iOS 26.4 and iPadOS 26.4 have a new feature for the UK – age verification. The UK’s Office of Communications (Ofcom) recently ordered social networks (Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat), video sharing sites (YouTube, TikTok) and even games (Roblox) to implement age checks in compliance with the Online Safety Act from 2023.
And now Apple has added age verification too. If you use an Apple device in the UK, you will find that certain services and features are restricted in version 26.4. You need to verify that you are 18 or older using a credit card or by scanning your ID. Apple will try to...
Ceiling-mounted access points have been extremely popular since makers like TP-Link began designing them with PoE in mind.
Positioning the TP-Link Omada EAP787 in a range of these devices, it's either at the top or just below it, since the makers do have the EAP783, which is BE20000 rated.
Depending on the region this equipment is deployed, the EAP787 is either a BE12000 or BE15000 capable device with up to channels covering 2.4GHz, 5GHz and 6GHz frequencies. In the USA(BE15000), these bands offer 5765 Mbps on 6 GHz, 8648 Mbps on 5 GHz and 688 Mbps on 2.4 GHz, totalling 15101 Mbps.
In the EU and UK (BE12000), those numbers are 5765 Mbps on 6 GHz, 5765 Mbps on 5 GHz and 688 Mbps on 2.4 GHz, totalling 12218 Mbps. The hardware is identical; it’s just that in the USA, the FCC permits 320 MHz-wide channels on the 5 GHz band, whereas under European regulators (ETSI/Ofcom), the limit is 5 GHz to just 160 MHz wide.
The caveat to having this much bandwidth available is that the EAP787 must use a 10GbE backhaul to connect to the larger network, and potentially the Internet. And that requires a special switch that supports PoE++ 10GbE.
As with most TP-Links Omada hardware, the EAP787 is packed with Enterprise-class technologies that allow it to be remotely configured and controlled, and this AP also has a frequency monitoring technology that detects interference in real-time and enables the hardware to reconfigure automatically.
Given its capabilities, the EAP787 seems implausibly cheap, but it's worth noting that buying these might require larger investments in network infrastructure to make the most of what they can do.
If you have a 10GbE PoE++ switch, then this is probably one of the best access points available. And certainly one of the most affordable.
(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)
TP-Link Omada EAP787: price and availability
How much does it cost? $250/£230/€280
When is it out? Available now
Where can you get it? Available from Amazon and other online retailers.
As with most TP-Link hardware, the EAP787 is available from major online resellers, including Amazon. In the USA, it costs $249.99, and in the UK it's £ 250.
However, I wouldn’t recommend buying it on Amazon unless you only need a single unit. Many resellers who specialise in network equipment offer excellent deals on bulk purchases and bundles that include a 12V power supply or a PoE injector.
The competition comes primarily from another TP-Link design, the EAP783, as well as the Ubiquiti Unifi U7 Pro XGS and U7 Pro Max.
The EAP783 is effectively two EAP787s glued together, offering a massive BE22000 spec, but it lacks the dedicated TF scanning or Bluetooth. It also requires dual 10GbE LAN ports to provide sufficient uplink. The cost of this item is $499.99 on Amazon, which seems appropriate for the bandwidth on offer.
The Ubiquiti U7 Pro XGS costs $299.99 from Amazon, and that’s a BE15000 specification AP (in the USA), and also uses a single 10GbE PoE++ port for power and data.
The Ubiquiti U7-Pro-Max is very similar from a Wi-Fi perspective, having the same BE15000 capability, but bizarrely, the makers have given this model only a single 2.5GbE PoE+ Uplink. It’s only a little cheaper than the Ubiquiti U7 Pro XGS, so I’d avoid that option.
Based on the specifications and cost, the EAP787 seems something of a bargain, but it’s worth considering the extra infrastructure needed to make the best use of this hardware before making an impulse purchase.
8 spatial streams (4x4 on 5GHz, 2x2 on 6GHz, 2x2 on 2.4GHz)
Modulation
4096-QAM (Wi-Fi 7), 1024-QAM, 256-QAM
Channel Width
Up to 320MHz (6GHz), 160/240MHz (5GHz)
Uplink Port
1x 10G/2.5G Ethernet (2.5G with PoE+, 10G with PoE++)
PoE Standard
802.3bt (PoE++) (51.7W max; also supports DC power)
Dedicated RF Scanning
2x2 radio; requires Omada controller v6.0+
AFC Support
Yes, on USA version
MLO Support
Multi-Link Operation across 5GHz + 6GHz
Concurrent Clients
510+ (lab tested)
Coverage Area
Up to 2,050 ft² / 190 m²
Bluetooth
BLE 5.2
Management
Omada SDN (controller required for advanced features); standalone web UI
Mesh Support
Yes (Omada Mesh)
Seamless Roaming
Yes
TP-Link Omada EAP787: design
Large dish design
Ceiling and wall mounting
10GbE PoE++ implications
The EAP787 follows TP-Link's standard Omada ceiling-mount aesthetic of a large circular disc designed for flush ceiling or suspended tile installation. The push-and-rotate mount mechanism makes installation straightforward for IT teams.
Using it with 51.7W PoE++, that’s a significant power draw, and the unit is notably large, which may create challenges in space-constrained or aesthetics-sensitive environments.
It comes with a circular mounting plate with holes for four possible connection options. These include a basic ceiling/wall mount, a 3.5-inch US round junction box, a US gang outlet, and an EU gang outlet.
In a recess on the underside of the EAP787 is the 10GbE PoE++ port, and a 12V input if you wish to power it directly rather than use PoE. A plastic cover is provided for this area, but I’d only use it if you have Ethernet cables terminated with a 90-degree connector, since with it attached, there is no straight path to the port.
Four internal antennas handle the eight Wi-Fi streams, while a separate pair of internal antennas is used for the dedicated RF scanning radio. BLE 5.2 is also built in, enabling future IoT integration and remote out-of-band management possibilities via the Omada app.
(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)
There is a single 10G/2.5G combo Ethernet port, with the operating speed determined solely by the PoE class provided by the upstream switch. As an alternative, there is a 12V power input, but the PSU for this isn’t included in the box. And TP-Link also makes PoE++ injectors if you want to avoid a PoE++ switch but already have 10GbE networking.
Being generous, this is an elegant design that lets buyers enter at PoE+ and upgrade later. But it’s also worth noting that to get the most from this design requires a 10GbE PoE++ switch, and something like the TP-Link TL-SX3206HPP with four ports of 10GbE PoE++ is likely to cost you £500, substantially more than the EAP787.
For a larger deployment, the 24-port TP-Link SX3832MPP is likely to cost you £1,619.95, though this does have eight 10GbE SFP+ ports to handle the network backbone.
The relatively low price of this Access Point is a lure to get on board the Omada train, as to get all the best features and easiest control requires at least an Omada controller and probably an Omada switch.
(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)
Design score: 4/5
TP-Link Omada EAP787: In use
Omada control
AFC only on US version
For those unfamiliar with the Omada ecosystem, all TP-Link’s Omada-branded equipment follows the same pattern: it can be used in standalone web-interface mode or via an Omada controller. The controller can be either a hardware controller at additional cost, or a software one configured on a system that remains operationally 24/7.
For an IT professional with lots of TP-Link gear managed by Omada controllers, it makes for an easy life, as the system can be managed globally, including over different sites through a single web-based interface.
Luckily for this review, I already have an Omada controller and a number of Omada access points, so adding this one to the gang is merely a matter of plugging it in and then going to the Omada controller app to adopt it. Once joined to the system, the controller will monitor the EAP787, and automatically deploy the pre-defined SSIDs associated with the network.
That saves me some time, but if I were deploying a dozen of these or other Omada hardware across multiple locations, it could save a substantial amount of effort. It’s also incredibly useful for making sweeping changes and collecting data that might justify buying more (or less) equipment to better meet the demands placed on the network.
Some will argue that TP-Link are attempting to lock you into their hardware, and to a degree, that’s an accurate analysis, but most networking hardware makers do much the same thing, and hardware uniformity makes for greater predictability.
Like all the TP-Link Omada equipment I’ve recently tested, the EAP787 was immediately recognised by the Omada controller and began working alongside the others within minutes.
One special feature I’ve not seen previously, but on the EAP787 is dedicated RF scanning. This is an independent monitoring of the usable spectrum for interference without disrupting client traffic. To leverage this continuous adaptation, the Omada controller v6.0 or higher is required, but it is arguably the device's most compelling enterprise capability.
If there is a blot on this wonderfully cultured Omada landscape, it’s AFC on the EAP787.
Or rather, there is no AFC on the BE12000 model. That's a limitation of the European standards for 6GHz, According to TP-Link, "AFC is required only when you use 6GHz outdoor devices, and need to switch between SP (Standard Power) and LP (Lower Power) mode. 6GHz is only allowed to be used for indoor with LPI (Lower Power Indoor) in UK, and does not require AFC support. Ofcom has decided to allow the use of SP and LP mode for 6GHz for outdoor recently, but there is no official approved AFC agency in UK yet." AFC, or Automated Frequency Coordination, allows the 6GHz radio to transmit at higher power levels, substantially improving range. That’s important because 5765 Mbps of the available bandwidth is allocated to 6GHz. Checking with Ofcom, I discovered that the intention is to enable an Automated Frequency Coordination (AFC) system in the 5925 – 7125 MHz band (the 6 GHz band) and conditions to enable Standard Power Wi-Fi deployments under the control of that system. At this time, that's a proposal under consultation, so there is no timeline for it to become an accepted standard.
(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)
In Use: 4/5
TP-Link Omada EAP787: performance
EU performance reduction on 5GHz
Performance testing on this hardware is slightly coloured at this point, partly because, depending on what region you are in, there is a different bandwidth topology, and also because AFC isn’t available in the UK/EU model.
The EAP787 uses the same Qualcomm chipset family as its EAP783 brother, though its 5GHz radio is specified at an even higher rate of 8648 Mbps vs the EAP783's 5760 Mbps, suggesting the 5GHz radio has been significantly upgraded.
However, no single client can access that much bandwidth, and in Europe, the 5GHz band is limited to 5760 Mbps anyway.
What’s true wherever the EAP787 is deployed is that the 10GbE port can sustain over 9 Gbps, assuming the wirelessly connected clients are pulling or pushing that much data. As this AP can support more than 500 users simultaneously, that should be possible.
While it’s difficult to put hard numbers on its effectiveness, the dedicated RF scanning radio operates independently from the three data radios, meaning real-time interference monitoring does not tax Wi-Fi throughput. This is a notable advantage in high-density or congested RF environments such as convention centres, hospitals, and lecture halls.
In my testing with a suitably Wi-Fi 7-capable laptop, connection speeds of 1.2 Gbps are standard when near the AP, and even at range, 720 Mbps was sustained. The only caveat to that level of performance is that the first ten people will wonder what happened to their amazing connection when more people turn up.
Performance score: 4/5
(Image credit: TP-Link)
TP-Link Omada EAP787: Final verdict
When the wireless network is expanded with devices like the EAP787, then it's likely that other parts will need upgrading to make use of what it delivers. As I mentioned earlier, making the best use of this gear requires infrastructure changes, but new switches and Omada controllers might just be the tip of a considerable iceberg.
Because the majority of Wi-Fi access won’t be for internal systems, but the greater internet, and having a wireless network with access points that can shift up to 15000Mbps, won’t work if you only have 1GbE broadband at the end of that 10GbE infrastructure.
If you choose to embrace the EAP787 or its EAP783 bigger brother, or any of the UniFi U7 Pro equipment, then budget for a wider broadband pipe at the same time.
This hardware is designed for large enterprises and high-density venues, such as convention centres, lecture halls, or hospitals, with 100+ simultaneous clients per AP, where dedicated RF scanning and high client capacity matter.
It fits better with 10GbE infrastructure, since connecting it by 2.5GbE effectively negates the point of this AP, leaving you paying a premium for 2.5G performance available more cheaply elsewhere.
The Omada ecosystems, with their seamless controller integration, no licensing fees, and consistent Omada management, make it a natural upgrade path from earlier EAP models.
I would avoid using the EAP787 in small offices or homes, where a simpler EAP773 or EAP783 suffices. Those environments without 10GbE switching, or where anyone who needs an AP can deploy standalone without a controller and access all features.
This is plenty of AP for a modest price, and those who choose this equipment must accept that it could easily lead to significant additional investment.
Should I buy a TP-Link Omada EAP787?
TP-Link EAP787 Score Card
Attributes
Notes
Rating
Value
Aggressively priced for the specification of this device
4/5
Design
A simple dish with all the clever stuff inside
4/5
In Use
Works with Omada management, making it easy to configure
4/5
Performance
EU performance is restricted, but US bandwidth is epic
4/5
Overall
Better in the US than the EU, but be mindful of the switch you need with this
4.5/5
Buy it if...
You want Wi-Fi 7 While there is better Wi-Fi 7 hardware available, most of it costs much more than this. However, you may find that those clients who are using Wi-Fi 5 or 6 equipment get less of an uplift than expected.
You want central management TP-Link has created a highly organised management system for its Omada-branded equipment, and that includes this access point. For a small IT covering a large facility, the ability to monitor and adjust hardware remotely is a huge cost-saving.
Don't buy it if...
You don’t have Wi-Fi 7 clients Without the right hardware on the client end, there is little point in going with a Wi-Fi 7 access point. And, you might be able to get more bandwidth on 2.4GHz and 5GHz, by spending the same money on a Wi-Fi 6 or 6e access point.
You don’t use 10GbE To make the best use of this equipment, it requires 10GbE and PoE++. Without those things, there is little point in deploying the EAP787.
Let’s be clear from the start. For everyday listening, the Huawei FreeBuds Pro 5 are the best earbuds you can get without spending significantly more. They tick every box, deliver across the board and make a compelling case that there’s life beyond Apple for those who have been reluctant to shop around.
They’re the fifth generation of Huawei’s FreeBuds Pro line, which has been around since 2020 and we’ve always rated them well. In fact, I tested the FreeBuds Pro 2 back in 2022. The FreeBuds Pro 4 landed in November 2024 and scored four stars in our review. They were strong but not quite there. The Pro 5 are different and good enough to go head-to-head with the best at this level, including the Apple AirPods Pro 3.
The FreeBuds Pro 5 look and feel more premium than their price suggests, and so does the charging case. They’re smaller and lighter than the Pro 4 at 5.5g per bud, which is noticeable. Build quality is excellent, the stems have a high-shine finish and the case has a satiny coating that feels upscale.
Most importantly, the design translates into a supremely comfortable wear. As someone with small, particular ears who put these through gym sessions, runs and full working days, I can tell you the fit is impressive.
The feature set is extensive. There’s smooth multipoint connectivity, customisable gesture controls that are responsive and the Huawei Audio Connect app is one of my favourites at this level. Battery life reaches around 8.5 hours with ANC off and nearly 6 with it on, with 38 hours total from the case. That’s not as good as rivals for ANC listening time, but the amount of power the case holds is great.
ANC is one of the headline upgrades here. The FreeBuds Pro 5 use a dual-driver system and they work together as noise-cancelling engines, paired with an AI sensing model. In practice, it’s close to silence but without that airless, pressurized quality that heavy ANC can sometimes produce. Call quality benefits from the same tech, I found it to be clear and natural, even in busy environments.
Then there’s sound, which is very good indeed. The dual-driver acoustic system delivers a wide, rich soundstage with strong low-end response, excellent instrument separation and detail that holds up across genres, from driving rock to expansive orchestral soundtracks. I think you’d have to spend significantly more or go wired to do meaningfully better.
