CRKD Gibson Les Paul Guitar Controller: one-minute review
The CRKD Gibson Les Paul Guitar Controlleris a brand-new guitar controller for use with rhythm games like Fortnite Festival, Rock Band 4, and Clone Hero. CRKD was founded by former Red Octane staff who were responsible for the Guitar Hero series' controllers, and as such this feels very in line with the peripherals for those games, taking on the best elements of each to make one of the best guitar controllers I've ever used.
It comes in two variants, the LP Black Tribal Encore Edition and the LP Blueberry Burst Pro Edition. The Black Tribal edition comes with standard fret buttons and a mechanical click strum bar, with a slightly gaudy tribal design. Meanwhile, the slightly more expensive Blueberry Burstis functionally the same guitar but with mechanical frets, a Hall Effect strum bar with haptic feedback, and a blueberry burst design. If you prefer one set of buttons over another, the necks are interchangeable too.
On top of those two versions, each version has an Xbox edition, which makes it compatible with Rock Band 4. The multi-platform edition does work with Xbox through the KeyJam mode, however, it acts as a keyboard, meaning it is compatible with Fortnite Festival through button mapping but not Rock Band. The multi-platform edition works with Switch, PC, PlayStation 3-5, and Android too.
The guitar itself feels great to hold; it takes on the form of the fan-favorite Gibson Les Paul design that was previously used with Guitar Hero 3, while the strum bar is longer and easier to pinch, like the "Genericaster" design from Guitar Hero: World Tour and Guitar Hero 5 (my personal favorite guitar controller of all time). It lacks the lower fret buttons found on Rock Band guitars and the PDP Riffmaster; however, a separate neck attachment is being released later with this option.
(Image credit: Future)
CRKD Gibson Les Paul Guitar Controller: price and availability
Prices range between $114.99 / £109.99 / AU$199 and $134.99 / £129.99 / AU$224
Available in the US via the CRKD website
Available in the UK via CRKD, Argos, and Amazon
Available in Australia via JB Hifi
The CRKD Les Paul launched in June 2025, with the Xbox editions set to release in late September. The price is higher based on whether you have the Xbox-compatible edition, with the Blueberry Burst version being more expensive than the Black Tribal one. However, the Blueberry Burst is only $10 / £10 / AU$25 more expensive, while buying the mechanical frets separately is $39.99 / £39.99, so I would personally go with the Blueberry Burst.
While you may be able to get the PDP Riffmaster on sale now, its regular price is more expensive than the Blueberry Burst, with the CRKD being what I feel is the better guitar (however, this more likely comes down to your preference between Guitar Hero and Rock Band-style instruments).
CRKD Gibson Les Paul Guitar Controller review: Specs
Price
$114.99 / £109.99 / AU$199
Dimensions
9.96 x 29.13 x 1.37in / 253 x 740 x 35mm
Compatibility
Nintendo Switch, PC, Android, Smart TV, PS3, PS4, PS5 (Xbox in Fortnite Festival only)
CRKD Gibson Les Paul Guitar Controller review: design and features
Guitar controller designed for rhythm gaming
Based on the iconic Gibson Les Paul Guitar
A dial allowing you to program different profiles
As the name suggests, the CRKD Gibson Les Paul Guitar Controller is based on the iconic Gibson Les Paul guitar. This design was previously used for the Guitar Hero 3 guitar controller, with this one being roughly the same size.
The two available versions are Black Tribal and Blueberry Burst. Black Tribal is a black plastic base with a glossy black tribal design on top of it. While it's appropriate, as the mid-2000s was the perfect time for guitar controllers and tacky tribal designs (shoutout to the tribal Game Boy Advance SP), I frankly think this design is ugly. Blueberry Burst, on the other hand is fine looking; the actual blue burst design is nice and akin to its namesake guitar, but it's a decal that looks a bit low quality at close inspection.
Meanwhile, since the necks are detachable, both are just regular black plastic with small lights up the neck. These will light up in a color corresponding with which fret button you press.
The guitar features a d-pad on the top of the neck and two sticks. One is a little dial that is clicked in as your start button, and while it's not the end of the world, it can be a little awkward to pause with it. Meanwhile, there's a tone switch-style stick on the upper half of the guitar, which has a ring of buttons around it, allowing you to access the face and trigger buttons.
Under the strum bar is the whammy bar – which allows you to earn extra points when playing sustained notes – and the CTRL button, which is typically bound to Star Power activation. While not as long as the one found on the Genericaster, it's placed well so it's very easy to hit with your wrist and not compromise your strumming.
While not a complete game-changer, the mechanical frets and Hall Effect strum bar found in the Blueberry Burst edition feel fantastic, and given the price isn't significantly higher, I'd recommend going with that version over the Black Tribal.
(Image credit: Future)
CRKD Gibson Les Paul Guitar Controller review: Performance
Solid battery life
Works right out the box
Comes with custom profile dial, customisable via the CRKD mobile app
The CRKD Gibson Les Paul Guitar Controller works straight out of the box with either a USB-C cable connection on PC or via a 2.4GHz dongle (both of which are included with the guitar). You can also use Bluetooth to connect to devices that can't support a USB option. From my month of testing, only the Blueberry Burst edition has run out of battery with me using it for at least 15-20 hours without charging it out of the box.
There's a knob that acts as the on switch when pressed and features a dial that allows you to use one of 9 profiles (the first four being preset to default settings and the Fortnite Festival difficulties). These bindings can be changed via the CRKD mobile app, with the Blueberry Burst edition allowing you to alter the level of sensitivity and haptic feedback on the strum bar.
This is essential for Fortnite Festival. While the default mode is usable in the mode, the CTRL button is mapped to the Select button, which opens a menu in Fortnite. You can't remap this in-game, so you'll need to turn the dial to number two to make it work in Fortnite's pro modes.
(Image credit: Future)
Should I buy the CRKD Gibson Les Paul Guitar Controller?
Buy it if...
You want to play guitar games or Fortnite Festival's Pro Mode If you want to play these classic rhythm games, then you'll want a guitar controller to go with it. It's wide range of compatibility makes it a solid choice for any game you want to play across PC, PlayStation, and Switch, with the Xbox version working for Rock Band 4 on Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S.
You were a Guitar Hero diehard This guitar was made by the people behind the Guitar Hero instruments and feel spot on to the classic instruments. I had my Ratatouille food critic moment playing this for the first time as it took me right back.
Don't buy it if...
You liked the Rock Band guitars better While both were plastic guitars, Guitar Hero and Rock Band have very different feeling guitar controllers. Ultimately if you preferred the Rock Band guitars, the PDP Riffmaster is the way to go for you.
CRKD Gibson Les Paul Guitar Controller review: Also consider
Still not sold on the CRKD Gibson Les Paul Guitar Controller? Here’s how it compares to the other guitar controllers on the market.
CRKD Gibson Les Paul Guitar Controller
PDP Riffmaster
CKRD NEO S Purple Wave 5-Fret Fortnite Festival Edition
Price
$114.99 / £109.99 / AU$199
$129.99 / £129.99 (around AU$199)
$59.99 / £59.99 / AU$119.95
Dimensions
9.96 x 29.13 x 1.37in / 253 x 740 x 35mm
10.51 x 21.38 x 3.23in / 543 x 267 x 82mm
5.9 x 3.5 x 0.78in / 150 x 88 x 20mm
Compatibility
Multi: Nintendo Switch, PC, Android, Smart TV, PS3, PS4, PS5
Xbox:Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, Android, Smart TV, iOS
Xbox: Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC
PlayStation: PS5, PS4, PC
Nintendo Switch, PC, Steam Deck, iOS, Android, Smart TV
PDP Riffmaster This is a great alternative becauseCRKD was founded by former RedOctane staff – who created the original Guitar Hero controllers – as such, CRKD’s model feels in line with those games. If you preferred the feel of the Rock Band controllers back in the day, you're going to want the PDP Riffmaster. However, I personally find Rock Band buttons unsatisfying, so CRKD is my go-to.
CKRD NEO S Purple Wave 5-Fret Fortnite Festival Edition This is a great alternative if you're unsure about rhythm games and don't want to drop over $100 on a full-blown guitar controller. The NEO S is a solid controller in its own right, and the guitar attachment allows you to play these games, albeit with a smaller control method. It doesn't stand next to the full-blown ones, but it's a solid entry-level guitar controller.
