an IKEA-style, printed pictorial guide in the box that covers the absolute bare minimum, but stops short of providing any explanations, details or cooking tips. Even IKEA instructions are better than these.

For the full details you are forced to download Philips’ free HomeID app, where you can register your air fryer and then access the full manual, along with cooking guides and recipes. The tips and tricks articles, along with the recipes are nicely presented and easy to follow.

It’s disappointing the same care hasn’t been given to the manual, which is just a PDF file requiring much scrolling and zooming on a phone to be able to read it. A printed copy would be far more useful, or even a digitized version with page-turning and a search feature.

Philips 4000 Series Airfryer side vents — (Image credit: Future)

A quirk of this particular air fryer design sees the air exhaust located on the left of the appliance, and you are warned not to position this side of the air fryer within six inches / 15cm of a wall to prevent overheating, or close to any food products. You’ll need to have a quick think about where you’ll be placing the Philips 4000 Series before committing to the purchase.

Thankfully, once plugged in the air fryer is easy to use. The touch-sensitive controls come to life with rear illumination on the large, glossy black section above the baskets. The layout and labelling are clear, making for an intuitive experience — unlike some air fryers I’ve used where the buttons aren’t always so self explanatory.

Design score: 4.5/5

Philips 4000 Series Stacked Dual Basket Air Fryer: performance

Sync and copy functions make using both baskets together easier
Six preset cooking programs, but temperature and time can easily be adjusted

The Philips 4000 Series Stacked Dual Basket Air Fryer does well to provide a premium cooking experience.

You get six preset modes — frozen potato-based snacks, steak, fish, vegetables, chicken, and reheat — which give you a set time and temperature. You can fine tune these, and you'll probably find yourself adjusting these the more you use the air fryer and get an understanding of how long, and at what temperature, different foods require.

Copy and sync are both handy functions. Copy allows you to match the temperature and time settings for one basket, to the other. This saves you having to go through the setup process a second time, and it’s a handy time-saver if you’re cooking an extra large portion of fries for the whole family.

Uncooked fries inside Philips 4000 Series Airfryer — Future

Fries cooking inside Philips 4000 Series Airfryer — Future

Sync is my personal favorite though, allowing me to set each basket to a different duration and temperature, but have them both finish at the same time. It’s easy to set up, and works very well.

There’s a shake reminder too, which has the machine beep during through cooking to have you slide out a basket and give the contents a toss to ensure even frying. For longer cook times, you’ll get multiple shake reminders. You can turn off this reminder though, which is useful when you’re using the air fryer for baking.

Another nice touch is the fact Philips says you don’t need to preheat the air fryer, meaning you can toss food into the baskets right away and get cooking.

Uncooked muffins in Philips 4000 Series Airfryer drawer — Future

Cooked muffins in Philips 4000 Series Airfryer drawer — Future

Using the frozen potato-based snacks program, I loaded a basket with 18oz / 500g and set it going, at 390 Fahrenheit / 200 Celsius for 26 minutes. I was prompted to shake the basket twice, with 13 and seven minutes remaining.

The fries cooked well enough, with a crispy exterior and fluffy middle, but they didn’t brown as much as I’d like. Adding a few more minutes to the cooking time will get you a darker color and crispier finish.

I also tried cooking fresh fries in the air fryer. The manual (accessible via the app) suggests chopping potatoes into fries and then soaking them in water for 10 minutes. Once I had gently patted the excess water from the fries I added a splash of oil and popped them into the basket.

Uncooked cake inside Philips 4000 Series Airfryer drawer — Future

Cake cooked using Philips 4000 Series Airfryer in drawer — Future

Results were similar to the frozen fries — they could have done with a few more minutes to gain color and extra crispiness, but they cooked well overall.

I was impressed with the baking prowess of the Philips 4000 Series as I used both baskets to cook chocolate muffins and a blueberry loaf simultaneously. Both bakes rose nicely, and produced a bouncy sponge.

Similarly to the fries, the muffins stayed quite light in color, as they missed the darkening you’d get in a conventional oven.

I put the dual-basket setup to the test once again when I cooked sausages and vegetables, which needed different cook durations. Thankfully, the time sync feature worked well here, with both baskets completing cooking at the same time, allowing me to focus on the mash and gravy.

Uncooked sausages in Philips 4000 Series Airfryer drawer — Future

Broccoli, carrots, and sausages cooked using Philips 4000 Series Airfryer on plate — Future

The sausages were evenly cooked, while the broccoli had a delightful crunch to it. I par-boiled the carrots for a few minutes before adding them to the basket with the broccoli, to allow them to cook at the same rate.

A quick word of warning, the top of the Philips 4000 Series gets the warmest while cooking, and I measured temperatures of over 140 Fahrenheit / 60 Celsius during operation. Make sure you don’t leave anything sitting on top of the air fryer, and for those of you who have low-hanging wall units in your kitchen, be mindful of having enough space between them and the top of this air fryer.

Performance score: 4.5/5

Should you buy the Philips 4000 Series Stacked Dual Basket Air Fryer?

Philips 4000 Series Stacked Dual Basket Air Fryer report card
Attribute	Notes	Rating
Value	It’s one of the most expensive on the market, but you get a premium air fryer with a space-saving design and slick looks.	4/5
Design	This is an air fryer that makes a statement and looks the part on the counter top. Plus, its stacked baskets means it takes up less valuable prep space.	4.5/5
Performance	Performance across cooking programs is solid, though you will need to experiment to get optimal results for some foods.	4.5/5

Buy it if

You want capacity, but don’t have much workspace

The clever stacked design of this Philips 4000 Series air fryer means it takes up less counter space than most of its rivals, leaving you more room for prep and plating.

You want a stylish air fryer

The Philips 4000 Series has a bold design. The black and gold finish might not be to everyone’s taste, but it makes a statement and looks good on the countertop..

You want to keep an eye on your food

I love the basket windows and lights here, as they let you keep track of how your food is getting on without interrupting the process by pulling out a basket.

Don’t buy it if

You want to cook large items

While the overall capacity of the Philips 4000 Series Stacked Dual Basket Air Fryer is 10L, it’s split into two 5L baskets. That makes it great for cooking two different foods simultaneously, but you’re not fitting a whole chicken or a pizza into this air fryer.View Deal

You’re after an affordable air fryer

This is one of the most expensive air fryers on the market, and while it has the premium looks and clever stacked design, its cooking performance isn’t light years ahead of more affordable models.View Deal

You prefer paper manuals

The fact the bundled quick start guide is a poorly implemented IKEA knock-off doesn’t get things off to a great start, with a phone app required to access the full manual.View Deal

Philips 4000 Series Stacked Dual Basket Air Fryer: also consider

Ninja Double Stack XL

While the Ninja doesn’t have basket windows, its sleek matt design, additional Max Crisp feature, and bundled cooking racks to increase cooking surface in the baskets means it’s still the best stacked air fryer around.

For more information, check out our full Ninja Double Stack XL review

Russell Hobbs Satisfry Dual Basket Air Fryer

If you like the idea of two baskets and have the counter space for a side-by-side design, this Russell Hobbs air fryer outperforms more expensive premium competitors with ease.

For more information, check out our full Russell Hobbs Satisfry Dual Basket Air Fryer review

How I tested the Philips 4000 Series Stacked Dual Basket Air Fryer

I used the Philips 4000 Series for two weeks at home in my kitchen
I cooked a wide variety of food with it, including fries, cakes, vegetables and meat
I tested the different cooking functions, and the cleaning process

I spent two weeks using the Philips 4000 Series at home to cook a variety of food. I tried out the preset programs, and also freestyle the settings from time to time.

I air fried meat, baked cakes, and roasted vegetables during my testing, and used a temperature probe to record how hot the exterior of the machine got during use. I evaluated how each food item cooked in the two baskets, and assessed how the finished results were to eat.

I also followed the setup instructions and cleaning process, to understand how easy the machine is to get going and maintain. For more details, see how we test, review, and rate products on TechRadar.

I tested the tiny Russell Hobbs coffee maker that uses grounds or Nespresso pods — but I discovered one infuriating drawback

1:00 am | March 15, 2026

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

Russell Hobbs Everyday Espresso Machine: one-minute review

The Russell Hobbs Everyday Espresso Machine is an entry-level coffee maker with an unusual twist: in addition to a regular portafilter for ground coffee, it comes with a holder for Nespresso Original style coffee capsules. A handy option if you’re making the switch from pods to fresh beans, or sharing a kitchen with someone who prefers a different brewing method.

It’s very cheap too, with a list price of just £149.99 / AU$189.95 (about $200). For comparison, my two top-rated budget coffee makers, the De’Longhi Dedica Duo, and Philips Baristina, are $299.95 / £279.99 (about AU$600) and $449.99 / £299.99 / AU$599. respectively.

At that price it’s no surprise that the Everyday Espresso Machine is made almost entirely from plastic, but it still looks smart on your kitchen counter with its silver and matt black finish, and guests won’t guess how little you spent.

The budget price is reflected in the accessories though, which are quite bare-bones. In addition to the two portafilters, you get just two filter baskets, a lightweight scoop/tamper combo, and a pin tool for clearing the steam wand. There’s no milk pitcher, water filter, or water hardness testing strip included in the box.

Russell Hobbs Everyday Espresso Machine portafilter basket full of ground coffee — The Russell Hobbs Everyday Espresso Machine accepts both ground coffee and capsules (Image credit: Future)

What really matters is performance, and I was pleased to find that the Everyday Espresso Machine could brew a decent shot with fresh coffee once I’d identified the best grind size, and extraction was consistent. However, I found I had to grind my coffee much coarser than I would usually to avoid under-extraction, and the puck of coffee grounds was always quite wet at the end, which suggests that although the pressure was lower than optimal.

Brewing with coffee capsules was easy, but again, it was a soggier experience than I’d like, and the used pod ended up sitting in a puddle in the portafilter after brewing.

The steam wand is the real problem, though. It feels flimsy, wobbling as you move it into position, and its lower section is too short, making it hard to submerge in your milk pitcher. Worst of all, it has an air intake hole that creates so much foam, I had to stop steaming my milk while it was still cold to prevent the jug overflowing. The large bubbles aren’t fine or stable enough for a latte, which is a shame when you’ve just brewed a perfectly good shot of espresso.

If you take your coffee black and want to shift between pods and grounds, this might be a good option for you. Otherwise though, I’d recommend saving up a little more cash and opting for the much more solidly-made De’Longhi Dedica Duo instead.

Russell Hobbs Everyday Espresso Machine: price and availability

Available in the UK and Australia for £149.99 / AU$189.95
Not currently sold in the US
One of the cheapest espresso machines I've tested

The Russell Hobbs Everyday Espresso Machine is available in the UK direct from Russell Hobbs for £149.99 (about $200). It’s known as the Russell Hobbs Heaton Espresso Machine in Australia, where it retails for AU$189.95. It’s not sold in the US at the time of writing.

It’s one of the most affordable coffee makers I’ve tested here at TechRadar, and even cheaper than my favorite budget espresso machine, the De’Longhi Dedica Duo, which has a list price of $299.95 / £279.99 (about AU$600).

Value score: 4/5

Russell Hobbs Everyday Espresso Machine: specifications

Name	Russell Hobbs Everyday Espresso Machine
Type	Manual espresso machine (ground coffee and pods)
Weight	6lbs / 2.74kg
Water reservoir capacity	1.58 quarts / 1.5 liters
Milk frother	Manual steam wand
User profiles	None

Russell Hobbs Everyday Espresso Machine: design

Accepts ground coffee and Nespresso Original capsules
Steam wand is disappointing
Plastic components have a strong odor

The Russell Hobbs Everyday Espresso Machine is compact, and exceptionally lightweight. Upon weighing it, I found that the whole unit is just 6lbs / 2.74kg, including the plug and water tank, which could be a real advantage if you need a coffee maker you can tuck away in a cupboard between uses.

