Organizer
Gadget news
The Philips 1000 Series Dual Basket Air Fryer made the most delicious green beans I’ve had from an air fryer, and it’s big enough to feed a whole family
7:03 pm | May 28, 2025
Author: admin | Category: Air Fryers Computers Gadgets Home Small Appliances | Tags: , , , | Comments: Off

Philips 1000 Series Dual Basket Air Fryer: one-minute review

Since Philips introduced the world to the first air fryer back in 2010, the market for this health-conscious kitchen appliance has boomed. Manufacturers like Ninja dominate best air fryers lists, but British Philips continues to improve upon its patented Rapid Air Technology, and its most recent offerings, like the Philips 5000 Series Dual Basket Steam Air Fryer, are increasingly impressive.

The Philips 1000 Series Dual Basket Air Fryer NA150X isn't quite on par with the 5000 and suffers from some of the same issues around ease of use, but it's also considerably cheaper at £133.99. For that price tag, you get a well-performing air fryer with plenty of room and a handful of useful features, such as a shaking reminder and sync cooking, without bombarding you with a bunch of extras.

When the 1000 Series works well, it's excellent: chicken is succulent with just enough crispiness on the skin, muffins are soft inside without being dry, and chips (homemade and frozen) are golden and fluffy inside. I found the presets are mostly accurate and provide top-notch – though you do need to keep an eye on cooking at times – and the recipes provided in the accompanying Home ID app (though limited) are delicious.

Philips 1000 Series Dual Basket Air Fryer control panel

(Image credit: Vic Hood)

Frustratingly, you have to rely on that Home ID app a lot, especially at the start. Like the Steam Air Fryer, this appliance comes with a limited physical user manual. You need to download the Home ID app to access the full digital manual that gives clear instructions on each button's functionality and the food tables listing recommended weights and food types. While these tables are helpful, they aren't as thorough as others we've seen and don't cover some commonly air-fried foods. For example, I need to know what weight and settings to use for individual vegetables, like carrots and broccoli, more than I likely need to know the weight to cook meatballs with baked gnocchi.

However, once you get to grips with how the air fryer works, the digital interface is straightforward to use. You have the option to cook in one 7.1L XXL basket or to add the provided divider to create two individually programmable baskets – these can also be set to sync and finish cooking at the same time or to have matching settings. This air fryer is surprisingly compact (compared to its competitors) given its capacity, and the deep baskets are deceptively spacious, with a handy Max line indicating how much you can fill each.

Philips 1000 Series Dual Basket Air Fryer basket

(Image credit: Vic Hood)

The XXL basket and crisping plates are dishwasher friendly (though we always advise against this), and their non-stick coating makes them straightforward to clean – in theory. The XXL basket is cumbersome to clean, especially in a sink, and even if you just use one side, the entire basket needs to be removed and washed. Similarly, if you are cooking two foods at once and need to shake one side, you inadvertently remove and shake the other at the same time.

Ultimately, this is a great air fryer with an affordable price tag, even if the user experience isn't ideal. You may just need some patience (like with many air fryers) to find the optimal settings and weights for foods not listed in the table.

Philips 1000 Series Dual Basket Air Fryer: price and availability

  • £133.99 at Philips (roughly $181.45 / AU$281.43)
  • Available in the UK, but not in the US or Australia currently
  • Available at third party retailers like Amazon, but cheaper from Philips directly

The Philips 1000 Series Dual Basket Air Fryer is a budget to mid-range appliance at £133.99 (roughly $181.45 / AU$281.43). At that price, it's worth considering if you don't want to shell out £200+ on a premium air fryer like the Ninja Double Oven and Dreo ChefMaker. While it does come with fewer bells and whistles than more premium options, including the excellent Philips 5000 Series Dual Basket Steam Air Fryer, it gets the job done. While the results aren't always as consistent, this is a solid air fryer for this price tag.

At the time of writing, the Philips 1000 Series Dual Basket Air Fryer NA15X is only available in the UK as the NA150/09 (the Australian model has seemingly been discontinued). In the US, the closest model to the one we tested appears to be the Philips 3000 Series Dual Basket Air Fryer, which costs $199.99.

You can pick up the model we reviewed from third-party retailers like Currys or Amazon for £159.99, though you'll save some cash purchasing from Philips directly (£133.99).

  • Value score: 4.5/5

Philips 1000 Series Dual Basket Air Fryer: specifications

Review model

NA15X

Number of baskets

2 (with divider), or one XXL basket

Number of cooking functions

6 presets, plus three extra functions

Cooking functions and modes

Presets: Frozen Fries, Steak, Chicken Drumsticks, Mixed Vegetables, Cake/Muffin, Reheat

Extra functions: Copy (apply same settings to both baskets), Time (syncs cooking times), Shaking reminder

Smart control

No

Rated power

2,450W

Capacity

7.1 liters

Temperature range

40C-200C / 104F-392F

Time range

Up to 60 minutes

Dimensions (including handles)

17.23 in (L) x 11.87 in (W) x 11.61 in (H) / 437.69mm (L) x 301.43mm (W) x 294.91mm (H)

Dishwasher safe

Yes

Weight

12.79lbs / 5.8kg

Philips 1000 Series Dual Basket Air Fryer: design

  • Black modern design
  • Fairly compact for an XXL air fryer
  • Spacious 7.1L capacity
  • Clear digital LED interface
  • Cumbersome to hand wash
  • Full user manual is digital only

The Philips 1000 Series Dual Basket Air Fryer has a matte black body with a black digital LED interface on the top, a glossy black plastic strip around the middle, and two large handles. The XXL basket is pulled out using the handles, like a drawer, and has two crisping plates inside, with each drawer also showing two maximum fill lines, one indicating the max capacity for frozen potato snacks and the other for other food types. A plastic divider is provided, which slides into slots between the two plates, creating two individually programmable, smaller baskets rather than the one XXL basket.

Max fill line in Philips 1000 Series Dual Basket Air Fryer

(Image credit: Vic Hood)

Given its 7.1 liter capacity, this air fryer is much more compact than others we've tested of similar size, measuring 17.23 in (L) x 11.87 in (W) x 11.61 in (H) and weighing 5.8kg. So, while it will take up some room in your kitchen, it's nowhere near as chunky as the likes of the Russell Hobbs Satisfry 9L Dual Basket Air Fryer. If you've kids at home, you'll be pleased to hear it's cool to the touch when on, with the airflow temperature out the back (on XXL cooking) averaging around 43C, and it's not too intrusive volume-wise either, averaging around 60 decibels (again on XXL cooking),

The digital LED interface is clear and easy to use, with minimal clutter on the screen. However, to understand how to use its various presets and functions, you need to download the companion Home ID app using the QR code on the front of the appliance. The physical user manual provided mostly consists of confusing illustrations that try to explain how to use the air fryer, but the digital user manual accessible through the app is much more thorough.

t's extremely frustrating that you can only read the 918-page user manual on your phone as a sort of PDF, though, and if you don't have a smartphone to download the app, you're snookered. This is a recurring issue with Philips air fryers we've found, but at least the QR code on this one works, and the app's recommended recipes are actually pretty tasty.

Philips 1000 Series Dual Basket Air Fryer mobile app with recipes

(Image credit: Vic Hood)

The digital user manual provides clearer instructions on the air fryer's presets and features, and how to use them, alongside food tables which recommend the weights and settings to use for certain food types. While these tables cover common food types like fries, chicken breast, and muffins, they could be more detailed – and some of the times listed in the tables are slightly different than the presets on the appliance. Instead of recommendations for cooking turkey roulade and veggies, a clear table on the settings for individual vegetables would be much more useful or what type of vegetables to use for the Mixed Vegetable preset would be much more helpful.

Another annoying issue I found with this appliance was cleaning it. While the Philips 1000 Series Dual Basket Air Fryer's basket and crisping plates can be put in the dishwasher, and I successfully did, we typically advise not to use a dishwasher to clean anything with a non-stick coating (as this has) to ensure it doesn't wear away over time.

You may have difficulty dishwashing the basket on this one anyway because it's pretty cumbersome and will take up a lot of room in your dishwasher. The entire XXL basket comes out as one and therefore the whole thing must be cleaned, even if you only use one of the baskets within it. While it cleans easily with dish soap and water, it can be a bit tricky to get it in the sink and give it a thorough clean.

While it's a shame Philips has dropped the ball again when it comes to a clear, physical user manual (which would benefit older, less savvy users), once you do get to grips with this air fryer, it's straightforward and convenient to use.

  • Design score: 4/5

Philips 1000 Series Dual Basket Air Fryer: performance

  • What it cooks well, it does brilliantly
  • Six presets, mixed accuracy
  • Time function to sync cooking
  • Copy function to match basket settings
  • Quality of life features, like shaking reminder

The Philips 1000 Series Dual Basket Air Fryer comes with six cooking presets (Frozen Fries, Steak, Chicken Drumsticks, Mixed Vegetables, Cake/Muffin, Reheat) and three extra functions (Time, Copy, and a Shaking reminder).

When the Philips 1000 Series Dual Basket Air Fryer works well, the results are impressive. I started my testing with frozen chips, adding 400g of frozen steak cut fries to one of the smaller baskets and selecting the Frozen Fries/Potato Snacks preset. This automatically adds the Shaking reminder (which can also be selected manually), which sees the appliance chirping about halfway through cooking to indicate when to shake or turn your food.

Image 1 of 2

Fries cooked with Philips 1000 Series Dual Basket Air Fryer

(Image credit: Vic Hood)
Image 2 of 2

Fries cooked with Philips 1000 Series Dual Basket Air Fryer

(Image credit: Vic Hood)

Frustratingly, this does mean you need to shake the whole basket, whether you want the other half shaken or not. The results were excellent, with the chips cooked pretty evenly (though some were a tad more done than others) and crispy outside but fluffy inside. I had similar results when cooking homemade fries, following the food table instructions, though I had to pull the chips out a few minutes earlier than the recommended time to prevent them from becoming overdone.

The results for chicken wings and muffins were perhaps the best I've had from an air fryer yet. Into the XXL pan, I added six full-size wings coated in a Louisiana dry rub and selected the Chicken Drumstick preset (the food tables have no chicken wing recommendation).

Image 1 of 3

Chicken in Philips 1000 Series Dual Basket Air Fryer

(Image credit: Vic Hood)
Image 2 of 3

Muffins cooked with Philips 1000 Series Dual Basket Air Fryer

(Image credit: Vic Hood)
Image 3 of 3

Inside muffin cooked with Philips 1000 Series Dual Basket Air Fryer

(Image credit: Vic Hood)

Apart from turning the wings when prompted, I made no changes, and the resulting wings were perfectly crispy outside and juicy inside without being too much of either. Likewise, using a Ninja (sorry, Philips) blueberry and lemon muffin recipe with the Muffin preset in the XXL basket resulted in perfect muffins: soft and fluffy inside but not too dry.

While the recipes in the Home ID app are somewhat limited, at least for my specific appliance, they have stellar results. When you sign up for the app, you choose your appliance and are offered recipes that are suited to your specific air fryer. To start, I tried a green bean recipe that was simple but resulted in the most delicious green beans I've ever had from an air fryer: not too soggy, just perfectly cooked.

Image 1 of 3

Green beans cooked with Philips 1000 Series Dual Basket Air Fryer

(Image credit: Vic Hood)
Image 2 of 3

Chicken legs cooked with Philips 1000 Series Dual Basket Air Fryer

(Image credit: Vic Hood)
Image 3 of 3

Chicken legs cooked with Philips 1000 Series Dual Basket Air Fryer

(Image credit: Vic Hood)

The spicy drumstick recipe was even more impressive and produced eight piping-hot drumsticks from the XXL basket that tasted and smelled amazing. Again, they weren't "grab a napkin, quick!" juicy and had just the right amount of crisp on the skin.