How I tested the CRKD Gibson Les Paul Guitar Controller
Tested for around 20-25 hours
Used to play YARG and Fortnite Festival on PC
Used both editions of the guitar
I've been using the CRKD Gibson Les Paul Guitar Controllersince I received it in early August 2025 (so around a month). I did play a decent amount of Fortnite Festival (especially when they added the Power Rangers theme song), but I've mainly been playing YARG, which is a fan-made recreation of the Rock Band games, allowing you to import custom songs to the game.
I played a variety of songs and genres with it, from the likes of some of my favorite bands, Ween, They Might Be Giants, and Jellyfish, to harder rock bands like Iron Maiden, Mastodon, and Primus. I also played a selection of game soundtracks (mostly Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance and Guilty Gear Strive) and some outright goofy stuff like Weird Al Yankovic, the South Park movie soundtrack, and the Spider-Man 2 pizza theme.
Samsung finally made the Galaxy S25 FE official earlier today, following many months of rumors, leaks, and speculation about it. The phone is already available in a lot of countries, with no pre-order period to speak of - you can just buy one.
[#InlinePriceWidget,14042,1#]
If you are in the US, however, your options will be more limited than elsewhere, as Samsung has decided to only offer two versions of the phone over there, instead of the three it's selling in places like Europe.
Samsung Galaxy S25 FE
So you can get the phone with 128GB or 256GB of storage in the US, but...
The Pixel 10, 10 Pro and 10 Pro XL are the first Google phones to lack physical SIM slots in the US. The trio comes with dual eSIM capabilities, allowing them to use 2 profiles at a time and store up to 8 profiles on the phone at any given time.
It appears that certain users who returned their Pixel 10 units due to hardware issues have received replacement units with a physical nano-SIM slot.
Pixel 10 Pro XL original (top) and replacement unit (bottom)
Several users on Reddit shared that their replacement Pixel 10 Pro units have the nano-SIM slot, which would signify these units...
The Segway Navimow X3 Series robot lawn mowers are built specifically for sizeable lawns. And when I say sizeable, I mean sizeable – the range covers lawns from 0.5 acres / 1,500 square meters right up to a massive 2.5 acres / 10,000 square meters. To make them suitable for such vast spaces, these bots are designed to operate quickly, efficiently and accurately, with batteries capacious enough to allow for long mowing periods, without having to make the arduous journey back to the dock to recharge.
To see if this lawnbot could deliver on these promises, I sought out the largest yard I knew of. The lawn at my sister's home, measures around 1,000 square meters / 0.25 acre (although Segway sent me the X350, which is designed for even larger areas still). The first thing I was struck by is the speed of the mower. It rolls along at quite the pace, navigating with confidence, even when traversing under trees.
The lawnbot itself is really quite large (and the same size as the other X3 Series models), but if you have a lawn big enough to need one, that's not going to matter so much. It feels solid and high quality, with a friendly orange and grey color scheme and slightly retro-feeling dot-matrix screen to provide key information.
(Image credit: Future)
A big reason as to why the experience of using the Segway Navimow X3 Series is so enjoyable is down to the design of the companion app. It's intuitive to use, walking you clearly through all the steps required to complete each process, and providing background information – rather than leaving you to figure things out by yourself. There are plenty of setting options to explore, and planning a schedule is straightforward.
In terms of performance, I had no issues. Throughout the test period, the bot behaved exactly as I'd hoped, mowing neatly and within boundaries, taking a logical route and never missing any spots. It also reliably avoided medium (soccer ball-sized) obstacles, although it did mow over a satsuma-sized ball (understandable, given it was sitting below camera height). Since this bot is two-wheel drive rather than four-wheel, it might struggle with especially rough terrain; but for the average yard, it will be absolutely fine.
Overall, a very strong recommendation for those looking for an efficient, fuss-free mower to take care of larger lawns. That's the short version; read on for my full Segway Navimow X3 Series review.
Segway Navimow X3 review: price & availability
List price: from $2,299 / £2,199
Available: US, UK, AU
Launched: Spring 2025
The Segway Navimow X3 Series was unveiled in spring 2025, and is available to buy in various countries including the US, UK and Australia. You can only purchase direct from Segway Navimow in the US, and in general these lawnbots aren't stocked widely online (you won't be adding one to your Amazon Prime order). Instead, you might need to check the Segway Navimow site for distributors local to you.
When it comes to pricing, brace yourself: the Segway Navimow X3 Series doesn't come cheap. The cheapest in the lineup costs $2,299 / £2,199 at list price, and the priciest is $4,999 / £4,299. That's a significant investment, and if you don't have a large yard – or a yearning for ultra-speedy mowing – there are plenty more affordable alternatives. However, for those in need of large-scale mowing, the Navimow's pricing isn't too far away from what you'd pay elsewhere on the market.
Let's say you want something for a 1-acre / 3,000m² lawn. The Mammotion LUBA 2 AWD 3000 costs $2,499 / £2,549 at list price, and the Navimow X330 is $2,799 / £2,599. The LUBA 2 has slightly more advanced features all round, including all-wheel drive and two cutting decks, which makes it a better-value buy at full price. Nevertheless, both are excellent, advanced, high-quality lawnbots.
Overall, my experience with the Navimow X3 series was extremely positive, and it felt well built and thoughtfully designed, so I think for large lawns it's worth the investment.
Value for money score: 4 out of 5
Segway Navimow X3 specs
Segway Navimow X350 (reviewed)
Segway Navimow X315 (cheapest)
Recommended lawn size:
1.5 acres / 5,000m²
0.5 acre / 1,500㎡
Cutting width:
9.3in / 23.7cm
9.3in / 23.7cm
Cutting height:
0.8-2.8in / 2-7cm
0.8-2.8in / 2-7cm
Drivetrain:
2-wheel drive
2-wheel drive
Incline ability:
50% / 27 degrees
50% / 27 degrees
Waterproof:
IP66
IP66
Lawnbot size (L x W x H):
27.5 x 21.7 x 12.1in / 69.8 x 55 x 30.7cm
27.5 x 21.7 x 12.1in / 69.8 x 55 x 30.7cm
Lawnbot weight:
43.7 lbs / 19.8kg
43.2 lbs / 19.6kg
Charge time:
80 mins
60 mins
Mowing time per charge:
200 mins
120 mins
Cutting blades:
6
6
Segway Navimow X3 review: design
Available in versions with different batteries for different lawn sizes
On-bot info via a screen, and cameras on three sides for obstacle avoidance
Comes with RTK receiver (option to add a second) and charge station
The Segway Navimow X3 Series is a big bot for big lawns. There are a few options in the lineup, all of which are identical in design and specs, except the ones at the top end of the range have a bigger battery and as such are suitable for larger areas. These are the options:
Model
Recommended mowing area
Runtime per charge
Charge time
X315
0.5 acre / 1,500m²
120 mins
60 mins
X330
1 acre / 3,000m²
160 mins
65 mins
X350 (tested)
1.5 acres / 5,000m²
200 mins
80 mins
X390
2.5 acres 10,000m²
240 mins
100 mins
Moving on to the lawnbot itself, and the brand has opted for a friendly look, with a dark gray and bright orange color scheme, and a dot matrix screen to provide key information in real time. On test I found this limited in its practical usefulness, although it is quite fun. There are physical buttons for Go, On/OK and Return to charge, plus a big emergency stop button. However, for the most part you'll be controlling the bot via the companion app, which I'll cover in detail in a separate App section below (there's also support for voice control via Alexa or Google Home, if you prefer).
(Image credit: Future)
The Navimow X350 is rather large, and for the times you might need to manually maneuver it, Segway has added a big handle around the rear of the bot. Unfortunately, there's no grip area at the front – so unless you stick your hand in the charge slot, which goes against an important lesson I learned as a toddler, you'll need to make do with crouching and dragging rather than picking it up.
It's fairly common for modern lawnbots to come equipped with a camera for object identification and avoidance, but the X3 Series has not one, but three: one at the front and one on either side, delivering a 300-degree field of view. Alongside one of the side-mounted cameras you'll find an Expansion Bay section, where you can attach add-ons. There's an edge trimmer attachment that already exists in a few countries (I didn't test this), and open API access means if you have the skills, you can create your own additions.
Also hidden somewhere on the top is a compartment for a tracker, should you wish to add one for added security reasons (there's also an out-of-bounds alarm, lift alerts and GPS tracking to guard against theft).
(Image credit: Future)
There are two main wheels, plus two smaller wheels at the front. Since this bot is a two-wheel drive machine, it isn't designed for very uneven terrain, although it can still handle slopes up to 50%, and will be more than up to handling the average yard (or football field).