The Everyday Espresso Machine’s exterior is entirely plastic except for the drip tray and steam wand, but as you can see from the photos here, it doesn’t look cheap, and the silver-colored panels on the front give a convincing look of brushed steel.

Russell Hobbs Everyday Espresso Machine with water tank removed — The water tank has a robust handle for easy carrying, though it can only be used when the hinged lid is open (Image credit: Future)

It does, however, have a noticeable plastic odor when new. The instructions running the machine without any coffee to rinse it before making your first drink, but I'd actually suggest doing this a few times to wash away any taste (and flushing the steam wand thoroughly as well to avoid tainting your milk).

As with all coffee makers, you should wash the water tank, portafilters and baskets before use. These are safe to hand-wash with soapy water, and the tank has a reassuringly solid-feeling handle for easy carrying, which is a welcome touch.

The Everyday Espresso Machine comes with two portafilters: one for ground coffee and one for Nespresso Original style coffee capsules. The one for capsules has a conical insert, which holds the coffee pod and pierces the bottom when pressure is applied so water can penetrate.

Person placing Nespresso capsule in Russell Hobbs Everyday Espresso Machine holder — The attachment for coffee capsules contains small spikes that pierce the pod when the machine applies pressure. (Image credit: Future)

There are just two filter baskets for ground coffee (single and double shot size). Both of these are pressurized, which makes sense for a beginner-level machine because they're more forgiving than single-walled baskets if your grind isn't perfect.

You get a double-ended tamper/coffee scoop, which is standard issue for a budget espresso machine. It doesn't feel very satisfying to hold, and it's not as easy to use as a more solid tamper with a smooth metal finish, but it gets the job done.

The Everyday Espresso Machine's steam wand pivots out from the left-hand side of the machine, and is controlled using a large, tactile dial. Unfortunately, during testing I found that the bottom part of the wand was too short, meaning it couldn’t reach far enough down into my milk pitcher.

Accessories supplied with Russell Hobbs Everyday Espresso Machine — There's a small collection of accessories, including a plastic tamper/scoop, and two pressurized filter baskets (Image credit: Future)

The wand also has a pinhole in the side, which is intended to create extra foam when you steam your milk. Unfortunately,during my tests I found it created lots of very large bubbles, and made it impossible to create smooth, pourable microfoam. In fact, it created so much foam, I had to stop steaming before my milk was hot to avoid it overflowing.

Design score: 3/5

Russell Hobbs Everyday Espresso Machine: performance

Consistent results when grinder is dialled in
Water pressure seems to be lower than usual
Doesn't heat or foam milk properly

The Everyday Espresso Machine is simple to use, with just two brew buttons, but unlike most espresso machines, these don’t correlate to a single or double shot. Instead, the first button brews a double shot, and the second a quad (intended to be divided between two cups). The drink volume is customizable, but it's something to be aware of.

The machine heats quickly, though the cup-warmer on top isn't very practical. Like the rest of the machine's chassis, it's made from insulating plastic, so it'll barely be warm even half an hour after the machine has come to temperatures.

I was pleased to find that, although some components feel flimsy, the Everyday Espresso Machine does feel more robust than the Casabrews 5418 Pro. The filter baskets fit into the portafilter handle properly without feeling loose, and the handle locks nicely into place.

My first few shots of espresso pulled very slowly, and I found that I had to grind my coffee much more coarsely than usual to get good results. The puck of ground coffee was still quite wet once I'd finished brewing, which suggests that the pressure was low, but once I'd found the best size, the results were consistent.

Russell Hobbs Everyday Espresso Machine dispensing espresso — Once you've dialled in your grinder, you should be able to achieve consistently well extracted shotsFuture

Espresso made using Russell Hobbs Everyday Espresso Machine — Once you've dialled in your grinder, you should be able to achieve consistently well extracted shotsFuture

Brewing with a Nespresso capsule is straightforward; just place it in the conical holder provided, put the holder in the portafilter handle, and carry on as though you were using coffee grounds. The process is quick and easy, but messier than using a standard Nespresso machine. Usually brewing with pods is a neat process, but the Everyday Espresso Machine leaves water in the portafilter that tends to spill when you release the handle.

If you’re only really interested in brewing from capsules, I’d recommend picking a simple dedicated Nespresso machine instead. The Nespresso Vertuo Pop (for Nespresso Vertuo pods) or the Nespresso Pixie (for Nespresso Original capsules) are both affordable options.

Wet coffee pod filter basket for Russell Hobbs Everyday Espresso Machine — Brewing with a coffee capsule is surprisingly messy, and I found the portafilter always ended up full of water after brewing. (Image credit: Future)

For me, though, the steam wand is the weakest point. As mentioned previously, this is an espresso machine with a dairy intolerance; it incorporates too much air into the milk, so you have to stop steaming before it’s sufficiently heated, and it’s too short to use comfortably. The heat-resistant silicone handle is a nice addition, but the whole wand wobbles when you move it.

Russell Hobbs Everyday Espresso Machine steaming milk — The steam wand is barely long enough to use with a typical milk pitcherFuture

Close-up of Russell Hobbs Everyday Espresso Machine steam wand — The steam wand is barely long enough to use with a typical milk pitcherFuture

Whether I chose oat or dairy, the wand simply made lots of very large bubbles, which might look impressive if you've not used a coffee maker before, but are no practical use. This might be an entry-level machine, but new users need proper tools too, and this steam wand misses the mark.

Performance score: 3 / 5

Should you buy the Russell Hobbs Everyday Espresso Machine?

Russell Hobbs Everyday Espresso Machine: score card
Attribute	Notes	Score
Value	One of the cheapest espresso machines I've tested, and looks like it should cost a lot more, but some components are flimsy in use.	4 / 5
Design	The plastic chassis is light and easy to move, but has a strong aroma that takes a while to wear off. Steam wand isn't well designed.	3 / 5
Performance	Can brew a decent espresso, importantly, but generates less pressure than optimal, so an extra coarse grind is necessary. Milk foaming is poor.	3 / 5

Buy it if

You're on a tight fixed budget

This is a very cheap coffee maker, and if you absolutely can't spend any more, it's one of the better options, Russell Hobbs is a reputable brand with good after-sales service.

You want to brew both pods and grounds

There aren't many coffee makers that can do both, so if this is a key requirement, the Everyday Espresso Machine may be the one for you.

Don't buy it if

You enjoy milky drinks

The Everyday Espresso Machine can make a lot of big bubbles, but the results aren’t useful for coffee. You can’t make fine foam, or even heat the milk properly with its strange, stubby steam wand.

You have an extra $50 in your pocket

If you can afford to be a little flexible on price, you can get something much better for your kitchen.

Russell Hobbs Everyday Espresso Machine: also consider

If you're not sure whether the Russell Hobbs Everyday Espresso Machine is the right coffee maker for you, here are two other options for your shortlist. For more recommendations, take a look at my complete guides to the best espresso machines and best Nespresso machines.

De'Longhi Dedica Duo

I've mentioned this little espresso machine several times in this review, and it remains the standard by which all other budget coffee makers are judged. Its performance and build quality belie its bargain price, and you'll often find it available for a discount now that it's a few months old. Highly recommended if you only want to brew from ground coffee, not pods.

Read our full De'Longhi Dedica Duo reviewView Deal

Nespresso Pixie

Prefer pods to beans? The Nespresso Pixie is an excellent, no-frills machine that accepts Original style capsules, and doesn't make a wet mess when brewing them. If you want to make lattes, this machine is available bundled with the Nespresso Aeroccino milk frother for a discounted price.

Read our full Nespresso Pixie reviewView Deal

How I tested the Russell Hobbs Everyday Espresso Machine

I used the Russell Hobbs Everyday Espresso Machine in my kitchen for a week, comparing it with my usual Gaggia Classic coffee maker.

I used it with freshly roasted coffee beans, ground using a Sage Dose Control Pro coffee grinder, and I adjusted the grind size until a double shot of espresso dispensed in around 30 seconds. I used the steam wand with fresh fat dairy and oat milk.

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

I watched HBO Max’s Rooster — and Steve Carell’s character rules the roost in another great comedy series

5:00 am | March 11, 2026

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets HBO Max Streaming | Tags: Australia, UK, US | Comments: Off

I've really enjoyed following Steve Carell's career over the years. Whether it's his iconic role as Michael Scott on The Office or his much more serious performance as Alan Strauss in Hulu's The Patient, I've been consistently impressed by what he does. In HBO Max's Rooster, Carell plays Greg Russo. He's the author of a series of books following a main character called, you guessed it, Rooster. Russo had gained a fandom through that character even though he's not as successful himself, with painful emotions coming to the surface as he returns to the same arts college, Ludlow, where his wife left him 25 years ago.History repeats itself at this, frankly, cursed college. Russo's daughter, Katie, works there, and she's having her own relationship drama. Her husband Archie has left her for a student, with whom he was having an affair, and everybody knows about it. Archie is played by Ted Lasso's Phil Dunster, who perfectly encapsulates Archie's self-serving attitude. Much like Dunster's outstanding performance as Jamie Tartt in Ted Lasso, though, he's layered and will find a way to charm you despite all of that. Despite his many, many flaws, it's not impossible to see why Katie married him in the first place. On his first day, Greg meets college president Walter Mann, played by the always wonderful John C. McGinley. If you liked him in Scrubs, you'll certainly enjoy him here too, as he plays quite the eccentric character with some very strong opinions about the college and the people in it. Every scene involving him is brilliantly awkward, and the cast is a real selling point here.Given the strained relationship between Katie and Greg, it's hard for him to comfort his daughter, but he does his best anyway. She immediately tries to embarrass him when he gatecrashes her lecture, and is critical of the fact that he's there to check up on her, even though he insists he's just there to guest lecture.Greg makes his disdain for Archie very clear from episode one, positioning himself as a caring father despite the rampant self-deprecation and awkwardness we often see from him. Scenes between Greg and Archie are among my favorites, and they are played very well by Carell and Dunster.But there's more to Rooster than just this, and Greg ends up getting into all sorts of unwelcome situations during his time at Ludlow, which was meant to be a simple guest lecturing gig, after all. These include an unfortunate appearance on the news, run-ins with local law enforcement, and criticisms from students about some of the narrative choices in his novel, especially the over-reliance on sex appeal. Not all of the topical jokes worked for me, but humor is subjective, so perhaps you'll enjoy those more than I did. It definitely segues into slapstick when it doesn't really need to.

Charly Clive and Phil Dunster in Rooster — Charly Clive and Phil Dunster play a couple whose broken marriage is the talk of the campus. (Image credit: HBO Max)

Outside of the comedy, though, the series does do serious moments well. Katie is terrible at emotional vulnerability, using sarcasm as a shield, and Greg doesn't quite know how to navigate that. He just isn't as cool and collected as Rooster, despite his efforts to emulate him. Greg ends up having a tequila-induced heart-to-heart with Dylan Shepard, a bubbly faculty member played by Danielle Deadwyle, where we learn more about his failed marriage, so the series is character-driven from the get-go. They clearly have chemistry too, making me keen to see how it unfolds over the next nine episodes.Rooster has all the ingredients for a fun weekend watch. With quick episodes that are easy to watch, the Sunday time slot is ideal for this show. Episodes are released weekly, and you can easily slot this into your streaming schedule if you want something light that still gives you plenty to think about.I did find the way Rooster was filmed a little jarring, but honestly, it didn't take away from the great performances and the important themes explored. It's a fun addition to HBO Max's library, showcasing Carell at his best, where he effortlessly blends humor and seriousness.

Rooster is available on HBO Max in the US and Australia, and Sky Comedy in the UK.