But not every food test worked out this well, and I found a lot of my issues boiled down to the food tables not being detailed enough. I'm always intrigued by an air fryer steak preset and have yet to find one that produces pan quality. The Philips 1000 Series has a Steak preset, but the food table only gives a rough weight for the steak and doesn't recommend the type of steak to cook or if the recommended weight (150g-200g) is per steak or total. I opted for two medallion steaks weighing 340g total and added them to one basket.

Image 1 of 3

Steaks cooked using Philips 1000 Series Dual Basket Air Fryer

(Image credit: Vic Hood)
Image 2 of 3

Steak cooked using Philips 1000 Series Dual Basket Air Fryer

(Image credit: Vic Hood)
Image 3 of 3

Steak cooked using Philips 1000 Series Dual Basket Air Fryer

(Image credit: Vic Hood)

The food table recommends one basket can fit four steaks, but I seriously doubt it, as I would have struggled to add more than two. How you like your steak is a personal preference, and with no notes on timings for specific doneness, I left the steaks in the full preset time and was left with two leather-like chunks of meat. They were like chewing on old shoes. One side of each was nicely seared, and the other wasn't, and they were drier than the Sahara. This is something you could probably experiment with to get the right level of doneness, but my advice is this: just don't cook steak in an air fryer.

I also had disappointing results with mixed veg. Again, the food table wasn't clear on what type of mixed veg it recommends or whether to add oil, but it does state timings may vary due to preference and to cut the veg roughly. I added the recommended weight in broccoli, carrots, and cauliflower to each basket and selected the Mixed Vegetable preset – making use of the Copy function to match the settings for both baskets. When I shook the veg halfway through the 20-minute cooking time, I saw my cauliflower and broccoli had browned on top, but, on tasting, my carrots weren't cooked properly.

Vegetables cooked with Philips 1000 Series Dual Basket Air Fryer

(Image credit: Vic Hood)

This could, like the steak, likely be rectified with some experimentation, but without clear instructions on what individual vegetable cooking times are recommended or what to include in your mixed vegetables, it's difficult to know off the bat what the best approach is.

Overall, this Philips air fryer is a solid appliance, and it provides great results more often than poor ones. If you've never owned an air fryer before or don't have the patience to get the most out of some of its peskier presets, you may struggle with it. But if you're a seasoned air fryer user or don't mind a few failed attempts before getting optimal results, it's worth the time, money, and potential effort.

  • Performance score: 4/5

Should you buy the Philips 1000 Series Dual Basket Air Fryer

Philips 1000 Series Dual Basket Air Fryer: score card

Attribute

Notes

Score

Value

Great value for a solid air fryer, but don't expect the consistency and high quality of more premium appliances.

4.5/5

Design

A sleek and fairly compact air fryer given its spacious capacity. The XXL basket can be divided into two separate programmable baskets, which are easy (but cumbersome) to hand wash. But Philips has dropped the ball with its user manual and instructions, so you'll need to use the Home ID app for thorough instructions.

4/5

Performance

What this air fryer does well, it does brilliantly. It has produced some of the best air-fried food I've had in all my testing. However, the user manual food tables could have more detail on optimal preparation and the settings to use for more common foods, as the results with some of the presets were thoroughly disappointing.

4/5

Buy it if

You want a spacious air fryer that isn't massive

This air fryer offers good capacity but isn't huge and bulky. It will still take up some counter space, but it's relatively small given its size.

You want an air fryer for under £150

This air fryer may have some pesky issues, but it's great value at £133.99 and offers a much higher quality than others we've seen in this price range.

You want an air fryer for simple, day-to-day meals

While mixed veg was a mixed bag, I found it easy to cook common air fryer foods in this appliance, like chicken, chips, and muffins. If you want a convenient air fryer that will cover the basics well (with some adjustment), this is a good option.

Don't buy it if

You have a small sink or dishwasher

While this air fryer's components can be cleaned easily thanks to their non-stick coat, the act of cleaning it can be a pain. The XXL basket is chunky and a struggle to clean, even in our fairly large Belfast sink. That's mainly because it's cumbersome and you need to clean the whole basket even if you just use one side of it. It's dishwasher safe if you have the room, but I advise against it to ensure the longevity of your components.

You want clear, physical instructions

The physical user manual provided with this air fryer is pretty useless and doesn't cover what its functions and features are or how to work them. You can access a digital user manual via the Home ID app, but if you haven't got a smartphone or struggle reading smaller digital print, this may not be the air fryer for you.

You want a heap of extra features

This air fryer doesn't come with a bunch of extra features, functions, or smart control – it sticks to the basics. So, if you do want extra functions like steaming, dehydrating, or grilling, this isn't the appliance for you.

Philips 1000 Series Dual Basket Air Fryer: also consider

Ninja Double Stack

If you don't have space for a full-width two-drawer air fryer, the Double Stack is the appliance for you. It's deeper and taller, but much narrower than the Russell Hobbs Satisfry or the Ninja Foodi Max Dual Zone, and in our tests it produced evenly browned, crispy fries every time.

Read our full Ninja Double Stack review

Ninja Foodi Max Dual Zone

If you live outside the UK where the Philips 1000 Series Dual Basket Air Fryer isn't available, this is two-drawer air fryer is a great alternative. It looks smart, and produces consistently good results (though we'd appreciate a reminder to shake to food for even cooking).

Read our full Ninja Foodi Max Dual Zone review

How I tested the Philips 1000 Series Dual Basket Air Fryer

I used the Philips 1000 Series Dual Basket Air Fryer for a week, cooking a wide variety of foods including fries, chicken drumsticks, steak, fresh vegetables, and muffins. I tested all the air fryer's various modes and cleaned the air fryer in line with the instructions provided in the manual. For more details, see how we test.

First reviewed May 2025.

Shark Cryoglow didn’t cure my adult acne or erase my fine lines, but it did a whole lot better than anything else I’ve tried
1:01 pm | April 16, 2025
Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Health & Fitness | Tags: | Comments: Off

Shark Cryoglow: One minute review

Whether you have fine lines, rosacea, acne or puffy under-eyes, Shark’s CryoGlow can address a wide range of skincare concerns. It combines LED face mask technology with Peltier-effect cooling pads that could replace your weekly trips to the salon.

CryoGlow is my first foray into light therapy technology. While I’m eager to see further studies into the long-term benefits (and potential risks), I must say, I’ve been impressed with Shark’s first skincare device.

Of course, it’s not fully effortless. I spent over seven hours strapped into the CryoGlow in my two months of testing, using one of its three settings almost every night to put it through its paces.

It’s not been without its drawbacks. I travel a fair amount, spending half my time at my partner’s home and half at mine, plus going on press trips, and, unfortunately, CryoGlow is bulky and inflexible. The device isn’t built for effective packing, and can’t be put in a checked bag owing to its lithium-ion battery. Battery life might prove to be irritating, too, especially over time and if you’re following the advised daily-use routine.

Shark Cryoglow in use

(Image credit: Future)

That being said, it’s still a whole lot more convenient and cost-effective in the long run than weekly trips to your salon to receive the same treatment. If, like me, you’re a regular under-eye mask wearer, this is a much more sustainable way to minimize your puffy eyes.

The biggest question, of course, is whether or not CryoGlow delivers results. For me, the answer is a tentative yes; after over two months of consistent testing, my acne has noticeably reduced outside of hormonal outbreaks, my fine lines seem reduced and, in defiance of my terrible sleep schedule, my under-eye puffiness has lessened. Best of all, the routine of it all encourages me to moisturize daily (the mask itself is quite drying) and means I have to use fewer pimple patches and eye masks.

Is it the sea-change I was hoping for? No, and the results aren’t long-lasting unless you continue to regularly use the mask after the initial eight-week regimen. Still, I’m pretty impressed with what I’ve seen, and it’s the best alternative I’ve found to regular, professional skincare treatments.

Shark Cryoglow review: Price and availability

Shark Cryoglow in use

(Image credit: Future)
  • Announced and released in late 2024
  • Costs $349 / £299
  • Comfortably mid-range among LED face masks, plus with added benefits.

The Shark CryoGlow is available for $349 / £299 (as of writing, it’s not available in Australia) and can be purchased directly from Shark as well as a number of third-party retailers such as Amazon. In the UK, that marks a small increase in price in the few months since its launch, when it cost £249.

Out of the box, the CryoGlow comes with a travel bag, an extra set of InstaChill Peltier-effect plates and the mask itself with the attached remote. You can also buy a charging stand for the mask for $49.99 / £49.99, which gives the mask a tidy home.

In terms of value for money, the CryoGlow may be pricey, but it stands to benefit your beauty budget in the long run. Its biggest competition in home treatment comes from the likes of Currentbody, which costs $469 / £399 for its latest Series 2 model. While regular salon treatments can range from $25-200 / £25-200 each trip, which adds up quickly if you want to sustain the results.

  • Value score: 4.5/5

Shark Cryoglow review: Design

Shark Cryoglow in use

Yes, that's an earbuds case, not a reading glasses case…  (Image credit: Future)
  • Solid and inflexible mask
  • Attached remote
  • Features Peltier-effect under-eye cooling plates

Unlike many of its competitors, Shark’s CryoGlow is a rigid, hard-shelled light therapy mask with added cushioning for comfort around the eyes and on the forehead. While it’s a little heavy and inflexible (675g) for my liking when it comes to travel, it’s still pretty comfortable in use, owing to the adjustable straps across the top and sides of the head that spread the mask’s weight, and its holes for the eyes, mouth and nose.

While these cutouts are sufficiently comfortable, I’d argue against using this mask while doing anything other than relaxing or maybe some light doomscrolling. The eye cushions adequately block out most of the light from behind the mask, but I found that after a few weeks of testing, I started to suffer eye strain and headaches, which I attributed to using screens in a dimly lit room while wearing the CryoGlow every evening. The contrast between the LED light bleeding into my periphery against the light on my TV or phone didn’t quite agree with my eyes, it seems. For wellness’ sake, I suppose it’s better to treat your skin routine more meditatively.

The remote is wired into the mask itself and features a small LCD screen, which lets you track and select your skincare routines and the time remaining during a treatment, and a dial for selecting options. The mask charges via a USB-C connector in the remote.

Under the hood, CryoGlow features 160 tri-wick LEDs, which translates to 480 light sources across the three light therapy programs (red, blue, and deep infrared light). Beneath the eye holes are the InstaChill cooling pads, which use the Peltier effect, a thermoelectric phenomenon that creates a cooling effect on the skin side of the cooling pads when powered, and fan technology to deliver under-eye bag-busting cooling. Clever stuff. By default, the mask features just one set of these cooling pads, but if you find it more comfortable, you can add the included second pair to bring the cooling closer to your face.

It’s worth highlighting that a vast majority of competitor products feature a more flexible form factor, which may be more accommodating for different face shapes and sizes. However, from what I’ve found so far in my own testing, consumer reviews and the opinions of my friends and family who’ve tried Shark’s mask, the hard shell, one-size-fits-all approach seems to be fairly universal. Plus, you benefit from the under-mask fans, which keep everything cool and refreshing in use.

  • Design score: 4.5/5

Shark Cryoglow review: Performance

Shark Cryoglow remote

(Image credit: Future)
  • Various treatments for different skin needs
  • Three controllable coolness settings for the under-eye
  • Battery life unimpressive
How it works

Shark’s CryoGlow has three light therapy routines that address different skincare goals: Better Aging, Blemish Repair and Skin Sustain Treatment. Each mode uses different LEDs to penetrate the skin.

Better Aging uses Red LEDs and Infrared over a six-minute cycle to reduce fine lines and firm skin, with a recommended eight-week course.

Blemish Repair adds Blue LEDs to the mix across an eight-minute routine to reduce blemishes, smooth skin and improve the appearance of pores after a four-week course.

Once you’ve completed a full treatment cycle, Skin Sustain combines all three light treatments into one, four-minute cycle designed to maintain the results.