Flip it over and you'll find the cutting deck, which consists of six blades mounted on a rotating disc, which can be raised or lowered automatically via the app (it can cut at heights of 0.8-2.8in / 2-7cm). The whole thing is designed to avoid the mechanism becoming clogged up with cuttings. Like most lawnbots, there's no grass collection here – instead you're meant to use it regularly enough that the tiny cuttings end up mulching back into the lawn. The Navimow delivers a generous cutting width of 9.3in / 23.7cm.
(Image credit: Future)
Additional components
The X3 Series is at least partially reliant on satellites for navigation, so in the box you also get an RTK receiver to improve the accuracy of the satellite information. You'll need to find a good spot for this – ideally it needs to sit somewhere high up, with a wide, uninterrupted view of the sky. Since I was only borrowing this machine, I just stuck it on the provided lawn-mount spike, and it worked remarkably well even in this sub-optimal position, as you'll learn in the Performance section. You can purchase a secondary antenna to act as backup if you have an especially large lawn.
(Image credit: Future)
You're also provided with a charge station, where your lawnbot will return to juice up. This needs to sit on flat ground, with access to a power source.
The lawnbot is IP66 rated, which means it's resistant to both water (everything apart from complete submersion) and dust. Even so, I tend to think a plastic garage roof is a good idea for a little extra protection from the elements in the long term.
(Image credit: Future)
Features
Let's look quickly at what's going on under the hood. Like most modern lawnbots, the X3 Series doesn't require boundary wires, but instead uses a combination of RTK satellite navigation, cameras and sensors to find its way around (here's more on how lawnbots navigate, if you're interested).
To ensure the bot always knows where it is, even when being used on a palatial lawn, Segway has introduced a number of navigation upgrades. The RTK system has been improved and can apparently deliver 40% better observation, to keep it moving in potential blind spots such as narrow pathways or under rooftops.
(Image credit: Future)
Inside, two complementary wayfinding systems work together to help the bot find its way about: VSLAM, which relies on recognizable visual cues; and VIO, which is great for new, featureless areas. All of that, added to the wide field of view provided by the three onboard cameras, should mean this bot is an absolute pro when it comes to navigation.
Design score: 5 out of 5
Segway Navimow X3 review: performance
Neat, thorough and very speedy mowing
Confident, accurate navigation, even under trees
Strong obstacle avoidance, although can't spot very small items
Let's start with setup, which I found fairly painless. There's a bit of self-assembly required of the base station and RTK receiver, but if you hook up the app first then it walks you through the process quite clearly (there's also a paper instruction booklet, if you prefer). The app also guides you through the mapping process.
My test lawn has unclear boundaries and tree coverage, so I opted to create a map manually, by remote-controlling around the perimeter of the area I wanted mowing and then editing the results in-app. I found the process straightforward. If you have a very simple lawn, you'd use AI Assist Mapping, where the bot will automatically map the area for you.
The first thing I was struck by when I started mowing was how speedy the Navimow proved. I was promised efficiency, and the Segway Navimow has delivered. The X3 rolls confidently along at an impressive pace compared to other bots I've tested.
I mostly used the Standard speed for my tests, but bumped it up to Efficient at one point but couldn't really notice a difference. The app states that it's 0.2m/s faster in this mode, which would be noticeable over time if you were mowing an especially large lawn.
(Image credit: Future)
I was also very impressed by navigation. My test lawn has a number of large trees, which I thought might cause the X3 to get lost – especially given the RTK receiver was just stuck in the ground, rather than elevated above the trees and buildings, as it really should be. However, all the test-runs were free of issues. The bot made its way around confidently, covering the full lawn in a logical pattern. It also accurately avoided a no-mow zone I'd set up in the center of the lawn, on a patch of ground that had recently been re-sown with grass seed. I guess whatever Segway Navimow has done to "improve the RTK performance by 40%" has worked.
(Image credit: Future)
I also ran a couple of specific object avoidance tests by placing large (a toddler's ride-on car), medium (soccer ball) and small (a tangerine-sized ball) obstacles in the X3's path. It had no issues spotting the car or football, duly skirting around each one, even when I kicked the football about to try to confuse it, but the smallest ball met a grizzly end beneath the X3's blades.
We've yet to test a lawnbot at TechRadar that can spot small obstacles such as this, so it isn't a particular failing on Segway Navimow's part. However, it's worth noting if you have, for example, a dog that likes to poo in your yard, and you don't want to spend an afternoon cleaning it out of wheel crevices.
Performance score: 4.5 out of 5
Segway Navimow X3 review: app
Lots of useful explanations and info, with diagrams
Plenty of fine-adjustment options
Well laid out and easy to navigate
From the off, I was super-impressed with the Segway Navimow app. It provides plenty of information and clear explanations – often with diagrams – to walk you through everything from setup to how to map. Other lawnbot apps I've tested use opaque language and leave you to mostly figure things out for yourself, which can be especially confusing if it's your first robot lawn mower.
(Image credit: Segway Navimow / Future)
Here, however, everything is logically laid out and easy to navigate. There are also plenty of options to fine-tune your mowing. There's a straightforward schedule-maker, where you can select days, times and zones for cutting. You can also choose between three mowing speeds (Quiet, Standard and Efficient) and grass length (20-70mm, in increments of 5mm).
(Image credit: Segway Navimow / Future)
There's a section for Map management, where you can split, add or remove sections, or add no-go zones (or, as Segway Navimow whimsically calls them, "BioLife Islands"). It will let you select where you want to start on the map, with the bot cleverly driving itself over to your chosen spot, and then the app will guide you to drive the new boundary line using remote control. I found this process straightforward and logical – again, not always a given.
Segway Navimow also offers a range of "Advanced" features, too. There's an "Animal friendly" mode that will see the bot stop if it spots an animal and take a new route so as not to disturb it, rather than just skirting around it. You can also toggle on "Traction control" for particularly muddy or challenging terrain.
App score: 5 out of 5
Should you buy the Segway Navimow X3 Series?
Attribute
Notes
Rating
Value
Very much a premium lawnbot, but performance and features help justify the investment.
4 / 5
Design
Rather large, well-built lawnbot with RTK station and charge dock. Two-wheel drive and cameras to the front and both sides, plus a dot matrix screen on the bot itself.
5 / 5
Performance
Neat, fast, efficient mowing. Confident navigation even in challenging conditions, and solid obstacle avoidance (bar very small objects).
4.5 / 5
App
Extremely usable and well designed, with plenty of useful, clear information.
5 / 5
Buy it if...
You have a massive lawn
The Navimow X3 series is designed specifically to cover large areas quickly, efficiently and without getting lost.
You need something easy to use
The Segway Navimow app guides you through the setup and mapping processes and provides you with useful background information – perfect if this is your first lawnbot.
Your grass grows quickly and needs to look neat
This is a very efficient mower, so it will come into its own when faced with a fast-growing lawn.
Don't buy it if...
You have a small / medium-sized yard
This bot is for big lawns – if you're mowing an area less than 0.5 acre / 1,500m² (or even around that size), there are plenty of cheaper, smaller options that will suit the job better.
Your lawn is very uneven
For challenging terrain, you might need an all-wheel drive model such as the Mammotion LUBA 2 AWD (the Segway Navimow is two-wheel drive).
Segway Navimow X3 review: alternatives to consider
Segway Navimow X330
Mammotion Luba 2 3000
Mammotion Yuka Mini S (US) / Yuka Mini 600 (UK)
Recommended lawn size:
1 acre / 3,000m²
1 acre / 3,000m²
0.15 acres / 600㎡
Cutting width:
9.3in / 23.7cm
15.7in / 40cm
7.5in / 19cm
Cutting height:
0.8-2.8in / 2-7cm
1-2.7in / 2.5-7cm
0.8-2.4in / 2-6cm
Drivetrain:
Two-wheel drive
All-wheel drive
Two-wheel drive
Incline ability:
50% / 27 degrees
80% / 38 degrees
50% / 27 degrees
Waterproof:
IP66
IPX6
IPX6
Lawnbot size (L x W x H):
27.5 x 21.7 x 12.1in / 69.8 x 55 x 30.7cm
27.2 x 20.2 x 27.3in / 69 x 51.3 x 27.3cm
20.7 x 16.3 x 11.1in / 52.5 x 41.3 x 28.1cm
Lawnbot weight:
43.7 lbs / 19.8kg
41 lbs / 18.6kg
23.4 lbs / 10.6kg
Charge time:
65 mins
120 mins
90 mins
Mowing time per charge:
160 mins
190 mins
55 mins
Cutting blades:
6
12
5
Mammotion LUBA 2 AWD Another hi-tech, premium bot for large yards, the LUBA 2 has the edge if you need something for especially challenging terrain. It boasts all-wheel drive, two cutting decks working in tandem, and the ability to handle steeper inclines.