Our audio editor Becky Scarrott called these “hands-down Huawei’s best buds yet” after five days of early testing at launch. After several weeks with them, I wholeheartedly agree. They earn their five stars because they’re excellent value, genuinely well-made and perform at a level that earbuds costing more would be proud of.
Now, are they perfect? Not quite. Lossless audio requires a Huawei device, which many don’t have. The design is fractionally chunkier than some rivals at this price too and you don't get foam tips in the box like you did with the Pro 4. But if those are the only cons (and they are), they’re doing well. I’d bet none of these would register on the radar of most everyday listeners.
That’s precisely who I think these buds are for. Not the audiophile chasing the absolutely best sound or the dedicated athlete who needs purpose built workout buds. But the everyday listener who wants the best all-rounders. They've got wide appeal, strong value and no meaningful ecosystem restrictions.
Huawei FreeBuds Pro 5 review: Price and release date
(Image credit: Future)
Released globally in February 2026
Sells for £179.99 in the UK
No price hike from past models
The Huawei FreeBuds Pro 5 were released in February 2026 in many markets across the UK, Europe and Asia. Though there are still ongoing trade restrictions between Huawei and the US.
The buds cost £179.99 in the UK. But it's worth noting that, at the time of writing, the official Huawei website is offering a £30 off coupon for the FreeBuds Pro 5. This may not last long, but it makes an already great value pair of buds even easier to recommend.
Whether you find them for £179.99 or get the £149.99 deal, they're a good price for earbuds designed to compete with high-end rivals.
Let's put that into context. The latest AirPods Pro cost $249 / £219 / AU$429. So they're undercutting those while being a very solid alternative, particularly for Android users. Similarly, the Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro, which are going to be seen as the top AirPods Pro alternative for Androids users, sell for $249 / £219 / AU$399.
They're pricier than some of our favorite mid-range picks, like the Cambridge Audio Melomania A100 at $149 / £119 and the Nothing Ear (a) at $99 / £99. But I'd say they're positioned as a step above both of those options, so that would make sense here.
Huawei FreeBuds Pro 5 review: Specs
Drivers
11mm dynamic woofer and micro-planar tweeter
Active noise cancellation
Yes
Battery life (ANC off)
9 hours buds, 38 hours case
Weight
5.5g per bud, 43g case
Connectivity
Bluetooth 6
Frequency response
10 Hz to 48 kHz
Waterproofing
IP57 buds, IP54 case
Huawei FreeBuds Pro 5 review: Features
(Image credit: Future)
9/38-hour battery life, less with ANC or features
Plenty of useful features in the easy-to-use app
Fantastic ANC
The FreeBuds Pro 5 are packed with features, and almost all of them live inside the Huawei Audio Connect app, which is one of the cleanest companion apps I’ve tested. Everything is easy to find and nothing is buried in sub-menus.
Huawei claims the FreeBuds Pro 5 are the world’s first dual-driver ANC earbuds, meaning both the dynamic driver and the micro planar diaphragm unit work together to tackle noise. The low-frequency driver targeting rumble and bass-heavy interference, the high-frequency driver handling sharper sounds. This hardware is then paired with a real-time AI sensing model that samples ambient noise 400,000 times per second (yes, you read that right!), which means it’s continuously adapting to whatever environment you’re in.
In practice, it’s incredibly effective. I tried them in all sorts of environments and low rumbles, like traffic, air conditioning, the hum of a commute, are all handled incredibly well. The overall effect is close to silence without tipping into the slightly pressurized, airless quality some ANC can produce. I know some people do prefer that, but what Huawei does here is my preference. There’s also a good passive isolation baseline here thanks to the secure fit.
There are four ANC models to pick. Dual-Engine, which adapts automatically to your surroundings. Cozy, which is for quieter environments. General for everyday noise and Ultra for loud environments. With Ultra you might notice more of a pressure sensation, which is worth knowing if you’re sensitive to that feeling, but it does do a good job at eliminating almost all ambient sound.
There’s a good Awareness mode here, which has a bunch of options within it. Standard, Voice Awareness, which filters in voices while suppressing other noises, and Adaptive Awareness, which adjusts dynamically.
Conversation Awareness is also on board. When you start speaking, the buds automatically switch from ANC to Awareness mode and lower the volume, then gradually fade back after around ten seconds once you stop. I found I could hold a natural conversation without touching the buds at all, and the transition back was gradual and smooth rather than jarring. Sony’s Speak to Chat works similarly.
The FreeBuds Pro 5 move up to Bluetooth 6.0 from the Pro 4’s 5.2, and multipoint pairing of two devices is supported. Switching between my laptop and phone during testing was smooth with no lag. There’s also Find My Earbuds, which emits a round from whichever bud you’ve lost. I used it several times when one slipped under my desk, it’s one of those features you’ll be more grateful for than you’d expect.
A new internal antenna promises a 38% improvement in Bluetooth range alongside better interference rejection. I had no dropouts during testing across gym sessions and on the move.
(Image credit: Future)
On the codec side, iPhone users get AAC, Android users get LDAC and Huawei devices get access to lossless audio via L2HC 4.0 at 2.3Mbps. So that lossless tier is firmly Huawei ecosystem only. For the rest of us though, LDAC and AAC are still solid options and the good news is very few other features here are gated behind a Huawei device.
Control across the stems are tap, pinch and swipe, which is a good range for buds. You can customize these in the app and I really liked that they registered with a satisfying, audible little click. Head gesture controls let you answer or reject calls with a nod or a shake, which worked well most of the time. Wear detection pauses playback when you remove a single bud, and you can listen with ANC active in just one earbud, which I liked. There’s also a low-latency mode here for gamers.
Huawei says the FreeBuds Pro 5 last 9 hours with ANC off and around 6 hours with it on, with 38 hours in total from the charging case. During testing, I got just over 8.5 hours with ANC off at 50% volume. I then got nearly 6 hours with ANC on. So that’s close to the claimed figure, though it is worth bearing in mind that these real-world results with ANC active do tend to vary based on environment and mode – I had the Dual-engine setting on for testing.
For context, the AirPods Pro 3 offer 8 hours with ANC on and 10 hours with it off, with 24 hours in total from the case. The Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro come in at 6 hours with ANC on and 7 hours with it off, and 30 hours from the case.
So the FreeBuds Pro 5 don’t beat those figures, but do hold up fairly well. Though the case’s 38 hour total is an advantage over the AirPods. Worth knowing if you travel a lot and know you may have to rely solely on the case for a few days.
One final point worth making when it comes to the battery is that thanks to the solid fit and passive isolation, you won’t always need ANC. I found that for lower noise environments, running on ANC off really extended my listening time without a sacrifice.
Features score: 4.5/5
Huawei FreeBuds Pro 5 review: Design
(Image credit: Future)
Design is smaller, lighter and more comfortable than ever
IP57-rated buds make them genuinely workout-friendly
Lovely case with strong magnets and a handy ring light
The FreeBuds Pro 5 are a clear evolution of the Pro line, and that’s a good thing. As long as you’re on board with stems. They work particularly well for smaller ears and make gesture controls far more reliable than tap-based alternatives. That said, stem-free designs might suit some ear shapes better, so this is a subjective thing.
Huawei says the FreeBuds Pro 5 are 10% smaller and 6% lighter than previous buds and at 5.5g per bud, you can feel it. I do think they’re a fraction chunkier than say the AirPods Pro 3 and a few rivals at this level, but once they’re in the comfort level is genuinely impressive.
I wore them for around three hours straight one morning and for a further four in the afternoon without any ache or fatigue, and this is coming from someone with smaller ears who can be sensitive to heavier buds.
(Image credit: Future)
Huawei says it used more than 10,000 ear profiles to inform the fit here, and it shows. Four silicone tip sizes are included,and I found the medium worked well for me, despite usually needing to reach for the smallest pair.
The one minor gripe here on comfort is the absence of foam tips, which have come with some previous FreeBuds Pro models and are still mentioned in the app, which suggests they may arrive later. Most people seem to prefer silicone anyway, but foam can add passive isolation and a slightly more immersive ANC effect. Though this omission isn’t a dealbreaker by any means.
The stems themselves have shifted from rectangular to a flat oval profile, with a high-shine front panel and metallic detailing round the edges that reads as genuinely premium. I tested the sand/gold shade, which adds to the premium feel, though white, silver and a blue option with a vegan leather case are also available too.
(Image credit: Future)
The new IP57 rating on the buds is a real highlight. That covers sweat, splashes and brief submersion, making them as workout-friendly as an everyday pair of buds gets. I took them out on several runs and to the gym throughout testing and they stayed secure throughout.
The charging case is nicely designed too. At 43g it’s light and pocket-friendly with a smooth, rounded shape and soft film coating that feels premium when you gold it. Strong magnets snap it shut and a hidden hinge keeps the lines clean.
On the front, the halo ring light glows in different colors to indicate battery and pairing status, which is both practical and a nice-looking design touch. The case is IP54-rated now as well, offering solid splash and rain resistance.
All in all, there’s very little to fault where design is concerned. If you want stems, these are among the best-looking and best-built options at this price.
Design score: 5/5
Huawei FreeBuds Pro 5 review: Sound quality
(Image credit: Future)
New dual-driver acoustic system.
Dynamic and energetic sound
Huawei phone needed for lossless audio
The big hardware news for the FreeBuds Pro 5 is a new dual-driver acoustic system, combining a low-frequency dynamic driver with a high-frequency micro planar diaphragm driver.
The low-end response is strong and present from the get-go, with the buds leaning into bass-forward tuning that feels deliberate and punchy. There’s also a bass boosting mode available if you want to push that even further. Impressively, even with that boost applied, the low-end stays controlled. No muddiness or bloat, just a lot of energy and power.
Crucially, they’re not bass-heavy though, a lot of detail survives alongside it. That dual-driver setup handles separation well across the whole frequency range, which keeps mids and highs really clean even when the low-end is doing a lot of work. So the overall character is dynamic and energetic, nothing feels lost in the mix here.
Listening to Queens of the Stone Age’s No One Knows, that dynamic quality is front and centre. Josh Homme’s vocals have a real presence, they’re bright and cutting, but the guitars still drive hard underneath without crowding them out of the picture. Instrument separation is confident here too, and there’s this pleasing sense that the track is opening up at higher volumes rather than compressing. It’s the kind of rock mix that rewards earbuds with genuine low-end grunt, and the FreeBuds Pro 5 deliver that in spades.
But I also loved listening to anything orchestral with them too. Hans Zimmer’s Dune soundtrack is a demanding test, spanning whispered, layered vocals, sweeping strings, dark percussion and heaps of bass, and the Freebuds Pro 5 handle it without flinching.
The Bene Gesserit chants land with an appropriately unsettling, layered depth, while Ripples in the Sand opens into a wide, rich soundstage where every element holds its place. Strings, percussion, and those haunting high vocals all occupy their place in the mix. The soundstage here is genuinely impressive for earbuds at this price, with no detectable distortion even pushed to higher volumes.
(Image credit: Future)
All of the above was tested on default settings, but there’s plenty of room to customize the sound. Eight EQ presets are available, each developed in partnership with the Beijing Central Conservatory of Music. Balanced is the default, which is the most accurate and natural-sounding. That’s the one I kept returning to despite trying and enjoying many of the rest.
Voice brightens things up for vocals. Classical adds a concert hall quality that worked particularly well with those big movie soundtracks, and Bass does exactly what it promises. There are also some purpose built presets for movies, podcasts and games. If none of these work for you, there’s also a 10-band custom EQ that gives you full control.
Spatial Audio with head-tracking is also on-board here and it doesn’t require Dolby Atmos tracks, it works with whatever you’re playing. It’s not usually my preference for music, but paired with the movie preset it added a genuinely immersive quality to films and TV. Worth knowing too that you don’t need a Huawei device to access it.
Call quality is also worth noting here. In a quiet space it’s clean and natural. In a busy market with chatter, loud sounds and low-level rumbling of vans and traffic nearby, some background noise crept in. But my voice remained clear and isolated, which I still found impressive given the conditions. Wind interference caused some wobble on a really blustery day, though I was still perfectly audible. As a serial voice note leaver, these passed that test too.
Between the new hardware, tuning options and the spatial audio, the FreeBuds Pro 5 make a strong case across almost any genre or use case you throw at them.
Sound quality: 4.5/5
Huawei FreeBuds Pro 5 review: Value
(Image credit: Future)
Great value for money
Undercuts rivals
Already promotions on the official Huawei website
It's a bold claim, but I think the FreeBuds Pro 5 are the strongest all-round option at this price right now for everyday listening.
If you have a very specific priority, such as dedicated workout buds or audiophile-grade lossless sound, you may find better value elsewhere. And if you're one of the few people who think the weaknesses are dealbreakers, like no Huawei phone for lossless audio or a preference for tiny, stemless designs, then it's worth factoring that in.
But everyone else who wants great sound, strong ANC and a comfortable, premium-feeling design with all the essential features, then these deliver a lot.
They're even easier to recommend because they're priced lower than most of their rivals at launch. In fact, Huawei is already offering a discount code on them at the time of writing if you head to their official site, which makes them even harder to argue with on value. Can I give them 5.5 stars out of 5 for this section? No? Fine.
Value: 5/5
Should I buy the Huawei FreeBuds Pro 5?
Huawei FreeBuds Pro 5 score card
Attributes
Notes
Rating
Features
An excellent suite of features, upgraded driver system and lovely app. Battery life with ANC playback is good but is bested by high-end rivals.
4.5/5
Design
Smaller and lighter than predecessors. They fit very well, look more premium than they should and gestures work are nice with that stem.
5/5
Sound quality
They sound great, call quality is improved and there's a lot of customisation. You only get lossless with Huawei phones, though.
4.5/5
Value
Everything you need is here at a price that undercuts most rivals.
5/5
Buy them if…
You want an AirPods Pro alternative Maybe you’re on Android, want a cheaper option or just don’t gel with the sound signature of the AirPods. Whatever the reason for wanting to ditch Apple, these are a solid alternative pick.
You want all-rounders for everyday listening If you really care about audio, workouts or ANC you can find high-end options that specialize in those things, sure. But for an everyday listening experience that ticks all of the boxes, they’re really hard to beat.View Deal
You want premium sound, looks and build at a good price They really do look, feel and sound more premium than they should. And while we wouldn’t describe them as affordable, they’re certainly excellent value for the price. View Deal
Don’t buy them if…
You don’t like the stem design They have long stems, there’s no getting away from it. Some people love how they look, fit and work with gestures. But if you’re not a fan, you might prefer a more compact look, like the Technics EAH-AZ100.
You want lossless If you have a Huawei phone these are a no-brainer, have at it. If you don’t and you’d really like lossless sound, you won’t find it here. Try the Cambridge Audio Melomania A100 instead.
You already own the FreeBuds Pro 4 There are upgrades here, so if only the best ANC, transparency and calls are a priority for you, it’s worth it. For everyone else, you shouldn’t rush to upgrade.