Using the remote, you can add under-eye cooling with one of three intensity settings, or use the fourth treatment option, Under-Eye Revive, to de-puff your eyes for up to 15 minutes without LEDs.

I tried the Blemish Repair and Better Aging treatments in my time with the mask, starting with Blemish Repair for the full four weeks. Though my quest for a fully effective, adult acne-blasting solution continues, I did at least notice a reduction in my symptoms. With consistent, daily use, my pimples reduced in size, severity and redness. I have very large pores that were at least somewhat tightened and smoothed by the treatment, and, overall, my acne was quicker to heal, drying out much more readily than I’m used to.

For me, that’s worth it; I have found few solutions that are at all effective in making my acne easier to live with. However, it’s still a big investment for moderate results, and I can only anecdotally say it had a slightly noticeable effect on my skin. I’ll be using CryoGlow for as long as I can to see if the improvements continue, but as the search for my acne’s silver bullet continues, so might yours.

Following Blemish Repair mode, I took a two-week break to test how lasting the results are, and found my skin slowly returning to form towards the end of the break, when I picked up the mask once more to try Better Aging mode. As of writing, I’m just over halfway through the treatment, and I’ve seen some positive early results when it comes to fine line reduction - however, it’s worth noting these aren’t (yet!) too much of a problem for me. That being said, I do struggle with skin puffiness, especially when I’m run down, and the red light therapy proved effective in soothing my inflammation.

For me, easily the most effective part has been the InstaChill under-eye cooling. No longer do my puffy eyelids and under-eye bags betray my terrible sleep schedule, thanks to daily cooling treatments that leave me feeling refreshed and relaxed. I’ve been using single-use eye masks for a few months, and CryoGlow is both more effective and less wasteful; a double-whammy of cosmetic coolness.

The cycles of all of the CryoGlow treatments are relatively short, meaning it doesn’t feel too large of a commitment, but the short battery life only sees three or four treatments through, and if you’re regularly on the move you might find toting it around frustrating in the long term.

Overall, I’ve been really impressed with the Shark CryoGlow, but as with all beauty tech I’ll hazard that results may vary; mine were noticeable, yes, but it’s a big, daily commitment to ongoing skincare at a fairly high cost. That being said, it’s encouraged better skincare from me all-round, and is more affordable in the long-term than salon treatments, single-use eye masks and a whole lot of pimple patches.

  • Performance score: 4.5/5

Shark Cryoglow review: scorecard

Shark Cryoglow: Should I buy it?

@techradar

♬ original sound - TechRadar

Buy it if...

You’re looking for a salon alternative

Up-front, it’s a pricey investment, but if you’re really into your light therapy, it might be more cost-effective in the long run.

You suffer from under-eye puffiness

Anecdotally, this is the most noticeably effective treatment offered by the CryoGlow, even though it’s really just an added benefit for the product.

Don't buy it if...

You’re on a budget

It’s not cheap, and you might be able to get away with a cheaper, LED-only mask.

You travel often

Its size, bulk and battery life make the CryoGlow a slightly annoying travel companion.

How I tested

I've been using Cryoglow for months by the time I sat down to write my review, running a full course of its blemish-busting treatment and making it most of the way through its Better Aging Treatment.

In addition to the Treatments, I tried using the under-eye cooling pads at various temperature settings, testing from day-to-day to see how much (or little!) they reduced the dark circles under my eyes, as well as key specs like the battery life. I tried using the mask at different times of the day to see if it had much of an impact on the immediacy of the results, and even tried using it on a plane!

I've been writing for TechRadar for almost four years now, reviewing everything from beauty tech to smart home and wellness devices. I've tried different LED face masks, as well as various high-tech skin treatments, to build an idea of what good looks like, always factoring in important factors like price, comfort and longevity.

I usually hate cleaning, but the Roborock F25 Ace wet-dry vacuum made it kind of satisfying
7:35 am | March 31, 2025
Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Home Small Appliances Vacuums | Tags: , , , | Comments: Off

Roborock F25 Ace: Two-minute review

If you’re someone like me whose home features predominantly hard floors, then investing in a wet-dry vacuum cleaner can be a godsend as it drastically reduces the amount of time it takes to clean, while also delivering excellent results.

The Roborock F25 Ace is the second wet-dry vacuum cleaner I’ve personally tested and after using it twice a week for four weeks straight, I’ve retired the previous one I had into storage.

Not only is the F25 Ace ludicrously simple to set up for first-time use, it’s left my floors looking cleaner, and I can’t feel any dust or grit underfoot after a session, something I’ve previously experienced with other such floor washers. It feels especially well built too, and I have every confidence in its reliability for years to come.

The F25 Ace is the range-topping model in Roborock’s latest F25 series of wet-dry vacuums. How many models it sits above depends on where you live. In the US, for example, there are four other models below it and a separate F25 Ace Combo that adds a vacuum cleaner attachment for soft flooring – much like the Tineco Floor One Switch S6 that I’d been using before this. Australia gets just two F25 models, with the Ace sitting just above the standard F25. At the time of writing, this series isn’t available in the UK but I’ve had confirmation it’s “coming soon”.

Roborock F25 Ace vacuum cleaner

(Image credit: Future / Max Langridge)

What does this range-topping model offer over its lower-specced siblings? A more informative display (in comparison to other models, anyway), app connectivity and a few other notable cleaning features, including power-assisted wheels and an automatic detergent dispenser, both of which ultimately provide a more convenient and thorough cleaning experience.

What made my time using the F25 Ace particularly joyful was the fact it can maneuver around corners and furniture with ease thanks to a pivoting cleaning head, and the ability to lie completely flat to help get to hard-to-reach places, like under furniture. This maneuvrability, combined with its excellent cleaning results, make it a strong contender to be one of the best wet-dry vacuum cleaners.

The self-clean cycle is especially effective and, with the right settings activated, quiet too. It was a good job the hot self-clean cycle was effective, as the F25 Ace returned plenty of dirty water following each cleaning run around my home. The amount of dust and debris on my wooden floors was invisible to my eyes, but the Roborock machine was able to pick it all up and then some! Both the clean and dirty water tanks are simple to remove, clean out and refill, and depending on how large your home is you may not need to refill the clean tank after every use. In my case, it held enough water to complete two full cleans and two self-clean cycles.

There is plenty of customization on tap via the app, and you’re able to make just as many adjustments – the amount of water used during cleaning, the amount of detergent released, how thorough of a self-clean you want the machine to perform and more. There’s quite a lot to get your head around and certainly more than I’ve been used to from a vacuum cleaner, but they’re features I certainly appreciated.

At $549.99 / AU$999.99 it’s competitively priced compared to its closest rivals. It is still a decent chunk of cash, however, so I would say only people whose homes are virtually all hard floors should consider buying it. If you have a mixture of hard and soft flooring, then the aforementioned Tineco machine may be better suited to your needs, or two separate, more affordable vacuum cleaners.

Roborock F25 Ace review: Price & availability

  • Available since mid-February in US and late March in Australia; currently not sold in the UK
  • List price $549.99 / AU$999
  • Available directly from Roborock and authorized retailers, including Amazon

The Roborock F25 Ace made its official debut at CES 2025 in January and was available to buy in the US by mid-February. It’s currently enjoying a staggered launch around the world, with Australians able to purchase the appliance since late March 2025. At the time of writing, it’s been confirmed for launch in the UK, but pricing is still to be announced.

The F25 Ace is listed on Roborock’s US store with a list price of $549.99, while in Australia it’s available for AU$999.99. This puts it in the upper mid-range price bracket based on our experience and in direct competition with other wet-dry vacuum cleaners such as the Dyson G1, which costs $699.99 / £599.99 / AU$999, and the Tineco Floor One S7 Pro, which tops our list of the best wet-dry vacuum cleaners and costs $799 / £599 / AU$1,299.99. The latter can regularly be picked up at a discount however, especially during major sales events.

There are several other models within the F25 series depending on where you live. The US store also lists the F25 Alt, which misses out on smart dirt detection, the extra-informative LED display and app connectivity. There is also an F25 Ace Combo for $749.99, which adds a separate stick vacuum cleaner for cleaning carpets and other areas in handheld mode.

Roborock says the filter and roller head should be replaced every 12 months at the latest. A spare filter is supplied, but not a roller. The company has listed pricing for official replacement parts, but third-party options are available, the cost of which depends on where you live. You’ll also need to factor in the cost of replacement bottles of the floor cleaning solution, which you can get from the official Roborock store. The company says you should only use its own solution with the F25 Ace.

  • Value score: 4.5/5

Roborock F25 Ace review: specs

Roborock F25 Ace review: Design

Roborock F25 Ace roller head

(Image credit: Future / Max Langridge)
  • Lightweight and easy to maneuvre
  • Lie-flat design for hard-to-reach areas
  • LED display is good, but not great

There’s minimal effort required to get the F25 Ace up and running. Once you remove the pieces from the box, all you need to do is clip the handle into the main unit, then snap on the roller head. There are various pieces of protective packaging to remove but, otherwise, that’s all there is to it.

You’ll want to plug the charging dock in and place the machine onto it immediately for two reasons: to make sure there’s power before you use it for the first time, and connect it to the app via your home Wi-Fi network. There aren’t any other attachments included with the F25 Ace, aside from a small brush to help clean the filter and dirty-water tank, a small bottle of cleaning detergent and a spare filter.

Roborock F25 Ace clean-water tank removed

(Image credit: Future / Max Langridge)

The Roborock F25 Ace follows a similar design language to floor washers from other brands, such as our current favorite wet-dry vacuum cleaner, the Tineco Floor One S7 Pro. Both are sleek grey-and-white units with the dirty-water tank on the front and a long, non-adjustable handle with a few control buttons for power, cleaning mode selection and self-cleaning. The S7 Pro does, however, come with a spare roller head, something not included with the F25 Ace.

Where the design of these two machines differs, and what is one of the F25 Ace’s key selling points, is that its clean-water tank is at the base of the machine, placed over the roller head beneath. On the Tineco Switch S7 Pro, the clean water tank is at the rear, which prevents it from tilting too far back.

Having the clean-water tank positioned towards the base of the machine, says Roborock, allows it to have a lower center of gravity, making it easier to move around your home and lay it flat to push under furniture. It also provides added weight to ensure the roller head remains in constant contact with hard floors to help improve its cleaning efficiency.

The dirty-water tank is on the front of the machine, as is the case with similar models from other brands. The capacity remains the same across all models within the F25 series at 720ml (the same as with the Tineco S7 Pro). The clean-water tank maxes out at 740ml, which is less than the S7 Pro’s 850ml capacity. It’s also smaller than other models in the F25 series, which get a larger 870ml water tank. Despite that, I was able to regularly get two full mopping runs from a single fill across a cleaning area of approximately 120 sqm / 1,300 sqft in my apartment.

Where Roborock says the F25 Ace differs from other floor washers is the design of the roller head. It features what the company calls JawScapers – 141 3mm-long comb teeth – positioned behind the roller. Not only is this said to prevent hairs getting tangled, but it also claims to squeeze dirty water out of the roller and into the tank, to prevent water marks appearing on the floor during cleaning sessions.

Roborock F25 Ace LED display

(Image credit: Future / Max Langridge)

The F25 Ace has an LED display that shows you its battery life, the current cleaning mode and a small colored bar to indicate its dynamic performance facilitated by a proprietary DirTect Smart Sensor on the rear of the machine. This sensor detects the amount of dirt in the water it’s mopping to automatically adjust water-flow rate and suction power, while the roller head remains spinning at the same speed. For the majority of my testing, the bar (thankfully) remained blue, indicating my floor was a ‘normal’ level of dirty, although there were the occasional bits that pushed it into the red and nothing was needed on my part – the F25 Ace did what was needed by itself.

The LED display is clear to see, but compared to models from other brands, I found it to be a little uninspiring. It conveys information via icons only, which took me a few uses to wrap my head around. If voice prompts are on, it will tell you what mode you’re in, but there’s no extra information to tell you what each mode means and the user manual isn’t much help. This doesn’t affect the machine’s cleaning prowess, but it does mean the user experience isn’t as good as I’d expected.