Mammotion Yuka Mini If you have a much smaller yard, check out this more compact option. The app is nowhere near as intuitive as Segway Navimow's, nor are there as many features or fine-tuning options, but it's still a very capable mower and comes in at a far lower price.
I tested the X350 model of the Segway Navimow X3 Series. I used it for several weeks in the garden of my sister's home. The test lawn measures around 1,000 square meters, and has unclear borders and several large trees. I set up the bot myself from scratch, following the instructions in the app, including constructing the charge station and RTK receiver. I mapped the lawn into different mowing zones and added no-mow areas. I assessed the lawnbot based on the neatness and speed of mowing, accuracy of navigation, and general ease of use. I also explored the different options in the app to see the extent to which I could fine-tune settings, and ran object avoidance tests using different-sized obstacles. I then compared all of my findings to other lawnbots I've used, while also weighing everything up against the price to gauge whether the bot offers good value for money.
The Acer Aspire 14 AI (2025) is a mid-range laptop with AI capabilities that aim to streamline advanced tasks without compromising processing power.
It looks smart and sleek with its minimal design. The blue colorway of my review unit also added an element of vibrancy to proceedings, offering something a little different from the usual black and silver finishes.
It’s also very light and thin, which makes it easy to use and carry around. The bezel around the screen is very small, too, which helps to maximize the size of the display.
The materials feel premium enough, especially the keys, but it’s not the sturdiest unit. There’s a considerable amount of flex to the lid and chassis, falling some way short of the best laptop constructions.
As you’d expect given its name, there are various AI features in the Aspire 14 AI (2025). However, there aren’t as many as you might think, with the flagship app appearing to be Acer LiveArt – a disappointingly basic image editing suite.
The AI apps run fairly smoothly in the main, though, and the Aspire 14 AI (2025) performs everyday tasks quite well, from productivity and browsing to streaming. However, it can succumb to the occasional slowdown and lag, and doesn’t handle 4K content particularly well. More strenuous tasks, such as gaming, are beyond it, as you might expect given the middling GPU it’s saddled with.
(Image credit: Future)
What’s more, there’s a pretty consistent fan noise, even during moderate workloads, which increases the harder the Aspire 14 AI (2025) is pushed. I also noticed a strange rattling sound at times, which was slightly concerning.
The display is more impressive, providing plenty of sharpness and brightness. Colors are rendered quite well, too, although they’re not the most vivid, with some of its rivals achieving greater saturation.
The keyboard is mostly pleasant to use, thanks in no small part to the sizable and generously spaced keys. The trackpad is smooth enough, but taps and clicks lack consistency and feedback.
Perhaps the most impressive aspect of the Aspire 14 AI (2025) is the battery life. It lasted 22 hours in our movie playback test, which trounces most of the competition, even at the top end of the market.
Ultimately, the Aspire 14 AI (2025) ends up being a somewhat underwhelming laptop considering its price tag. You might be better off paying a little more to have a laptop with a better design and overall performance.
Acer Aspire 14 AI (2025) review: Price & Availability
Starts from £699 / AU$1,399
Currently unavailable in the US
Well-price for the spec
The Aspire 14 AI (2025) starts from £699 / AU$1,399 and is available now in various finishes. It can be configured with 512GB or 1TB of storage. Currently, the only model available in the US is the larger Aspire 16 AI.
On the face of it, this is a reasonable price for a laptop with this spec. But it does face some stern competitors who, despite being a bit more expensive, might represent better value, all things considered.
Take the Microsoft Surface Laptop: this starts at $899.99 / £1,039 / AU$1,498, and while it has a similar everyday performance to the Aspire 14 AI (2025) and a marginally shorter – but still impressive – battery life, it’s built to a higher standard and more enjoyable to use in our view.
Similarly, there’s also the Dell Inspiron 14. Again, this is more expensive than the Aspire 14 AI (2025), but its everyday performance is better – although it still can’t handle the most intensive workloads, like video editing and AAA gaming. It too has an impressive battery life, although it’s still not quite as enduring as that of the Aspire 14 AI (2025).
Value: 3.5 / 5
Acer Aspire 14 AI (2025) review: Specs
Acer Aspire 14 AI (2025) Specs
Acer Aspire 14 AI (2025) Base Config
Acer Aspire 14 AI (2025) Max Config
Price
$TBA / £699 / AU$1,399
$TBA / £749 (about AU$1570)
CPU
Qualcomm Snapdragon X X1-26-100 (8 cores), 3GHz
Qualcomm Snapdragon X X1-26-100 (8 cores), 3GHz
GPU
Qualcomm Adreno GPU (shared memory)
Qualcomm Adreno GPU (shared memory)
RAM
16GB LPDDR5X
16GB LPDDR5X
Storage
512GB PCI Express NVMe 4.0 (M.2)
1TB PCI Express NVMe 4.0 (M.2)
Display
14-inch WUXGA (1920 x 1200), 16:10, Active Matrix TFT LCD, IPS, 120Hz
14-inch WUXGA (1920 x 1200), 16:10, Active Matrix TFT LCD, IPS, 120Hz
The Aspire 14 AI (2025) is very portable, even for a 14-inch laptop, thanks to its light and slender frame, free from any bulges or protrusions. This also adds to its sleek appearance. The dark blue colorway of my review unit suited it very well, and helped distinguish it from the monochromatic homogeneity of the sector.
The lid is easy to open, yet offers sufficient stability. Pleasingly, it also reclines all the way back by 180 degrees, making it versatile for various stands and setups.
Instead of four feet, the Aspire 14 AI (2025) features two long bars running across its width, with the rear one being taller than the front. They don’t provide as much grip as more traditional rubber feet, but they suffice for keeping the Aspire 14 AI (2025) stable while in use. What’s more, some may find this lack of traction preferable, as it makes the laptop easier to slide around on a given surface.
Build quality is good in places, such as the keyboard, with the plastics looking and feeling premium. I also appreciated the very thin bezel around the screen, which serves to maximize the full real estate.
However, there’s a considerable amount of flex to the chassis and the lid, which is somewhat disconcerting. It’s probably not one to take on more extreme adventures – it’s certainly no match for the best rugged laptop units in this regard – but it should suffice for basic travel.
(Image credit: Future)
As for software, the Aspire 14 AI (2025) is mercifully free from bloatware – although that statement largely depends on how you feel about AI features. Thankfully, those that are installed are unintrusive and only there if you need them.
The included AI features of the Aspire 14 AI (2025) are mainly confined to image and video editing, courtesy of Acer LiveSense. This app has some very basic image editing and webcam effects to play around with, but to call this an AI feature is a stretch. Its generative features boil down to buttons that open Microsoft's Copilot app instead.
If you want more AI offerings from Acer than those preinstalled, you’ll have to download Acer Intelligence Space, which acts as a hub for its suite of AI apps. However, I couldn’t get this to install on my unit, with the app failing to appear once the installer had finished running.
As a side note, if you’re looking to install third-party apps, keep in mind that the Aspire 14 AI (2025) uses an ARM processor, so you may run into compatibility issues. Check with the software provider where you can to determine suitability for the architecture.
There’s a well-judged selection of ports on the Aspire 14 AI (2025). It features two USB-C ports, both of which employ the Thunderbolt 4 standard. These are both located on the left-hand side, in front of the HDMI 2.1 port and USB-A port, which may prove inconvenient for certain setups, since you’ll need to connect the power adapter to one of them.
On the right you’ll find a USB-A port, followed by a headset jack and a microSD slot. It’s a shame there isn’t at least one more port on this side, but this is a minor complaint.
Design: 3.5/ 5
Acer Aspire 14 AI (2025) review: Performance
(Image credit: Future)
Reasonable workaday performance
AI apps eat memory
Noisy even under moderate loads
The performance of the Aspire 14 AI (2025) is good, if nothing spectacular. It can handle most everyday tasks, including word processing, spreadsheet editing, and video streaming, although 4K content can result in significant pauses for buffering. There were also a few occasions where it was a little sluggish, such as when waking from sleep.
The AI apps and features run well enough, although they do tend to eat up a considerable amount of memory, despite the 16GB of RAM on board. Models with more would be preferable to deal with such workloads on a regular basis.
Even under moderate loads, the fans of the Aspire 14 AI (2025) are audible. The noise isn’t too loud or shrill, but it’s still noticeable and unexpected. The volume does increase with heavier tasking, though – but at least the unit remains cool throughout.