Huawei FreeBuds Pro 5 review: Also consider
Huawei FreeBuds Pro 5
Apple AirPods Pro 3
Technics EAH-AZ100
Drivers
11mm dynamic woofer and micro-planar tweeter
'Custom high-excursion' Apple driver
10mm free-edge dynamic
Active noise cancellation
Yes
Yes
Yes
Battery life (ANC on)
6 hours (buds) 25 hours (case)
8 hours (buds) 24 hours (case)
10 hours (buds) 28 hours (case)
Weight
5.5g (buds) 43g (case)
5.6g (buds) 44g (case)
5.9g (buds) 42g (case)
Connectivity
Bluetooth 6
Bluetooth 5.3
Bluetooth 5.3
Waterproofing
IP57
IP57
IPX4
AirPods Pro 3 The Freebuds Pro 5 give them a run for their money. But Apple's AirPods Pro are still some of the best wireless earbuds for iPhone owners, with great ANC, unique features and slightly better battery life with ANC playback. Read our full AirPods Pro 3 review
Technics EAH-AZ100 Not many earbuds will beat the FreeBuds Pro 5 for sound, but these Technics are the best. They also don't have a stem-like design, which some of you may prefer. Though they are considerably more expensive. Read our fullTechnics EAH-AZ100 review
How I tested the Huawei FreeBuds Pro 5
Tested for three weeks
Tested at home, on walks, on public transport in a city, working in a cafe and a co-working space, while running and at the gym
I tested the Huawei FreeBuds Pro 5 for just over three weeks to write this review. I mostly had them paired with an iPhone 16 Pro, but I also used them with a MacBook Pro.
I used a range of different music and film apps to test the buds. They played music from Spotify, Qobuz and tunes from internal storage, as well as videos from YouTube, Prime Video and Mubi.
I’ve tested many headphones and earbuds over the past 13 years as a tech journalist. Including devices from top audio brands, like Bose, Sony, Sennheiser, as well as cheaper buds from the likes of JLab, Nothing, Skullcandy and more. I’m interested in tech that prioritises comfort and ease of use.
Philips 4000 Series Stacked Dual Basket Air Fryer: 30-second review
The Philips 4000 Series Stacked Dual Basket Air Fryer is an accomplished, premium air fryer which provides solid cooking performance in a space-saving design.
It finds itself in a currently small sub-market of air fryers, with only a handful of rivals also offering the dual-stack baskets on offer here. The leader, and our current best air fryer, is the similarly priced Ninja Double Stack XL.
Both of these models offer a large cooking capacity (across two baskets), without the wider footprint you get with the traditional, side-by-side baskets design.
(Image credit: Future)
The Philips beats the Ninja in a couple of key ways. First up, its baskets have windows and a light, allowing you to keep an eye on the food you’re cooking without having to open the basket to check.
Secondly, the controls on the Philips 4000 Series are easier to see, and more intuitive to use, taking the hassle out of working out functions, temperatures and cooking times.
What’s not quite as good though are the quick start instructions when you take the air fryer out of the box for the first time, and the full manual is only accessible via a smartphone app.
(Image credit: Future)
It’s also only available in one colorway; black and gold. It’s a bold choice and it does look smart — although it won’t be to everyone’s taste, nor will it sit as well in traditionally-styled kitchens.
Cooking performance is solid though, and it was able to handle the various meat, vegetables and sweet treats I threw at it.
For those looking for a stylish, statement air fryer that also delivers versatility and practicality, and are willing to pay a bit more for the privilege, I would recommend the Philips 4000 Series.
Philips 4000 Series Stacked Dual Basket Air Fryer: price and availability
£269.99 / AU$449 list price makes it one of the most expensive air fryers
But it’s regularly discounted by around £100 / AU$100
Available in the UK and Australia, but not in the US
With a list price of £269.99 / AU$449 (about $360), the Philips 4000 Series Dual Stack is one of the most expensive air fryers on the market, but do keep an eye out for discounts.
I've seen it reduced to £169.99 at Amazon UK, Currys and John Lewis in the past, and AU$349 at Amazon Australia, making this double drawer air fryer a far more tempting proposition for families looking for a large capacity cooker.
That’s the same list price as the excellent Ninja Double Stack XL which we gave five stars to, but considerably more expensive than the £149.99 Tower Vortx XL Dual Stack.
This model is available in Europe and Australia, but is not on sale in the US.
Value score: 4/5
Philips 4000 Series Stacked Dual Basket Air Fryer: specifications
Review Model
NA462/79
Number of baskets
2
Number of cooking programs
6
Cooking programs
Frozen potato based snacks, steak, fish, vegetables, chicken, reheat
Extra functions
Shake reminder
Smart control
No
Wattage
2750W
Capacity
10L
Temperature range
40-200 degrees C
Time range
1-60 minutes
Dimensions (H x W x D)
15.7 x 9 x 18.5 inches / 40 x 23 x 47cm
Dishwasher-safe
Yes
Weight
20lbs / 9.1kg
Philips 4000 Series Stacked Dual Basket Air Fryer: design
The Philips 4000 Series Stacked Dual Basket brings a premium black and gold aesthetic to challenge Ninja’s market-leading air fryer. It’s a striking look, and one that might divide opinion. It’ll look great in a modern kitchen that uses one of the two colors. With my white countertops and blue cabinets, it certainly stands out on the work surface. The glossy, reflective front of the fryer is also a bit of a dust- and fingerprint-magnet, and needs regular wiping to keep it looking fresh.
I was pleased to see both 5L baskets and their base plates were dishwasher safe, making cleaning up after cooking much easier (although the handles of the baskets do collect water). A damp cloth is all that’s needed for the exterior of the machine, and a soft brush to gently clean the heating element.
FutureFutureFuture
Another nice touch, and something the Ninja doesn’t provide, is a cooking window on each basket, and an interior light, allowing you to keep an eye on the food inside. I much prefer air fryers with windows, as it helps me gauge when I need to shake or turn food.
It’s especially useful to see what’s going on without opening the baskets and pausing the cooking when you're first getting used to new air fryer, and starting to understand cooking times. It’s not an exact science and each air fryer is different, so the windows are a great visual aid.
There aren’t any accessories included in the box, unlike the Ninja Double Stack, which comes with a pair of stainless steel racks, doubling the usable space in its baskets.
You’ll want to be mindful of what food you’re cooking too, as both baskets have holes on their rear wall for air circulation. That means anything particularly wet could ooze out of the back and into the machine.
FutureFuture
What didn’t impress was the setup instructions, or lack thereof. You get an IKEA-style, printed pictorial guide in the box that covers the absolute bare minimum, but stops short of providing any explanations, details or cooking tips. Even IKEA instructions are better than these.
For the full details you are forced to download Philips’ free HomeID app, where you can register your air fryer and then access the full manual, along with cooking guides and recipes. The tips and tricks articles, along with the recipes are nicely presented and easy to follow.
It’s disappointing the same care hasn’t been given to the manual, which is just a PDF file requiring much scrolling and zooming on a phone to be able to read it. A printed copy would be far more useful, or even a digitized version with page-turning and a search feature.
(Image credit: Future)
A quirk of this particular air fryer design sees the air exhaust located on the left of the appliance, and you are warned not to position this side of the air fryer within six inches / 15cm of a wall to prevent overheating, or close to any food products. You’ll need to have a quick think about where you’ll be placing the Philips 4000 Series before committing to the purchase.
Thankfully, once plugged in the air fryer is easy to use. The touch-sensitive controls come to life with rear illumination on the large, glossy black section above the baskets. The layout and labelling are clear, making for an intuitive experience — unlike some air fryers I’ve used where the buttons aren’t always so self explanatory.
Design score: 4.5/5
Philips 4000 Series Stacked Dual Basket Air Fryer: performance
Sync and copy functions make using both baskets together easier
Six preset cooking programs, but temperature and time can easily be adjusted
The Philips 4000 Series Stacked Dual Basket Air Fryer does well to provide a premium cooking experience.
You get six preset modes — frozen potato-based snacks, steak, fish, vegetables, chicken, and reheat — which give you a set time and temperature. You can fine tune these, and you'll probably find yourself adjusting these the more you use the air fryer and get an understanding of how long, and at what temperature, different foods require.
Copy and sync are both handy functions. Copy allows you to match the temperature and time settings for one basket, to the other. This saves you having to go through the setup process a second time, and it’s a handy time-saver if you’re cooking an extra large portion of fries for the whole family.
FutureFutureFutureFuture
Sync is my personal favorite though, allowing me to set each basket to a different duration and temperature, but have them both finish at the same time. It’s easy to set up, and works very well.
There’s a shake reminder too, which has the machine beep during through cooking to have you slide out a basket and give the contents a toss to ensure even frying. For longer cook times, you’ll get multiple shake reminders. You can turn off this reminder though, which is useful when you’re using the air fryer for baking.
Another nice touch is the fact Philips says you don’t need to preheat the air fryer, meaning you can toss food into the baskets right away and get cooking.
FutureFuture
Using the frozen potato-based snacks program, I loaded a basket with 18oz / 500g and set it going, at 390 Fahrenheit / 200 Celsius for 26 minutes. I was prompted to shake the basket twice, with 13 and seven minutes remaining.
The fries cooked well enough, with a crispy exterior and fluffy middle, but they didn’t brown as much as I’d like. Adding a few more minutes to the cooking time will get you a darker color and crispier finish.
I also tried cooking fresh fries in the air fryer. The manual (accessible via the app) suggests chopping potatoes into fries and then soaking them in water for 10 minutes. Once I had gently patted the excess water from the fries I added a splash of oil and popped them into the basket.
FutureFuture
Results were similar to the frozen fries — they could have done with a few more minutes to gain color and extra crispiness, but they cooked well overall.
I was impressed with the baking prowess of the Philips 4000 Series as I used both baskets to cook chocolate muffins and a blueberry loaf simultaneously. Both bakes rose nicely, and produced a bouncy sponge.
Similarly to the fries, the muffins stayed quite light in color, as they missed the darkening you’d get in a conventional oven.
I put the dual-basket setup to the test once again when I cooked sausages and vegetables, which needed different cook durations. Thankfully, the time sync feature worked well here, with both baskets completing cooking at the same time, allowing me to focus on the mash and gravy.
FutureFuture
The sausages were evenly cooked, while the broccoli had a delightful crunch to it. I par-boiled the carrots for a few minutes before adding them to the basket with the broccoli, to allow them to cook at the same rate.
A quick word of warning, the top of the Philips 4000 Series gets the warmest while cooking, and I measured temperatures of over 140 Fahrenheit / 60 Celsius during operation. Make sure you don’t leave anything sitting on top of the air fryer, and for those of you who have low-hanging wall units in your kitchen, be mindful of having enough space between them and the top of this air fryer.
Performance score: 4.5/5
Should you buy the Philips 4000 Series Stacked Dual Basket Air Fryer?
Philips 4000 Series Stacked Dual Basket Air Fryer report card
Attribute
Notes
Rating
Value
It’s one of the most expensive on the market, but you get a premium air fryer with a space-saving design and slick looks.
4/5
Design
This is an air fryer that makes a statement and looks the part on the counter top. Plus, its stacked baskets means it takes up less valuable prep space.
4.5/5
Performance
Performance across cooking programs is solid, though you will need to experiment to get optimal results for some foods.
4.5/5
Buy it if
You want capacity, but don’t have much workspace
The clever stacked design of this Philips 4000 Series air fryer means it takes up less counter space than most of its rivals, leaving you more room for prep and plating.
You want a stylish air fryer
The Philips 4000 Series has a bold design. The black and gold finish might not be to everyone’s taste, but it makes a statement and looks good on the countertop..
You want to keep an eye on your food
I love the basket windows and lights here, as they let you keep track of how your food is getting on without interrupting the process by pulling out a basket.
Don’t buy it if
You want to cook large items
While the overall capacity of the Philips 4000 Series Stacked Dual Basket Air Fryer is 10L, it’s split into two 5L baskets. That makes it great for cooking two different foods simultaneously, but you’re not fitting a whole chicken or a pizza into this air fryer.View Deal
You’re after an affordable air fryer
This is one of the most expensive air fryers on the market, and while it has the premium looks and clever stacked design, its cooking performance isn’t light years ahead of more affordable models.View Deal
You prefer paper manuals
The fact the bundled quick start guide is a poorly implemented IKEA knock-off doesn’t get things off to a great start, with a phone app required to access the full manual.View Deal
Philips 4000 Series Stacked Dual Basket Air Fryer: also consider
Ninja Double Stack XL
While the Ninja doesn’t have basket windows, its sleek matt design, additional Max Crisp feature, and bundled cooking racks to increase cooking surface in the baskets means it’s still the best stacked air fryer around.
If you like the idea of two baskets and have the counter space for a side-by-side design, this Russell Hobbs air fryer outperforms more expensive premium competitors with ease.
How I tested the Philips 4000 Series Stacked Dual Basket Air Fryer
I used the Philips 4000 Series for two weeks at home in my kitchen
I cooked a wide variety of food with it, including fries, cakes, vegetables and meat
I tested the different cooking functions, and the cleaning process
I spent two weeks using the Philips 4000 Series at home to cook a variety of food. I tried out the preset programs, and also freestyle the settings from time to time.
I air fried meat, baked cakes, and roasted vegetables during my testing, and used a temperature probe to record how hot the exterior of the machine got during use. I evaluated how each food item cooked in the two baskets, and assessed how the finished results were to eat.
Russell Hobbs Everyday Espresso Machine: one-minute review
The Russell Hobbs Everyday Espresso Machine is an entry-level coffee maker with an unusual twist: in addition to a regular portafilter for ground coffee, it comes with a holder for Nespresso Original style coffee capsules. A handy option if you’re making the switch from pods to fresh beans, or sharing a kitchen with someone who prefers a different brewing method.
It’s very cheap too, with a list price of just £149.99 / AU$189.95 (about $200). For comparison, my two top-rated budget coffee makers, the De’Longhi Dedica Duo, and Philips Baristina, are $299.95 / £279.99 (about AU$600) and $449.99 / £299.99 / AU$599. respectively.
At that price it’s no surprise that the Everyday Espresso Machine is made almost entirely from plastic, but it still looks smart on your kitchen counter with its silver and matt black finish, and guests won’t guess how little you spent.
The budget price is reflected in the accessories though, which are quite bare-bones. In addition to the two portafilters, you get just two filter baskets, a lightweight scoop/tamper combo, and a pin tool for clearing the steam wand. There’s no milk pitcher, water filter, or water hardness testing strip included in the box.
The Russell Hobbs Everyday Espresso Machine accepts both ground coffee and capsules (Image credit: Future)
What really matters is performance, and I was pleased to find that the Everyday Espresso Machine could brew a decent shot with fresh coffee once I’d identified the best grind size, and extraction was consistent. However, I found I had to grind my coffee much coarser than I would usually to avoid under-extraction, and the puck of coffee grounds was always quite wet at the end, which suggests that although the pressure was lower than optimal.
Brewing with coffee capsules was easy, but again, it was a soggier experience than I’d like, and the used pod ended up sitting in a puddle in the portafilter after brewing.
The steam wand is the real problem, though. It feels flimsy, wobbling as you move it into position, and its lower section is too short, making it hard to submerge in your milk pitcher. Worst of all, it has an air intake hole that creates so much foam, I had to stop steaming my milk while it was still cold to prevent the jug overflowing. The large bubbles aren’t fine or stable enough for a latte, which is a shame when you’ve just brewed a perfectly good shot of espresso.
If you take your coffee black and want to shift between pods and grounds, this might be a good option for you. Otherwise though, I’d recommend saving up a little more cash and opting for the much more solidly-made De’Longhi Dedica Duo instead.