I’ve been using these super-cheap headphones for a month — I’m surprised to report they sound great

5:30 pm | February 27, 2026

Author: admin | Category: Audio Computers Gadgets Headphones Wireless Headphones | Tags: ANC, Australia, UK, US | Comments: Off

OneOdio Focus A1 Pro: Two-minute review

It’s a competitive world out there for the best cheap headphones — OneOdio should know, it’s contributed a fair few options. And with its most recent pair of budget blowers, it’s offered yet another fantastic-value headset with just a few rough edges.

The OneOdio Focus A1 Pro are the cheapest pair of headphones we’ve tested yet from the budget brand, and that’s really saying something. They cost just $35 or equivalent, undercutting the 4.5-star-rated OneOdio Focus A6. If you’re looking for a pair of headphones that’ll last you well, and really don’t want to spend much money, they’re a hit.

Last you they will, because they offer a battery life that reaches up to 70 hours, which is fantastic for the money. They’re also lightweight and easy to tote about, and these perks will likely be big draws to buyers on a budget.

My favorite element of the Focus A1 Pro is the audio quality: these headphones sound better than anything else I’ve tested under $50. That’s obviously a low bar, but the OneOdio easily clears it, with music sounding natural and bright with a decent sound stage.

When buying budget headphones, there’s always a big risk that you’re buying tat that’ll end up in landfill (or a box to take to your local recycling center) by the end of the month. I’m happy to report that the OneOdio certainly aren’t that… but they have a few issues too.

Lots of the weakest elements of the A1 Pro are things I’ve seen in other OneOdio headphones, such as the Focus A5 (which I only awarded three stars, in my review).

These new cans don’t have a tie-in smartphone app, and nor do they offer many of the features that an app would help open the door to. Most vitally, there’s no equalizer, which many consider an imperative feature for products such as this. The ANC performance is also weak, with the passive padding of the cups doing the lion’s share of the work in stopping surrounding sounds from distracting you. Now, we can easily argue that it would be churlish to expect these things for such a lowly fee, but it's my job to tell you what you'll be getting here if you click 'buy'.

I also found these cans a little uncomfortable to wear over longer periods of time, partly due to their rather tight clamping force, and partly because they sit somewhere between on-ears and over-ears. Your poor flappers are going to get a little crushed.

OneOdio Focus A1 Pro review: Price and release date

The OneOdio Focus A1 Pro a lamp, with a bookshelf in the background. — (Image credit: Future)

Released on January 20, 2026
Sells for $34.99 / £43.99 (roughly AU$85
On sale in UK and US, not Australia

You can pick up the Focus A1 Pro for $34.99 / £43.99 (roughly AU$85, but unlike many other cans from the company, they don’t yet seem to be on sale in Australia).

You think that makes them some of the cheapest headphones worth considering? Wait until you hear the actual price; within two weeks of the release date of January 23, I’d already found them discounted. Only by a couple of dollars or pounds, but it's still something, and OneOdio promises continued price cuts through the year.

The headphones were announced on January 20, 2026, and released shortly afterwards.

OneOdio Focus A1 Pro review: Specs

Drivers	40mm
Active noise cancellation	Yes
Battery life (ANC off)	70 hours
Weight	200g
Connectivity	Bluetooth 6.0
Frequency response	20Hz - 20kHz
Waterproofing	N/A

OneOdio Focus A1 Pro review: Features

The OneOdio Focus A1 Pro on a wooden table. — (Image credit: Future)

70-hour battery life
ANC is resoundingly light-touch
No app

In what might come as a shock to headphone buyers in the year 2026, the Focus A1 Pro don’t have a smartphone app. Of all the features this rules out, an equalizer is the biggest: if you don’t like OneOdio’s mix, you'll have to lump it.

You do still get multipoint pairing, as well as a low-latency mode for gaming which is enabled by double-pressing the ANC button. But this department more than any other shows why the headphones are so cheap.

Talking of ANC, it’s not very good, but coupled with the natural passive noise cancellation of the ear cups, it’ll remove the top layer of annoying noise. When I was on public transport, I could still hear every screech of noisy rails or honk of nearby vehicles, but it was a little less onerous than normal.

I personally took to keeping the ANC off, though, and it was for battery reasons. With ANC off, you get 70 hours of listening time, which is solid stamina. For context, if you listened for about three hours and 20 minutes every day, you’d only have to charge every three weeks.

That figure drops substantially with ANC on; OneOdio’s figures alternate between quotes of 40 or 50 hours, and the truth is likely somewhere in between. I’d rather have the longer listening time than the scant improvements this particular ANC solution brings.

I was surprised to read that the OneOdio has Bluetooth 6.0; it’s rare among headphones I’ve tested recently in having this enhanced standard. Not once in testing did I have any connection issues.

Features score: 3.5/5

OneOdio Focus A1 Pro review: Design

The OneOdio Focus A1 Pro on a man's head. — (Image credit: Future)

Sustainable build
Comfortable to wear
Incredibly handy joystick controls

The Focus A1 Pro are, by and large, your standard headphones: big, black band with an ear cup at each end, that give you music. No-one was expecting OneOdio to reinvent the wheel for $35.

They weigh 200g, and while they have a few little design flourishes that differentiate them from your average budget cans (some curves and patterns in the appearance, for example), they do feel cheap. The build is plastic-heavy and some of the moving parts can wobble or creak a little bit.

You don’t get a carry case with the Focus, and I was a little scared to transport them in my bag, as they feel a tad fragile. They also have no IP rating. That said, during my testing month, they sustained no damage whatsoever.

I’ve so far refrained from classing these as over-ears or on-ears, as they sit haphazardly in the middle of both. Forget Goldilocks’ messaging, though, because it’s not ‘just right’ either. They sit a little weirdly on the head, for me.

The pads, while soft, crush your ears a little over time; this was noticeable when listening for longer sessions, as my ears would get a bit achey. The rather tight grip of the cans doesn’t help here either. I also never quite figured out exactly how to wear them, due to this over/on dilemma.

On the right cup, there are some touch controls (volume up and down, power, ANC; the basics) as well as the USB-C port. These don’t stick out too much, so finding them by touch can be tricky. It took a little while for pressing these to become easy and natural. There’s no 3.5mm jack for wired audio; these are wireless or nada.

Design score: 3.5/5

OneOdio Focus A1 Pro review: Sound quality

40mm driver
Crisp, natural audio
Max volume could be higher

I’ve been positive about the Focus A1 Pro and that’s not going to stop now, but let’s get one thing straight: these are budget cans, and when I say they’re ‘good’, I mean ‘for the price'.

OneOdio has kitted out the headphones with 40mm dynamic drivers using PET diaphragms; so far, so budget.

Unlike many other budget headphones, the brand hasn’t fallen into the ‘more bass is more gooder’ trap — there’s a fairly natural-sounding V shape with distinct trebles in vocals, and bass that’s as rounded as you can hope for at this price point. I was surprised when songs like Starlight by Slash and Miles Kennedy offered layered instrumentation and palpable timbre, as it’s not something I’d expect for the cost.

Naturally, the mids can fall through the cracks, so you can’t expect the whole band to show up. And when you get songs with lots going on, instruments blur together; Clarity by Vance Joy doesn’t quite live up to its title.

I’ve been constantly mentioning the price in this scene, and it’s to cover my back. Audiophiles won’t like these cans, as the mixing is messier than it would be on pricier options. But if you compare these to other offerings at the price, they’re nothing short of wonderful.

I would’ve liked to see the Focus A1 Pro manage a higher max volume, though. At full blast, the audio could mostly compete with a busy-ish road I was walking down, but Nigel Tufnel would malign the lack of any 11 to turn your music up to for that harder hit. Even when at home, anything below 50% volume was hard to hear.

Sound quality: 4/5

OneOdio Focus A1 Pro review: Value

Great sound for price
Some rivals may beat in certain departments

The OneOdio Focus A1 Pro are fantastic for the price. They sound far better than you’d expect from budget cans, and I’ve tested rivals for twice the price which don’t hold a candle.

That’s not even touching on the solid battery life, the hardy connection or the useful-for-gamers latency mode.

If you look hard enough, you can probably find rival cans with better ANC, a comfier fit or an equalizer, and I’d like the OneOdio even more if it offered these. But for the price, it’s hard to knock the Focus for its absences.

Value: 4.5/5

Should I buy the OneOdio Focus A1 Pro?

OneOdio Focus A1 Pro score card
Attributes	Notes	Rating
Features	There’s no app and ANC isn’t great, though the battery life and connection are solid.	3.5/5
Design	For cheap earbuds, they look better than most, but have a few rough edges (literally).	3.5/5
Sound quality	These cans sound great for the price, with clearer audio and neater sound spacing than you’d expect.	4/5
Value	If you’re on a budget, these can’t be beaten	4/5

Buy them if…

You're on a tight budget
These headphones have been designed for people who don't want to pay for premium, or even mid-range, options.

Battery life is an important factor
The 70-hour battery life is going to be handy for all kinds of use cases.View Deal

You need lightweight headphones
Don't like a big helmet on your head? These are lighter than some alternatives I've tested.View Deal

Don’t buy them if…

You need something durable
The OneOdio feels a little fragile, and I don't imagine they'll stand up to some rough-and-tumble use.

You need heavy-duty noise cancellation
The ANC on these guys isn't fantastic, though it's better than nothing.

OneOdio Focus A1 Pro review: Also consider

	OneOdio Focus A1 Pro	Soundpeats Cove Pro	OneOdio Focus A6
Drivers	40mm	40mm	40mm
Active noise cancellation	Yes	Yes	Yes
Battery life (ANC on)	70 hours	95 hours	75 hours
Weight	200g	251g	240g
Connectivity	Bluetooth 6.0	Bluetooth 6.0	Bluetooth 6.0
Waterproofing	NA	IPX4	NA

OneOdio Focus A6
These high-rated budget cans cost a touch more than the A1 Pro, but app access is the headline improvement.
Read our full OneOdio Focus A6 review

Soundpeats Cove Pro
These slightly pricier alternatives have a solid build and impressive feature set, though they don't sound as good. (Our review on the Cove Pro is currently in the pipeline; when we publish it, you'll be the first to know!)

How I tested the OneOdio Focus A1 Pro

Tested for 1 month
Tested at home, on walks, on public transport and the gym

I used the OneOdio Focus A1 Pro for the best part of a month before writing this review, so they got a lot of use.

For most of the test period, the headphones were paired with my Android smartphone, though I also used them alongside an Android tablets at several points.

Testing was done streaming music, watching TV shows and playing games. I tested the headphones in various interior settings, while out and about, and during gym sessions.

I've been tested audio gadgets for TechRadar for years, including several previous OneOdio headphones and earbuds.

First reviewed in February 2026

Read TechRadar's reviews guarantee

The Philips Baristina is the most affordable bean-to-cup coffee maker I’ve ever tested — and it’s seriously impressive

5:53 pm | February 24, 2026

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

Philips Baristina: one-minute review

With the Philips Baristina, brewing espresso using freshly roasted beans is as easy as using coffee pods. Unlike most of the best bean-to-cup coffee makers, where the entire brewing process takes place within the case, the Baristina uses a portafilter handle much like a manual espresso machine. Push the empty handle into place, select your drink, and the Baristina will grind the right dose of coffee into the filter basket, tamp it down, then move it to the brewing group automatically for the shot to be extracted.

It's a clever design that's unlike any other bean-to-cup machine I've tested, and because the Baristina uses a portafilter, cleaning up is a piece of cake. There's no need to take the side off the machine, empty messy internal bins, remove components, or wipe up stray coffee grounds that have escaped.

It's a good-looking little coffee maker as well. Although its case is plastic, its matt finish and choice of tasteful colors mean it doesn't look cheap or attract fingerprints. The portafilter handle even arrives in a choice of colors and natural wood finishes (the exact options available will depend on where you buy your machine).