I also noticed a strange rattling sound at times, as if some part was loose and vibrating. Pressing the offending area fixed the issue temporarily, but this speaks further to the less-than-stellar build quality of the Aspire 14 AI (2025).
(Image credit: Future)
Intensive tasks are beyond the Aspire 14 AI (2025). It doesn’t handle gaming very well, even when playing moderately demanding titles with modest settings. I encountered severe stuttering and lag when playing Counter-Strike 2 on the Medium preset, rendering it virtually unplayable; this certainly isn’t a device to replace the best gaming laptops.
The 1920 x 1200 display is sharp and renders colors quite well, although it’s not the most vibrant you’ll ever see. It has high levels of brightness, too, which helps to keep reflections at bay.
The keys are large and generously spaced, which makes them easy to type with. They lack the feedback and satisfying feel of the best laptops for writers, and the omission of a number pad might deter those after maximum productivity, but for basic note taking and essay writing, the keyboard should suffice.
The trackpad manages to stay out of the way while typing for the most part, with it refraining from registering palm contact. It’s smooth and pleasingly large, but the taps are a little inconsistent, and the click feels quite nasty and lacks feedback, making it awkward to use for constant navigation around documents and web pages.
Performance: 3.5 / 5
Acer Aspire 14 AI (2025) review: Battery Life
(Image credit: Future)
Incredible longevity
Beats all the competition
The battery life of the Aspire 14 AI (2025) is very impressive. During our movie playback test, it managed to last an incredible 22 hours – a few hours shy of Acer’s 28-hour claim, but this is forgivable given there are very few rivals that can match this kind of endurance.
It trounces even more premium laptops, such as the Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3) (the best student laptop in our view), which only managed a little over 14 hours. The Microsoft Surface Laptop managed just over 17 hours, while the Dell Inspiron 14 Plus lasted over 18 hours.
Battery Life: 5 / 5
Should I buy the Acer Aspire 14 AI (2025)?
Acer Aspire 14 AI (2025) Scorecard
Attributes
Notes
Rating
Value
It’s at the lower end of the mid-range pack, but there are perhaps better value alternatives.
3.5 / 5
Design
It’s light and slender, but hardly the most solid. The included AI software is poor.
3.5 / 5
Performance
It’ll suffice for everyday tasks and productivity, but more serious workloads are beyond it. The display is bright and clear.
3.5 / 5
Battery Life
You’ll struggle to find many laptops that can last as long as the Aspire 14 AI (2025).
5 / 5
Total
The Aspire 14 AI (2025) is somewhat inconsistent, with great portability and battery life, but middling performance and build quality. There are better options if you’re prepared to pay a bit more.
3.5 / 5
Buy the Acer Aspire 14 AI (2025) if...
You want the best battery life The battery life of the Aspire 14 AI (2025) is truly phenomenal – no other laptop can beat it.
You want something easy to use The light and thin chassis makes this easy to carry around, and the 180-degree folding display makes it versatile, too.
Don't buy it if...
You want the strongest build The Aspire 14 AI (2025) is far from the sturdiest laptop out there, so best kept out of intrepid situations.
You want the best performance For everyday tasks you should be fine, but it can’t handle demanding workloads. It can get noisy, too.
Acer Aspire 14 AI (2025) review: Also Consider
Microsoft Surface Laptop 13-inch As the best Windows 11 laptop in our eyes, the Surface Laptop is a great all-rounder. It’s better made than the Aspire 14 AI (2025), and although its battery life is shorter, it’s still top-tier. The starting price is higher, but you get a laptop that equates to better all-round value.
Dell 14 Plus If you’re looking for another affordable yet capable laptop, the 14 Plus fits the bill very well. This has a more impressive performance, and yet again has a battery that’ll last all day and then some.
I tested the Aspire 14 AI (2025) for a few days, using it for productivity, entertainment, and general browsing.
I did plenty of typing and content streaming, and even tested its gaming credentials. I also ran our series of benchmarks to assess various aspects of its performance, and made sure to use as many of its in-built AI apps and features as I could.
I have reviewed many laptops before, ranging in their price points and usage types. I’ve also used them consistently for decades for all manner of tasks.
The DJI Mic 3 is the latest premium release in the company’s popular wearable wireless microphone range, supplanting the DJI Mic 2. The Mic 2 was only released around 18 months ago, and has topped TechRadar’s best wireless microphone guide for some time, so I was a little skeptical about the need for a new model.
After receiving my review sample of the DJI Mic 3, though, it only took me a few seconds to see why people might want to upgrade from the Mic 2. The Mic 3’s transmitter component, or TX, is far more compact and lightweight than that of its predecessor, making it easier to wear on clothing.
And – praise be! – it’s now possible to fit not only two TX units and the receiver (RX) in the charging case, but accessories like clips, magnets, windscreens and even a 3.5mm-to-3.5mm cable. One of the irritations I’ve had with my own DJI Mic 2 over the past year is that the furry windscreens, which are all but mandatory when recording audio outside, don’t fit inside its charging case. To see that fixed here (as it was on the DJI Mic Mini) is wonderful.
Delving deeper over the course of testing the Mic 3, I found that DJI has made improvements elsewhere: there are now two levels of active noise cancellation rather than one; it’s possible to transmit lossless 24-bit audio from the TX to the RX; and there are three new voice presets to add instant color to vocal recording. All of these features are easy to use and add instant, tangible impact to recordings.
The DJI Mic 3 (center) alongside the DJI Mic Mini (left) and DJI Mic 2 (Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)
Another new feature is the dual-mode Adaptive Gain Control, designed to deliver balanced audio in trickier recording conditions. The Automatic setting is used to prevent audio clipping during unexpected rises in volume (I found it worked well when recording in unpredictable outdoor environments, such as walking around town where traffic noise can jump up at any second), while Dynamic is more situational, being designed for two-person recordings using a single TX unit in a more controlled environment like a studio.
And, while I wasn’t able to personally test this (having just the standard setup of two TX units and one RX in my possession), DJI says the Mic 3 is able to capture clear voices from larger gatherings of people thanks to 4TX+8RX group recording. It also adds support for timecode, which wasn’t on the Mic 2. So, the Mic 3’s professional production credentials are definitely a bit more impressive than the Mic 2’s.
The wireless transmission range has been increased from 250m to 400m, and battery life also gets a major bump, up from 18 hours (with the charging case and two TXes) on the Mic 2 to 28 hours (although it can’t come close to the Mic Mini’s imperious 48 hours). Oh, and the on-board storage space on the TX units has been increased fourfold, from 8GB to 32GB.
The RX unit now features a locking TRS output, but is otherwise little changed from the Mic 2's (Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)
All of these are compelling reasons to make the upgrade from the Mic 2, and there’s very little missing feature-wise. The TX units no longer have a 3.5mm input for a separate lavalier mic, which might be an issue for users who want to hide it when filming, and the Safety Track recording mode has been dropped, but that’s about it.
In terms of general sound quality the Mic 3 is excellent, and similar to the Mic 2. With 32-bit float on board for those who need the extra level of safety and control, and 24-bit for everyday use, I think very few content creators will have issues with the audio side of things here.
With the Mic 3, DJI has managed to combine the best bits of its Mic 2 and Mic Mini into a single brilliant wireless mic – and one that, remarkably, is cheaper than the Mic 2 was at its launch. In fact, when compared to competitors’ pricing, it’s very hard to see how I couldn't recommend it to anyone on the hunt for a new premium wireless mic.
The charging case is a major improvement on the DJI Mic 2's, with much more efficient use of space (Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)
DJI Mic 3: price and release date
Available to order now priced from £169 / AU$369
Components available individually or in bundles
No official US availability at the time of writing
The DJI Mic 3 is available to order from its launch date of August 28 2025, and the company is offering a range of bundles. For a complete package comprising two TX units, one RX, a charging case, cables, magnets and windscreens, the price is £259 / AU$569; for a simple one TX and one RX package, it’s £169 / AU$369. Buyers can also purchase individual components like the TX, RX, charging case, and new accessories available at launch include a Lightning adapter and alternate color windscreens.
I think the price is extremely reasonable given the Mic 3’s capabilities and specs, and I’m a big fan of the company selling individual components separately, as it gives consumers the opportunity to start small and upgrade over time.