The display on the Tineco S7 Pro on the other hand is a lot better at imparting information, using images, words and more colors to tell the user what’s going on. You’re also able to adjust settings better on the S7 Pro thanks to buttons on the handle – something the Roborock doesn’t have and requires you to use the app, which isn’t ideal if you need to tweak a setting on the fly and your phone is in another room.

The Roborock F25 Ace (along with the F25 Alt in the US) benefits from a few proprietary technologies that sets it apart from other models in the F25 series. These include SlideTech 2.0 Automated Wheels to add motorized assistance to reduce the effort it takes to push the F25 Ace around your home.

Roborock F25 Ace detergent dispenser lid

(Image credit: Future / Max Langridge)

You can adjust the level of motorization in the app between Mild, Moderate and Intense. I left this setting on the default Moderate mode and appreciated how the vacuum didn’t want to take me for a walk around my home, as was the case with the Tineco Floor One Switch S6 that I’ve previously reviewed. The Intense setting, however, will pull you along for a ride.

The added motorization makes the machine feel lighter than its 4.7kg weight would suggest. Robrock does say the wheels “intelligently detect the user’s push and pull strength and adjust the power assistance in real time,” but I couldn’t tell if that was actually happening during my testing.

Another feature found on the F25 Ace is an automatic detergent dispenser. The 100ml compartment is next to the clean-water tank, both of which sit within a removable clear plastic unit on the roller head. You’re able to set the ratio of detergent to water to one of three settings within the app, and the appropriate amount of detergent gets automatically sprayed directly onto the roller during a cleaning run. I stuck to the default setting of Daily for the majority of my testing and that was enough to occasionally leave some soap suds on the floor. Another swipe over these areas took care of the remaining suds.

And, a small niggle, but the previous Tineco machine had an auto-stop feature when the handle is returned to its starting position. The Roborock machine doesn’t have this feature, and I found I missed it as it made pausing, cleaning and moving the machine to another room a bit easier.

  • Design score: 4.5/5

Roborock F25 Ace review: Performance

  • Powerful performance leaves floors clean
  • Exclusive features work well
  • Some setting tweaks may be required for best results

The F25 Ace is my first Roborock review, but I have tested similar wet-dry vacuums before. I was already quite impressed by the Tineco Floor One Switch S6’s mopping, cleaning and drying capabilities, and our reviewers have always rated other Roborock machines, like the Roborock Dyad Pro, very well. So my expectations from the F25 Ace were high going into testing and it didn’t disappoint.

Thanks to the aforementioned SlideTech wheels, I found it incredibly easy to move the machine around my home. The cleaning head has a 70º angle of pivot (35º left and right), making tight turns possible.

Roborock F25 Ace lying flat

(Image credit: Future / Max Langridge)

I also found that thanks to its ability to tilt backwards by 180º, cleaning the floor under my dining table, for example, was easier than with other vacuum cleaners and I barely had to move the chairs. Instead I was able to weave the F25 Ace around the chair and table legs with ease with a light push with one hand. Do note that when the machine is totally flat, the cleaning head loses the ability to pivot, but any angle smaller than 180º allows it to remain agile.

Where I found the lay-flat ability most useful was getting underneath my bathroom vanity unit, an area that’s been ignored because no other vacuum or floor washer I’ve tried could get under it.

Similar to when I tested the Tineco Switch S6, I was surprised by just how much dirty water was collected after one run throughout my home. I was also impressed with how much debris was collected, especially as much of it wasn’t clearly visible to my eyes before the cleaning run. The F25 Ace has 20,000Pa suction power, so was evidently able to vacuum even the smallest of particles. Combined with a roller that rotates at up to 450rpm, and gets cleaned by scrapers within its housing unit on each turn, my floors felt much cleaner underfoot once I’d finished a session.

The design of the roller head on the F25 Ace ensures it can get closer to edges. To test this, I poured some milk along the edges of my kitchen cabinets to see how much would be cleaned up. It performed exceptionally well, mopping up the entire spillage in just one run. It wasn’t quite the same story with dry debris, as it did miss a few grains of rice I poured on the floor.

But, for dry spills in the center of the floor, I have zero complaints. I poured generous helpings of rice and coffee beans onto my floor and with one push over either spill with the F25 Ace cleared it up entirely.

Compared to the Tineco machine I’ve previously tested, the Roborock F25 Ace’s default water-rate flow is higher, meaning it uses more water for mopping. This really isn’t an issue as the roller is very effective at mopping, leaving no puddles behind. If the floors remain too wet for your liking, you can reduce the water-flow rate via the app.

That said, if you are going to use the detergent – and Roborock strongly suggests you use only the one it provides or recommends – you might see soap suds not fully disappearing with each swipe. This happened to me on occasion and I had to run the roller head over those areas a couple of times more to ensure no soap scum accumulated on my floors.

Roborock promises that the F25 Ace will leave floors streak-free, but I don’t completely agree with that claim. While my floors were certainly clean after going over them, when I viewed them in the right light, I could see some noticeable streaks where the roller head and wheels had passed over. They’re not so noticeable that it bothered me too much, but it’s not exactly fulfilling the promise.

  • Performance score: 4.5/5

Roborock F25 Ace review: Maintenance

  • Self-clean cycle is effective
  • Time and temperature settings can be adjusted
  • Dirty-water tank will need extra cleaning

Once placed back in the dock after a cleaning session, a voice prompt will instruct you to perform the self-clean cycle, which you activate by pressing a button on the handle or within the app.

Roborock says the whole cycle – cleaning and drying – should take approximately five minutes using a combination of hot water and 90ºC / 194ºF hot air. While that’s more or less true, I found it can be closer to 10 minutes in the Quiet Drying mode.

During self-cleaning, the roller head spins in both directions while it’s blasted with hot water to help remove as much dirt and bacteria as possible, with all dirty water being collected in the tank. You’re able to choose between ‘High’ and ‘Room Temperature’ water settings in the app – naturally, hotter water will be more effective for cleaning. Roborock doesn’t say how hot this water is, but does claim it uses 90ºC / 194ºF hot air as it hits the roller head, which is quite good as many robot vacuums with self-cleaning cycles use 75ºC air for drying.

Roborock F25 Ace JawScrapers

The JawScrapers help remove debris from the roller head during cleaning. (Image credit: Future / Max Langridge)

Considering how much dirty water was collected after each run around my home – indicating how dirty the floor was – the roller head looked surprisingly clean. The quality of the roller itself also seems to be very good because, even after several uses. It does have a limited lifespan, though, and you will need to replace it at some point – Roborock recommends changing it once every six to 12 months, depending on your use case.

The washing part of the self-clean cycle is quite noisy. I used a decibel meter app on my phone and recorded a maximum reading of around 75dB. The drying, however, registered a pleasant 55dB that Roborock calls “Quiet Drying”.

Using this drying mode will lengthen the time it takes to complete the self-clean cycle, so you can choose a quicker option. You can track the progress of the self-clean cycle in the app – it was how I realized the drying process took longer when quiet.

Roborock F25 Ace dirty-water tank

(Image credit: Future / Max Langridge)

A voice prompt will inform you once the self-cleaning cycle has finished and instruct you to empty the water tank. Of course, this is only if you can hear the prompt. I had the F25 Ace stored in my laundry room towards the back of my apartment, and with the door closed, I could barely hear them. I would have liked a phone notification too, giving me a greater chance to ensure the dirty-water tank is cleaned out promptly. You can empty the dirty-water tank while the roller head is drying to save on time.

Once the tank had been emptied and debris collected in the filters washed away, I left all the pieces to air dry before returning them to the machine. The majority of debris came off under a tap, but Roborock supplies a long brush to help agitate any particularly stubborn pieces.

I did notice when cleaning the day after mopping up the milk spillage that milky water was being collected in the dirty-water tank, suggesting that the roller head wasn’t completely cleaned during the previous self-clean cycle. It didn’t have any effect on the cleanliness of the floor.

  • Maintenance score: 4.5/5

Roborock F25 Ace review: Software

  • Plenty of customization
  • Remote access when away from home
  • Pop-up notifications would be a nice feature

As I’ve already alluded to, the F25 Ace can connect to an app to open up a good selection of customization options. App connectivity is only possible on the F25 Ace and F25 Alt models, which I think is a shame as I think the other models in this range would also benefit from that extra control.

I was pleasantly surprised that the app gives me remote control over the F25 Ace’s settings when away from home. Not only can you make adjustments, you can also start a self-clean or drying cycle. While I don’t think it will see much use, I think this feature is handy if you’ve had to do an emergency quick clean before running out the door in the morning, letting you start a self-clean cycle while you’re on the road or in the office.

Screenshots of the Roborock app showing cleaning mode and self-clean cycle of the F25 Ace.

(Image credit: Future / Max Langridge)

One feature I found utterly superfluous was the remote control mode. It asks you to lay the F25 Ace flat on the floor (there’s a small wheel in the handle to ensure it remains level), after which you can move it around your home using the remote control buttons on your phone. It doesn’t work well at all during my testing, where the machine either had a significant lag between command and action or didn’t register the button presses at all. While the roller turns when being remote controlled, I didn’t see it doing any cleaning at all.

Then there are the voice prompts that let you know what the machine is doing – when you switch cleaning modes, instructing you to perform a cleaning cycle or to tell you it’s finished. You can change the language of the voice prompts within the app or adjust the volume level. If you want to switch them off, as I did after testing them for this review, you just mute them by moving the volume slider all the way down.

I didn’t find the voice prompts too useful as they were unclear most of the time and, as I mentioned earlier, I would have appreciated additional pop-up notifications on my phone, particularly when the dirty-water tank needed emptying.

  • Software score: 4.5/5

Roborock F25 Ace review: Battery life

  • Good battery life, but may not suffice for larger homes
  • Up to 60 minutes in Eco mode; 40 minutes in Auto
  • Recharge time can take a while

The Roborock F25 Ace has a 4,000mAh battery that the company says is good for up to 60 minutes of use in Eco mode or 40 minutes in Auto mode. However, this is only really relevant for anyone with a particularly large surface area to clean as the machine recharges whenever it’s on the charging dock.

I never had any battery issues when cleaning my apartment with the F25 Ace, which has an approximate total cleaning area of 120 sqm / 1,300 sqft, as I was able to complete a full clean in roughly 10 minutes wherein I used just 15% of battery. For context, Roborock says the 60-minute runtime in Eco mode should be enough to cover a 410 sqm / 4,413 sqft space.

However, when I returned the F25 Ace to the charging dock to self-clean, I noticed the battery level continued to drop by as much as another 10%. I assume the power required to complete the clean uses up more battery than it receives from the dock.

  • Battery life score: 5/5

Should you buy the Roborock F25 Ace review?

Buy it if...

You want an easy, thorough clean

The F25 Ace can be moved around with little effort and its cleaning performance is stellar, leaving you with clean floors in no time at all.

Your home has hard-to-reach areas

Thanks to its ability to lie flat, the Roborock F25 Ace can get into more places than a large number of similar machines, meaning more of your floors will be cleaned.

You like to take control of your appliances

There are numerous customization options with the F25 Ace via the app, covering cleaning and maintenance. You may find the default settings don’t work for you, so you can easily change them.View Deal

Don't buy it if...

Your floors are carpeted

It may seem obvious, but the Roborock F25 Ace only works on hard floors. If your home is predominantly carpet, you’ll want to look at other vacuum cleaner models. View Deal

You have a limited budget

I think the F25 Ace is worth the money, but the fact remains there are cheaper alternatives available, like the Shark HydroVac Cordless, which can also work on low-pile soft floors.View Deal

Roborock F25 Ace review: Also consider

Tineco Floor One Switch Pro 7

Our favorite wet-dry vacuum for a reason, this powerful machine cleans incredibly well, can get up close to edges and has a gorgeous, interactive LED display. It costs more at full price, but can now regularly be picked up at a discount.