Russell Hobbs Everyday Espresso Machine: price and availability
Available in the UK and Australia for £149.99 / AU$189.95
Not currently sold in the US
One of the cheapest espresso machines I've tested
The Russell Hobbs Everyday Espresso Machine is available in the UK direct from Russell Hobbs for £149.99 (about $200). It’s known as the Russell Hobbs Heaton Espresso Machine in Australia, where it retails for AU$189.95. It’s not sold in the US at the time of writing.
It’s one of the most affordable coffee makers I’ve tested here at TechRadar, and even cheaper than my favorite budget espresso machine, the De’Longhi Dedica Duo, which has a list price of $299.95 / £279.99 (about AU$600).
Value score: 4/5
Russell Hobbs Everyday Espresso Machine: specifications
Name
Russell Hobbs Everyday Espresso Machine
Type
Manual espresso machine (ground coffee and pods)
Weight
6lbs / 2.74kg
Water reservoir capacity
1.58 quarts / 1.5 liters
Milk frother
Manual steam wand
User profiles
None
Russell Hobbs Everyday Espresso Machine: design
Accepts ground coffee and Nespresso Original capsules
Steam wand is disappointing
Plastic components have a strong odor
The Russell Hobbs Everyday Espresso Machine is compact, and exceptionally lightweight. Upon weighing it, I found that the whole unit is just 6lbs / 2.74kg, including the plug and water tank, which could be a real advantage if you need a coffee maker you can tuck away in a cupboard between uses.
The Everyday Espresso Machine’s exterior is entirely plastic except for the drip tray and steam wand, but as you can see from the photos here, it doesn’t look cheap, and the silver-colored panels on the front give a convincing look of brushed steel.
The water tank has a robust handle for easy carrying, though it can only be used when the hinged lid is open (Image credit: Future)
It does, however, have a noticeable plastic odor when new. The instructions running the machine without any coffee to rinse it before making your first drink, but I'd actually suggest doing this a few times to wash away any taste (and flushing the steam wand thoroughly as well to avoid tainting your milk).
As with all coffee makers, you should wash the water tank, portafilters and baskets before use. These are safe to hand-wash with soapy water, and the tank has a reassuringly solid-feeling handle for easy carrying, which is a welcome touch.
The Everyday Espresso Machine comes with two portafilters: one for ground coffee and one for Nespresso Original style coffee capsules. The one for capsules has a conical insert, which holds the coffee pod and pierces the bottom when pressure is applied so water can penetrate.
The attachment for coffee capsules contains small spikes that pierce the pod when the machine applies pressure. (Image credit: Future)
There are just two filter baskets for ground coffee (single and double shot size). Both of these are pressurized, which makes sense for a beginner-level machine because they're more forgiving than single-walled baskets if your grind isn't perfect.
You get a double-ended tamper/coffee scoop, which is standard issue for a budget espresso machine. It doesn't feel very satisfying to hold, and it's not as easy to use as a more solid tamper with a smooth metal finish, but it gets the job done.
The Everyday Espresso Machine's steam wand pivots out from the left-hand side of the machine, and is controlled using a large, tactile dial. Unfortunately, during testing I found that the bottom part of the wand was too short, meaning it couldn’t reach far enough down into my milk pitcher.
There's a small collection of accessories, including a plastic tamper/scoop, and two pressurized filter baskets (Image credit: Future)
The wand also has a pinhole in the side, which is intended to create extra foam when you steam your milk. Unfortunately,during my tests I found it created lots of very large bubbles, and made it impossible to create smooth, pourable microfoam. In fact, it created so much foam, I had to stop steaming before my milk was hot to avoid it overflowing.
Design score: 3/5
Russell Hobbs Everyday Espresso Machine: performance
Consistent results when grinder is dialled in
Water pressure seems to be lower than usual
Doesn't heat or foam milk properly
The Everyday Espresso Machine is simple to use, with just two brew buttons, but unlike most espresso machines, these don’t correlate to a single or double shot. Instead, the first button brews a double shot, and the second a quad (intended to be divided between two cups). The drink volume is customizable, but it's something to be aware of.
The machine heats quickly, though the cup-warmer on top isn't very practical. Like the rest of the machine's chassis, it's made from insulating plastic, so it'll barely be warm even half an hour after the machine has come to temperatures.
I was pleased to find that, although some components feel flimsy, the Everyday Espresso Machine does feel more robust than the Casabrews 5418 Pro. The filter baskets fit into the portafilter handle properly without feeling loose, and the handle locks nicely into place.
My first few shots of espresso pulled very slowly, and I found that I had to grind my coffee much more coarsely than usual to get good results. The puck of ground coffee was still quite wet once I'd finished brewing, which suggests that the pressure was low, but once I'd found the best size, the results were consistent.
Once you've dialled in your grinder, you should be able to achieve consistently well extracted shotsFutureYou can tinker with the drink volume if the standard settings are too largeFuture
Brewing with a Nespresso capsule is straightforward; just place it in the conical holder provided, put the holder in the portafilter handle, and carry on as though you were using coffee grounds. The process is quick and easy, but messier than using a standard Nespresso machine. Usually brewing with pods is a neat process, but the Everyday Espresso Machine leaves water in the portafilter that tends to spill when you release the handle.
If you’re only really interested in brewing from capsules, I’d recommend picking a simple dedicated Nespresso machine instead. The Nespresso Vertuo Pop (for Nespresso Vertuo pods) or the Nespresso Pixie (for Nespresso Original capsules) are both affordable options.
Brewing with a coffee capsule is surprisingly messy, and I found the portafilter always ended up full of water after brewing. (Image credit: Future)
For me, though, the steam wand is the weakest point. As mentioned previously, this is an espresso machine with a dairy intolerance; it incorporates too much air into the milk, so you have to stop steaming before it’s sufficiently heated, and it’s too short to use comfortably. The heat-resistant silicone handle is a nice addition, but the whole wand wobbles when you move it.
The steam wand is barely long enough to use with a typical milk pitcherFutureThe wand has an air intake hole, which results in an excessive volume of large bubblesFuture
Whether I chose oat or dairy, the wand simply made lots of very large bubbles, which might look impressive if you've not used a coffee maker before, but are no practical use. This might be an entry-level machine, but new users need proper tools too, and this steam wand misses the mark.
Performance score: 3 / 5
Should you buy the Russell Hobbs Everyday Espresso Machine?
Russell Hobbs Everyday Espresso Machine: score card
Attribute
Notes
Score
Value
One of the cheapest espresso machines I've tested, and looks like it should cost a lot more, but some components are flimsy in use.
4 / 5
Design
The plastic chassis is light and easy to move, but has a strong aroma that takes a while to wear off. Steam wand isn't well designed.
3 / 5
Performance
Can brew a decent espresso, importantly, but generates less pressure than optimal, so an extra coarse grind is necessary. Milk foaming is poor.
3 / 5
Buy it if
You're on a tight fixed budget
This is a very cheap coffee maker, and if you absolutely can't spend any more, it's one of the better options, Russell Hobbs is a reputable brand with good after-sales service.
You want to brew both pods and grounds
There aren't many coffee makers that can do both, so if this is a key requirement, the Everyday Espresso Machine may be the one for you.
Don't buy it if
You enjoy milky drinks
The Everyday Espresso Machine can make a lot of big bubbles, but the results aren’t useful for coffee. You can’t make fine foam, or even heat the milk properly with its strange, stubby steam wand.
You have an extra $50 in your pocket
If you can afford to be a little flexible on price, you can get something much better for your kitchen.
Russell Hobbs Everyday Espresso Machine: also consider
If you're not sure whether the Russell Hobbs Everyday Espresso Machine is the right coffee maker for you, here are two other options for your shortlist. For more recommendations, take a look at my complete guides to the best espresso machines and best Nespresso machines.
De'Longhi Dedica Duo
I've mentioned this little espresso machine several times in this review, and it remains the standard by which all other budget coffee makers are judged. Its performance and build quality belie its bargain price, and you'll often find it available for a discount now that it's a few months old. Highly recommended if you only want to brew from ground coffee, not pods.
Prefer pods to beans? The Nespresso Pixie is an excellent, no-frills machine that accepts Original style capsules, and doesn't make a wet mess when brewing them. If you want to make lattes, this machine is available bundled with the Nespresso Aeroccino milk frother for a discounted price.
How I tested the Russell Hobbs Everyday Espresso Machine
I used the Russell Hobbs Everyday Espresso Machine in my kitchen for a week, comparing it with my usual Gaggia Classic coffee maker.
I used it with freshly roasted coffee beans, ground using a Sage Dose Control Pro coffee grinder, and I adjusted the grind size until a double shot of espresso dispensed in around 30 seconds. I used the steam wand with fresh fat dairy and oat milk.
If you have the budget and the space, the Wahoo KICKR Run is one of the most impressive indoor running experiences you can buy. The deck feels as good as, if not better than, many commercial gym treadmills, with a smooth belt, 15% incline, -3% decline and subtle side-to-side tilt that mimics running on real roads and trails.RunFree mode, which automatically adjusts the belt to your pace, is genuinely clever and brilliant for intervals (high-intensity bursts followed by periods of recovery pace) and fartlek training (varying the speed) once you have learned how to use it. And if things do get spicy the safety rails and responsive emergency clip give you confidence that you won’t be sent flying.On the downside, the console is too minimal: you only see pace and incline on the built-in display, so you are pushed into the Wahoo app if you want time and distance, and realistically into using a second screen if you also want to watch a film or TV series while you run.It is expensive and it doesn’t fold up, and the dependency on an external app will annoy some runners, but as a serious training tool that can replace a gym membership, it absolutely delivers.
Wahoo KICKR Run: Specifications
Component
Wahoo KICKR Run
Max speed
4:00 min/mile (around 15 mph / 24.1 km/h)
Incline range
3% to +15% motorised grade
Side-to-side tilt
±0.5° lateral tilt for simulated camber
Running surface
Approx 69 x 22 in / 175 x 56 cm
Dimensions (L x W x H
Approx 72 x 38 x 58 in (about 183 x 97 x 147 cm)
Weight
Around 410 lb / 186 kg
Motor
3.0 HP continuous motor
User weight limit
Around 250 lb / 113 kg (may vary by region / firmware)
Connectivity
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth; integrates with Wahoo app, Zwift Run and other platforms
Controls
Paddles for quick speed and incline changes; physical safety key and stop button
Extras
Laptop / tablet shelf, two bottle holders, USB charging, transport wheels
Wahoo KICKR Run: Price and availability
$5,249.99 / £6,000
Premium price
Often on sale
Currently availableon sale in the US for $5,249.99 direct from Wahoo and major partners.In the UK the device can be purchased from specialist retailers at around £5,999.99. The treadmill is not currently available in Australia.Whichever region you are in, this is very much a premium treadmill. Even in the US market, reviews place it squarely in the high-end tier alongside Peloton and Technogym models, and often a touch above many mainstream home treadmills.It is not a casual purchase, but if you normally pay for a gym membership mainly to use a treadmill, it is credible as a long-term replacement.The KICKR Run itself does not require a subscription just to switch it on and run (unlike other equipment such as Echelon), but its smartest features are woven into Wahoo’s subscription ecosystem. Wahoo’s training subscription costs $17.99 a month / $179 a year in the US, and £14.99 a month / £149.99 a yearin the UK. This subscription gives access to Wahoo’s structured workouts, training plans, analytics and content across sports.
Value score: 4/5
Wahoo KICKR Run: Design
(Image credit: Wahoo)
Simulates road camber
Wide access
Minimal console
Although it is a substantial, non-folding treadmill, the KICKR Run is perfect for a garage or dedicated room and feels sensibly sized rather than monstrous.The running surface is long and wide enough for fast running, yet the overall frame is trimmed down compared with many gym behemoths, in part because of the lack of an integrated console screen. The deck feels responsive, solid and durable, as good as, or better, than, any gym treadmill.Full-length safety bars, a safety clip and a big stop button offer security, but the button is very stiff making it difficult to engage. Thankfully the safety clip is fast- acting.The console is deliberately minimal, with simple read-outs of the elevation and speed. Data such as duration and distance have to be viewed in the Wahoo app, which I found rather irritating. That means your phone becomes a data screen and you need a second device if you want to watch anything while you run.There are also three mystery buttons which, upon investigation, I discovered control the pages in the app – again, everything about the design is pushing the user towards a Wahoo subscription.Paddle controls adjust the incline and pace and are a welcome alternative to buttons. Press them lightly for small adjustments, or push further for larger jumps. This feels very intuitive once you have used it a couple of times. A generous shelf in front of you happily holds a laptop or tablet, so you can watch films or use Zwift while you run. There are two bottle holders and some extra storage for snacks or small items, plus USB charging to keep devices topped up.The deck can tilt gently side to side by around 0.5°, simulating road camber and adding a subtle feeling of running on real terrain rather than a perfectly flat slab.In testing it ran happily off a standard 15-amp circuit in a garage without tripping anything. Once in place it has wheels, so you can shuffle it forwards or sideways, but it is not the sort of treadmill you wheel in and out every day.Rather than leaving you to assemble it yourself, Wahoo’s partners do a proper delivery and setup. Beforehand you share measurements and a short video of the access route and the room so they can confirm it will fit, then they bring it in, build it, and check it is running correctly. That is a big part of why this feels closer to commercial kit than flat-pack gear.
Design score: 4/5
Wahoo KICKR Run: Features
(Image credit: Lily Canter)
RunFree mode
-3% decline and +15% incline
Paddle controls
The headline feature is the intuitive RunFree mode which uses sensors to gauge your speed. This lets you run at any pace without needing to adjust the belt speed manually.For easy and moderate running, RunFree feels very natural once you have learned to relax into it. It is particularly good for fartlek workouts and unstructured speed play, in which you simply surge when you feel like it and let the treadmill follow. At higher speeds it can feel a little wild. If you are not ready for the acceleration, you can suddenly feel like you are being pulled along faster than you intended. You quickly learn to keep a hand close to the rails or paddles when you are pushing towards your top pace. Alternatively you can set a pace limit to ensure you don’t go off the rails.The clever treadmill can also automatically adjust incline and decline, so when you are following a route or a structured session, the hills happen under your feet without manual input (as long as you have a paid Wahoo subscription).With +15% incline and -3% decline, you can do serious uphill repeats, long uphill hikes, and rare downhill practice – something many gyms do not offer.
Features score: 5/5
Wahoo KICKR Run: Performance
Smooth underfoot
Versatile tilt
Impressive speed range
In use, the KICKR Run is impressively smooth. The belt feels tight and well-aligned, with none of the looseness or lag that can make you stumble on cheaper machines. The motor keeps up easily with changes in pace, and even under harder efforts the deck feels rock-solid.With a top speed around 4:00/mile (about 15 mph), it has far more headroom than many home treadmills; realistically, most recreational runners will never touch the ceiling.Being able to run and hike at 10–15% for prolonged periods makes it a fantastic tool for hill strength, and the -3% decline and lateral tilt make downhill and cambered-road training possible without hunting for the perfect hill outside.Noise levels will depend on your environment, but in testing it felt in line with other serious treadmills rather than unusually loud or quiet; the limiting factor is more likely to be the sheer presence and weight of the machine than the sound.
Performance score: 5/5
Scorecard
Category
Comment
Score
Value
Expensive but impressive quality
4/5
Design
Innovative but too app reliance
4/5
Features
Outstanding
5/5
Performance
Exceptional
5/5
Wahoo KICKR Run: Should I buy?
Buy it if...
You have a serious budget and want a gym-quality treadmill at home
This is not a budget machine, but if you get what you pay for.