The complete kit includes the charging case, two transmitters, one receiver and a USB-C connector for the receiver. There are also two clips, two magnets, four windshields, a 3.5mm to 3.5mm TRS cable and a USB-C charging cable in the box, plus a zip-up case to hold it all (Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)
There’s bad news for US-based readers hoping to get their hands on a Mic 3, however. As with other recently announced DJI products, the company isn’t officially launching in the US, in an apparent response to uncertainty surrounding tariffs. A company spokesperson told me the following:
“DJI Mic 3 is not in stock in the US upon the global launch. DJI remains committed to the US market and making our products and services available to our US-based customers. However, we’ve recently had to adjust our market strategies for certain products in light of evolving market conditions. While we do not have a timeline for when we can introduce the product to the U.S. market, we are closely monitoring the situation and actively exploring every possible solution.”
US-based consumers may be able to obtain the Mic 3 through third-party stockists, however, so it may be worth checking camera stores such as B&H.
DJI Mic 3: specs
Dimensions
28.8 x 28.3 x 16.4mm (TX, with magnet)
Weight
16g (TX, with magnet)
Range
400m
Connectivity
Receiver: USB-C / Lightning, 3.5mm jack
Bluetooth
Yes
Battery
10 hours (TX), 8 hours (RX), up to 28 hours with fully charged case
Noise cancelling
Two-level active
DJI Mic 3: Design
TX unit weighs just 16g with magnet
RX has 1.1-inch AMOLED touchscreen
Charging case now accommodates more components
I’ve already mentioned the smaller, lighter build of the TX units, but there are other clever design touches worth noting too. When using the clips, for instance, you can now rotate the TX orientation to ensure that the mic grille is pointing towards the sound source. The TX units are also now magnetized themselves, allowing them to be attached securely to metal surfaces.
The design of the receiver (RX), meanwhile, seems fundamentally unchanged from the Mic 2’s. There’s a bright, crisp 1.1-inch AMOLED touchscreen on the front, plus a rotating and pressable dial to help select and change settings. The design allows for a USB-C adapter to be attached (or Lightning, but that’s an optional extra), and the 3.5mm output now supports a locking screw to keep it in place.
The Mic 3's transmitter (or TX) units are almost as small and lightweight as those of the Mic Mini, but offer far more flexibility for mounting thanks to an integrated magnet (Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)
The charging case, despite being smaller than the Mic 2’s, is a lot better. As I mentioned in the section above, it makes much more efficient use of its space, and can now accommodate not only two TX and one RX but attached windscreens and clips, with room for magnets and the 3.5mm to 3.5mm TRS cable in the lid.
Also included in the larger bundle are extra windshields (so two black and two grey in total), as well as a zip-up fabric bag for storing everything, including the charging cable.
DJI Mic 3: Performance
Two-level active noise cancelling and voice tone presets
Supports OsmoAudio direct connection
Omnidirectional audio and up to 400m range
The Mic 3 seems to be built on similar audio bones to the Mic 2. That’s no bad thing, as it means users get access to 32-bit float recording (large file sizes, but ideal for users who want to ensure their audio doesn’t clip) as well as standard 24-bit recording with adjustable gain. Having used it extensively indoors and outdoors in a variety of conditions, I've found the Mic 3 to be a highly reliable recording partner, no matter what it’s paired with.
And it can be paired with a lot. The RX can hook up to cameras, computers, tablets and smartphones via its USB or 3.5mm outputs (or the Lightning adapter, should you buy it), and it’s also possible to connect the TX directly to recording devices via Bluetooth.
The TX is also compatible with DJI’s OsmoAudio ecosystem products, supporting 24-bit audio and even 32-bit float (which will be recorded as a separate, second file stored directly on the TX’s memory). I used it with the DJI Osmo 360 and DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro, and was highly impressed with both the ease of use and audio quality; it’s possible to control gain and other settings through the cameras’ menu screens, and the Mic 3 represents a massive improvement on those cameras' built-in microphones.
Noise cancelling manages to be highly effective without distorting voice recordings too much. You can hear for yourself in the embedded video above, which also demonstrates the new built-in voice tone presets and general audio quality straight from the mic.
As with the Mic 2, the Mic 3's TX units can also record on their own, acting as a completely independent mic thanks to 32GB of internal storage space.
Should I buy the DJI Mic 3?
Buy it if…
You want the most versatile wireless mic
The Mic 3 can connect to a wide variety of products either through its RX unit or via direct wireless connection. The TX even works as a solo recorder with a massive 32GB of internal storage space.
You want a discreet but powerful mic
The DJI Mic 2 is a bit bulky; the Mic 3 is about half the size while delivering even better performance and features. I'm not sure how DJI has pulled this off.
You want flexible buying choice
As with its other microphones, DJI is selling the Mic 3 as a complete kit, a half kit, or as individual components, so you don't need to buy what you won't use.
Don’t buy it if…
You want a budget option
While good value for money, the Mic 3 is still a premium option. If you're just getting started with wireless mics, something like the DJI Mic Mini or Boya Mini is a better bet.
You only shoot with a phone
Smartphone-first creators should consider something with a smaller RX unit, as the Mic 3's can add a little too much bulk to your handset's profile.
DJI Mic 3: also consider
Saramonic Ultra
Previously our top pick for a cheaper but similarly professional-quality alternative to the Mic 2, the Saramonic Ultra offers 32-bit float and flexible connectivity. The Mic 3 comes in at a similar price, though – which makes the Ultra's main USP no longer so compelling.
Ultra-affordable and ultra-compact, the Mic Mini remains a great budget choice that offers excellent 24-bit audio and incredible battery life. A perfect budget-friendly alternative to the Mic 3.
DJI sent me a review sample of the Mic 3 a couple of months ahead of its launch date, giving me the chance to spend a few weeks testing it in a range of environments and conditions. I connected to a range of devices: my Panasonic Lumix GH6 mirrorless camera, the DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro and DJI Osmo 360 action cameras, my MacBook Air laptop and my iPhone 13 smartphone. This meant I was able to test both its direct connection and receiver connection methods.
The firmware was updated to the newest available version at the time (v01.01.02.10) prior to the writing of this review, but manufacturers often release updates to coincide with the public launch – so please note that DJI may have tweaked performance slightly since this review was published.
Samsung made the Galaxy Tab S10 Lite official earlier this week, following many rumors and leaks, but at the time the company only announced its official pricing for Europe, where it starts at €400.
Today there's finally official pricing for the US as well. Over there, the tablet will set you back $349 with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, Wi-Fi-only. Unfortunately, Samsung hasn't announced pricing for other variants yet.
There's an 8/256GB combo as well, and both RAM/storage versions also get optional 5G connectivity, which should be more expensive still.
The Galaxy Tab S10 Lite...
The SwitchBot Air Purifier Table integrates an air purifier with a tabletop, a wireless Qi charger, a colored ambient light, and a fragrance diffuser.
It has a list price of $269.99 / £299.99, and can be purchased from SwitchBot and Amazon; however, there appear to be very regular discounts on the SwitchBot Air Purifier Table, and at the time of writing, it’s on offer for $175.50 / £180.
Replaceable filters cost $39.99 / £44.99, and will need to be replaced roughly every 6-12 months, depending on use, so it’s important to factor this extra cost in.
(Image credit: Future)
Setting up the SwitchBot Air Purifier Table was fairly simple but a little fiddly, on account of the little electrical connector I needed to plug in before putting the tabletop in place.
It’s a good height for having next to the couch or bedside, and the built-in wireless charger proves particularly useful in these cases. The onboard controls are a little tricky to see due to the tabletop, but I found myself using the SwitchBot app to control the purifier most of the time.
The simple-to-use companion app was pleasingly responsive when operating the air purifier and offers air quality data, scheduling, and a timer, which are all good features to have.
(Image credit: Future)
During testing, the SwitchBot Air Purifier Table quickly detected and cleared dry shampoo contamination. While it didn't immediately remove fragrance, it was cleared fairly quickly once I intervened and increased the fan speed myself.
It operates quietly in sleep mode, and is only as loud as light traffic when on top speed. Pet Mode didn’t operate as I’d expected, but the overall low volume of the purifier meant that it didn't bother my cats. I also found the fragrance diffuser to be efficient in lightly fragrancing the room after I’d applied drops of fragrance oil to the pop-out pad.
Overall, this is a good price for a multi-talented and Matter-compatible air purifier with an efficient companion app. If you’d like to explore other air purifiers we recommend, I suggest taking a look at our guide to the best air purifiers.
SwitchBot Air Purifier Table review: price & availability
List price: $269.99 / £299.99
Available now in the US and UK
The SwitchBot Air Purifier Table is available to purchase from the official SwitchBot website and Amazon, and has a list price of $269.99 / £299.99.