Read our full Tineco Floor One Switch Pro 7 reviewView Deal

Shark HyrdoVac Cordless

If your budget is tight, this Shark machine is a great option, especially as it can also be used on low-pile carpets, making it a more versatile proposition.

Read our full Shark HydroVac Cordless reviewView Deal

How I tested the Roborock F25 Ace

I tested this wet-dry vacuum over a period of about a month in my apartment, using it to clean at least twice a week. I experimented with the various settings adjustments within the app to see what effect they had on the overall cleanliness of my floors.

To really test its mopping and vacuuming credentials, I spilled milk and scattered grains such as rice on the floor to see how much was vacuumed up.

I made a note of how well the brush roller head was washed and dried after each cleaning run around my home and assessed how much clean water was left in the tank (and how much dirty water was collected).

This is the first Roborock vacuum cleaner I’ve tested, but I have previously tested the Tineco Floor One Switch S6, which is a similar wet-dry vacuum cleaner, but which also has extra attachments for cleaning carpets and other soft floorings.

I tried the Reskube Home Pro – see what I thought of this connectivity device for SMBs
11:33 am | March 17, 2025
Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Pro | Tags: | Comments: Off

This review first appeared in issue 354 of PC Pro.

As remote working continues to boom, there’s no shortage of solutions aiming to improve the resilience of your power or networking provision. However, Reskube’s Home Pro is the first device we’ve come across that promises to do both: it’s an uninterruptible power supply, offering up to 500W of backup power, and also provides fallback data connectivity through an integrated 4G LTE router. If the mains goes down, the Home Pro keeps its two forward sockets powered from the internal battery; if your internet connection is lost, it switches to the mobile data connection.

The design is basic but robust, with no controls aside from the power button. The front features two simple LED strips indicating battery life and current power output. At the back you’ll find the mains power input plus an FM12315 port for solar power, again rated at 500W. The rear is also home to two Ethernet ports, which handle incoming WAN and outgoing LAN connections, plus SMA connectors for two mobile antennas and RP-SMA connectors for two Wi-Fi antennas. Above these, you’ll find primary and secondary SIM trays.

Reskube claims the Home Pro is powerful enough to run a small office with five PCs or laptops, a switch and a printer. I’m not sure about that: it’s certainly not sufficient for larger laser printers, which can draw around 1kW during their warm-up phase. However, it should be fine for a couple of home workers or a limited mobile retail setup. I tested the Home Pro under a constant 500W load and found the battery lasted for a decent 1hr 22mins before giving out. Over this time it supplied a total of 633Wh of power, about 82% of its stated 768Wh battery capacity, which is competitive for a compact battery power bank.

It’s worth mentioning that, during the 500W load test, the Home Pro’s cooling fans ran continually at top speed. The noise was audible, but not as loud as the warning buzzer, which sounds constantly when you exceed a load of 475W. At a 200W load the fans were quieter, and the battery delivered a total of 595Wh – roughly 77% of its claimed capacity.

The fans are distinctly audible when recharging, too. This happens at a fixed 500W rate, tailing off shortly before the batteries are fully charged. I measured a total power consumption of 801Wh for a complete recharge, so assuming the batteries went from fully discharged to fully recharged, that equates to an impressive 96% efficiency.

Zoomed in view of the Reskube Home Pro

Two simple LED strips on the front show battery life and current power output (Image credit: Future)

The Home Pro’s power failover function works brilliantly. When I cut the incoming power, it switched to battery power in less than 10ms – much faster than most general-purpose battery backups, and certainly quick enough to avoid any glitching on my IT equipment.

Internally the Reskube Home Pro uses lithium-iron phosphate batteries, which have safer charging characteristics than standard lithium-ion chemistry. They also have a longer service life: Reskube says they’ll maintain 100% capacity for 3,000 cycles, dropping to 60% after 5,000. That being the case, it’s disappointing that the standard warranty is only 12 months, especially when other power supply manufacturers offer five years.

The Home Pro’s networking capabilities are on the conservative side. The unit supports 4G at speeds up to 150Mbits/sec, carrier and signal strength permitting. For the best possible reception you can upgrade Reskube’s standard stubby antennas with cabled ones, but even then you shouldn’t expect best-in-class network performance: the Home Pro’s Wi-Fi network only supports 2.4GHz 802.11n Wi-Fi, and its Ethernet ports are limited to 100Mbits/sec.

Those limitations have a noticeable impact on network performance. My ISP line normally gives me download speeds of 100Mbits/sec, but that dropped to 62Mbits/sec over the Home Pro network. That’s a shame, as for maximum resilience you’ll want to keep your critical devices connected to the Home Pro. Still, there’s enough bandwidth here to be productive, and the switchover to LTE is impressively smooth: I measured around nine seconds of downtime when switching from my fixed line to mobile data – fast enough that a YouTube video kept playing without interruption.

The Home Pro’s web-based configuration interface is easy to use, and provides access to a huge range of configuration options. Oddly, though, you can’t check the battery status, or change any power-related settings, such as selecting a slower charge rate or modifying the warning buzzer threshold. Reskube also offers a remote management option for £39 a year. This adds a command-line interface and full online access to the web dashboard, making it ideal for supporting remote users without needing to go onsite or cause downtime.

The Reskube Home Pro is a simple concept, delivered well. It wouldn’t hurt if it were quieter and had faster network support, but it offers the core protections you need in a single box that’s easy to deploy and manage. It’s also surprisingly good value, costing £999 exc VAT – only a little more than you’d pay for a similarly specified backup power supply and a dual-WAN router. Alternatively, the Reskube Home Pro can be leased for £444 per year. This means you don’t have to worry about the stingy warranty, and it includes remote, telephone and online support. If you’re looking to back up your key business systems, that seems like a price that’s more than worth paying.

We've also rated the best small business website builders.

My space is full of colorful lighting, but after testing this Govee LED strip light, I think I need some more
9:00 pm | February 25, 2025
Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Home Smart Home Smart Lights | Tags: | Comments: Off

Govee RGBIC LED Strip Light review

The Govee RGBIC LED Strip Light is a Bluetooth-controlled length of customizable LED lights that can be applied around interior surfaces to create a subtle or eye-catching light feature. Govee has a large range of LED strip lights available, but this particular model appears to be available only at Amazon at the time of writing. There’s a list price of $28.99 / £27.99 for the 32.8 ft / 10-meter H617C model of the Govee RGBIC LED Strip Light I’ve tested, and there’s also the shorter 16.4 ft / 5-meter H617A model available, retailing at $14.99 / £19.99. Longer lengths can be purchased in packs of two reels, with the 65.6 ft / 20 meter H617E costing $52.99 / £45.99, and the 100 ft H617F at $69.99.

The back of the length of the LED strip has double-sided tape ready-applied; not 3M tape, which is a shame, but the strength of the tape seemed satisfactory over the time I tested it. It’s important to note that the longevity of the hold from any adhesive relies on factors like the surface it’s applied to, and any tension due to cable positioning, etc.

A close-up of the LED light strip when off.

(Image credit: Future)

When it came to applying the Govee RGBIC LED Strip Light around corners, I was pleased to find that the strip was very flexible, as long as there wasn’t a bit of hardware on the part of the strip that needed to bend. This is why it’s always advisable to check the positioning of any stick-on light strips before committing. Other than the generic double-sided tape, the quality of the Govee RGBIC LED Strip Light looked satisfactory for the money, though of course, how the unlit strip looked isn’t what’s important here.

Before delving into the fancier features, I used the control box to turn on the Govee RGBIC LED Strip Light to observe the quality and brightness of the light. The LEDs were all in working order, performed well, and had no problem playing out sequences and switching between different colors.

The Govee Home app was required to make the most of all the Govee RGBIC LED Strip Light’s features. I’m already a big fan of the Govee companion app, as I made clear in my review of the Govee Table Lamp 2, thanks to its attractive and easy-to-navigate interface. Syncing the Govee RGBIC LED Strip Light to the Govee Home app took mere seconds as the app detected it almost instantly, and connected to the LED strip quickly upon selection.

The LED light strip is lit up light blue and has been coiled around a two-tone cement cylinder. The light reel is leaning on the cylinder, and the light's control box is placed to the left.

(Image credit: Future)

There are a lot of features available, a simple but useful one being the brightness adjustment bar on the main page. Under different tabs I found more adjustable settings, including customizable color selections that could be applied to the entire strip or specific segments, and a great selection of ready-made scenes, which changed the lighting effect to reflect my choice of sunrise, forest, or glacier, to name a few.

There’s also an AI feature which, in my experience, wasn’t the most inspiring. I took a photo of a sunset-colored travel mug I own, and a bit of my grey and white marble-effect desk could be seen in the background. I can’t say I could see the resemblance in the resulting light combination, but I think this feature is best suited to highly saturated colorful images. For any custom color palettes or effects I created, there’s a DIY section where I could save them, making it easy to store and access my favorites.

The LED light strip is lit up blue and has been coiled around a two-tone cement cylinder with the light's control box attached to the front.

(Image credit: Future)

As the Govee RGBIC LED Strip Light doesn’t have smart capabilities, I wasn't able to connect to my Amazon Alexa, so I naturally couldn’t use voice control or set routines, no matter which of the best smart home devices I owned. Fortunately, however, there’s a timer function on the Govee Home app, with several slots to choose which time and days you want the light strip to power on, and when to power off again. There’s also a wake-up feature that once set will gradually build up to maximum brightness in the ten minutes leading up to the assigned time.

Overall, I’m quite fond of this Govee light strip. While there are many cheaper RGBIC LED light strips out there, I haven’t encountered any to date that rival the ready-made scenes or the level of customization available via the Govee Home app. If you’re interested in brightening up your home with smart lighting I recommend checking out our best smart lights guide for a variety of products that cater to different requirements.

The LED light strip is lit up purple and has been coiled around a two-tone cement cylinder with the light's control box attached to the front.

(Image credit: Future)

Govee RGBIC LED Strip Light review: Price and specs

Should I buy the Govee RGBIC LED Strip Light?

Buy it if...

You want something simple
This LED strip is easy to install, set up, and use (even for the not-so-tech-savvy) thanks to the large-buttoned control box.

You want the best of both worlds
With a variety of pre-set colors and scenes to choose from and a load of customizable settings too, you can make things as simple or specific as required.

Don't buy it if...

You want to add to your smart home setup
One thing this Govee light strip lacks is smart connectivity, so if you’ve got the rest of your lighting set to a routine and want your light strip to fall in line, this isn’t the one for you.

You want something cheap and simple
If you just want to add a little ambiance with single colors and prefer a physical remote to app control, then you may find cheaper LED strips that tick all your boxes.

Govee RGBIC LED Strip Light review: Also consider

WiZ LED strip smart light
If you happen to prefer the reassurance of 3M adhesive, this Wiz LED strip smart light connects via 2.4GHz Wi-Fi and is Matter compatible, although curiously it doesn’t connect via Bluetooth. The available smart features mean that this strip can easily be incorporated into your current ecosystem, or be used as your first building block. To learn more, check out our full WiZ LED strip smart light review.

How I tested the Govee RGBIC LED Strip Light

  • I tested the Govee RGBIC LED Strip Light for one week
  • I looked at the quality and flexibility of the LED strip
  • I tested the app's different features and customizable settings

I set up the Govee RGBIC LED Strip Light and synced it with the Govee Home app. I took a close look at the quality of the materials used, including the adhesive and the hardware. I tested how flexible it was and how well it handled corners. I checked that all LEDs were working, ensuring there were no gaps in the run of lights.

I assessed how easy it was to control the Govee RGBIC LED Strip Light, and looked at the different customizable settings. I created my own color palettes before saving them in the DIY folder, tested out the AI feature, and ready-made scenes.