You want proper hill and downhill training
The combination of 15% incline, -3% decline and lateral tilt is rare and excellent for real world preparation.
RunFree suits your training style
If you like to run more by feel than by buttons, RunFree mode and smart grade control will be a genuine upgrade, not just a gimmick.
You already use, or are happy to use, the Wahoo ecosystem
If you have Wahoo sensors, trainers or bike kit, adding the KICKR Run plus a Wahoo subscription ties everything together neatly.
Don't buy it if...
You want a simple, all-in-one treadmill with everything on the built-in screen.
Here, time and distance live in the app, and the console is intentionally minimal.
You dislike relying on external apps and subscriptions
The best experience comes from leaning into the Wahoo app and, optionally, its paid subscription.
You need something compact or foldable
This is still a big, heavy unit; it may be more compact than a commercial gym machine, but you are not sliding it under a bed.
Your priority is a cheap way to move more
There are many under-desk and budget treadmills that will boost your step count for a fraction of the price.
Also consider
NordicTrack Commercial 2950
If you want something more content-led, the NordicTrack pairs a big HD screen with a generous incline and decline range and a deep library of iFit classes.
If space and budget are tighter, the Echelon Stride is a great beginner option. It is a more compact, auto-folding treadmill that works neatly with the Echelon Fit app, although you do sacrifice some power, cushioning and long-run comfort compared with larger premium machines.
At the very top end, the Technogym Run is the pick for those who want a gym-grade experience at home. Its slatted, track-like belt, powerful motor and slick content platform feel seriously premium, but it demands both a dedicated space and a very generous budget.
Once the treadmill was set up in my garage I used it for longer runs up to 10k, hill reps, easy downhill runs and interval sessions. I used the app to track my sessions and set up a laptop on the console to watch Netflix whilst I ran. The testing period was four weeks.
I've really enjoyed following Steve Carell's career over the years. Whether it's his iconic role as Michael Scott on The Office or his much more serious performance as Alan Strauss in Hulu's The Patient, I've been consistently impressed by what he does. In HBO Max's Rooster, Carell plays Greg Russo. He's the author of a series of books following a main character called, you guessed it, Rooster. Russo had gained a fandom through that character even though he's not as successful himself, with painful emotions coming to the surface as he returns to the same arts college, Ludlow, where his wife left him 25 years ago.History repeats itself at this, frankly, cursed college. Russo's daughter, Katie, works there, and she's having her own relationship drama. Her husband Archie has left her for a student, with whom he was having an affair, and everybody knows about it. Archie is played by Ted Lasso's Phil Dunster, who perfectly encapsulates Archie's self-serving attitude. Much like Dunster's outstanding performance as Jamie Tartt inTed Lasso, though, he's layered and will find a way to charm you despite all of that. Despite his many, many flaws, it's not impossible to see why Katie married him in the first place. On his first day, Greg meets college president Walter Mann, played by the always wonderful John C. McGinley. If you liked him in Scrubs, you'll certainly enjoy him here too, as he plays quite the eccentric character with some very strong opinions about the college and the people in it. Every scene involving him is brilliantly awkward, and the cast is a real selling point here.Given the strained relationship between Katie and Greg, it's hard for him to comfort his daughter, but he does his best anyway. She immediately tries to embarrass him when he gatecrashes her lecture, and is critical of the fact that he's there to check up on her, even though he insists he's just there to guest lecture.Greg makes his disdain for Archie very clear from episode one, positioning himself as a caring father despite the rampant self-deprecation and awkwardness we often see from him. Scenes between Greg and Archie are among my favorites, and they are played very well by Carell and Dunster.But there's more to Rooster than just this, and Greg ends up getting into all sorts of unwelcome situations during his time at Ludlow, which was meant to be a simple guest lecturing gig, after all. These include an unfortunate appearance on the news, run-ins with local law enforcement, and criticisms from students about some of the narrative choices in his novel, especially the over-reliance on sex appeal. Not all of the topical jokes worked for me, but humor is subjective, so perhaps you'll enjoy those more than I did. It definitely segues into slapstick when it doesn't really need to.
Charly Clive and Phil Dunster play a couple whose broken marriage is the talk of the campus. (Image credit: HBO Max)
Outside of the comedy, though, the series does do serious moments well. Katie is terrible at emotional vulnerability, using sarcasm as a shield, and Greg doesn't quite know how to navigate that. He just isn't as cool and collected as Rooster, despite his efforts to emulate him. Greg ends up having a tequila-induced heart-to-heart with Dylan Shepard, a bubbly faculty member played by Danielle Deadwyle, where we learn more about his failed marriage, so the series is character-driven from the get-go. They clearly have chemistry too, making me keen to see how it unfolds over the next nine episodes.Rooster has all the ingredients for a fun weekend watch. With quick episodes that are easy to watch, the Sunday time slot is ideal for this show. Episodes are released weekly, and you can easily slot this into your streaming schedule if you want something light that still gives you plenty to think about.I did find the way Rooster was filmed a little jarring, but honestly, it didn't take away from the great performances and the important themes explored. It's a fun addition to HBO Max's library, showcasing Carell at his best, where he effortlessly blends humor and seriousness.
Rooster is available on HBO Max in the US and Australia, and Sky Comedy in the UK.
Nowadays, smartphone changes can usually be measured in millimeters and gram fractions. The era of sweeping hardware redesigns is all but done. Most of the updates we see seem to be in material swaps and growing and shrinking camera array plateaus. That's not a bad thing, certainly not judging by the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra I hold in my hand.
It's eminently familiar but also stunningly powerful and aesthetically sublime – even without last year's titanium. It's not a perfect Android phone (some day, Samsung will adopt MagSafe or something like it), but easily one of the best I've ever used or tested. It's the full package. A relatively slim and light big-screen mobile communicator, and a powerful pocket computer that, with its hidden S Pen, can even excite creative types or compulsive note takers.
Samsung gets away with not changing much by still delivering on all the promises of a great flagship phone.
It has excellent cameras, easily the best of not just the S26 lineup, but all recent Galaxy phones (even the foldables). It has the fastest chip, even, thanks to a bit of customization from Qualcomm, outdoing the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 you might find on other Android phones.
The new S26 Ultra is on the left, the last, slightly squarer S25 Ultra model on the right. (Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)
The S26 Ultra hides a pair of truly remarkable features that are not evident at first glance but will surely be the most talked-about updates for some time to come. One is the Privacy Display, a true bit of display hardware innovation that has no equivalent on any other modern smartphone. Then there's the built-in gimbal. Strike that – it's not really a gimbal, just a wild bit of hardware and software engineering that lets you turn your camera up to 360 degrees while keeping the footage perfectly level.
It's a handset overstuffed with AI possibilities, adding this time Perplexity to Bixby (because why not?) and upping the creative and assistive capabilities of Galaxy AI. Google uses the S26 Ultra to give us a sneak preview of the agentic possibilities soon arriving on Pixels and all other supporting Android phones.
The list of AI abilities is long, overwhelming, and perhaps too much. It's not a weakness, per se, but I still don't know why one phone has so many. But then you also might wonder why the iPhone 17 Pro Max still has so few.
Samsung backs up the power and performance of this smartphone with way better heat and power management and excellent battery life.
And to top it all off, it's still $1,299 (£1,249 / AU$2,149). That's not affordable, but it is the same price as last year, which is more than can be said for the Galaxy S26 and S26 Plus.
There's not enough here to trade in your still wonderful Galaxy S25 Ultra, but it would be a big leap from, say, the S23 Ultra or anything earlier, and will undoubtedly end up atop our Best Android Phones buying guide.
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra review: Price and availability
Samsung unveiled the Galaxy S26 Ultra, along with the S26 Plus and S26, on February 25, as part of its Unpacked event (it'll hold another one later this year for foldables). It ships on March 11, 2026.
While the Galaxy S26 and S26 Plus saw price hikes, the Galaxy S26 Ultra still costs the same in the US as the Galaxy S25 Ultra did last year: $1,299.99 ( £1,279 / AU$2,199).
It's available in a choice of six colors wherever you buy: Cobalt Violet, Sky Blue, Black, White, and the online exclusives: Silver Shadow, Pink Gold.
The phone ships in either 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB storage configurations, and every variant comes with 12GB RAM (16GB of RAM if you buy the 1TB model). If you go for more storage space, you will pay somewhat more than you did last year. In the US, the 1TB model is now $1,799.99, roughly $140 more than last year (you do get the extra RAM, though).
The Galaxy S26 Ultra is still a little more expensive than the base iPhone 17 Pro Max ($1,199 / £1,199 / AU$2,149), and both do start with 256GB of storage and offer comparable features. However, the S26 Ultra does include the integrated S Pen and all of that on-board AI. For now, the S26 Ultra might be the better value.
Price: from $1,299 / £1,279 / AU$2,199
Storage
US price
UK price
AU price
256GB
$1,299.99
£1,279
AU$2,199
512GB
$1,499.99
£1,449
AU$2,199
1TB
$1,799.99
£1,699
AU$2,649
For the latest Galaxy S26 Ultra deals in your region, check out this Samsung Galaxy S26 deals page.
Value score: 4.5/5
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra review: Specs
Here's a look at the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra's key specs:
Dimensions:
163.6 mm (height) x 78.1 mm (width) x 7.9 mm (depth)
Weight:
214g
Display:
6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display
Resolution:
3120 x 1440 pixels
Refresh rate:
1-120Hz
Chipset:
Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy
RAM:
12GB / 16GB
Storage:
256GB / 512GB / 1TB
OS:
Android 16
Main camera:
200MP; f/1.4; 0.6µm sensor
Ultrawide camera:
50MP; f/1.9; 0.7µm sensor
Telephoto camera 1
10MP; f/2.4; 0.7µm; 5x optical zoom
Telephoto camera 2
50MP; f/2.9; 0.7µm; 10x optical quality zoom
Selfie camera:
12MP; f/2.2; 1.17µm
Battery:
5,000mAh
Charging:
Super Fast Charging 3.0, Super Fast Wireless Charging
Thinner and looks a bit more like the S25 Edge (and like all the other Galaxy S26 phones)
No more titanium
Leading from the rear, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge has had signifcant influence on the look of the entire Galaxy S26 lineup. Nowhere is this more evident, perhaps, than in the new Galaxy S26 Ultra.
At a glance, the 6.9-inch S26 Ultra looks a lot like the S25 Ultra, but if that new raised camera array looks familiar, it's because it's clearly based on the S25 Edge's two-camera platform. The platform makes sense when you realize the S26 Ultra is slightly thinner and lighter than its predecessor (7.9mm vs 8.2mm and 214g vs 218g).
The S26 Ultra has a slightly softer and more pleasing look, thanks to the four corners adopting a more curved profile. Samsung also swapped out a key material, trading titanium for Armor Aluminum. Honestly, it's not something most people will notice, and I wonder if it helped Samsung save a little money on production costs. The other benefit might be that aluminium, a softer material, makes it easier to apply a wider variety of richer colors. My Cobolt Violet review unit is lovely, but I would've liked to see a few wilder hue swings like deep green or, yes, orange.
As you would expect, the screen is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Armor 2 and the back by Gorilla Glass Victus 2. These materials should help protect it from scratches and cracks (if you drop it [Author's note: I did not purposely drop it]).
Beyond those updates and changes, nothing has changed. The power/sleep/Gemini button and long volume button are in essentially the exact same spots. There are a pair of microphone holes along the top edge. On the base are the SIM slot, speaker slot, and USB-C charge port.
Next to that trio is the S Pen. You press it to release the pen, which looks quite similar to the last S Pen but is in fact slightly thinner. I didn't find that it made any noticeable difference in usability.
The entire phone is still rated IP68, which means it can handle a rain shower (or worse) and dust.
Think about the design this way: If you liked the looks of the S25 Ultra, you'll probably like the S26 Ultra. Sure, the camera bump grew (without demonstrably updating the camera hardware), but it's generally an attractive, big-screen Android smartphone with fresh colors to attract those who found the titanium hues wanting.
Design score: 5/5
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra review: Display
Size, resolution, and brightness unchanged
Still an excellent display
Privacy Display borders on breakthrough innovation
Samsung left its 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED display mostly unchanged. it stil offers up to 3,120x1440 QHD+ resolution (though it defaults to 2,340x1080 FHD+ to save on battery life). It has the same brightness and ability to smoothly transition from 1Hz for a sleep screen to the buttery-smooth motion of 120hz. There's still a selfie camera cutout near the top of the display and a very thin channel between the frame and the screen for one of the loud and clear stereo speakers.
None of this is news.
(Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)
The marquee feature and one that is, in fact, unique among smartphones is the Privacy Display.
As the name implies, this feature adjusts the screen so that people standing on either side of you, behind you, or even in front of you cannot read what is on your display. There are a few remarkable things about this feature. First, it's a hardware innovation, accomplished by controlling two different kinds of pixels: narrow and wide. These pixels are set in an every other pixel pattern: wide, narrow, wide, narrow.
In standard mode, both pixels are on, providing a 180-degree view of your S26 Ultra screen.
In Privacy Display Mode, the wide pixels turn off, and then anyone off-axis only sees a grayed-out or nearly black screen unless their face is perpendicular to the S26 Ultra display.
Here's the other remarkable thing: Because this is at a pixel level, the Privacy Display can be set to only hide a portion of a screen: think notification popups, password, and PIN entry.
You can access Privacy Display through settings or the Quick panel. On there, it lets you turn it on for the whole screen or set conditions: "PIN, Pattern, password, Notification popups."
I turned on Privacy Display and could immediately see it at work. First, I noticed that my own screen view looked slightly desaturated (maybe from the loss of wide pixels), second, the default Privacy Display mode isn't that effective. I could still make out the dimmed content, even when viewing the screen from an angle.
To really see the magic, you have to turn on "Maximum privacy protection." Once I did that, my screen looked almost black from an off-angle, and the same was true when I set it for conditions, like only blacking out my notification popups.
The third and perhaps best Privacy display feature is that you can enable it on a per-app basis. Imagine you don't want anyone see what your TikTok or Instagram algorithm looks like. Just turn on Privacy Display for those apps, and whenever you use them, they'll only be visible to you. I set it up for my TikTok and Instagram, and it worked perfectly.
This is the kind of feature I expect competitors like Apple, OnePlus, Motorola, and others to copy in short order. Privacy Display will change the equation when deciding which S26 is right for you (none of the other have this) and could tip the scales in Samsung's favor when considering a platform switch.
Display score: 5/5
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra review: S Pen
Slightly smaller
Still a great always-ready creative, notation, and AI tool
(Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)
Direct comparisons of the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra with, say, Apple's iPhone 17 Pro Max don't entirely make sense. Afterall, only one of them has shipped with an integrated S Pen since the Galaxy S22 Ultra.
As an amateur artist, I love having the S Pen always on hand, perfectly hidden inside a powerful Android 16 smartphone.
The latest S Pen looks a lot like the last one, but it is slightly thinner, and the back end is now curved to match the curve of its S26 Ultra housing.
(Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)
In use, this S Pen is just as useful as its predecessors. It's a great implement for note-taking, marking up images, creating rough sketches for AI image generation, and making art. It recognizes pressure and orientation. There's even a button on the side that, in the Sketchbook app, gives you instant access to an eraser.
The S26 Ultra is also aware of the S Pen, and if it's been outside the phone and not used for a while, the phone will ask you if you have your S Pen.