Philips Baristina espresso machine with plant on kitchen counter — (Image credit: Future)

During my tests, coffee was consistently well extracted using my usual freshly roasted beans, with the pressurized filter basket producing a thick layer of crema.

In my opinion, the biggest drawback is that the Philips Baristina doesn't allow you to adjust the grind size, which means you have no control over how quickly your coffee is extracted. You can adjust the volume of your brew, but that's all. If your coffee tastes over- or under-extracted, you'll need to try different beans until you find something that works well with the standard settings.

You should also be aware that the Baristina doesn't have a steam wand or any other means of foaming milk, although it's available bundled with a standalone milk frother if cappuccinos and lattes are your thing.

All in all, it's an excellent beginner-friendly espresso machine that's ideal if you're new to using fresh beans and want to keep things as simple as possible. It's remarkably affordable, too, with a list price of just $299.95 / £279.99 (about AU$600).

Philips Baristina espresso machine hopper with coffee beans — Unlike most espresso machines, the Philips Baristina doesn't offer a way to adjust the grind size. (Image credit: Future)

Philips Baristina: price and availability

Very cheap for a bean-to-cup coffee maker
Sold in North America, Europe and Australia
Often available at a discounted price

The Philips Baristina is the most affordable bean-to-cup coffee maker I've tested to date, with a list price of $449.99 / £299.99 / AU$599. You can pick up a good-quality manual espresso machine for around the same price — the five-star rated De'Longhi Dedica Duo for $299.95 / £279.99 (about AU$550), for example — but if you're after an automatic coffee maker, I haven't seen another model that delivers better in terms of value for money.

It's often available at a discount at major retailers, making it even better value. You'll find all today's best deals below.

The Baristina is available in North America, throughout Europe and has recently made its way to Australia.

Value score: 5/5

Philips Baristina: specifications

Name	Philips Baristina
Type	Bean-to-cup
Dimensions (W x H x D)	7 x 13.6 x 15 inches / 18 x 34.5 x 38cm
Weight	11lbs / 5kg
Water reservoir capacity	47oz / 1.2 liters
Milk frother	No
Bars of pressure	16
User profiles	None

Philips Baristina: design

Sleek design with matt finish
Clever "one swipe" portafilter design
No steam wand (although separate milk frother is available)

The Philips Baristina is a compact coffee maker with a smart, minimalist design. It comes in two colors, black and white, with matching portafilter handles as standard. Some retailers also offer a selection of contrasting portafilter shades (including red, green, and yellow), plus light and dark wood options so you can pick something that suits your kitchen décor. Whichever color you choose, the portafilter is fitted with a non-removeable pressurized basket.

All in all, it's a good-looking machine, and although its case is made from plastic, its matt finish means it doesn't appear cheap or attract fingerprints like some more expensive coffee makers I've tested.

Philips Baristina coffee maker with espresso on kitchen counter — The Baristina uses what Philips calls a "one-swipe" system. Push in the portafilter, slide it to the right, and the machine does the rest (Image credit: Future)

The Baristina is controlled using a simple set of three buttons: one for a single shot of espresso; one for a lungo (a longer drink with the same amount of coffee and twice as much water); and one to boost the intensity by increasing the dose of ground coffee.

The bean hopper is quite small, but that isn't a problem unless you're preparing coffee for a crowd; it's best to keep your coffee in a dark, cool, airtight place until you're ready to grind it and refill your coffee machine little and often.

The Baristina's water tank slides onto the back of the machine, and although I'd have liked to see a handle, its ridged surface makes it easy to grip when filling and replacing. It has a robust lid that fits firmly in place to avoid accidental spills, but do note that there's no water filter provided, so if you live in a hard water area then you might want to use a separate water filtration pitcher.

Philips Baristina espresso machine with water tank removed and plant on kitchen counter — The water tank has no handle, but its ridged surface provides grip (Image credit: Future)

There's a removable plastic drip tray for your espresso cup, which slots into place below the groupset. It's nicely made — but, unfortunately, it isn't designed to accommodate a larger cup if you want to use your espresso as the foundation for a long drink.

The Baristina doesn't have a steam wand or automatic milk-frothing system. However, if you want to make milky drinks such as lattes and cappuccinos, it's available bundled with a standalone milk frother.

The standard Philips Baristina (which I tested here) has a single hopper, but there's also a model called the Baristina Variety, which has a larger dual hopper so you can choose between two different beans or roasts on-the-fly.

Design score: 5/5

Philips Baristina: performance

Super easy to use, with no need to weigh or measure
Produced well-extracted espresso in tests
Easier to keep clean than a typical bean-to-cup machine
Grind size can't be changed

The Philips Baristina is a beginner-friendly espresso machine that combines the convenience of a bean-to-cup coffee maker with the easy cleanup of a manual one. To use it, just fill the water tank and bean hopper, gently push the empty portafilter handle into place, and slide it to the right under the coffee grinder. Choose your drink (espresso or lungo), hit the extra intensity button if you like, and the machine will get to work.

The appropriate dosage of coffee will be ground and dispensed directly into the filter basket, then tamped down evenly. Once it's ready, the machine will slide the handle to the left so it sits under the brew group, and extract your drink into your waiting espresso cup. You never touch the coffee grounds yourself, and there's no need to weigh or measure anything.

Philips Baristina espresso machine dispensing a shot of espresso — The Baristina's pressurized filter basket produces plenty of crema (Image credit: Future)

When the Baristina is done and your coffee is ready, the handle will be unlocked so you can pull it out, knock the puck of used coffee grounds into your food waste bin, and clean the basket. It's a lot easier than cleaning up a conventional bean-to-cup coffee maker, which involves pulling out the drip tray to clean out used coffee grounds, removing a side panel to take out and rinse the brew group, wiping up any stray coffee grounds inside the machine's casing, and leaving the whole thing open to dry so it doesn't grow mold.

The biggest drawback of the Baristina is that there's no way to change the grind size, so if your drink tastes under- or over-extracted (sour or bitter), you'll need to experiment with different types of coffee until you find something that works with the machine's default setup.

Philips Baristina espresso machine portafilter with used coffee grounds — During my tests, the used coffee grounds always formed a dry, solid puck, showing that the coffee was properly extracted (Image credit: Future)

It's also worth noting that while manual coffee makers give you a choice of single and double filter baskets, with double (pressurized) and single walls, the Baristina's basket is integrated into the handle and can't be removed. Again, this limits customization, but it's unlikely to be a concern for those looking for their first espresso machine, or upgrading from a capsule coffee maker.

Performance score: 4.5/5

Should you buy the Philips Baristina?

Philips Baristina score card
Attribute	Notes	Score
Value	The most affordable bean-to-cup coffee maker I've tested – and one that doesn't skimp on quality.	5/5
Design	Simple, compact and stylish, without the tricky clean-up associated with most automatic coffee makers – although it lacks a steam wand.	4.5/5
Performance	Quick and easy to use, even for beginners, and produces great results with the right beans. Grind size can't be adjusted, but at this price it's tough to complain.	4.5/5

Buy it if

You're on a budget

This is the most affordable bean-to-cup coffee maker I've tested, and Philips hasn't cut corners to achieve its affordable price tag.View Deal

You want to upgrade from coffee capsules

The Philips Baristina is just as convenient as a capsule coffee maker, but without the hassle of having to recycle the pods (which can be difficult, depending on the facilities in your area).View Deal

Don't buy it if

You want to experiment with different beans

The Baristina doesn't offer any way to customize the grind size, so you'll have to stick with coffees that work well with its default settings. There's nothing you can do to change the extraction rate.View Deal

Philips Baristina: also consider

If the Philips Baristina doesn't sound like the right coffee maker for you, take a look at these two highly rated alternatives:

De'Longhi Dedica Duo

If you're feeling a bit more adventurous and want more control over your coffee, this is the best entry-level manual espresso machine I've tested in the past couple of years. You'll need a separate coffee grinder, but this setup provides more scope for experimentation.

Read our full De'Longhi Dedica Duo reviewView Deal

De'Longhi La Specialista Arte Evo

This semi-automatic coffee maker doesn't have a spring-fired portafilter so you'll come into contact with loose coffee, but it gives you a lot more brewing options than the Baristina, and is a good way to start developing your home barista skills.

Read our full De'Longhi La Specialista Arte Evo reviewView Deal

How I tested the Philips Baristina

I used the Philips Baristina for two weeks with my usual regular and decaffeinated coffee beans, freshly bought from a local coffee roaster. I used fresh tap water, and compared the taste of the coffee with that from my usual Gaggia Classic espresso machine. I used both the regular espresso and lungo options, with and without the "intensity boost" feature. I cleaned the portafilter between each drink, and flushed the brewing group with hot water by pressing and holding one of the control buttons.

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‘Unlike anything you’ve ever seen before’ I tested Acer’s very weird AI-powered e-bike for a whole month

3:00 am | February 19, 2026

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Hybrid & Electric Vehicles Vehicle Tech | Tags: Australia | Comments: Off

Acer ebii 20: One-minute review

Every industry has its disrupters. Those designers and manufacturers who decide to make a product with the aim of redefining and disrupting everything people previously thought they knew. Apple did it with the iPhone, Nothing is attempting it with other electronic gadgets like the CMF Watch Pro and CMF Buds Pro 2, and Acer has attempted it here with the ebii e-bike.

When I first heard that Taiwanese electronics company Acer had released an e-bike, I couldn’t quite believe it. I actually did some Googling to check if there was another company who had decided to use the same company name. There wasn’t.

Acer ebii 20 — (Image credit: Future / Paul hatton)

The carbon belt drive is long-lasting and low-maintenance. An advertised life of 19,000 miles for the belt means it'll take a long time to require replacement. Not having any grease to deal with not only makes maintenance a breeze but also removes the risk of getting it on your clothes.

The 36V, 10Ah lithium-ion battery with LG cells has a maximum range of 100 km / 62 miles. This is far from the longest the best electric bikes have to offer, but it is more than adequate for any commute. A four-hour recharge can be easily achieved while either at work or overnight before riding it again in the morning.

The CGO600 Pro is perfectly positioned as a city commuter. The medium-to-thin tires eat up the miles, and handling around traffic is light and easy. The price is comparable with most of its competitors for this e-bike type, and, given its fantastic performance, it's one of the best commuter bikes on the market at the moment.

Acer ebii 20 review: Specs

Component	Acer ebii 20
Size range:	157cm x 102cm
Motor:	250W
Top speed	15.5 mph / 25 kmh
Power:	460W Lithium-ion Battery
Control:	Phone app
E-bike classification:	Class 1
Speeds:	Single-speed
Brakes:	6.3-inch Hydraulic Disc Brake
Frame material:	Aluminum
Weight:	23.5 kg / 51.8 lbs
Range:	110 km / 68.35 miles

Acer ebii 20 review: Price and availability

$4,999.99 USD / £3,999 UK / around AU$7,650
Expensive for what it is
Not available in Australia

I decided not to look at the price until after I had carried out most of my testing, because I didn’t want to be unduly influenced by it either way. Now that I know the price, all I can say is that I didn’t expect it to cost anything like what Acer is charging for it. On performance alone I would have put it around the $1,250 / £1,250 / AU$1,800 mark. With that in mind, I’d much rather spend my money on something like the ENGWE MapFour N1 Air.

Value score: 3/5

Acer ebii 20 review: Design

Unbalanced weight distribution
Aesthetic isn’t to my taste
Bold design decisions

The Acer ebii is one of the most polarizing e-bike designs I have ever seen. That’s saying something, as I’ve reviewed a number of ‘interestingly’ designed e-bikes, including the Engwe L20. It’s not that I don’t like it per se, but like the 1962 Peel P50 car, it just takes a little time to know exactly what you’re looking at.

As well as that solid white block that spans the two wheels, one of the most notable deviations from a standard e-bike design is the inclusion of a single-armed front fork. Despite it being more than sturdy enough, it just felt mentally wrong not having my weight distributed across two forks.