The list price sounds pretty high considering the SwitchBot Air Purifier Table only detects and reacts to PM2.5; however, there appear to be regular discounts on offer on the SwitchBot site and at Amazon, so it’s common to find it available at a lower price. For instance, at the time of writing, the Air Purifier table has 35% off in the US, and 40% off in the UK at SwitchBot, knocking a considerable $94.50 / £120 off the list price, and lowering the cost to $175.50 / £180.
(Image credit: Future)
There’s a cheaper model available too, the SwitchBot Air Purifier, which includes most of the features mentioned in the following review, just without the tabletop and wireless charging. This has a list price of $219.99 / £239.99 but, as with the Air Purifier table, this price is often discounted, and it’s listed at $119.99 / £139.99 at the time of writing.
Both models use the SwitchBot Air Purifier Filter, which has a list price of $39.99 / £44.99. As with all HEPA filters, this will need to be replaced on occasion, with SwitchBot advising a lifespan of 6-12 months depending on usage and air quality, so it’s important to factor in this regular cost.
Taking into account the convenience and additional features of the Air Purifier Table, and that it’s very regularly available for less than its official list price, I would say that you’re getting good value for money here.
SwitchBot Air Purifier Table review: design and features
4-in-1 air purifier, wireless charger, fragrance diffuser, and ambient light
Simple to set up, but a little fiddly
Detects and reacts to PM2.5 contamination
It feels like they were having a “yes” day in the SwitchBot office when they came up with the concept of the Air Purifier Table, like every idea thrown out was met with an enthusiastic nod. But somehow they found a way to make it work.
The SwitchBot Air Purifier Table consists of an air purifier with a tabletop, as one might expect, but it also boasts a wireless Qi charger, a colored ambient light, and a fragrance diffuser. It made a useful little side table next to my couch, and the built-in Qi wireless charger proved handy for keeping my iPhone or Motorola Moto Buds+ earbuds topped up, which was a nice bonus feature.
Does an air purifier really need all these things? Perhaps not, but I appreciated the thought, and found these extra features useful, so you may do, too.
(Image credit: Future)
The air purifier is capable of detecting and reacting to PM2.5 (particle matter of 2.5 micrometers or smaller), but it is also capable of filtering VOCs and odors, thanks to the HEPA and activated carbon filter. This filter sits within the base of the machine, behind a washable pre-filter, both of which can be easily accessed by removing the outer panel.
Setting up the SwitchBot Air Purifier Table was a little fiddly, as there are two parts of a little electrical connector between the purifier and the table top that need to be connected together. Once this was done, it was a case of rotating the table top until it clicked into place. There were four little screws that were meant to be screwed into the purifier underneath the tabletop for extra reinforcement, but this seemed basically impossible, even with my tiny hands, so I had to leave them.
(Image credit: Future)
There are a number of controls on the top edge of the purifier, underneath the tabletop, to use when you’re within reaching distance, or you can use the companion app to control the SwitchBot Air Purifier Table. The onboard controls include a button to change between the air purifier’s three modes: Auto, Pet, and Sleep, a button to cycle through the three fan speeds, a child lock, and a timer.
The controls were a bit tricky to reach, as they’re somewhat hidden underneath the tabletop. It wasn’t easy to change the settings unless I was sitting down and had a better view, although this wasn’t such a problem once I’d used them for a while, and it made more sense to use the app to adjust the settings, anyway.
Design score: 4 out of 5
SwitchBot Air Purifier Table review: app
Responsive and simple to use
Can set schedules and timers
Shows current and historical air quality data
The SwitchBot companion app is simple to use and houses a good range of features and air quality data insights for the price of the appliance. It proved very responsive over the weeks I used it, making it easy to switch modes or power on or off.
It clearly displays the air quality reading on the dashboard, using ratings from very good to bad, along with a numerical reference that relates to the number of micrograms of PM2.5 per meter cubed.
The app also provides historical data in graphs spanning either the last 24 hours or 30 days. This meant I could view which hour any spikes in air contamination occurred over the last day, and see what the minimum and maximum readings were each day over the last month. It would have been nice to have access to a 24-hour graph for previous days of the month, but this is only a small niggle, really.
(Image credit: SwitchBot / Future)
I could also set schedules within the app, either as a one-off occurrence or repeating on particular days and times. There’s a timer function, too, which offers both hours and minutes, up to 12 hours, so I could leave it running for exactly 11 hours and 26 minutes, if I really wanted to.
Finally, the care and maintenance section told me how many hours of life were remaining on the filter, and how many hours I’d been using it for. At this moment, it’s telling me that I’ve used it for 184 hours, and I’ve got 4,136 hours left. This section also advises that the pre-filter should be cleaned with a vacuum cleaner every two to four weeks, which is all handy info to know.
App score: 4.5 out of 5
SwitchBot Air Purifier Table review: performance
Quick contaminant detection and clearing
The noise didn’t disturb my rescue cats
Subtly fragranced the air
The SwitchBot Air Purifier Table was pleasingly responsive when I tested it by spraying dry shampoo from roughly two feet away. It took just a few seconds to detect the contamination, with the PM2.5 reading increasing to 619 micrograms per meter cubed in thirty seconds.
In this time, the fan speed increased in order to tackle the detected contamination, and took a further thirty seconds to return the air level to “good”, and back to “very good” in less than two minutes from the initial detection.
As it tackled the contamination so quickly, and therefore returned to its lowest setting, it didn’t do much to tackle the lingering fragrance of the dry shampoo in this time, though this is standard for air purifiers incapable of reading the ambient levels of VOCs in the air. This doesn’t mean that it doesn’t capture VOCs, however, as the HEPA and carbon filter is capable of doing so, but it needs to be manually set back to a higher fan speed to do so efficiently. I upped the fan speed to level two, and could no longer detect the fragrance after about fifteen minutes.
(Image credit: Future)
On the subject of scents, the built-in fragrance diffuser worked better than I was expecting. I’ve encountered this feature before with my beloved GoveeLife Smart Air Purifier Lite, though it was one of the rare sources of disappointment, as it wasn’t very efficient. Things were a bit more positive when it came to the diffuser in the SwitchBot, however; I could detect a good amount of the fragrance from the oils I’d placed on the pad.
One important thing to note regarding fragrance or essential oils and pets is to please make sure you do your research on whether any oils you plan to use are safe, as some can prove toxic to our furry friends.
The SwitchBot Air Purifier Table was very quiet when in sleep mode, measuring just 26dB from two feet away, which is quieter than a whisper. It was therefore very easy to sleep next to, and so I’d have no concerns using the SwitchBot Air Purifier Table as a nightstand.
(Image credit: Future)
Pet Mode worked a little differently than I expected. On the SwitchBot site, Pet Mode is described as using a softer air supply to prevent disturbing pets. In practice, I found that enabling it just seemed to bump the fan speed up to two, regardless of the air quality, which was already good. Nonetheless, neither of my rescue kitties seemed bothered by the 49dB volume, and were happy to come up and have fusses right next to it.
At its top fan speed, the SwitchBot Air Purifier Table gave a reading of 55dB, making it a little louder than the Blueair Blue Pure Mini Max, but seeing as this is still only as loud as light traffic, it’s perfectly acceptable.
Overall, the SwitchBot Air Purifier Table is an efficient air purifier for the price, and a handy little side table and phone charger.
Performance score: 4.5 out of 5
Should I buy the SwitchBot Air Purifier Table?
Section
Notes
Score
Value for money
Provided you purchase it at what appears to be a regularly discounted rate, you’re getting a good little air purifier and some fun additional features for the price.
4/5
Design & Features
There’s a lot packed into this little table, thanks to its air purifying, charging, and fragrance diffusing features. The setup was a little fiddly in places, but easy enough overall.
4/5
App
The companion app was simple to use and responsive. It gave some insights into any spikes in contamination throughout the day, plus min and max readings over the past thirty days.
4.5/5
Performance
The air purifier reacted to and tackled contamination quickly during testing, and dealt with the odor left over, once I’d manually upped the fan speed.
4.5/5
Buy it if...
You want a smart purifier Having the SwitchBot app made it really easy to control and schedule the air purification, and it proved responsive and informative during testing.
You’ll make use of the extra features If you happen to need a new side table or nightstand with built-in wireless charging, then the SwitchBot Air Purifier Table is a great way to feed two birds with one scone.
You want a purifier with auto-detection It’s always useful to have an air purifier that can be left to its own devices, and the automatic detection and reactivity to PM2.5 means the SwitchBot Air Purifier Table will jump into action on its own accord.
Don't buy it if...
You want VOC detection Unsurprisingly, considering its price point, the SwitchBot Air Purifier Table doesn’t detect or react to VOC contamination. If you’re looking for something that does, and you have a little more to spend, I highly recommend checking out the Dyson Purifier Cool Formaldehyde TP09 instead.