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra review: cameras
Same camera array as the S25 Ultra
Apertures grew on the lenses you'll use most
Selfie camera got a big field of view upgrade
Generally excellent image capture capabilities
Noticeably less grain on night shots
Super Steady to the max
(Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)
Before we dive into the photographic performance of the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, let's pause a moment to look at the virtually unchanged camera array and selfie camera:
Main camera: 200MP f1.4
5x telephoto: 50MP (also provides the 10x zoom through a sensor crop) f2.9
3x optical: 10MP f2.4
Ultra-wide: 50MP f1.9
Front-facing camera: 12MP f2.2
What's not evident there, though, are two significant changes on the 200MP Main camera and 10MP 5X optical zoom. Both cameras feature wider apertures (represented by lower f-stop numbers), which allows them to capture more light and makes them more effective in low-light situations.
In practice, this is an excellent set of lenses, and based on megapixels, they all beat the iPhone 17 Pro Max's 48MP lenses. However, even on the 200MP camera, you'll default to shooting at a binned 12MP (multiple pixels of information are applied to each final pixel). The iPhone 17 Pro Max defaults to shooting at 24MP.
I shot photos using all the cameras, often capturing the exact same image with the Galaxy S25 Ultra and the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
All of these phones offer excellent cameras, and I found the image quality generally excellent. If anything, the S26 Ultra appears to have pulled even with the iPhone 17 Pro Max in most photo scenarios.
The S26 Ultra camera array on the left, the S25 Ultra cameras are on the right. (Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)
Samsung told me that their image processing now allows the phone to understand the native noise signature of each lens and adjust accordingly. What this means is my photo results are clearer and cleaner. Between that and the larger apertures, the low-light photography, especially nighttime photography ("Nightography"), shows a significant improvement. I noticed far less graininess in my star photography.
At one point, I shot a hyperlapse video that captures moving nighttime clouds and what might have been a pair of high-altitude jets. It's a lovely, low-grain seven-second video.
(Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)
Color, truth, clarity, detail, and skin tones are the best I have ever seen for a Galaxy series phone, and they rival what I can get on the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
(Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)
We have the same 3X and 5X optical zoom options, as well as a 10MP zoom accomplished by doing a sensor crop on the 50MP telephoto. I like a good 5X zoom and appreciate the 10X option, even if it's not a true telephoto lens. What I steer clear of are the 30X and 100x space zoom options. They, too, can provide some eye-popping results, but I'm highly skeptical of the amount of AI applied to deliver these results. If you want photos that reflect reality, these AI-supported image creation modes are not for you.
The 12MP selfie camera. (Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)
While Samsung didn't upgrade the front-facing selfie camera's megapixels or even add the ability to do landscape photos while holding the phone in portrait mode (called Center Stage), they did significantly increase the field of view to 85 degrees. When I took a selfie of myself, I was startled to see just how much of the surrounding scene the S26 Ultra can pull. I bet I'll fit a lot more people in my next Galaxy selfie.
(Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)
On the video front, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra boasts some pro-level video capabilities, including the APV codec, and 8K at 30 fps video capture. Yes, you can shoot that high-resolution video and edit it on the phone (including applying things like the AI-powered Audio Eraser). However, I still can't edit 8K 30fps video on my go-to Android video editor, PowerDirector. But the feature that will easily impact most regular people is the Super Steady update that adds horizontal lock.
This is not just smoothing out tilts and turns. Using the S26 Ultra's gyroscope and accelerometer (and clearly some software and probably sensor cropping tricks), it is capable of holding the horizontal plane even as you turn the phone a full 360 degrees. I’m not kidding. I tried it. It works incredibly well and far exceeds the iPhone’s Action Mode.
Bixby has a better LLM for local queries and Perplexity for general knowledge
Google updates Gemini for the Ultra
Galaxy AI has more image manipulation and creation capabilities
Few phones illustrate our over-saturated era of generative AI more than the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra. It has Bixby, Perplexity, Samsung Galaxy AI, and, of course, Google Gemini. Each has a role – some multiple roles – and there can be some overlap.
Samsung's long-term goal is for people to see this as an AI phone but not think very much about which AI got you where. Basically, the phone will get smarter over time, especially as its Agentic capabilities grow – and start to proactively do your bidding.
We're not there yet. In fact, the Agentic stuff, which lives with Gemini, is only with Uber for now (other third-party apps will follow). You're supposed to be able to ask Gemini to book you an Uber ride, and it will run off in the background, gather all the relevant bits, and have it set up in Uber so all you have to do is approve the ride.
I installed Uber on the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra and then asked Gemini to book me a ride to the airport. Gemini told me it could help, but it first asked for key information like my pickup address, pickup time, and the kind of ride I prefer.
While Gemini said it booked the ride. Nothing was booked. It also later told me it could not help with canceling the non-existent ride. (Image credit: Future)
Gemini told me it had booked the ride, but when I checked Uber, nothing was booked. I told Gemini to cancel the ride (in case I was confused), but Gemini couldn't do anything about the non-existent ride.
In general, though, my experience with Gemini (the default is Fast model mode) was good. I had many conversations with it and used it to identify things in my shelves, and with the live view, have it explain how to fix a leaky bathroom faucet. It's far from foolproof and has yet to learn how to pronounce my last name.
Gemini on the S26 Ultra is also a showcase for what's coming to other Android smartphones that can support the generative platform. For example, the phone supports Circle to Search's new Find the Look capabilities. These let you circle someone's whole outfit in an image, and Gemini will find all the clothing.
(Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)
I looked up an image of John Lennon from the 1970s, pressed down on the virtual home button, and launched Circle to Search. After circling Lennon, I asked Gemini to find the look (it identified his vintage white jacket), and then I asked Nano Banana to generate an image of me in the same look. I never got that to work, but Nano Banana did create a new image of John Lennon in the same look, with the rest of the Beatles standing nearby. I was a little surprised Gemini was willing to create imagery of a known figure. I also did the same operation with a photo of the actor Walter Goggins.
Samsung's own Galaxy AI is already a powerful and pervasive generative AI platform on the Galaxy S phone line; however, it now has some features.
I used it, for example, to make a simple cartoon sketch of my face and then transform it into a more polished comic, which I then used to generate stickers that I can now send to friends over Messages.
(Image credit: Future)
Galaxy AI's photo editing capabilities are very strong. I grabbed an apple, put it on a table, and took a photo. Then I asked Galaxy AI to take a slice out of the apple and put the slice next to the Apple. After a few seconds, it complied, and the results look real. When I had it take another AI shot at the photo, I noticed that the slice and the cutout on the apple didn't match up quite as neatly as they did on the first generated shot.
(Image credit: Future)
Next, I sketched a dinosaur eating the apple and asked Galaxy AI to convert it into art. The result was a tiny crocodile crawling behind the apple. Bascially my rough sketch was little more than inspiration.
In another instance, I asked Galaxy AI to add flowers to my orchid. It added flowers, but they were all carnations. I told Galaxy to make sure to add orchid flowers. It did, but put them next to the carnations.
(Image credit: Future)
Bixby is better at conversational queries, but it can still take some work to get Samsung's homegrown digital assistant to do what you want. I asked it to change the aspect ratio on my photos to 16:9, but had to repeat myself a few times to make it understand. Saying "sixteen colon nine" did the trick.
(Image credit: Future)
For questions that do not relate to the phone, Bixby now has Perplexity AI. If you ask, as I did, about the capital of Montana, Bixby won't hesitate but will tap directly into Perplexity in the cloud to get the answer. You'll notice that the result has a little Perplexity logo on it.
The truth is, I don't understand what Perplexity is doing here. Afterall, I can ask Gemini that same question and get the same (or even more tailored) result. Why did Bixby need general knowledge? Perhaps I'm underestimating how many people use Bixby.
(Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has a collection of "Now" features, including "Now Brief," which shows up as a home screen (and lock screen, if you choose) widget, Now Bar for adaptive reminders, and the new "Now Nudge," which can give you contextual reminders and information where and when you need it.
Now Brief is a fine widget with information about the weather, my schedule, and news, but I didn't find much use in the rest of the Now tools. I think I need to spend more time with the phone and let it learn a whole lot more about me before these tools become truly useful.
(Image credit: Future)
Last year, Samsung unveiled its powerful Audio Erase, which can remove distracting background audio from your videos. You can reduce voices, crowd sounds, and background noises, with customizable sliders for each control. It's effective, but if you turn the noise reduction all the way down, voices can end up sounding a bit robotic.
More intriguing is Audio Eraser's new third-party app capabilities, which you access via the Quick Panel. I tried it with TikTok and YouTube and could tell it sharpened and raised the dialogue a bit over background noises, but otherwise did not find it all that useful.
(Image credit: Future)
I like many of these AI tools, but I do think the system is a bit overloaded with options. I look forward to a time when there's a more consistent AI approach with zero redundancy. If one on-board AI can handle a task, there should not be another waiting in the wings to do the exact same thing.
Software AI score: 4.5/5
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra review: Performance
A fast Qualcomm Snapdragon Gen 8 Elite 5 for Galaxy chip
Snappy performance in every task
Every year, Samsung gets the fastest available Snapdragon for its flagship smartphone, and every year it convinces Qualcomm to customize the chip, squeezing out a few extra Ghz of speed just for its phones.
In truth, the Qualcomm Snapdragon Gen 8 Elite 5 for Galaxy is about more than just speed. It's customized to work better for the Galaxy S26 series across a range of tasks. Samsung claimed that it brings faster CPU, GPU, and NPU performance. This translates into better Geekbench benchmarks than the similarly named Snapdragon chips in last year's Galaxy S25 Ultra. Single-core and multi-core scores eclipse those on Apple's A19 Pro. GPU screens are harder to compare, though the iPhone 17 Pro Max silicon appears to be significantly ahead of those on the S26 Ultra.
Benchmark numbers tell you little about real-world performance. In everyday use, that last Ultra was fast, and this new S26 Ultra is fast. There's enough headroom that I doubt anyone will notice the difference. The NPU powers some pretty impressive local AI (like my cut Apple, and AI art generated from my primitive sketches).
I played PUBG and Asphalt 9 Legends on the phone and was impressed with how the games looked and the smooth and fast performance (Side note: I paired the S26 Ultra to the new Galaxy Buds4 Pro and loved the fit and surround-sound audio quality). Better yet, the S26 Ultra never got warm. I'll credit the new vapor chamber with the cooler performance.
The Galaxy S26 Ultra's CPU is backed by 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. I can get 16GB of RAM if I pay for the pricey 1TB model.
Overall, this is a fast device ready to accomplish a range of tasks, including running some impressive local AI models.
Performance score: 5/5
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra review: Battery
5,000 mAh
Fast wireless charging
No MagSafe
I'm honestly impressed by the Galaxy S26 Ultra's battery life. Even with brightness turned up, the screen refresh set to a max 120hz, and resolution turned up to QHD+, it carried well past 24 hours of operation. If I lower the brightness and work with FHD+ resolution (which still looks great), it can last two days on a charge.
The 3-nanometer Qualcomm Snapdragon chip is efficient, and the OneUI 8.5 platform knows how to squeeze the most life out of a single charge.
Recharging can be done with a 45W charger, reaching 75% in about 35 minutes. A 65W wired charge could reportedly do the same in 30 minutes. I had my phone fully charged in under an hour.
The phone supports fast wireless charging with up to a 25W charger. What's missing, though, is any kind of MagSafe-style support. There are no magnets in the back of the S26 Ultra, which is a bit of a surprise considering we got Pixel Snap on Google's Pixel 10 phones.
Samsung is only promising that all the cases it sells will come with built-in magnets.
Battery score: 4.5/5
Should I buy the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra score card
Value
Keeping the same price while increasing capabilities, speed, and photo quality is always a good thing. It's a pricey flagship but I think the inclusion of the S Pen makes it a better value than most.
4.5/5
Design
If you liked the design of the last Ultra, you should appreciate this incremental update that slims the phone down, makes it lighter and just a little bit softer around the edges. The new colors are a bonus, too.
5/5
Display
It's a fantastic 6.9-inch AMOLED that makes every image pop. Plus it has that fast and buttery-smooth 120hz refresh rate. The marquee update, though is Privacy Display, a one-of-a-kind innovation that actually does what it promises
5/5
Cameras
While this is essentially the same set of cameras as with the S25 Ultra, Samsung has upgraded the aperture on a couple of key lenses, thereby effectively upgrading light-capturing capabilities and we have a selfie camera that can fit more friends and family in the frame. Photos taken with all the lenses are excellent and Super Steady with horizontal lock is shockingly effective.
5/5
Software and AI
Samsung has stuffed the Galaxy S26 Ultra full of AI possibilities to the extent that the options can be overwhelming. You can use the powerful Gemini, the photo and creativity-enhancing Galaxy AI, the phone system-knowledgeable Bixby, or its new partner Perplexity. Each lets you do many AI-infused wonderful things (though some things don't always work as anticipated). Some consolidation is in order. At least OneUI 8.5 feels more consistent and useful than ever. The Now Brief is a useful widget, but I remain unmoved by Now Nudge and Now Bar.
4.5/5
Performance
The S26 Ultra's Qualcomm Snapdragon Gen 8 Elite 5 for Galaxy is more powerful and efficient than ever. It's hard to find a task it can't handle.
5/5
Battery
Fantastic battery life; days if you keep settings to a mid-range resolution.
5/5
Buy it if...
You want the best Android phone on the market There are cheaper Android phones, but few mix the power, performance, battery life, maximum AI options, and creative possibilities of the S26 Ultra. Honestly, it lives up to its name.
You own other Samsung products I've said this before, and I'll say it again: Samsung lacks the same kind of deeply connected ecosystem that Apple has across its products, but it's not non-existent, and for every Samsung product you own, the utility of a Galaxy S26 Ultra to connect and sometimes control it all increases.
You want multi-day battery life and no-compromises power The Galaxy S26 Ultra has not just Qualcomm's fastest mobile chip, it has one customized for the Galaxy line, which means even more power and bespoke performance.
Don't buy it if...
You're on a budget Even though the S26 Ultra is no more expensive than the S25 Ultra, it's still an expensive smartphone (though I encourage you to check out the many deals and trade-in options). There are cheaper and quite performant Android options like the new $499 Google Pixel 10a. Just know that you give up telephoto, an S Pen, and more than a few other flagship capabilities.
AI is not your thing One of the S26 Ultra's biggest selling points is comprehensive AI possibilities. It has four (seriously) AI engines, and while that offers a lot of generative possibilities, some people just want a classic smartphone.
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra review: Also consider
Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max The Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max pushes the iconic iPhone in bold new directions and colors. It's recognizable, but different in ways that make it eye-catching. The performance is stellar, and the cameras set a new high-water mark for smartphone photography. For people who demand more from their smartphone, there may be no better choice.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 The Galaxy Z Fold 6 is a bold reimagining of Samsung’s flagship foldable smartphone. If a 6.9-inch display isn't enough for you, and you want to stick with Samsung and get most of that AI goodness, this foldable is the obvious choice.
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL The Pixel 9 Pro XL is just a bigger Pixel 9 Pro, but that's good enough. It doesn't have exclusive camera features or extra RAM for a boost, it's just got a bigger display and a bigger battery. That means the Pixel 9 Pro is an even better pick this year, but it also means that you can choose your Pixel based on the size you like, not the features you need.