When I first saw the e-bike, I thought it would be foldable. I spent time looking for a catch that would allow me to fold it up, but let me save you the hard work; this is not a foldable e-bike, despite the design suggesting it should be.

It’s a shame, because this is one bike that could have really benefited from the folding mechanism. This is a long, heavy bike that is cumbersome to move around. When I compare it to the lightweight Brompton G-Line or even the Engwe P20, I think Acer has missed a trick.

If we consider the sweet spot for this type of design, it would have to be a city-based urban dweller who still has the space to store a fully assembled bike. Unless you could fit it in your elevator, you'll also want to make sure you can store it at ground level because it weighs a hefty 23.5Kg.

The weight in and of itself is not necessarily a huge problem, but what is is the way it is distributed across the bike. With most of it located towards the front, I found it a little awkward and at times unsafe to handle.

More positively, I love its airless tires, which are thick enough to make easy work of any uneven roads or paths. There’s also a super bright front light, which is integrated into the main frame. I would like to have seen an integrated rear light as well, but Acer decided against this.

Design Score: 3.5/5

Acer ebii 20 review: Performance

Fast-acting brakes
A useful set of security features
Lack of overall power

The ebii's performance is a bit of a mixed bag. The e-bike is driven by a quality carbon belt which is both smooth and reliable. Even though it might be slightly less high-performing than a chain, there’s always the benefit of having very little to worry about in terms of maintenance.

Brake performance is also a win for the ebii thanks to hydraulic disc brakes (160mm rotors), which provide efficient stopping power. Due to the time of year, I wasn't able to test it in the wettest of conditions, but I had no problems stopping when I needed to, even when performing an emergency stop.

From a security point of view, the ebii excels as a result of an auto-lock system that utilizes Bluetooth to lock the bike when you leave and unlock it when you're nearby. I found this feature incredibly useful, although, much like a keyless car, it's slightly unnerving walking away, not knowing whether it's truly disabled.

Moving onto where the ebii didn’t perform so well, and unfortunately it’s in the area which matters most for e-bikes. It was rather disappointing to find that the 250W front hub motor found it difficult to pull the weight of the bike efficiently enough, even when cycling along flat roads. Don’t ever get me started on the lack of assistance up medium inclines. Much of these could have been addressed with a higher-performing motor, and if it was positioned at the rear, then that could have also helped.

One of the other frustrating things about the ebii was that there was a constant white noise emitted from the handlebar unit. That might have been bearable, but unfortunately it was also paired with a repetitive ticking sound. From my research, it appears that this was because I didn't have a SIM card inserted. I've read of others having the same problem.

Performance score: 3.5/5

Acer ebii 20 review: Battery life

Limited range, especially when using boost mode
Detachable battery
Helpful battery integration with the app.

Battery life is one of the most important considerations when it comes to purchasing an e-bike. If the battery doesn’t have enough capacity to take you between your location and your destination, then it’s a pointless piece of kit, especially considering the motor resistance on the ebii is so strong that you can’t ride it without electrical assistance.

Managing battery life is where Acer’s technology comes into its own. Thanks to the ebiiGo app, users can track the amount of remaining battery life and thereby make sure they have enough juice left in the tank to make their desired journey. It’s also possible to select boost mode, smart mode, or eco mode to help manage what you do have left.

Additionally, there’s an ebii Assist mode that tailors the riding experience thanks to some handy AI learning techniques. For example, after learning your riding style, the e-bike is able to tweak the “motor output to provide effortless riding based on” your pedaling power and current road conditions. This tailored experience also extends to managing battery consumption based on your chosen destination. Personally, I preferred to be in total control of my ride, but if you’re happy with the computer taking the reins, then this will work well for you.

I was a little disappointed with the battery life, if I’m honest. It barely managed 15 miles with boost mode selected, which, compared to the likes of the Tenways CGO600 Pro or the Brompton C-Line, is pretty limited. I would like to add that I wasn’t the first person to ride the test unit and so couldn’t guarantee how many miles it had already been subjected to.

I loved being able to remove the battery and charge it indoors. That way I could keep an eye on it rather than leaving it charging elsewhere. I recently tested a Quella e-bike with an integrated battery, which made it impossible to charge anywhere else but where the bike was locked up.

As a quick side note, it’s also possible to USB-C charge laptops, phones, or other devices by connecting them to the battery. Very clever!

Battery life score: 3.5/5

Acer ebii 20: Scorecard

Category	Comment	Score
Value	A very expensive for what it is. Better performing e-bikes are available at this price point.	3/5
Design	A unique design but an unbalanced weight distribution.	3.5/5
Performance	Fast-acting brakes and a useful set of security features but lacks motor power.	3.5/5
Battery Life	A limited range, but AI helps to manage the battery well.	3.5/5

Should I buy the Acer ebii 20?

Buy it if...

You want an e-bike that hardly anyone else has

Compared to big e-bike brands, there are hardly any of these on the roads.

You’re happy being an early adopter

Acer may well be onto something with their design and features, but only time will tell.

Don't buy it if...

You’d like a budget-friendly e-bike

Despite performing like it, the Acer ebii e-bike costs as much as the most premium alternatives on the market.

You want an e-bike from a tried and tested brand

Acer are not known for their e-bikes, so you’ll have to be happy taking the risk.

Also consider

Component	Acer ebii 20	Tenways CGO600 Pro	Engwe P275 Pro
Size range:	157cm x 102cm	157cm x 96cm	98.5cm x 188cm
Motor:	250W	250W (UK) / 350W (US)	250W Brushless Motor
Top speed	15.5 mph / 25 kmh	15.5mph / 25kmh (UK) and 20 mph (US)	15.5mph / 25kmh
Power:	460W Lithium-ion Battery	36V 10Ah Lithium-ion Battery with LG Cells	36V 19.2Ah SAMSUNG Lithium-ion
Control:	Phone app	Small OLED Display	Bafang TFT DP C244
E-bike classification:	Class 1	Class 1	Class 1
Speeds:	Single-speed	Single-speed	Bafang 3 levels automatica gear shifter
Brakes:	6.3-inch Hydraulic Disc Brake	TEKTRO Hydraulic Disc Brakes	180mm Front & Rear Tektro hydraulic disc breaks
Frame material:	Aluminum	Aluminum	6061 Aluminum Alloy
Weight:	23.5 kg / 51.8 lbs	18kg including accessories	25.3kg
Range:	110 km / 68.35 miles	100km / 62 miles	260km (PAS 1 level), 150km (PAS 5 level)

Tenways CGO600 Pro

Smooth and powerful motor assistance is paired with a carbon belt drive that guarantees low maintenance and durability. It's an enjoyable ride and a perfect e-bike for commuters.

Read our full Tenways CGO600 Pro review

Engwe P275 Pro

This city commuter from Engwe is chunkier than the Tenways CGO600 Pro but if you like to stand out from the crowd, then no bike does it better than this one.

Read our full Engwe P275 Pro review

How I tested the Acer ebii 20

I spent over a month with the ebii 20 e-bike. During this time I traveled through city streets, along busy roads, and traversed up and down hills. I refrained from taking it on any trails, as I thought that might be taking it too far away from its intended use! I also downloaded the app and tested out all the associated features.

First reviewed: November 2025

I tested the HP OmniBook 7 and I don’t think there’s a better mid-range laptop — but it’s not exactly cheap

3:08 pm | February 2, 2026

Author: admin | Category: Computers Computing Gadgets Laptops Windows Laptops | Tags: Australia, Battery Life, UK, US | Comments: Off

HP OmniBook 7 14-inch: Two-minute review

The HP OmniBook 7 14-inch AI Laptop, to give it its full name, is an everyday workhorse with an elegant and upmarket design, setting it apart from much of the competition.

Its minimalist appearance is certainly fetching. The absence of any superfluous details makes it better-looking than your average workaday laptop, as does the light gray body, which contrasts well with the darker keycaps.

Not only does the OmniBook 7 look good, but it also feels good. The finish of both the entire unit and the keys is super smooth, and contributes to the laptop rivalling some of the best laptops out there.

Build quality is also impressive: both the base and the lid are sturdier than those on many other laptops I’ve tested. This feat is all the more impressive given just how light and thin the OmniBook 7 is — although it's a little thicker underneath than its slender sides might lead you to believe.

Most of the essential ports are present and correct. There are two USB-A and two USB-C ports. The latter are used for charging the OmniBook 7, and they also support external monitor connections. An HDMI port is also available for this purpose, and is an increasingly rare sight on modern laptops. However, I wasn’t thrilled with the ordering of many of the OmniBook 7’s ports, with the locations of the USB and HDMI ports being particularly inconvenient.

Three-quarter view of HP OmniBook 7 14-inch open on black desk with white wall in background — (Image credit: Future)

The general performance of the OmniBook 7 is impressive. It can handle light productivity and multi-tab browsing with ease, and can stream ultra-HD content without stuttering or buffering. I did notice a few minor slowdowns when performing certain media actions, but these were negligible.

For a laptop with no dedicated GPU, the OmniBook 7 surprised me with just how competent it is at gaming. You certainly won’t be getting high frame rates in AAA titles, even at modest settings, but Cyberpunk 2077 ran in a passable state that allowed for some casual playtime. I’ve certainly experienced my fair share laptops with similar integrated graphics that fail to reach even this low bar.

Some fan noise was apparent at times, even when moderate loads were undertaken. However, I didn’t find it loud to the point of distraction, and temperatures never exceeded lukewarm.

The display is also excellent. Its 1920 x 1200 resolution complements the 14-inch canvas very well, with the interface being clear and sharp. Colors are vibrantly rendered, too, and the deep contrast was very welcoming. I noticed some reflections on screen, but they didn’t obscure content prohibitively.

Perhaps the most impressive aspect of the OmniBook 7, though, is its battery life. It lasted an incredible 26 hours during our movie playback test, a time that ranks among the very best in the sector. It was also quick to fully recharge, taking just over two hours.

The starting price of the OmniBook 7 is high, in some territories more than others, but we’ve seen it on sale for significantly less (in UK markets, at least). And considering how it just about gets everything right, even exceeding expectations in some areas, the OmniBook 7 is one the best mid-range laptops around right now.

HP OmniBook 7 14-inch review: Price & Availability

Close-up of webcam on HP OmniBook 7 14-inch with white wall in background — (Image credit: Future)

Starts from $949 / £699 / AU$2,499
Prices vary according to region
Expensive compared to some rivals

The HP OmniBook 7 14-inch starts from $949 / £699 / AU$2,499 and is available now. Configurability varies across regions, with the US seemingly only getting one model, which features an Intel Core Ultra 5, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage.

This certainly isn’t cheap; however, we’ve seen sizable reductions on variants in the UK and Australia which make them much better value. It’s more expensive than the HP OmniBook 5, but that model is significantly down on power compared to the 7.

It’s also cheaper, at least in some regions, than the Dell 16 Plus. This is another fine laptop, featuring a similarly lightweight yet sturdy design, as well as great performance and a high-quality display. It’s a larger device with a full-size keyboard, so it might be a better choice for those looking for more productivity pedigree. Like the OmniBook 7, though, it has integrated graphics, which means weak gaming and creative performance compared to laptops with dedicated GPUs.