I tested Amazon’s Fire TV Soundbar Plus system, and it’s wireless 5.1 surround sound without the expense or fuss
6:23 pm | February 7, 2025
Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Soundbars Televisions | Tags: , , , | Comments: Off

Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus: Two minute review

The Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus is a solid soundbar at a decent, but not exceptional, price. While that’s a non-controversial and fairly vanilla statement, it’s a strange situation for Amazon since the company typically subsidizes its products, especially ones like Echo speakers and Fire TV branded TVs, to beat the market. It’s hard to ignore that there are plenty of cheaper options, whether you’re considering a basic all-in-one soundbar or a 5.1-channel soundbar system.

While I’m surprised that the Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus is not as discounted as most Amazon products compared to the competition, it is one of the best soundbars I’ve experienced when it comes to ease of setup – everything is already paired and you just have to plug it all in.

The performance is, as expected at this price point, good but not great. The surround sound is immersive and the audio quality is what you’d expect at this price point. The sound doesn’t have quite the clarity of more premium options, but only fussy listeners will notice.

The only big issue I had with the audio quality is that the stereo image is not as wide as it should be from the soundbar, which I’ll get into below. And while the Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus is advertised as having Dolby Atmos, it doesn’t actually have the physical speakers for spatial audio, so you won’t find it on any list for the best Dolby Atmos soundbars.

That said, you could do a lot worse for a soundbar system at its price point, whether you’re looking at the most basic configuration or the 5.1-channel one, especially if you see it discounted (as Amazon is wont to regularly do with its products).

Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus system on rug

The Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus comes with all the accessories you need, including an HDMI cable and wall-mount brackets (Image credit: Future)

Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus review: Price & release date

  • First available: December 2025
  • Price: Starting at $249.99 / £249.99 (about AU$400)
  • Available in the US and UK

The Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus is priced at $249.99 / £249.99 (about AU$400), and is just a standalone soundbar (along with a power cable, HDMI cable, remote, remote batteries, and mounting kit). The next level up comes with a wireless subwoofer and is priced at $374.99 (about £300 / AU$590). The maxed-out configuration (reviewed here) adds surround speakers along with the subwoofer for a 5.1-channel setup and costs $489.99 (about £390 / AU$770).

Surprisingly, this is more mid-range than budget pricing, bucking Amazon’s typical model of subsidizing its hardware for either market share or branding, especially when it comes to either smart home devices or Fire TV ones.

As far as availability goes, those in the US have access to all three configurations while only the most basic configuration is available in the UK. The Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus is not sold in Australia.

Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus review: Specs

Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus top surface control buttons

A basic set of control buttons is located on the soundbar's top surface (Image credit: Future)

Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus review: Features

  • Surprisingly stripped down feature set
  • Some EQ and audio modes available through the remote
  • Virtual Dolby Atmos

Considering the branding, I was surprised to see how barebones the Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus is. It doesn’t have built-in streaming the way Roku soundbars do, and it doesn’t have any Alexa-related functionality. There’s no app either, so you’re not going to be able to do any EQ fine-tuning (with an exception that I’ll mention below).

All EQ settings are available via the remote. There are four audio modes: Movie, Music, Sports, and Night. I preferred the Movie mode most since it seemed the least affected. However, Night mode is a nice addition as it keeps any peaks in the audio from getting too loud while simultaneously making everything easy to hear at low volume.

There are also individual bass and treble controls as well as surround sound volume on the remote. A dialogue function boosts the volume of dialogue to make it easier to hear – a great option for those with hearing loss, even if it’s a somewhat subtle effect.

There’s no physical Dolby Atmos on hand – the advertised Dolby Atmos is virtual, meaning you don’t get a true spatial audio experience. You get a full surround sound experience with the rear speakers at least, so there is a lateral 360-degree soundstage, just not the vertical one that spatial audio provides.

Besides the usual HDMI and optical digital connections, the Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus also comes with Bluetooth, so streaming a Spotify playlist from a phone is straightforward.

The one area where the Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus is unique is that, when paired with certain Amazon Fire TVs, you can fine-tune the audio on a deeper level in the TV’s settings.

  • Features score: 3.5 / 5

Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus subwoofer on rug

Subwoofer level can be adjusted using the bass settings on the remote (Image credit: Future)

Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus review: Performance

  • Sounds good but not the best resolution
  • Stereo image is a bit narrow
  • Surround sound is immersive

The sound quality of the Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus is pretty good. You might not be impressed if you’ve used hi-fi equipment or premium soundbars, but if you’re looking for your first home theater surround sound system, you should be pretty happy.

Specifically, the high-end is just a tiny bit lacking so the audio doesn’t quite have the best clarity and resolution. This was especially apparent when playing music I’m familiar with, which just didn’t quite have the same sparkle it usually does. However, this is a nitpick.

The mids are fairly well balanced so that they sound full without being compressed or distorted. And there’s lots of bass available from the subwoofer so you get that rumble when watching movies.

You can adjust the subwoofer via the bass settings on the remote to be less impactful (or more) if you want. The treble, as mentioned before, is also adjustable via the remote, though I found the various levels to be a little too subtle.

When it comes to the soundstage, the left and right channels are a little closer together than I would like. This is because, even though the soundbar has left, center, and right channel speakers, the drivers and tweeters for the left and right channels (each channel has a mid-bass driver and tweeter) both face straight ahead. Even though the soundbar is 37 inches wide, this is not enough separation when you’re sitting beyond a 1.5-meter distance from the TV.

Yes, everything that’s supposed to be on the left sounds like it’s on the left and everything that’s supposed to be on the right is there as well. But, the stereo image is still a bit too narrow.

The surround sound, on the other hand, is a pleasure to listen to. The surround speakers offer a 360-degree experience, even when it’s just the atmosphere of a video game like It Takes Two or random background characters talking such as I experienced when watching Fool’s Paradise. I also tested the surround speakers with 5.1-channel audio mixes on YouTube, and it was enlightening to experience the spaciousness these speakers deliver while also confirming that you don’t really need to listen to Bob Marley in anything other than stereo.

It’s worth noting again that, though this soundbar supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, this is purely virtual as there are no physical upward-firing speakers. And I didn’t notice anything resembling that vertical sense of space when watching movies and TV with Dolby Atmos soundtracks.

  • Performance score: 4 / 5

Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus rear ports

A minimal set of inputs, including HDMI ARC, optical digital and USB-A, is located on the soundbar's back panel (Image credit: Future)

Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus review: Design

  • Basic aesthetics and design
  • LED indicator lights instead of alphanumeric display
  • Most fine tuning done through the remote

Aesthetically, the Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus can best be described as utilitarian. All the units come in a matte black. The units are also all pretty boxy, and you would only know that they were made by Amazon because each piece has the Fire TV logo imprinted in shiny black somewhere on it. The various units don’t call too much attention themselves, other than the fact that the sound bar is 37 inches wide so you’ll need a wide enough surface to install it if you’re not wall-mounting.

The ports on the back are surprisingly limited to HDMI, optical digital, and USB. While the HDMI port is ARC-enabled, I would have appreciated a second HDMI passthrough port. This is an issue I frequently find with cheaper sound bars.

Another limitation is that there’s no alphanumeric display on the front, just five LED indicator lights that shine through the front grill cloth to reflect what the volume or various settings are up to.

The controls on top of the soundbar are a bit more limited than on the remote, but the necessary ones are here, namely: power, source, Bluetooth, volume up, and volume down.

All fine-tuning is done on the remote. Luckily, it’s easy to use and has separate bass and treble buttons to cycle through levels as well as a button to turn on/off surround sound, which has its own volume up and down. There are also EQ preset and dialogue buttons.

  • Design score: 4 / 5

Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus rear speaker on table

The Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus system's surround speakers make an instant wireless link to the soundbar when plugged in (Image credit: Future)

Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus review: Setup & usability

  • Already paired out of the box
  • Easy to use
  • No real display for current settings

Setting up the Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus couldn’t be easier. Everything comes in one big box – all the packaging seems to be materials that can be recycled – and just needs to be removed and plugged in.

The soundbar, subwoofer, and rear speakers are already paired so that once everything is plugged in and powered on, the soundbar will register the other units. A wall-mounting kit is also included, though it’s just for the soundbar. The hardest part (unless you’re planning on mounting) is putting the batteries in the remote.

As far as using the soundbar, it’s also just as straightforward. The buttons on the sound bar itself are a bit basic so you need to keep track of the remote to get most of the functionality. But switching sources and adjusting the audio to taste within its limitations is fairly foolproof.

I do wish there was a front panel alphanumeric display for feedback when making changes. Instead, you have to rely on the indicator LEDs and listen to a voice prompt to know what setting you’ve changed. And if you’re not paying close attention, you have to adjust again to find out what it was on.

  • Setup & usability score: 4.5 / 5

Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus remote control

With no app or Alexa control, EQ and sound adjustments on the Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus are all carried out using the included remote (Image credit: Future)

Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus review: Value

  • Good, but not great, deal for a surround sound soundbar system
  • Can find cheaper, though lesser, 5.1-channel sound bar options
  • Same money can get better-sounding options, but with fewer channels

I may sound a little confused when discussing the price of the Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus by saying it’s at once affordable and overpriced. At $489.99 (about £390 / AU$770) for the surround sound configuration, it’s a good mid-tier system for the price that comes with a large soundbar, subwoofer, and two rear speakers. Yet, it’s priced higher than one would expect from the likes of Amazon, especially considering how light on features it is.

This is particularly highlighted when considering the Ultimea Poseidon D50, a 5.1-channel sound bar system that goes for a paltry $119.99 / £149.99 (about AU$180). Sure, the Ultimea comes with many more compromises with slightly worse audio and build quality, but it’s also much, much cheaper.

Of course, you can spend the same amount on something that’s not quite considered premium and get a much smaller package. Consider the Sony HT-S2000, a 3.1-channel system that counts virtual Dolby Atmos as a main attraction. It does have generally better audio quality. Still, you have to pay $499 / £449 / AU$695 for it.

  • Value score: 4 / 5

Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus rear speaker behind sofa

(Image credit: Future)

Should I buy the Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus?

Buy it if...

You want the easiest setup possible
All you have to do to set up the Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus is to power up the various units. It doesn’t get easier than that.

You don’t want to spend too much for a surround sound system
While it’s not the cheapest out there, the price is pretty good, especially if you go for the configuration with the surround speakers and subwoofer.

You want a straightforward soundbar
Not only is this soundbar system easy to set up, but it’s easy to operate. If you find that too many bells and whistles get in the way, then this might be the one for you.

Don't buy it if...

sound-enabledYou want a lot of features
The Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus is surprisingly stripped down, especially for a surround sound- enabled setup. Sure, there’s virtual Dolby Atmos, but it’s not the real deal.

You want crystal-clear audio
The sound quality is good, but if you’re fussy, you’re going to wish you spent a little more on something with better clarity and resolution.View Deal

Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus review: Also consider

Ultimea Poseidon D50
The Ultimea Poseidon D50 is proof you can go really cheap and still get a 5.1-channel system. Yes, there are compromises, such as the lack of any kind of Dolby Atmos support, and it’s also a bit cheap-looking. But, it mostly sounds good, and is easy to set up.

Read our full Ultimea Poseidon D50 review

Sony HT-S2000
If surround sound is not a top priority, but you still want something beyond stereo and have $500 / £500 to burn, the all-in-one Sony HT-S2000’s overall sound quality is impressive and its virtual Dolby Atmos is actually spacious-sounding.

Read our full Sony HT-S2000 review

Hisense AX5125H
Hisense's soundbar system offers 5.1.2 channels in a compact package with wireless surround speakers and subwoofer. It also has an alphanumeric front panel LED display and costs less than Amazon's system.

Read our full Hisense AX5125H review

How I tested the Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus

Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus on TV stand

The Nakamichi Dragon with its two subs in my home. (Image credit: Future)
  • I used the Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus for a couple weeks
  • Tested with both TV, movies, and music

I used the Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus system regularly for a week. I used it with TV shows, movies, and music. I tested the various EQ options and audio modes as well as played around with all the other settings available, such as the dialogue mode.