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Mobile Platform for Galaxy
Google Tensor G5
How I tested the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
Tested the phone for almost one week
Took photos across all the lenses
I used the extensive AI tools
I did work and play on it
I benchmarked using Geekbench to see the comparative increase in performance over the last Ultra and how it stacks up with the iPhone 17 Pro Max's A19 Pro
Despite a historic East Coast snowstorm, I somehow received the Galaxy S26 Ultra on the same day Samsung announced it at Unpacked in San Francisco. I unboxed and started testing it within minutes of receiving it.
Since then, I've used it constantly and have done my best to push the limits of its processor and entertainment, AI and creative capabilities.
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I connected the phone to Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro to listen to video, social media, and podcasts. I also connected the phone to a Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra to help it track my activities and, hopefully, enhance the Now Brief reports
It’s a competitive world out there for the best cheap headphones — OneOdio should know, it’s contributed a fair few options. And with its most recent pair of budget blowers, it’s offered yet another fantastic-value headset with just a few rough edges.
The OneOdio Focus A1 Pro are the cheapest pair of headphones we’ve tested yet from the budget brand, and that’s really saying something. They cost just $35 or equivalent, undercutting the 4.5-star-rated OneOdio Focus A6. If you’re looking for a pair of headphones that’ll last you well, and really don’t want to spend much money, they’re a hit.
Last you they will, because they offer a battery life that reaches up to 70 hours, which is fantastic for the money. They’re also lightweight and easy to tote about, and these perks will likely be big draws to buyers on a budget.
My favorite element of the Focus A1 Pro is the audio quality: these headphones sound better than anything else I’ve tested under $50. That’s obviously a low bar, but the OneOdio easily clears it, with music sounding natural and bright with a decent sound stage.
When buying budget headphones, there’s always a big risk that you’re buying tat that’ll end up in landfill (or a box to take to your local recycling center) by the end of the month. I’m happy to report that the OneOdio certainly aren’t that… but they have a few issues too.
Lots of the weakest elements of the A1 Pro are things I’ve seen in other OneOdio headphones, such as the Focus A5 (which I only awarded three stars, in my review).
These new cans don’t have a tie-in smartphone app, and nor do they offer many of the features that an app would help open the door to. Most vitally, there’s no equalizer, which many consider an imperative feature for products such as this. The ANC performance is also weak, with the passive padding of the cups doing the lion’s share of the work in stopping surrounding sounds from distracting you. Now, we can easily argue that it would be churlish to expect these things for such a lowly fee, but it's my job to tell you what you'll be getting here if you click 'buy'.
I also found these cans a little uncomfortable to wear over longer periods of time, partly due to their rather tight clamping force, and partly because they sit somewhere between on-ears and over-ears. Your poor flappers are going to get a little crushed.
OneOdio Focus A1 Pro review: Price and release date
(Image credit: Future)
Released on January 20, 2026
Sells for $34.99 / £43.99 (roughly AU$85
On sale in UK and US, not Australia
You can pick up the Focus A1 Pro for $34.99 / £43.99 (roughly AU$85, but unlike many other cans from the company, they don’t yet seem to be on sale in Australia).
You think that makes them some of the cheapest headphones worth considering? Wait until you hear the actual price; within two weeks of the release date of January 23, I’d already found them discounted. Only by a couple of dollars or pounds, but it's still something, and OneOdio promises continued price cuts through the year.
The headphones were announced on January 20, 2026, and released shortly afterwards.
OneOdio Focus A1 Pro review: Specs
Drivers
40mm
Active noise cancellation
Yes
Battery life (ANC off)
70 hours
Weight
200g
Connectivity
Bluetooth 6.0
Frequency response
20Hz - 20kHz
Waterproofing
N/A
OneOdio Focus A1 Pro review: Features
(Image credit: Future)
70-hour battery life
ANC is resoundingly light-touch
No app
In what might come as a shock to headphone buyers in the year 2026, the Focus A1 Pro don’t have a smartphone app. Of all the features this rules out, an equalizer is the biggest: if you don’t like OneOdio’s mix, you'll have to lump it.
You do still get multipoint pairing, as well as a low-latency mode for gaming which is enabled by double-pressing the ANC button. But this department more than any other shows why the headphones are so cheap.
Talking of ANC, it’s not very good, but coupled with the natural passive noise cancellation of the ear cups, it’ll remove the top layer of annoying noise. When I was on public transport, I could still hear every screech of noisy rails or honk of nearby vehicles, but it was a little less onerous than normal.
(Image credit: Future)
I personally took to keeping the ANC off, though, and it was for battery reasons. With ANC off, you get 70 hours of listening time, which is solid stamina. For context, if you listened for about three hours and 20 minutes every day, you’d only have to charge every three weeks.
That figure drops substantially with ANC on; OneOdio’s figures alternate between quotes of 40 or 50 hours, and the truth is likely somewhere in between. I’d rather have the longer listening time than the scant improvements this particular ANC solution brings.
I was surprised to read that the OneOdio has Bluetooth 6.0; it’s rare among headphones I’ve tested recently in having this enhanced standard. Not once in testing did I have any connection issues.
Features score: 3.5/5
OneOdio Focus A1 Pro review: Design
(Image credit: Future)
Sustainable build
Comfortable to wear
Incredibly handy joystick controls
The Focus A1 Pro are, by and large, your standard headphones: big, black band with an ear cup at each end, that give you music. No-one was expecting OneOdio to reinvent the wheel for $35.
They weigh 200g, and while they have a few little design flourishes that differentiate them from your average budget cans (some curves and patterns in the appearance, for example), they do feel cheap. The build is plastic-heavy and some of the moving parts can wobble or creak a little bit.
You don’t get a carry case with the Focus, and I was a little scared to transport them in my bag, as they feel a tad fragile. They also have no IP rating. That said, during my testing month, they sustained no damage whatsoever.
(Image credit: Future)
I’ve so far refrained from classing these as over-ears or on-ears, as they sit haphazardly in the middle of both. Forget Goldilocks’ messaging, though, because it’s not ‘just right’ either. They sit a little weirdly on the head, for me.
The pads, while soft, crush your ears a little over time; this was noticeable when listening for longer sessions, as my ears would get a bit achey. The rather tight grip of the cans doesn’t help here either. I also never quite figured out exactly how to wear them, due to this over/on dilemma.
On the right cup, there are some touch controls (volume up and down, power, ANC; the basics) as well as the USB-C port. These don’t stick out too much, so finding them by touch can be tricky. It took a little while for pressing these to become easy and natural. There’s no 3.5mm jack for wired audio; these are wireless or nada.
Design score: 3.5/5
OneOdio Focus A1 Pro review: Sound quality
40mm driver
Crisp, natural audio
Max volume could be higher
(Image credit: Future)
I’ve been positive about the Focus A1 Pro and that’s not going to stop now, but let’s get one thing straight: these are budget cans, and when I say they’re ‘good’, I mean ‘for the price'.
OneOdio has kitted out the headphones with 40mm dynamic drivers using PET diaphragms; so far, so budget.
Unlike many other budget headphones, the brand hasn’t fallen into the ‘more bass is more gooder’ trap — there’s a fairly natural-sounding V shape with distinct trebles in vocals, and bass that’s as rounded as you can hope for at this price point. I was surprised when songs like Starlight by Slash and Miles Kennedy offered layered instrumentation and palpable timbre, as it’s not something I’d expect for the cost.
(Image credit: Future)
Naturally, the mids can fall through the cracks, so you can’t expect the whole band to show up. And when you get songs with lots going on, instruments blur together; Clarity by Vance Joy doesn’t quite live up to its title.
I’ve been constantly mentioning the price in this scene, and it’s to cover my back. Audiophiles won’t like these cans, as the mixing is messier than it would be on pricier options. But if you compare these to other offerings at the price, they’re nothing short of wonderful.
I would’ve liked to see the Focus A1 Pro manage a higher max volume, though. At full blast, the audio could mostly compete with a busy-ish road I was walking down, but Nigel Tufnel would malign the lack of any 11 to turn your music up to for that harder hit. Even when at home, anything below 50% volume was hard to hear.
Sound quality: 4/5
OneOdio Focus A1 Pro review: Value
(Image credit: Future)
Great sound for price
Some rivals may beat in certain departments
The OneOdio Focus A1 Pro are fantastic for the price. They sound far better than you’d expect from budget cans, and I’ve tested rivals for twice the price which don’t hold a candle.
That’s not even touching on the solid battery life, the hardy connection or the useful-for-gamers latency mode.
If you look hard enough, you can probably find rival cans with better ANC, a comfier fit or an equalizer, and I’d like the OneOdio even more if it offered these. But for the price, it’s hard to knock the Focus for its absences.
Value: 4.5/5
Should I buy the OneOdio Focus A1 Pro?
OneOdio Focus A1 Pro score card
Attributes
Notes
Rating
Features
There’s no app and ANC isn’t great, though the battery life and connection are solid.
3.5/5
Design
For cheap earbuds, they look better than most, but have a few rough edges (literally).
3.5/5
Sound quality
These cans sound great for the price, with clearer audio and neater sound spacing than you’d expect.
4/5
Value
If you’re on a budget, these can’t be beaten
4/5
Buy them if…
You're on a tight budget These headphones have been designed for people who don't want to pay for premium, or even mid-range, options.
Battery life is an important factor The 70-hour battery life is going to be handy for all kinds of use cases.View Deal
You need lightweight headphones Don't like a big helmet on your head? These are lighter than some alternatives I've tested.View Deal
Don’t buy them if…
You need something durable The OneOdio feels a little fragile, and I don't imagine they'll stand up to some rough-and-tumble use.
You need heavy-duty noise cancellation The ANC on these guys isn't fantastic, though it's better than nothing.
OneOdio Focus A1 Pro review: Also consider
OneOdio Focus A1 Pro
Soundpeats Cove Pro
OneOdio Focus A6
Drivers
40mm
40mm
40mm
Active noise cancellation
Yes
Yes
Yes
Battery life (ANC on)
70 hours
95 hours
75 hours
Weight
200g
251g
240g
Connectivity
Bluetooth 6.0
Bluetooth 6.0
Bluetooth 6.0
Waterproofing
NA
IPX4
NA
OneOdio Focus A6 These high-rated budget cans cost a touch more than the A1 Pro, but app access is the headline improvement. Read our full OneOdio Focus A6 review
Soundpeats Cove Pro These slightly pricier alternatives have a solid build and impressive feature set, though they don't sound as good. (Our review on the Cove Pro is currently in the pipeline; when we publish it, you'll be the first to know!)
How I tested the OneOdio Focus A1 Pro
Tested for 1 month
Tested at home, on walks, on public transport and the gym
(Image credit: Future)
I used the OneOdio Focus A1 Pro for the best part of a month before writing this review, so they got a lot of use.
For most of the test period, the headphones were paired with my Android smartphone, though I also used them alongside an Android tablets at several points.
Testing was done streaming music, watching TV shows and playing games. I tested the headphones in various interior settings, while out and about, and during gym sessions.
I've been tested audio gadgets for TechRadar for years, including several previous OneOdio headphones and earbuds.
The Roborock Qrevo Curv 2 Pro is a premium, feature-rich, hybrid floor-cleaning robot that delivers an impressive 25,000 Pascals of suction – great for lifting fine dust, debris and pet hair from hard floors and even deep-pile carpet. With its ultra-slim profile. retractable LiDAR navigation turret and clever AdaptiLift chassis with omnidirectional wheels, this bot can clean under very low furniture and scale especially tall thresholds.
Those 'AdaptiLift' stilts also enable this robot vacuum to hover at exactly the right height over thick carpet and rugs. In practice, this worked extremely well – the Curv 2 Pro offers some of the very best carpet cleaning performance I've experienced.
While the Qrevo Curv 2 Pro's navigation is robust and reliable (it uses a combination of lasers and an RGB camera), its Reactive AI obstacle avoidance isn't quite up to the accurate standards of some of its premium stablemates.
Given that this is a hybrid robot, it comes with a dual-spinning mop system that exerts 12 Newtons of downward pressure for tackling everyday messes though it will struggle with liquid spills and some ingrained stains. These mops also automatically detach or lift up whenever the bot is on carpet or crossing a rug.
The chunky, curvy look of Roborock's newly updated Hygiene+ 3.0 docking system may not be to everyone's liking but there's no doubting its efficiency at maintaining the robot on a daily basis. Like most of today's hybrid models, the dock charges the bot after every cleaning session, automatically empties the contents of the robot's diminutive bin into the dock's large 2.7-liter dust bag, and washes the robot's two spinning mop pads with hot water before wafting hot air over them to prevent smells and mould. In other words, it's mostly hands free.
Overall, the Qrevo Curv 2 Pro is an exceptionally capable everyday floor cleaning solution that offers excellent suction, intelligent navigation and a highly self-sufficient dock. Granted, it doesn't have the best obstacle avoidance I've ever encountered, but for everyday household cleaning of both hard floors and especially carpet, it's an efficient workhorse that shouldn't let you down.
(Image credit: Future)
Roborock Qrevo Curv 2 Pro review: price & availability
List price: €899 (about $1,060 / £780 / AU$1,520)
Available: Europe and Asia – US, UK and AU to follow
Launched: September 2025
The Roborock Qrevo Curv 2 Pro sits toward the premium end of the robot vacuum spectrum and generally delivers solid value for money, if your priorities are advanced automation and cleaning performance. High-end features like expert LiDAR-based mapping and decent obstacle avoidance justify the price for users who want a mostly set-and-forget cleaning solution rather than a basic scheduled robot.
That said, there are similar robots at lower cost that may suit some households just as well. For instance, in the UK the standard Roborock Qrevo S5V with a decent 12,000Pa of suction power, self-cleaning dock and similar mopping system retails at a smidge under £500 for the black model and £425 for the white. Or, for just £549, the excellent Dreame L40 Ultra with 19,000Pa is an equally good bet.
No question, the Qrevo Curv 2 Pro offers very decent value for those who want maximum convenience and features (including AdaptiLift), but there are some less expensive robots out there that are on a par for typical floor cleaning tasks.
As of writing, the Roborock Qrevo Curv 2 Pro is only available in select territories, including most of Europe (where it's selling for around €899) and some Asian and Middle East countries. The rest of the world, including the USA, UK, Canada and Australia, will see staggered launches throughout 2026.
Value for money score: 4 out of 5
Roborock Qrevo Curv 2 Pro specs
Max suction:
25,000Pa
Robot diameter:
13.8 x 13.9in / 35 x 35.2cm
Robot height:
3.1 in / 8cm
Dock dimensions (W x D x H):
17.7 x 17.7 x 17.7 in / 45 x 45 x 45cm
Mop type:
Dual spinning discs
Max threshold clearance:
1.6 in / 4cm (double-layer)
Dust bin volume (base):
2.7L
Water tank volume:
3.2L (clean), 3L (dirty)
Base functions:
Charge, empty dust, wash mop pads with hot water, dry mop pads with hot air, self-clean
Roborock Qrevo Curv 2 Pro review: design
Excellent suction power, with split rollers to avoid hair tangle
Retractable LiDAR puck and 'AdaptiLift' legs for deep carpet and tall thresholds
Large but fully-featured cleaning dock
As I mentioned in my review of the Roborock Q5 Pro+ in March 2025, there's a proliferation of robot vacuum brands on the market right now, each with a huge roster of models. This makes it a challenge for any journalist writing about a specific robot vacuum cleaner that is, in many ways, very similar to other models on the market, and it must be even more confusing for the consumer when faced with so many options.