Value: 4 / 5

HP OmniBook 7 14-inch (2025) review: Specs

HP OmniBook 7 14-inch (2025) Specs
HP OmniBook 7 14-inch (2025)	US	UK	Australia
Price:	$949	£699	AU$2,499
CPU:	Intel Core Ultra 5 225U (up to 4.8GHz, 12 cores)	Intel Core 5 220H (up to 4.9GHz, 12 cores)	Intel Core Ultra 5 225H (up to 4.9GHz, 14 cores)
GPU:	Intel Graphics (integrated)	Intel Graphics (integrated)	Intel Arc 130T (integrated)
Memory:	16GB LPDDR5	24GB LPDDR5	32GB LPDDR5
Storage:	512 GB PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 SSD	1TB PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 SSD	512 GB PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 SSD
Display:	14-inch 2K (1920 x 1200), IPS, anti-glare	14-inch 2K (1920 x 1200), IPS, anti-glare	14-inch 3K (2880 x 1800), UWVA
Ports:	2x USB-C (1x Thunderbolt 4, 40Gbps, Power Delivery 3.1, DisplayPort 2.1; 1x 10Gbps, USB Power Delivery 3.1, DisplayPort 1.4a), 2x 1 USB-A (1x 10Gbps, 1x 5Gbps), 1x HDMI 2.1, 1x combo audio	2x USB-C (1x Thunderbolt 4, 40Gbps, Power Delivery 3.1, DisplayPort 2.1; 1x 10Gbps, USB Power Delivery 3.1, DisplayPort 1.4a), 2x 1 USB-A (1x 10Gbps, 1x 5Gbps), 1x HDMI 2.1, 1x combo audio	2x USB-C (1x Thunderbolt 4, 40Gbps, Power Delivery 3.1, DisplayPort 2.1; 1x 10Gbps, USB Power Delivery 3.1, DisplayPort 1.4a), 2x 1 USB-A (1x 10Gbps, 1x 5Gbps), 1x HDMI 2.1, 1x combo audio
Battery (WHr):	68Wh	68Wh	68Wh
Wireless:	Intel Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3	Intel Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3	Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4
Camera:	5MP IR with privacy shutter	5MP IR with privacy shutter	5MP IR with privacy shutter
Weight:	3.12lbs (1.42kg)	3.12lbs (1.42kg)	3.12lbs (1.42kg)
Dimensions:	12.36 x 8.92 x 0.59in (314 x 226.6 x 15mm)	12.36 x 8.92 x 0.59in (314 x 226.6 x 15mm)	12.36 x 8.92 x 0.59in (314 x 226.6 x 15mm)

HP OmniBook 7 14-inch review: Design

Close-up of keyboard on HP OmniBook 7 14-inch with white wall in background — (Image credit: Future)

Premium, elegant design
Strong build quality
Impractical port locations

In line with many of HP’s modern laptops, the design of the OmniBook 7 is best described as minimalist. The light silver colorway is sensible but less austere than other monochromatic rivals, while the darker keyboard shade provides a pleasing contrast. And like a great deal of Windows laptops in general, the OmniBook 7 emulates the pristine appeal of the best Macbooks — and I have to say, it’s largely successful on this front.

Complimenting its light colorway are its thin dimensions. This is especially evident on the sides of the unit, which help to disguise the somewhat thicker underside. Ultimately, though, the OmniBook 7 is still thinner and lighter than many other 14-inch laptops.

Strange as it is to say, I also admired the corners of the OmniBook 7, which are rounder than most. The same is true of the keycaps, and together these elements help to soften the OmniBook 7’s appearance even further.

Build quality is commendable, too. Despite the lightweight construction, both the body and the lid are remarkably sturdy. The hinge of the latter operates smoothly, and I experienced next to no wobbling when open. However, I wish it reclined a little further; the somewhat limited angle might be a problem for those wishing to place the OmniBook 7 on a stand.

Close-up of touchpad on HP OmniBook 7 14-inch — (Image credit: Future)

While the materials used in the OmniBook 7 aren’t as premium as those employed in high-end laptops, they don’t feel cheap; the body has a silky smooth finish, while the keycaps have a slightly grainy texture that enhances their tactility. They’re also backlit, which I pretty much consider an essential feature in a laptop keyboard.

You’ll find the usual connectivity options on the OmniBook 7. There’s a USB-A port on each side and two USB-C ports on the right. Also on the right is an HDMI port, while on the left you’ll find a 3.5mm combo audio jack as well.

The ordering of these ports is somewhat inconvenient. The USB-C ports are close to the middle of the unit — not an ideal place for the power cable to extend from. Also, the HDMI port is placed ahead of the USB-A port, which could result in crossing cables if both are occupied simultaneously.

It’s also a shame that the OmniBook 7 misses out on extra ports, such as an SD card reader, but given the compact nature of the unit, this is somewhat forgivable.

Design: 4.5 / 5

HP OmniBook 7 14-inch review: Performance

Close-up of left-side ports on HP OmniBook 7 14-inch, on a black desk with white wall in background — (Image credit: Future)

Excellent general performance
Surprisingly capable for light gaming
Vivid, high-contrast display

HP OmniBook 7 14-inch (2025) benchmarks:

3DMark Night Raid: 16,266; Fire Strike: 3,692; Steel Nomad: 345; Solar Bay 6,232; Solar Bay Unlimited: 6,281; Solar Bay Extreme: 748; Solar Bay Extreme Unlimited: 753;
GeekBench 6.5 (Single-core): 2,324; (Multi-core): 10,247; GPU (Vulkan): 19,853; GPU (OpenCL): 19,874
Geekbench AI (Single Precision): 2,753; (Half Precision): 1,206; (Quantized): 5,732
Cinebench R23 (Multi Core): 9,305
Cinebench R24 (Single Core): 99; (Multi Core): 555
CrossMark: Overall: 1,604; Productivity: 1,536; Creativity: 1,779; Responsiveness: 1,341;
Passmark: Overall: 4,778; CPU: 21,287; 2D Graphics: 699; 3D Graphics: 3,443; Memory: 2,393; Disk: 35,104
BlackMagicDisk: Read: 3,927MB/s; Write: 3,311MB/s
Battery Life (TechRadar movie test): 25 hours and 57 minutes

The OmniBook 7 is a very capable all-round performer. It can handle the kinds of tasks you’d typically demand from a mid-range laptop. Light productivity is dispatched with aplomb, while the 16GB of RAM helps to facilitate browsing with multiple tabs open.

It streamed video at high resolutions with little buffering, although I did experience a small amount of lag when performing common actions, such as playing and pausing content, or when toggling full screen mode. However, such instances were too minor to cause frustration.

What surprised me most of all about the OmniBook 7 was its gaming performance. Despite lacking a dedicated GPU, it managed to run demanding titles, such as Cyberpunk 2077. Granted, it was far from the smoothest experience, hitting less than 30fps on average at the High preset with Ray Tracing disabled. But it sufficed for a quick and casual session. What’s more, it remained admirably cool and quiet throughout.

Close-up of right-side ports on HP OmniBook 7 14-inch, on a black desk with white wall in background — (Image credit: Future)

More impressive was the WUXGA display. It might fall short of many other laptops with sharper resolutions, but given the 14 inches of real estate on offer, is beautifully crisp and clear. Brightness and color reproduction are also excellent, as is the deep contrast. I did notice some reflections, but these were never prominent enough to disrupt the viewing experience.

The keyboard in the OmniBook 7 is mostly competent. The spacing between the keys is generous, while the short travel and light actuation allow for quick, snappy typing. However, while I found them satisfying to hit, they lack the dampening of some of the best keyboards around. Also, the lack of extra keys, such as a navigation cluster and a number pad, might hamper those looking for serious productivity pedigree.

I found no such drawbacks with the touchpad in the OmniBook 7. It feels superb and translates inputs precisely. I also found it to be the perfect size: small enough to avoid encroaching on wrist space when typing, yet large enough to make navigation and gesturing easy.

Performance: 4.5 / 5

HP OmniBook 7 14-inch review: Battery Life

Rear three-quarter view of HP OmniBook 7 14-inch open on black desk with white wall in background — (Image credit: Future)

Best-in-class battery life
Quick to charge

The battery life of the OmniBook 7 is remarkable. When I ran a movie on a continuous loop unplugged, it lasted just shy of 26 hours. This is one of the best scores we’ve seen, and eclipses other laptops known for their longevity.

The charging time is also impressive, taking just over two hours to go from empty to full.

Battery Life: 5 / 5

Should I buy the HP OmniBook 7 14-inch?

HP OmniBook 7 14-inch (2025) Scorecard
Attributes	Notes	Rating
Value	Starting prices are high, especially in some regions. We have, however, seen some huge discounts.	4 / 5
Design	Super light and thin, with sleek looks and a premium feel. Port locations are a little impractical, though.	4.5 / 5
Performance	Brilliant general and multitasking performance, and the excellent display makes content pop. It's even capable of some light gaming.	4.5 / 5
Battery Life	Simply unbeatable; it can playback a video for over a full day. It's also quite quick to charge.	5 / 5
Total	The HP OmniBook 7 does everything you could want from a mid-range laptop, and more. If you find it on sale (as we have), it's hard to beat for value.	4.5 / 5

Buy the HP OmniBook 7 14-inch if...

You want great everyday performance
The OmniBook 7 is quick enough for all your general tasking and entertainment needs. It’s even capable of some light gaming, despite not having a dedicated GPU.

You want a great battery life
The OmniBook 7 can last for hours and hours before it runs out of juice. It’s among the most enduring laptops on the market.

Don't buy it if...

You want serious gaming performance
Although I was impressed by how well it ran AAA titles, its lack of dedicated graphics inevitably puts it leagues behind what the best gaming laptops can achieve.

You’re particular about cable management
The ordering of the ports along both sides of the OmniBook 7 is somewhat impractical, especially when the power adapter is connected to one of the USB-C ports.

HP OmniBook 7 14-inch (2025) review: Also Consider

HP OmniBook 5 14-inch (2025)
It might be a step down from the OmniBook 7, but we were very impressed with the OmniBook 5 when we reviewed it. In particular, we were enthralled by its display and battery life — two areas where the OmniBook 7 shines even brighter. Its overall performance was somewhat disappointing, but considering its very competitive pricing, these flaws are somewhat forgiven.

Read our full HP OmniBook 5 14-inch (2025) review.

Dell 16 Plus
The Dell 16 Plus shares many of the same traits with the OmniBook 7, including a lightweight yet solid design, great performance, and a pleasing display. However, since it's larger, it has the advantage of a full-size keyboard which includes a number pad, handy for those with productivity in mind. Again, like the OmniBook 7, it lacks graphical prowess due to the integrated graphics it’s saddled with, so avid gamers and creators should look elsewhere.

Read our full Dell 16 Plus review.

How I tested the HP OmniBook 7 14-inch (2025)

Top-down view of HP OmniBook 7 14-inch closed on black desk — (Image credit: Future)

Tested for several days
Used for productivity, entertainment, browsing
Plentiful laptop reviewing experience

I tested the HP OmniBook 7 for several days, during which time I used it for light productivity tasks, streaming content, gaming, and general browsing.

I ran our suite of benchmarks, which test every facet of a laptop's performance. I also ran a movie on a continuous loop to test battery life.

I have reviewed countless laptops in my time, ranging from budget and mid-range efforts to top-tier machines designed for high-end gaming and other intensive workloads. I've also reviewed a plethora of other computing devices, including desktops and tablets.

First reviewed: January 2026
Read more about how we test

Polar Loop review: The screen-free fitness tracker is good on heart rate, but a software let-down

5:16 pm | January 21, 2026

Author: admin | Category: Computers Fitness Trackers Gadgets Health & Fitness | Tags: Australia, US | Comments: Off

Polar Loop: One minute review

The Polar Loop is, on the surface, what a lot of folks want. It’s a lifestyle-friendly wearable like the popular Whoop MG, but one that doesn’t come with a mandatory monthly subscription.

It’s screen-free, with a lightweight body and fabric strap for maxed-out comfort. Polar has kept the Loop simple, offering a limited set of features rather than trying to cram in lots of extras. It tracks your sleep, your steps and has a crack at recognising and logging activity sessions — runs, walks and so on. This part is patchy, but the Polar Loop was never going to be that big a hit as a one of the best fitness tracker with the hardcore exerciser crowd anyway.