After testing, the Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus seems to be a decently priced 5.1-channel system that leans a bit on the Fire TV brand, offering mostly convenience and the surround sound experience, and not much else.

I’ve tested a lot of tech gear over the years from laptops to keyboards and speakers, and so have been able to use my expertise towards giving an honest and fair opinion, not to mention a critical eye, to any product I test.

Tecno teases a new Pova smartphone with integrated LED lighting
3:31 pm | January 31, 2025
Author: admin | Category: Mobile phones news | Tags: | Comments: Off

Tecno has teased a next-gen Pova smartphone, which it says sets the stage for a "new era of smartphone innovation." Tecno hasn't revealed the name of this upcoming Pova-series smartphone, but it said the handset's rear will feature a triangle-shaped camera module housing three cameras. The camera module will have integrated LED lighting, giving the smartphone "a look that's straight out of space." Discover a POVA, that shines afar.#POVA #ComingSoon pic.twitter.com/FJJtLsJj5W— POVA Mobile India (@pova_mobile) January 31, 2025 Tecno said it will "redefine smartphone design"...

LG XBoom Go XG8T review: a Bluetooth speaker that offers meaty bass but not-so-meaty battery life
1:35 pm | January 3, 2025
Author: admin | Category: Audio Computers Gadgets Hi-Fi Wireless & Bluetooth Speakers | Tags: | Comments: Off

LG XBoom Go XG8T review: two-minute review

The LG XBoom Go XG8T has a pretty tough task – standing out in a field with extremely strong competition from some of the biggest names in audio. That’s right, this large portable speaker finds itself pitted against some tough rivals from the likes of JBL, Bose and Ultimate Ears. So, how does it fare in its battle for supremacy?

Well, firstly, LG has looked to focus on this speaker's design – specifically its phenomenal durability. The LG XBoom Go XG8T is said to have "military grade" protection against the elements, having passed seven different durability tests. It also has an IP67 waterproof rating and high-quality build, protecting it against impact and underwater submersion.

As well as that, this has neat, customizable LED lights, an attractive wraparound speaker grille and conveniently adjustable handle/strap. It's looking good so far, right? Well, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but outside of its looks and design, the LG XBoom Go XG8T really struggles to outdo some of its similarly-priced competitors that have made our list of the best Bluetooth speakers.

There are some standout reasons for that. First, battery life. This is the XG8T's fatal flaw. LG says you get up to 15 hours of playtime – but there’s a real emphasis on the ‘up to’. If you’re playing at 50% volume without EQ adjustment or LED lights, sure, that might be attainable. But with lighting on and the booming Sound Boost feature activated, you’re going to see that battery percentage fall way faster. 15 hours isn’t particularly impressive anyway, so given depletion happens much faster with core features like Sound Boost is a real shame.

Next, let’s talk sound – another area where the XG8T can’t quite usurp some of the best waterproof speakers around. Bass, thankfully can get pretty deep and hits with impact, especially with Sound Boost on. Generally, elements like vocals and percussive elements in the treble range are clear too, although you may sense a bit of harshness at top volumes. However, this isn’t going to offer a massively detailed listen and there are no fancy audio codecs – think LDAC – to play with, so you end up with solid, yet fairly unremarkable sound in the end.

There are a couple of other smaller issues that arise too: slightly outdated Bluetooth connectivity, lacking EQ presets and a hefty AC adapter stick out. When you combine all of that with a high list price of $379.99 / £400 (about AU$600) it’s hard to justify buying this portable speaker.

Having said that, there’s another factor to consider. Since it’s release, the XG8T has frequently been available on sale, sometimes even for around half price. This, of course, changes the game significantly. Is the battery life still a big issue? Sure. But the power and bass on offer here would certainly be a lot more impressive in this context. So, if you can grab it at a massively cut price, it could possibly be worth considering the XG8T.

But all in all, this speaker just misses the mark. It’s not by any means a bad option, with impressive low-end power, generally clear all-round audio and incredible durability. But unless you’re a massive LG fan specifically, you’re likely to be better served elsewhere. Some of 2024’s big hitters like the Bose SoundLink Flex and JBL Xtreme 4 are regularly on sale for well under the list price of the XG8T and they are some top alternatives – so why not read more about those in the ‘Also Consider’ section below…

Person holding the LG XBoom Go XG8T by its handle

(Image credit: Future)

LG XBoom Go XG8T review: price and release date

  • $379.99 / £400 (about AU$600)
  • Launched in March 2024

OK, so if you buy the LG XBoom Go XG8T at its list price, you’ll have to shell out a fair amount of cash. Its usual price is $379.99 / £400 / AU$600, pitting it against competitors like the JBL Xtreme 4 and Ultimate Ears Epicboom.

However, as you may expect for a speaker that launched early in 2024, you can regularly find the XG8T available at a cut-price. In fact, this model can be as low as half price. I've spotted it going for less than $200 / £200 with some online retailers. It’s also worth noting that this speaker is only available in Black.

Button controls on the LG XBoom Go XG8T

(Image credit: Future)

LG XBoom Go XG8T review: specs

LED lights on the side of the LG XBoom Go XG8T

(Image credit: Future)

LG XBoom Go XG8T review: features

  • LG XBoom app compatibility
  • Sub-par battery life
  • Outdated Bluetooth version

The LG XBoom Go XG8T has a pretty tidy set of features and it owes this, in part, to the LG XBoom companion app. Using this, you can access some fairly typical options: multi-point connectivity, Party Link for pairing multiple speakers and EQ adjustment, for instance.

And on the topic of EQ adjustment, this app offers a pretty mixed experience. One key positive is that there’s a fully customizable, six-band equalizer available through the app, so you get a decent amount of control over the sound you get here. But I was frustrated at the real lack of presets available here. You can use Sound Boost, which provides a boost to volume and low-end power, but this counts as a preset in itself. Other than that, there’s only Standard mode. I would’ve liked to have seen some gene-specific presets, for instance, to make it easy to get your preferred sound from the offset.

Another cornerstone feature is LED light customization. There are three main categories to switch between – Ambient, Nature and Party. Within these are three preset choices, such as ‘Passion of youth’, ‘Cheerful celebration’ and ‘Gorgeous night view’ in the Party category. However, you can also save a custom pick within each of the three groups – making for a user experience that’s not only highly customizable, but highly convenient. If only EQ settings were this fully-fledged!

One more nice touch here is Healing Therapy. This provides access to a set list of calming sounds, all of which have to be downloaded separately. A few examples include ‘A Still Summer Night with Insect Sounds’ or ‘The Sleepy Sounds of the Deep Sea’, which I really enjoyed listening to. You can also set a sleep timer with Healing Therapy, just in case you find that you’ve nodded off. I think it’s fair to say that this feature is a bit of a gimmick, but gimmicks can still be fun. I still liked it, anyway.

But alas, there are a couple of issues I have with the XG8T, feature-wise. First of all, it doesn’t have the most up-to-date Bluetooth version. This speaker harnesses Bluetooth 5.1, even though a handful of speakers are already using version 5.4 now. But that’s not a deal-breaker, in my view.

The killer issue here is battery life. LG says you get up to 15 hours, that is if you keep volume at 50% or lower and have EQ and lights off. Activate Sound Boost and crank up the volume and battery depletes way too quickly. I’d lost 20% in about an hour with an average of about 50-60% volume, intermittent Sound Boost use and LED lights turned on – that’s pretty poor for a modern Bluetooth speaker of this size. So, if you want to get the best out of the XG8T, expect sub-par battery life. In fact, it may not even last an entire event without dying unless you’re conservative with volume and lighting.

  • Features score: 3/5

Handle of the LG XBoom Go XG8T

(Image credit: Future)

LG XBoom Go XG8T review: sound quality

  • Impactful bass
  • Mighty volume levels
  • No ‘hi-res’ codecs for more detailed listening

In the audio department, the LG XBoom Go XG8T puts in a pretty solid performance, with the main attraction being… you guessed it, bass. Now, out of the box, you may feel low-frequency audio output is a touch underwhelming. Don’t get me wrong, it’s by no means pathetic, but it could definitely do with a leg up. And that’s where Sound Boost mode comes in, an essential option for bass-heavy bangers or if you want to flood large or outdoor spaces with your favorite tunes.

When listening to Voyager by Daft Punk, I was impressed by the pumping deep bass on offer, which produced a ground-shaking, head-bopping performance ideal for a party setting. The funky guitar playing throughout the track didn’t sound distorted either, even at about 70% volume. Getting higher than this was quite the task though – not because it sounds terrible, but because this thing can get very loud, thanks to its 60W woofer. And that certainly improves its credentials as a capable outdoor speaker.

One complaint I had when listening to Voyager and a host of other tracks, such as Moloko’s I Want You, was that higher-pitched percussive elements didn’t have perfect clarity and sharpness. This was emphasised more at top volumes, where this could get a bit grating – something that wouldn’t typically bother me too much, but for the price you're paying here this level of critique is valid.

Another slightly disappointing aspect of this speaker is its lack of support for more ‘hi-res’ Bluetooth codecs, such as LDAC. And this was a contributor to some songs occasionally lacking, or underplaying details in tracks. For instance, when I listened to Didn’t Cha Know by Erykah Badu, smaller percussive and string elements were kept under wraps, making for a slightly constricted listen.

Sure, vocals sounded decently balanced and overall audio was clean, but in all honesty that’s to be expected at this price-point. If you want a more detailed, nuanced listen for the money, this speaker is not your best option. You can pair it with another Go XG8T speaker (in dual mode, or multiple speakers in multi mode) via LG's Wireless Party Link, however, if you’d at least like access to even bigger sound.

Ultimately, this speaker’s success hinges much more on its talents in the bass and loudness departments. This is designed more for outdoor or party use and it works very nicely for that. Just make sure you have Sound Boost on to really add some meat in the low-end. You get great volume levels too and although things can get a little edgy at the top of the speaker’s range, it will still be capable of filling a larger room or cutting through pesky background noise in an outdoor setting.

  • Sound quality score: 3.5/5

'XBoom' written on front of the LG XBoom Go XG8T

(Image credit: Future)

LG XBoom Go XG8T review: design

  • Military-grade durability
  • Decent looks with classy LED lights
  • Adjustable strap can work as handle

The LG XBoom Go XG8T has a pretty standard look about it – which is by no means a bad thing. It’s a large, black Bluetooth speaker with passive radiators on each side, lined by LED lights and a wraparound speaker grille. I found this to be an attractive looking speaker, with its build quality perhaps being indicative of a higher price point.

But this is more than a classy-looking speaker, it’s super practical too. First of all, one of the speaker’s main selling points is that it offers military-grade durability. LG says that the XG8T has passed seven tests against: dust, high temperatures, rain, salt fog, shock, vibration and water immersion. On top of that, it’s IP67 certified, so it can even survive being submerged under a meter of water for up to thirty minutes.

Another big win in terms of practicality is the inclusion of an adjustable strap. The attached strap is more of a handle at first, which is ideal for carrying this fairly hefty speaker over short distances. But let’s say you’re going for a beach trip and have to carry the XG8T over a bit more ground. Fear not! You can extend the attached strap to a considerable length, in order to sling it around your shoulder.

This speaker also has some useful button controls just below the handle. These are all well-sized and serve their purpose well. You have the obvious inclusions, play/pause, volume controls and power on/off. But there’s also a Bluetooth button to swiftly connect devices and a Sound Boost option to crank up volume and boost the low-end. On top of that, there’s a tab on the reverse side of the speaker to access the USB-A port or the charging slot.

And that leads onto the only design element that bothered me with the XG8T: charging it up. The included AC adapter gives off the vibe of an oversized laptop charger from about 15 years back – not a good look. This really juxtaposes the high practicality of every other aforementioned element – and as much as it’s no deal breaker, I would’ve preferred slightly more lightweight charging equipment for the XG8T.