Take Roborock, for instance. There are currently five different models in its Saros range, five in the Qrevo Curv Series, eight in the standard Qrevo range, five in the S Series, four in the Qrevo Edge Series and seven models in the lower-priced Q Series. And that's without even having a sniff at all the other brands like Dreame, Ecovacs, Eufy, Narwal, EZVIZ, Switchbot and iRobot. It seems that the world is awash in robot vacs at the moment and the same thing is already beginning to happen with robot lawn mowers.
But I digress – let's look at the Qrevo Curv 2 Pro in more detail and see if it's as good as the myriad of other premium models I've reviewed from the Roborock stable.
Robot vacuum design
On the surface, Roborock's Qrevo Curv 2 Pro adopts the same design principles as many other premium robot vacuum cleaners. The robot itself – 13.8 in / 35cm in diameter – is circular in shape with a centrally-located roller brush, an expandable side sweeping brush for edge and corner cleaning, two circular mops that are automatically ejected in the dock or raised whenever the robot is working on or crossing over carpet, a LiDAR turret for expert navigation, plus a full gamut of other navigational and obstacle avoidance aids. The Full Monty, in other words.
(Image credit: Future)
As one might expect from a renowned manufacturer like Roborock, build quality is exceptional throughout and well up there with the best in premium robot vacs. I've reviewed many Roborock products over the years and have never once experienced any issues aside from the odd clogging of a dust bag or some cotton tangled around a spindle. In the main, they have all performed reliably and efficiently. As a consequence, Roborock is the brand I always recommend whenever asked.
Given the popularity of Roborock's retractable LiDAR turrets that allow many models from its current roster to venture beneath low-slung furnishings, it's no surprise that Roborock has opted to fit the same RetractSense system to this particular model. As a result, when the Qrevo Curv 2 Pro's turret is retracted, the height of the robot measures a squat 3.14in / 7.98cm.
That means it can scuttle under most wardrobes, TV stands and low sofas as long as there's a minimum of 3in / 8cm of clearance. This is a major boon for anyone who has struggled to clean such inaccessible areas using a standard stick vac, especially one that isn't equipped with a Shark-inspired bendy suction tube.
(Image credit: Future)
The Qrevo Curv 2 Pro uses the aforementioned tried-and-trusted LiDAR system for its primary navigation, a VertiBeam lateral laser system for accurate edge cleaning around furniture, an upward-facing Range Finder for measuring overhead clearance, a top contact sensor to prevent the robot from jamming itself and, importantly, a combination of 'structured light' and a front-facing RGB camera with LED light for expert obstacle avoidance in all lighting conditions.
According to Roborock the Qrevo Curv 2 Pro can recognise over 200 objects, 'from tangled cables to pet surprises' but presumably only when the 'Pet' switch in the app is activated. Incidentally, the Pet setting also ensures that the robot's brush roller stops working the moment the sensors detect a furry friend.
While I personally prefer the idea of a dual counter-rotating brush head system as introduced by iRobot, Roborock has quite recently started fitting some of its bots with single split rubber brushes that meet with a small gap in the centre, and that's the case with this model. According to Roborock, the so-called 'DuoDivide' layout helps deal with hair tangles by moving the hair towards the suction gap in the middle to prevent it from getting tangled around the roller's spindles. I vouch that this system works very well and I have no issues to report regarding pet hair tangles.
(Image credit: Future)
However, as mentioned in my article on overdue robot innovations I want to see, I really do wish robot manufacturers would adopt D-shaped bodies to their products, because the circular ones of norm require fitting a short 6.3in / 16cm roller brush between the robot's wheels, which leaves as much as 3.5in / 9cm of unused space on either side of the roller.
I cite iRobot's very early S9+ as an example. This D-shaped robot came onto the market in 2019 and featured a long 9in / 23cm rubber roller positioned near the front, almost across the entire width of the machine. This meant it was not only better at collecting dust along edges, but it also picked up a wider band of detritus with every sweep. Perhaps there's a valid technical reason why the vast majority of robot vacs are circular, so answers on a postcard please.
(Image credit: Future)
Let's look at this bot's suction power, because suction strength is one of the only differences between the Qrevo Curv 2 Pro and its sibling, the Qrevo CurvX. Where the Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra TechRadar reviewed in July 2024 featured a then 'industry-leading' 10,000 Pascals of suction power, this one hits the 25,000Pa mark; 3,000Pa more than the Qrevo CurvX. Mind, even this lofty stat is still 5,000Pa shy of the Dreame Matrix10 Ultra I recently reviewed, but it just goes to show how fast robot vacuum technology has advanced in such a short space of time. For the record, the Qrevo Curv 2 Pro offers five levels of suction, from quiet to MAX+.
Given that this robot is of the hybrid variety, it also comes with a full mopping system comprised of twin spinning mops on the rear, with the ability to extend the mop on one side for cleaning around furniture legs and in corners. These mops are only used for hard floor cleaning and are therefore either raised when the robot is crossing carpet or rugs, or left behind in the dock if the robot is only performing a vacuum task. Like all decent mopping bots, the Qrevo Curv 2 Pro's mops are given a thorough wash and dry after each working session, and you can read more about this in the Dock Design chapter directly below.
(Image credit: Future)
Finally, those with single or double thresholds up to 1.6in / 4cm in height will be thrilled to learn that the Qrevo Curv 2 Pro has been fitted with Roborock's clever AdaptiLift technology. Rather than relying on fixed-height wheels like traditional robot vacuums, AdaptiLift gives the Qrevo Curv 2 Pro the ability to dynamically raise and lower its chassis and wheels to adapt to complex floor environments.
The robot's two articulated wheels literally allow the robot to automatically lift and tilt its body to clear high thresholds and even maintain optimal brush and suction contact across different floor types, including carpets with up to 1.2in / 3cm of pile. It also helps free the robot when encountering an obstruction. By intelligently sensing floor transitions and responding in real time, AdaptiLift reduces the need for manual intervention while expanding the robot's practical reach within a home. What's not to like?
Dock design
Roborock's Qrevo Curv series is defined by the curvature of its newly updated Hygiene+ 3.0 dock design. Available only in white, this rounded design aesthetic differs from the rectangular norm and looks shiny, minimalist and, dare I say, rather swish when installed in a modern home. However, its rotund shape may not be to everyone's taste.
(Image credit: Future)
Like the majority of robot docks, this one charges the robot after every task (it takes approximately 3 to 4 hours to charge from 0%) as well as emptying the contents of the robot's small 270ml bin into the dock's much larger 2.7-liter dust bag. If you don't have pets, expect about a month or so to pass before the dust bag is full and ready for disposal. However, if you have hairy pets like me, then be prepared to fit a new bag every couple of weeks or so. To save on the cost of extra bags, I often remove the hair and muck in the bag using a pair of long-nose pliers. It's messy, yes, but it saves money in the long run.
(Image credit: Future)
Given that this robot also mops hard floors, the mops always go through a thorough cleaning regime in the dock after every cleaning session. This involves scrubbing them using water at 212F / 100C followed by a 122F / 50C hot-air drying session to prevent mould and nasty odours. All you have to do is occasionally fill the dock's 3.2-liter reservoir with fresh water and dispose of the contents in the 3-liter dirty water tank.
Various levels of moisture can be added to the mops depending on the type of flooring you have. Simply go to the Roborock app and select the level of moisture required – for vinyl flooring I would suggest a higher level, and for wooden flooring I'd opt for one of the various levels well below the midway mark. This is especially pertinent for thin laminated flooring which can easily warp if too damp.
Design score: 4 out of 5
Roborock Qrevo Curv 2 Pro review: performance
Exemplary carpet cleaning performance
Acceptable mopping performance
Slightly disappointing obstacle avoidance
I have no major anomalies to report regarding this bot's navigation which is generally very good, though it might take the long way round to get to its place of work rather than a direct path. I've noticed a lot of robot vacs do this but then I've also noticed that some models, specifically those from Roborock, appear to learn over time and eventually take the shorter, direct route. I would expect this model to start doing the same over the next few weeks.
While the Qrevo Curv 2 Pro's first mapping run of my open-plan area was a success, it didn't initially name the rooms in my home as accurately as the Dreame Matrix10 Ultra. While it correctly named the kitchen, it treated the open-plan lounge and dining area as one large room and called it the sunroom. It also named the hallway as the living room and the hall passage as a bedroom. By comparison, the Matrix10 Ultra not only named every room correctly, but all areas were divided correctly, too.
(Image credit: Future)
Mind, this slight hiccup in the Qrevo Curv 2 Pro's room recognition was easily rectified by using the Roborock app to divide, merge and rename all rooms correctly. The key takeaway here is that this bot has never not found its charging dock, has never got lost under a sofa and has never stranded itself under the dining table. Every cleaning task has generally gone without any navigational hitches, and that's all you need to know.
Obstacle avoidance
For my obstacle avoidance test I laid out an assault course of dog toys, including two small items to replicate the size of average dog waste. While the robot deftly avoided the larger obstacles over two inches in height, it twice ran over one of the smaller items, a one-inch tall nylon bone. In the Qrevo Curv 2 Pro's defence, this item often flummoxes robots though I'll admit that I was surprised that the Curv 2 Pro didn't avoid it given the Roborock website's poo-dodging claim.
FutureFutureFuture
I then added a phone cable to the mix and, despite adjustments in the app, I was surprised to see the robot run over the cable on three separate occasions, even wrapping the cable around the brush head in one instance. This one really surprised me so I checked the multitude of parameters in the app – I had 'Pet' selected for extra overall sensitivity – and I couldn't see any conflicting settings. The upshot is that, while I consider this model's obstacle avoidance to be generally acceptable, I wouldn't rely on it to avoid all clutter in the home. More importantly, I would never rely on it to avoid dog mess of any shape or form.
Vacuum performance
Roborock has been marketing this bot as one of the best for carpet cleaning and, on evidence of my test using oats, muesli and crushed biscuits, I'd say the claim is spot on. I was blown away by how well it tackled the test.
I admittedly selected two passes in the app and MAX+ mode for 25,000Pa of suction, but I needn't have bothered going that far because pass number one was enough to remove the vast majority of detritus. That's an exceptional result, and one of the best I've seen for carpet pickup. I also tried it on a thick pile carpet upstairs and was equally impressed that it a) it managed to collect a sprinkling of oats and b) it didn't get bogged down in the pile.
The carpet rug before the vacuuming testFuture... during the test...Future... and the results afterwardsFutureThe contents of the bin following the testFuture
For the hard floor test, I used the same ingredients but changed the suction one level down to Max. I was generally very pleased with the results though, as is often the case with robots, the edges weren't completely cleaned and some of the debris was scattered by the robot's spinning side brush – which just goes to show why having a cordless stick vac to hand is always advisable.
The Qrevo Curv 2 Pro before the suction test on hard flooring...Future... during the test...Future... and the results afterwardsFutureAs with many bots, the Curv 2 Pro didn't do a perfect job of the cornersFuture
Mopping performance
In terms of its bi-weekly mopping ability, I've been impressed by the Qrevo Curv 2 Pro's overall performance. It has dealt with light stains and general footfall marks very well, including regularly extending one of its articulated mopping pads when traveling along skirting boards, in corners and around chair and table legs.
However, there's only so much one can ask of a twin-pad mopping system like this because, unlike some roller-based models which rinse the roller while it's cleaning, the pads on this aren't cleaned during the mopping task. And that means that any gunk that appears to have been cleaned off the floor actually remains on the mops – which is then spread around the rest of the floor. It's the nature of the beast, which is why it's never advisable to let a robot with spinning pads loose on a large-ish liquid spill.
To prove this, I created a small 'zone' in my kitchen, squirted some tomato ketchup over my wooden floor and commanded the Qrevo Curv 2 Pro to go and clean it up, having set the mop moisture setting to medium. On initial evidence it did a fine job at removing the mess, though it did leave one small smear behind. However, on closer inspection in the right reflective lighting, I could clearly see some clear but slimy swirls on the floor which would invariably dry, leaving a tacky residue behind.
Before the mopping test...Future...during... Future... and the results afterwardsFutureAnother look at the mopping resultsFuture
Had I not had the excellent Roborock F25 Ultra to hand to completely finish the job, I would have had to reach for the good old mop and bucket to fully remove all residue. This is no slight on the Qrevo Curv 2 Pro since all mopping robots of this nature behave the same way. You just need to choose your battles carefully.
Dock performance
While I don't mind the look of the Qrevo Curv 2 Pro's dock, it's not a patch on its stylish stablemates, the Roborock Saros 10 and 10R, which both come with black mirrored docks that meld into the background of any room. By contrast, this one is larger in appearance and much more noticeable.
From an operational point of view, the dock itself has proved faultless over the past few weeks with no anomalies to report. Yes, the bin emptying process is quite noisy but it's been powerful enough to always empty the robot's bins even when packed with dog hair. It has also washed and maintained the mops very well leaving no residue behind.
(Image credit: Future)
Is there anything negative to report about the dock? Well I'm not keen on the design of the dock's dust bag container, since its deep and narrow, downward-facing chamber entails having the dust bag hang and bend at the top where it connects with the inlet. When filled with detritus, the weight of it could feasibly cut off airflow into the bag. I should add that I haven't had any issue to date with the emptying process but I still maintain that it's an odd design that appears to go against simple physics. But what do I know?
Performance score: 4 out of 5
Roborock Qrevo Curv 2 Pro review: app
Exceedingly comprehensive
Well laid out
Easy to use
The Roborock app is an essential companion that elevates the Qrevo Curv 2 Pro's overall cleaning experience from the moment you open it. Cleanly designed and intuitively laid out, this app makes both initial setup and day-to-day control extremely straightforward, whether you're a first-time robot vacuum owner or a seasoned user who requires a plethora of customization options.
Roborock / FutureRoborock / Future
Mapping is mostly accurate, with detailed floor plans that are highly editable, allowing you to label rooms, set no-go zones, define virtual walls and customize cleaning routines with surprising precision. Moreover, the ability to adjust suction power, mopping intensity and cleaning sequences on a per-room basis gives users a level of control that few competitors can match, Dreame notwithstanding.
The Roborock app also supports a raft of scheduling options, self-created routines and multi-level home management, making it easy to tailor cleaning to your lifestyle. Combined with its stable connectivity and regular firmware updates, this app feels genuinely mature and thoughtfully engineered. Which is why it's still my favorite robot app of all.
App score: 4.5 out of 5
Roborock Qrevo Curv 2 Pro review: scorecard
Attribute
Notes
Rating
Value
A premium robovac (although a step below most flagship models). Advanced specs and features justify the price tag.
4 / 5
Design
Sleek, ultra-slim profile and packed with features. Dock is comprehensive but quite chunky.
4 / 5
Performance
Excellent vacuuming and especially impressive on carpet. Mopping very acceptable but obstacle avoidance a bit underwhelming.
4 / 5
App
The Roborock app is the gold standard for design and features.
4.5 / 5
How I tested the Roborock Qrevo Curv 2 Pro
With so many similarly-specced robot vacs on the market, it's becoming quite difficult to detect the differences between them. But in this day and age, specs mean nothing if the bot doesn't perform to the high standards that TechRadar's writers expect.
We always strive to get the best out of the products we review and always push them to the limits of their functionality. In this case I tested the robot vac on different floor types, watched it navigate a room, set up an obstacle course and put it to four performance tests – carpet vacuuming, hard floor vacuuming, general mopping and messy mopping. Half points out of five are then awarded for each category and averaged out for a final score. Five stars are only given to a product that unequivocally impresses on all fronts but four-stars products, too, are absolutely worth investigation.