The Polar Loop’s issues are largely software-based. You have to get on with the Polar app to make the Loop fun to use, and its interface and presentation of data could really do with a rethink. This is planned for the future, but for now, this isn’t quite the Whoop-killer you may be hoping for. It’s shown up on that front by the cheaper Amazfit Helio Strap.

As is, what you get is a decent screen less tracker, but one that may be better later into its lifespan – after a software update, at least.

Polar Loop: Specifications

Component	Polar Loop
Price	$199 / £149.50 / AU$299
Dimensions	42 x 27 x 9mm
Weight	29g with band
Case/bezel	Stainless steel/Plastic
Display	N/A
GPS	N/A
Battery life	Up to 8 days
Connection	Bluetooth
Water resistant	Yes, 3ATM

Polar Loop: Price and Availability

$199 in the US
£149.50 in the UK
AU$299 in Australia

The Polar Loop launched in early September 2025 as a subscription-free alternative to the Whoop band. This is a little over a year since the launch of the Polar 360, a business-oriented wellness wearable that’s ultimately pretty similar to this consumer version. It costs $199 in the US, £149.50 in the UK and AU$299 in Australia.

While there are no explicit ongoing costs, there is a totally optional subscription called Polar Fitness Program, which works out an adaptive training plan for you. This costs 9.99 Euro a month after a free trial. This is far better value than the Whoop, which doesn’t sell you the device at all – just an expensive subscription. But for a fitness tracker that doesn’t actually do a lot, it’s still quite highly-priced.

Value score: 3.5/5

Polar Loop: Design

Screenless
Steel accents
Comfortable stretchy bands

The Polar Loop is similar enough to the Whoop band that Whoop has sued Polar claiming the company nicked its design. However, what this really boils down to is a couple of conventions already seen across the screenless wearables landscape.

Polar uses a fabric strap that weaves, buckle-like, over the wearable’s main unit. It covers where the screen would be in a normal watch. The Loop uses a velcro-style fastener and is clearly designed to look like a lifestyle wearable over a hardcore fitness gadget. While much of the core brick is plastic, the top and outer parts are brushed bronze-shade steel. It’s there to provide a touch of class.

These screen-free wearables are intended to be the kind of gadget you set and forget, at least until the battery runs out. The Polar Loop weighs 29g, strap included, light enough not to pick up any real momentum as you swing your arms unlike a watch like the Apple Watch Ultra, which weighs close to 60g. But you are still gong to see those familiar skin indents when you occasionally take the watch off, pressing its contours into your wrist.

Is it comfy? Sure, these slightly stretchy fabric bands are ace for comfort. But I’ve found the Amazfit Helio Band slightly easier to forget I’m wearing, no doubt because it’s even lighter: just 20g.

The Polar Loop has no buttons and no LED status indicator. You can’t interact with it if you try. There’s not even a vibration motor: it’s about as stripped-back as Polar could make it. Water resistance is rated at WR30, which in other wearables is often seen as not enough for safe swimming, while Polar says the Loop is fine for “bathing and swimming” under the ISO22810 standard, just not diving or snorkelling.

Design score: 4/5

Polar Loop: Features

No subscription
Very little interaction
Precision Prime heart rate sensor from 2018

One of the core appeals of the Polar Loop is, of course, that there is no mandatory subscription. There is a paid part of the app, though.

It’s called Polar Fitness Program, which costs around $11 a month (9.99 Euro). This launched in April 2025, provides tailored workout plans. It would work much better when paired with Polar’s more conventional fitness watches, like the Polar Grit X2, than a Loop.

The Polar Loop’s own feature set is very stripped-back. You can’t, for example, make the watch broadcast its heart rate data to be used by another device. There’s no altimeter, so counting of steps climbed is not recorded. You cannot use the Polar Loop as an alarm as there’s no vibration motor. When the Polar Loop is running low on battery you’ll simply get an incessant reminder to charge on your phone. You know the funny bit? Polar actually released a tracker called the Loop 2 in 2015 that did have vibration, and a half-hidden screen made up of 85 LEDs.

Neither that band nor the Polar Loop records blood oxygenation data either, despite the heart rate array making use of green, red and orange LEDs. Polar calls this its Precision Prime array, and it has been around for absolutely ages. A similar design was found in 2018’s Polar Vantage V. That’s a lifetime ago in tech terms, but the basics still work well.

Features score: 2.5/5

Polar Loop: Performance

8 days of battery life
Some activity tracking errors
HR data testing similar to Garmin Elevate V5 sensor

Despite the lack of a screen, Polar says the Loop lasts eight days, which is actually a bit less than some of its watches with displays. This is basically on the money. You can expect it to last around a week. With no GPS or screen, there should be little variation in how long it lasts based on your activity level.

Like any wearable, the Polar Loop is heavily reliant on its heart rate sensor for any data beyond your steps. This wearable has a pretty good one, despite using older hardware. While this is not a replacement for a full-on runner’s watch due to its lack of GPS, its HR data during runs is pretty similar to that of a Garmin Forerunner 970 (one of the best Garmin watches) and its Elevate V5 sensor, wore concurrently during most of my testing.

The Polar Loop doesn’t tend to mess up the start of workouts, or show unexpected major HR spikes during the work day when you do little more than potter about. There was one unexpected spike during a tracked run, but in general the results are solid here.

By default, the Polar Loop will record basic stats 24/7, and then automatically log any slightly extended stretches it believes you’re exercising. Go for a 12-minute walk? You can expect to see that pop up in the Polar app. It’s not entirely flawless, though; during one run, the Loop only clocked half of the hour-and-change workout, seemingly stopping during a brief break, only to fail to register the second half. The durations of some sessions are off too, although you can always take a more active approach to tracking: in the Polar phone app, you can manually start a tracked session, select the Loop, and use it as the source for HR data.

That aside, the Polar Loop has a good stab at recording your daily steps. And it of course tracks sleep, too, estimating your time spent in the light, deep and REM sleep zones, and records interruptions. The Polar Loop is more sensitive to these than another wearable’s full-on wakeful moments detection, so you may well see your sleep records peppered with these tiny interruption blips.

The lead stats Polar wants you to focus on are sleep duration, sleep solidity and regeneration — basically how much that sleep is getting your body back where it needs to be. However, there’s also an ANS Charge (autonomous nervous system charge) section in which you can check out breathing rate and heart rate variability.

All the basic data is here, and it’s sound enough. The Polar Loop’s biggest issue is the phone app isn’t really all that enjoyable to use, may look dated to some and doesn’t really direct the user that well as to what they should focus on.

The app’s home screen is Diary, which acts like a feed of your day, showing recent auto-tracked exercises, your step count and so on, in semi-chronological order. This is not as effective as the software in Amazfit’s rival Helio Strap app, which is more intuitive and has a handy traffic light-style system to alert you to any stats that may be out of the ordinary.

Screen-free wearables are massively reliant on their apps for the overall quality of experience. And Polar’s could do with some work. It’s just not that inviting a space to hang out in. Polar does plan to fully revamp the app in future, but right now we can only work with that we have.

Performance score: 3.5/5

Polar Loop: Scorecard

Category	Comment	Score
Value	The lack of a forced subscription is good but this is not the most aggressively priced tracker around.	3.5/5
Design	It’s comfortable, it looks decent and has some higher-grade steel elements, plus you get a choice of colours.	4/5
Features	A watch like this doesn’t need scads of features, but it does miss out on a few elements that could be handy.	2.5/5
Performance	Heart rate accuracy is decent but you may not want to rely on auto exercise recognition for accurate session logging.	3/5

Polar Loop: Should I buy?

Buy it if...

You like its style

An important factor here is how the Loop doesn’t look like a fitness watch, with a two-tone fabric outer strap with steel accents.

You want a subscription-free experience

While you can pay for a training plan subscription, there’s no mandatory subscription with a Polar Loop.

You want pure passive tracking

With no screen, and even no vibrate or buttons, this is a zero-interaction wearable for those who want no wrist distractions.

Don’t buy it if…

You are expecting big health insights

At the time of review the Loop doesn’t present its data in the most cogent way, and also has fairly basic hardware.

You want better software before buying

While Polar has plans to overhaul its software and interface, we don’t know when that will happen at the time of review.

Also consider

Whoop MG

The screen-free band that made this category sing, but requires a pricey subscription.

Read our full Whoop MG review

First reviewed: December 2025

Lavazza’s A Modo Mio Deséa makes delicious espresso and a decent cappuccino – if you use the right milk

5:00 pm | January 18, 2026

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

Lavazza A Mio Modo Deséa: one-minute review

The Lavazza A Modo Mio Deséa is a compact capsule coffee maker with optional milk-frothing for cappuccinos and macchiatos, plus hot and cold milk foam. It's excellent at the fundamentals, and Lavazza's A Modo Mio pods are superb – affordably priced and packed with great quality coffee, with no flavored or sweetened options.

The Deséa is simple to use, as you'd expect from a capsule coffee maker, and is exceptionally quiet. During the testing period, it reached a maximum of only 50dB during brewing, making it the quietest machine I've tested to date.

It uses the same milk-frothing system as the Lavazza Assoluta (an automatic coffee maker that adapts its own settings to suit your chosen beans). This comprises a large glass cup with a lid containing a rotating electric whisk and a steam pipe. It works reasonably well with full-fat dairy milk, but in tests it produced very little foam when used with oat milk. This was very different to my experience with the Assoluta, so I suspect the much smaller Deséa may not be able to generate the same level of steam pressure.

Overall, it's a likeable little espresso machine that would be a good option for small kitchens, particularly if you're the lone coffee-drinker. The price of its capsules won't make you sweat, even if you enjoy several cups a day.

Lavazza A Mio Modo Deséa: specifications

Name	Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg
Type	Capsule coffee maker
Dimensions (H x W x D)	11 x 5.7 x 15 inches / 280 x 145 x 380mm
Weight	9.9lbs / 4.5kg
Water tank capacity	37oz / 1.1 liters

Lavazza A Mio Modo Deséa: price and availability

Similar price to other capsule coffee makers with milk foaming
Available in Europe and Australia, but not currently sold in the US
A Modo Mio coffee pods are much cheaper than alternatives

The Lavazza A Modo Mio Deséa has a list price of £249 / AU$349 (about $330), but is often available at a discount. For example, at the time of writing, it could be found on sale for £199 in the UK in Lavazza’s online store, and $261.75 in Australia. Currently, this model isn't available in the US.

That price is about standard for a capsule coffee maker with a built-in milk frother. For comparison, the De'Longhi Lattissima One is currently priced at $429.99 / £259.99 / AU$519.

What sets the Deséa apart from the competition is the price of its capsules. A pack of 16 Lavazza A Modo Mio capsules retails for £6.45 / AU$15 (about $9), and the cost per drink drops significantly if you buy a bundle instead. That makes the A Modo Mio capsules some of the cheapest around, and much less expensive than Nespresso Vertuo or Tassimo alternatives.

A Modo Mio pods offer up lots of choice when it comes to coffee blends, roasts and terroir, but you won’t find any hot chocolate or coffee with added flavors. Your options are espresso, espresso, and more espresso. During testing, I found the freshly ground and vacuum-sealed beans excellent – but note that if your drink of choice is pumpkin spice, you won’t find it here.

Value score: 4.5/5

Lavazza A Mio Modo Deséa: design

Compact and smart-looking
Includes milk-frothing system
Milk frother only works with supplied mug
Dishwasher-safe components

The Lavazza A Modo Mio Deséa is available in black, white, cream and a deep burgundy (different retailers keep different colors in stock). It has a robust-feeling, glossy case with the company logo embossed on the side, and although it isn't quite as sleek as the Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg, it certainly isn't a slouch in the looks department. Gloss finishes can sometimes be a magnet for fingerprints, but I was pleased to find that this wasn’t an issue with the cream-colored model I tested.