  • Design score: 4/5

Tab on the reverse side of the LG XBoom Go XG8T undone to reveal ports

(Image credit: Future)

LG XBoom Go XG8T review: value

  • List price is high
  • But it's often available at a reduced price
  • Outdone by too many competitors

If we are judging the LG XBoom Go XG8T’s value on list price alone, things aren’t looking too good. You’d need fairly deep pockets to pick up this speaker without a discount – for reference its official price is $379.99 / £400 (about AU$600). And this speaker doesn’t do a ton to set itself apart at that price point.

Audio, although good, isn’t massively detailed or perfectly clear all the time. Combine that with a disappointing battery life and unimpressive EQ presets and its clear: this speaker isn’t worth its list price, especially when you consider the incredible quality of competitors in this price range, like the JBL Xtreme 4 or Bose SoundLink Max (more on those in ‘Also Consider’).

But luckily, there’s more to the story here. Since its release this speaker has been heavily discounted on a number of occasions – even for as little as half price in the UK and US. Even still, it's not free of competition. There are speakers like the Tribit Stormbox Blast, for instance that offer booming, talented audio for under $200 / £200.

Even if the XG8T is a solid speaker in its own right, it's hard to justify its list price. And even at a cut-price, I wouldn’t argue it's best-in-class either.

  • Value score: 2.5/5

Extended handle of the LG XBoom Go XG8T

(Image credit: Future)

Should I buy the LG XBoom Go XG8T?

Buy it if...

You want booming bass
I wouldn’t necessarily argue that the LG XBoom Go XG8T has the most impactful bass in the game, but it certainly offers a healthy serving of low-end power. If you’re hosting a house party or outdoor event, there’ll certainly be enough bass on offer to fill a larger space with big, booming audio.

You want ultimate protection against the elements
If durability and reliability are at the top of your priority list, this speaker is sure to serve you well. Not only does it have the IP67 dustproof and waterproof rating, but it offers military-grade protection against impact and harsh weather conditions.

Don't buy it if...

You want top-tier audio quality
If you want an elegantly balanced, beautifully detailed listen, you could do better than the LG XBoom Go XG8T. Audio quality is by no means bad here, but I didn’t get an amazing sense of nuance from this speaker, with the lack of ‘hi res’ audio codecs holding it back further.

You want a top value pick
If you’re paying the list price for this speaker, you’re not getting great value, unfortunately. Of course, it’s often available at a significantly cut price now, but there are so many fantastic, low-priced speakers out there, including the Tribit Stormbox Blast, for instance.

LG XBoom Go XG8T review: also consider

JBL Xtreme 4
For me, the JBL Xtreme 4 was one of 2024’s best Bluetooth speakers, bringing fantastic audio quality, high build quality and fantastic features to the table. When I initially reviewed it, my main issue came with its high list price, but you can regularly find it for far less now, making it a top-tier option for speakers in this size and weight class. Read our full JBL Xtreme 4 review.

Bose SoundLink Max
Another one of 2024’s big hitters was the Bose SoundLink Max – a speaker that offers punchy, agile and ultra-clean audio. It also has beautiful looks, an IP67 waterproof rating and a handy two-way USB-C socket, making it the perfect marriage of style with practicality. Read our full Bose SoundLink Max review.

LG XBoom Go XG8T review: how I tested

  • Tested for one week
  • Mainly used at our music testing space at Future Labs
  • Predominantly tested using Tidal on the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE

Passive radiator of the LG XBoom Go XG8T

(Image credit: Future)

I dedicated hours when listening to the LG XBoom Go XG8T and tried it out in a range of spaces. However, I did predominantly use it in our music testing room at Future Labs to assess audio quality in a quiet, controlled environment. I also conducted a battery test to validate LG’s claim about playtime.

When I listened to music, I mainly harnessed the power of Tidal via the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE, from which I streamed tracks within our expertly curated TechRadar reference playlist. But that's not all – I also tapped into tunes from my personal music library as well as podcast episodes. Finally, I used the similarly-sized JBL Xtreme 4 as a point of comparison across areas like sound quality, features and battery life.

  • First reviewed: January 2025
  • Read more about how we test
Lava teases a new smartphone with a 50MP camera, might feature an LED strip
4:38 pm | December 26, 2024
Author: admin | Category: Mobile phones news | Tags: | Comments: Off

Lava recently unveiled the Blaze Duo with two screens, and now the Indian handset maker is gearing up to launch a new smartphone, which could feature an LED light strip. Lava dropped a short video clip on X, teasing this upcoming smartphone. It has a punch-hole display on the front and two cameras on the rear, with the primary camera using a 50MP sensor. Ab hoga kuch aisa, dekhte reh jaoge! 🤩Coming Soon.#LavaMobiles #ProudlyIndian pic.twitter.com/lQ31mD1yhc— Lava Mobiles (@LavaMobile) December 25, 2024 This teaser (and the one Lava shared previously) suggests the smartphone's camera...

JBL Quantum Stream Wireless review: simple and portable
4:00 pm | November 3, 2024
Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Gaming Gaming Accessories | Tags: | Comments: Off

JBL Quantum Stream Wireless: One-minute review

If you’re a content creator who needs a portable microphone for a convention, or even just some on-the-go video making, you really can’t go wrong with the JBL Quantum Stream Wireless. This pocket-friendly lapel mic comes with a convenient charging case, much like a pair of wireless earbuds, and works readily with your phone right out of the box. You simply insert the included Lightning or USB-C dongle and you’re ready to go.

I’ve been impressed with the performance during my testing and found that the JBL Quantum Stream Wireless delivers clear sound even in quite loud environments, especially when paired with the noise-canceling capabilities of the compatible JBL Headphones mobile app. The manufacturer touts a 24-hour battery life, with six hours from the microphone and another 18 from its charging case, and this figure was broadly accurate - giving you more than enough juice for an entire day.

Factor in a few more handy features, such as the onboard microphone mute button, and you have a very robust overall package. My one complaint would be that the included windshield, useful for outdoor recording, is a touch fiddly and can be quite hard to securely install. 

Potential buyers should also weigh up whether they actually need a lapel mic. The performance is good for a small, portable device, but you will still get superior sound quality from many of the best microphones for streaming - which would be a better choice if you want to record at home. 

The JBL Quantum Stream Wireless mic and its charging case.

(Image credit: Future)

JBL Quantum Stream Wireless: Price and availability

  • $99.95 / £89.99 
  • USB-C and Lightning variants
  • Launched in March 2024 

The JBL Quantum Stream Wireless is readily available for $99.95 / £89.99 directly from JBL and at retailers like Amazon. This might seem like a fair chunk to spend on any microphone, but means that this model sits neatly between super-budget offerings and more premium portable microphones from companies like Rode and DJI. The DJI Mic, for example, features two transmitters and a similar storage space but comes in at roughly double the price of the JBL Quantum Stream Wireless. 

JBL Quantum Stream Wireless: Specs

JBL Quantum Stream Wireless: Design and features

  • Portable size
  • LED power indicators
  • Good app

The design of the JBL Quantum Stream Wireless shares quite a lot in common with your average pair of wireless gaming earbuds. Its black carrying case is compact, with a subtle embossed JBL logo and a small row of four white LED indicators used to denote its current charge level. On the back of the case, you can find a type-C charging port, compatible with the included charging cable.

The top of the case opens up like a lid on a hinge, revealing slots for the clip-on microphone and dongle. Both are secured by magnets, though just the microphone also has two metal contacts that allow it to charge while it’s in the case. Removing the microphone gives you a good look at its design, which is mainly constructed from plastic. The front has a smooth grooved pattern, with a little JBL logo, while the back has a generously sized clip for attaching it to your clothes.

On the side of the microphone is a small button, which can be used to quickly mute it. There’s also a bright indicator LED, which is red when the microphone is disabled. Otherwise, it flashes white before turning a solid color when paired with your phone.

There’s very little to report about the dongle itself, which is rectangular and quite light and thin. It attaches to your phone via a type-C or Lightning connector depending on your model of choice, but also has its own USB port for pass-through charging. This is a great little feature and means that you don’t have to worry about not being able to charge your phone while the microphone is in use.

Most of the microphone’s core features are accessed through the JBL Headphones mobile app or JBL Quantum Engine PC software, both of which are compatible with this product. Given the clear focus on portability, I mainly relied on the app which offers the option to check battery levels, alter mic gain, enable AI noise canceling, flick between a few preset effects, and tweak power settings like LED brightness and the automatic power off.

The software isn’t anything revolutionary, but it’s got a decent selection of options and is, importantly, very responsive and well-presented.

The JBL Quantum Stream Wireless mic on a flat white surface.

(Image credit: Future)

JBL Quantum Stream Wireless: Performance

  • Effective noise cancellation
  • Works well at events
  • Great battery life

It’s hard to fault the performance of the JBL Quantum Stream Wireless. I mainly tested the product at events, including the busy halls of Gamescom, and found that it did a great job of cutting through the background noise to deliver perfectly understandable recordings despite its small size. 

You do notice a dip in quality when things get quite loud, with my voice often taking on a slightly robotic edge in particularly large crowds, but that was still preferable to the frankly incomprehensible recordings produced by my phone’s microphone in the same areas. This is also true of its performance outdoors, particularly with loud wind or vehicles. Expect a more natural sound when you’re out on a calm day.

It is a tad unfortunate that the included windshield is so fiddly, though. It clips on the top of the microphone via two little holes but is quite hard to align. I struggled to do it in poor lighting and was often unsure whether it was actually attached. This is not a dealbreaker, but it is worth bearing in mind if you intend to use the windshield a lot.

In terms of battery life, the JBL Quantum Stream Wireless is more than capable. I only have to charge up the case every couple of days with semi-frequent use and never had the microphone die during a recording session. Unless you want to wear it, turned on, for hours and hours at a time, you’re not going to run into any problems here.

The JBL Quantum Stream Wireless mic case on a flat white surface.

(Image credit: Future)

Should I buy the JBL Quantum Stream Wireless?

Buy it if...

You want a plug-and-play solution
The JBL Quantum Stream Wireless is incredibly easy to use. You simply clip the microphone to your clothes, plug the included dongle into your phone, and you’re ready to go.

You want to create content on the go
The JBL Quantum Stream Wireless is a good option if you’re looking to take your content creation out and about, improving the quality of your audio recordings compared to your phone.

Don't buy it if...

You want a desktop microphone instead
Unless you intend to capitalize on its portability, the JBL Quantum Stream Wireless is not for you. For more general gaming or streaming, consider a standard desktop microphone instead.

You need even more features
More expensive models offer even more expansive feature sets and could be a better pick if you want a more professional recording setup.

Also consider...

If you’re not keen on the JBL Quantum Stream Wireless, you can consider these two top gaming and content-creation microphones instead.

DJI Mic 2  
If you have more to spend and want a similar set of microphones but with two receivers and compatibility with more specialist video equipment, consider the DJI Mic 2. 

For more information, check out our full DJI Mic 2 review

JBL Quantum Stream Studio
JBL also offers a robust option for content creators in the JBL Quantum Stream Studio. It’s not as portable, but it is still simple to use and offers great performance for the price. 

For more information, check out our full JBL Quantum Stream Studio review

The JBL Quantum Stream Wireless mic case open and empty.

(Image credit: Future)

How I tested the JBL Quantum Stream Wireless

  • Tested over a few months
  • Used at various events
  • Tried indoors and outdoors

I tested the JBL Quantum Stream Wireless over a period of roughly five months with an iPhone 15 Plus. During that time I took the microphone to a variety of gaming events and tested it in a wide range of conditions both indoors and outdoors. I was careful to evaluate its performance and test all of the available features in its mobile app.

I compared it to a number of desktop mics such as the Asus ROG Carynx, SteelSeries Alias, SteelSeries Alias Pro, and more.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed October 2024.

Next Page »