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Person adjusting height of drip tray on Lavazza A Modo Mio Deséa coffee maker — You can adjust the height of the drip tray to suit different cups (Image credit: Future)

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Coffee capsule slot on top of Lavazza A Modo Mio Deséa coffee maker — The Deséa takes Lavazza A Modo Mio capsules, which can be composted industrially (Image credit: Future)

The Deséa is particularly compact, even for a capsule coffee maker. At just 11 x 5.7 x 15 inches / 280 x 145 x 380mm (H x W x D), it will easily tuck away into the smallest of kitchens – and can be stashed in a cupboard when not in use (provided it’s properly cleaned and dried beforehand). Despite this, it has a larger water tank than most pod coffee machines, holding 37oz / 1.1 liters. That’s because this isn’t just an espresso machine; it can also foam milk for lattes and cappuccinos using high-pressure steam.

The Deséa has an unusual milk-frothing system that uses a special glass mug with a lid containing a steam tube and a whisk. It's the same system used by the Lavazza Assoluta I tested a couple of months ago, and although it isn't as effective as a proper steam wand, it works reasonably well – provided you use the right type of milk.

However, bear in mind that you can only make milk-based drinks in the glass mug; the special lid doesn't fit onto other cups. Unless you buy a second (they are $22.70 / £15 each), you and your partner won't be able to enjoy lattes as the same time.

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Milk frothing cup for Lavazza A Modo Mio Deséa coffee maker — The milk system uses a glass mug with a lid containing a steam pipe and a rotating whisk (Image credit: Future)

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Water tank detached from Lavazza A Modo Mio Deséa coffee maker — The water tank holds almost a liter and has a sturdy lid and handle to prevent spills (Image credit: Future)

Most removable components (including the cup, drip tray and used pod container) can be safely cleaned in the top rack of your dishwasher, although they take only a moment to wash by hand, too.

The drip tray can be detached and positioned higher up to avoid splashes if you’re using an espresso cup, which is a welcome touch. Used pods drop into a bin that can be accessed by removing the tray and pulling out a drawer on the front of the machine.

Design score: 4/5

Lavazza A Mio Modo Deséa: performance

Produces excellent espresso
Extensive drinks menu
Milk system doesn't work as well as a steam wand
Performs better with dairy than plant-based milk

The Lavazza A Modo Mio Deséa has a cleverly designed control panel that displays the different menu options depending on the cup you’re using. Place an ordinary cup of any size under the dispenser and you’ll see options for brewing an espresso, long espresso (lungo), and long coffee. Push the milk-foaming cup into place and the options for milk-based drinks will light up. The full menu includes:

Espresso
Long espresso (lungo)
Long coffee (Americano)
Cappuccino (regular or large)
Latte macchiato
Hot milk foam
Cold milk foam

You can adjust the volume of your coffee pour, which is a nice feature that you won’t find on many capsule coffee machines. All the drink size options are customizable; just hold the appropriate button on the control panel for three seconds to begin dispensing, then press it again once you have the desired volume. When you hear two beeps, you know the new setting has been saved successfully, ready to use next time.

Like the Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg coffee maker I tested recently, the Deséa brews excellent, well-rounded espresso in just a few seconds, and does so extremely quietly. Using a decibel meter, I measured an average volume of 50dB when extracting coffee, which is about the same as the murmur of a quiet office (although Lavazza claims the volume doesn't exceed 43dB).

After your coffee has brewed and the lights on the front panel have re-illuminated, lift the lid and after a second or two you’ll hear the used pod drop into the collection bin.

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Lavazza A Modo Mio Deséa coffee maker dispensing espresso — Espresso is consistently delicious, and the machine's pump is exceptionally quiet (Image credit: Future)

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Lavazza A Modo Mio Deséa coffee maker waste bin with used coffee pods — Used pods drop into a bin, ready to be collected for commercial composting (Image credit: Future)

The milk system is a little louder when injecting steam, reaching a maximum of 70dB for a couple of seconds as it incorporates air, but it's quieter than the squeal and rip of a manual steam wand, and the whisk is whisper-quiet.

When you want to use the milk system, take a good look at the fill lines on the side of the glass cup that indicate how much milk to add for different drink sizes. Add too much milk and it risks splashing; too little and it won’t foam properly.

During tests, the Deséa didn’t fare very well when texturizing oat milk, which was very different from my experience with the Lavazza Assoluta. Despite the two machines using the same cup-and-lid system, the Assoluta produced inches of creamy oat foam, whereas the Deséa heated the milk (a little too much – it reached 70ºC, whereas the optimum for coffee is about 60-65ºC), but didn’t actually create any froth, even with the "extra foam" option selected.

Lavazza A Modo Mio Deséa coffee maker dispensing espresso into milk to make cappuccino — The milk system works much better with dairy than plant-based milk (Image credit: Future)

The Deséa’s milk system worked much better with full-fat dairy milk, although I found that it still didn’t produce quite as much foam as the Assoluta. This might be because the smaller Deséa can’t generate as much pressure and inject as much steam into the liquid.

The Deséa can also prepare cold milk foam. To do this, add your cup of milk, drop in a coffee pod if required, hold the temperature +/- button on the front of the machine until the foam and latte lights turn blue, then press the one you want. Again, during my tests this worked better with dairy milk. It’s a nice feature, but bear in mind that the Deséa can only brew hot coffee, so if you want to make a cold latte then you’ll need to add a shot of hot espresso when the milk is ready, which will raise the temperature. You might like to add a few ice cubes to the drink once it’s made (but not before, as they could damage the whisk).

Cappuccino prepared using Lavazza A Modo Mio Deséa coffee maker — The whisk produces large bubbles rather than fine microfoam, so the froth tends to break down relatively quickly (Image credit: Future)

Finally, a word on waste. Lavazza’s A Modo Mio capsules are compostable, but you can’t simply toss them into your household waste or add them to a compost pile. They have to be processed in an industrial facility; currently Terracycle is the only service that offers this in the UK. There’sno home collection or postage system as there is with plastic and foil coffee pods, so you’ll need to gather your used capsules and take them to a drop-off point. If there isn’t one near you, you can apply to create one.

Performance score: 3.5/5

Should you buy the Lavazza A Mio Modo Deséa?

Lavazza A Mio Modo Deséa score card
Attribute	Notes	Score
Value	Similar price to other capsule coffee makers with milk frother, but the pods are much cheaper.	4.5/5
Design	Compact and smart-looking, though milk system only works with supplied mug.	4/5
Performance	Doesn't foam milk as well as a steam wand, but espresso is consistently excellent and the whole machine is very quiet in use.	3.5/5

Buy it if

You have a compact kitchen

There aren't many coffee machines this small with a milk-frothing system, and the Deséa is light enough to easily move around your home and tuck into a cupboard when it isn't in use.

You're a frequent coffee-drinker

Other capsule coffee makers may be cheaper to buy, but the pods can be very expensive, particularly if you drink several cups a day. Lavazza's A Modo Mio pods are super affordable, and packed with great-quality coffee.

Don't buy it if

You prefer plant-based milk

The Deséa's milk system works best with full-fat dairy, which is true of many automatic coffee makers. If you want to stick with oat or soya, you might be better choosing the Lavazza A Modo Mio Jolie, which arrives with a standalone milk frother.

You want to make a round of coffees

The milk system only works with Lavazza's own mug; you can't fit the lid onto your own favorite cup. Again, a more basic Lavazza A Modo Mio machine and a separate milk frother would be a great alternative.

Lavazza A Mio Modo Deséa: also consider

If you're not sure whether the Lavazza A Modo Mio Deséa is the best coffee maker for you, here are two other options for your shortlist:

De'Longhi Lattissima One

This smart coffee maker uses Nespresso Original pods (the ones shaped like top hats) and has a milk system that produces foam more like a conventional steam wand. You can use any cup and the froth is thick; but the capsules cost more than A Modo Mio ones.

Read our full De'Longhi Lattissima One review

De'Longhi Dedica Duo

Want to move on from capsules? This little manual espresso machine costs about the same as the Deséa and is a great introduction to fresh speciality coffee. It has an excellent steam wand as well.

Read our full De'Longhi Dedica Duo reviewView Deal

How I tested the Lavazza A Mio Modo Deséa

I used the Lavazza A Mio Deséa for two weeks, making at least two drinks per day and using all of the available drink options (including hot and cold milk foam). I used it with dairy and oat milk, both of which were freshly purchased and chilled. I used two different types of Lavazza A Modo Mio coffee capsules, with different intensities.

I measured the temperature of the prepared milk with a food thermometer, and used a decibel meter app to measure the machine's volume.

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

Lavazza’s A Modo Mio Deséa makes delicious espresso and a decent cappuccino – if you use the right milk

5:00 pm |

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

Lavazza A Mio Modo Deséa: one-minute review

Lavazza A Mio Modo Deséa: specifications

Name	Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg
Type	Capsule coffee maker
Dimensions (H x W x D)	11 x 5.7 x 15 inches / 280 x 145 x 380mm
Weight	9.9lbs / 4.5kg
Water tank capacity	37oz / 1.1 liters

Lavazza A Mio Modo Deséa: price and availability

Similar price to other capsule coffee makers with milk foaming
Available in Europe and Australia, but not currently sold in the US
A Modo Mio coffee pods are much cheaper than alternatives

That price is about standard for a capsule coffee maker with a built-in milk frother. For comparison, the De'Longhi Lattissima One is currently priced at $429.99 / £259.99 / AU$519.

Value score: 4.5/5

Lavazza A Mio Modo Deséa: design

Compact and smart-looking
Includes milk-frothing system
Milk frother only works with supplied mug
Dishwasher-safe components

Image 1 of 2

Image 2 of 2

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Image 2 of 2

Most removable components (including the cup, drip tray and used pod container) can be safely cleaned in the top rack of your dishwasher, although they take only a moment to wash by hand, too.

Design score: 4/5

Lavazza A Mio Modo Deséa: performance

Produces excellent espresso
Extensive drinks menu
Milk system doesn't work as well as a steam wand
Performs better with dairy than plant-based milk

Espresso
Long espresso (lungo)
Long coffee (Americano)
Cappuccino (regular or large)
Latte macchiato
Hot milk foam
Cold milk foam

After your coffee has brewed and the lights on the front panel have re-illuminated, lift the lid and after a second or two you’ll hear the used pod drop into the collection bin.

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Image 2 of 2

Performance score: 3.5/5

Should you buy the Lavazza A Mio Modo Deséa?

Lavazza A Mio Modo Deséa score card
Attribute	Notes	Score
Value	Similar price to other capsule coffee makers with milk frother, but the pods are much cheaper.	4.5/5
Design	Compact and smart-looking, though milk system only works with supplied mug.	4/5
Performance	Doesn't foam milk as well as a steam wand, but espresso is consistently excellent and the whole machine is very quiet in use.	3.5/5

Buy it if

You have a compact kitchen

There aren't many coffee machines this small with a milk-frothing system, and the Deséa is light enough to easily move around your home and tuck into a cupboard when it isn't in use.

You're a frequent coffee-drinker

Don't buy it if

You prefer plant-based milk

You want to make a round of coffees

Lavazza A Mio Modo Deséa: also consider

If you're not sure whether the Lavazza A Modo Mio Deséa is the best coffee maker for you, here are two other options for your shortlist:

De'Longhi Lattissima One

Read our full De'Longhi Lattissima One review

De'Longhi Dedica Duo

Want to move on from capsules? This little manual espresso machine costs about the same as the Deséa and is a great introduction to fresh speciality coffee. It has an excellent steam wand as well.

Read our full De'Longhi Dedica Duo reviewView Deal

How I tested the Lavazza A Mio Modo Deséa

I measured the temperature of the prepared milk with a food thermometer, and used a decibel meter app to measure the machine's volume.

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