You just want an air purifier If you’re not bothered about having an extra side table or a wireless charger, then you’re probably better off opting for the standard SwitchBot Air Purifier and saving some money.
You want it to deal with odors unaided As it only detects and reacts to PM2.5 contamination and deals with it quickly, the fan isn’t running high enough for long enough to tackle odors. Therefore, manual intervention is required by turning up the fan speed until the odor is gone.
SwitchBot Air Purifier Table review: Also consider
Blueair Blue Pure 411i Max / Blue Max 3250i This delightfully lightweight air purifier offers simpler on-board controls, with one touch button to cycle through the three fan speeds, and auto and night modes. There’s a handy companion app that allows for easy control, along with air quality data based on the ambient levels of PM2.5. BlueAir has cleverly made the pre-filter part of the aesthetic, opting for a washable fabric covering, making this air purifier more pleasing to the eye. If you’d like to find out more, check out my full Blueair Blue Pure 411i Max / Blue Max 3250i review.
GoveeLife Smart Air Purifier Lite This is another favorite of mine, and makes for a great desktop option. Similar to the BlueAir above, it’s simple to control with a touch button to cycle through the fan speeds and modes. One such mode is the custom mode, which was great, as it allowed me to run a customized routine. The Smart Air Purifier Lite can be controlled via the fantastic Govee Home companion app and voice control, too. For more information, why not take a look at my full GoveeLife Smart Air Purifier Lite review?
How I tested the SwitchBot Air Purifier Table
I tested the SwitchBot Air Purifier Table for a few weeks
I explored the different modes and features
I tested its detection and reaction speeds
I passively tested the SwitchBot Air Purifier Table by having it next to my couch for a few weeks. I used it as a side table, charged my iPhone and earbuds, and made use of the fragrance diffuser and ambient lighting.
I tested out all of the different modes, like Sleep mode when I napped on the sofa, and Pet mode when my rescue cats were about. I explored the app and made use of the various features.
I tested how fast the SwitchBot Air Purifier Table would react to and clear contamination by spraying dry shampoo around two feet away. I also monitored the readings on the app during this time.
For this review, I tested the UK version of the Levoit CirculAir. A version with the same product code is available in the US, but there are minor differences compared to the UK model, including fewer fan speeds and slightly different onboard controls.
The Levoit CirculAir Oscillating Fan, also known as the Levoit Pedestal Air Circulator Fan in the UK, might be the best fan I've tested. I’ve been seriously impressed with the strong performance, convenience, and quiet operation.
This fan can be configured in two ways: either at full height or shorter, by simply unscrewing a section of the stand. This lower height is a little bit tall for use on a tabletop, but perfect for circulating air from heaters or floor-standing air conditioners.
(Image credit: Future)
It offers automatic horizontal and vertical oscillation, which makes for great air circulation, and also makes it really easy to fine-tune the position of the airflow just using the remote. The only thing it’s missing here is the option to select different oscillation ranges; instead, it's limited to 90 degrees horizontally and 120 degrees vertically.
On the front of the stand there’s a well-lit LED screen that displays the selected mode, and either the fan speed or the ambient temperature. Below this are the onboard touch controls (which vary slightly depending on region), and the CirculAir can also be controlled with the easy-to-use circular remote, which is magnetic for convenient storage on the back of the air circulator.
(Image credit: Future)
The airflow proved impressively strong during testing, and I was very grateful for it during a recent heatwave. Even at its lowest speed, I could feel a good breeze from 8ft / 2.4m, and I ran out of space to back up any further at 18ft / 5.5m away when the fan was at its top speed of 12, so it’s clear it has super-strong airflow when running full blast.
Despite its strength, the CirculAir runs satisfyingly quietly. I measured a volume of just 29dB from around 2ft away on fan speed one, 37dB at speed five, and 51dB at speed 12. This means it can operate with whisper-quiet volume at its lowest speed, and only gets as loud as moderate rainfall.
All this for a not-too-painful price tag: this fan is available to purchase at Amazon at a list price of $89.99 / £119.99, but I've already spotted a few discounts, so you might be able to avoid full whack. That's the short version; read on for my full Levoit CirculAir Oscillating Fan review.
Levoit CirculAir Oscillating Fan review: price & availability
List price: $89.99 / £119.99
Availability: US and UK
The Levoit CirculAir Oscillating Fan, AKA the Levoit Pedestal Air Circulator Fan in the UK, has a list price of $89.99 / £119.99, and is available at VeSync in the US, and at Amazon in both regions.
This is a good price considering the impressive performance the Levoit CirculAir delivered during testing, but I recommend keeping an eye out for offers, too, as there appear to be fairly regular deals available at Amazon. For example, at the time of writing, there’s a 10% limited-time deal knocking the price down to $80.99 in the US, and the price was regularly dropping to below £95 in the UK a couple of months ago.
I’ve tested the UK model, and while the model number is the same in the US, there are some slight differences, which I make note of in the following sections.
Levoit CirculAir Oscillating Fan review: design & features
Automatic vertical and horizontal oscillation
2 height options and 4 fan modes to choose between
Onboard touch controls and remote control
The Levoit CirculAir is a pedestal air circulator with two height options, so it can be placed on the floor or a tabletop. I personally found its shorter height to be a little taller than I’d prefer for a desktop fan, but this is a good option to have if you happen to be short on floor space. This shortened height could also prove useful if you wanted to, for example, position the fan in front of a heater or floor-standing AC unit, as it would be more efficient at circulating the heated or cooled air from that position.
I found it satisfyingly easy to get the Levoit CirculAir setup in either configuration – it was a simple case of screwing the poles together and into the base. The base is just the right weight: heavy enough that the fan felt sturdy on my medium-pile living room carpet, but not too heavy to move it around when required.
(Image credit: Future)
There are two ways to control the Levoit CirculAir: by using the circular remote or the large touch panel on the front of the stand. The remote was just the right size; small enough to be easy for me to hold and reach all the buttons, but large enough that the buttons were well-spaced and the icons were easy to read.
The large LED panel has a generous screen that displays either the fan speed or ambient temperature, as well as which mode the CirculAir is currently set to. The controls vary slightly on the UK model from the one in the US, but all controls are accessible on the remote in both regions.
(Image credit: Future)
The number of fan speeds also varies slightly between regions, curiously, with 12 fan speeds on offer on the UK model I tested, but only nine in the US. There are a few different modes that can be cycled through: Normal mode (where I could choose the fan speed), Turbo mode (which amps up the fan), Sleep mode (which silences the responsive beeps and dims the display), and Eco mode (which makes use of the CirculAir's internal temperature sensor and adjusts the fan speed to suit).
Unlike most desktop fans, the Levoit CirculAir boasts automatic vertical oscillation, along with the standard horizontal oscillation. There isn’t the option to choose the degree of oscillation, sadly, so it’s either 90-degree horizontal oscillation and 120-degree vertical oscillation, or nothing. I did have the choice to use just one or the other, or both, though. Not only does this range of oscillation equal better air circulation, but it also means that it could be set to just the right angle from the comfort of my couch using the remote, which I loved.
Design score: 4.5 out of 5
Levoit CirculAir Oscillating Fan review: performance
Easy to use, responsive controls
Super strong airflow
Satisfyingly quiet operation
Controlling the CirculAir was straightforward, as the touch buttons on the well-lit display were simple to understand and responsive, as were the controls on the remote. I really liked that the remote control could be magnetically clipped onto the back of the air circulator, as this made it really easy to store and retrieve.
The Levoit CirculAir has delightfully strong airflow, and I found it to be a real help cooling me down during a recent heatwave here in the UK. In fact, it has the strongest airflow out of the fans I’ve tested to date, to the point where I wasn't able to confirm how far the air travelled when it was running at its top speed, as I ran out of room at 18ft / 5.5 meters.
The airflow strength was great at lower speeds, too, as I could still feel a pleasantly cooling breeze from an impressive 8ft / 2.4m away at speed 1, and 15ft / 4.5m at speed 6, which means it reaches further at half power than the Dyson Purifier Cool Formaldehyde TP09 does at full blast.
(Image credit: Future)
I love it when a fan has an automatic mode, and 'Eco mode' (as it's called in the CirculAir's case) came in particularly handy during the recent heatwave. The CirculAir adjusted the fan speed in response to the rising ambient temperature throughout the day, though I found it to be much more conservative in terms of the fan speeds it applied compared to my current favorite air circulator, the MeacoFan Sefte 8in. This is good news for energy saving, though, and doesn’t make it any less efficient, really, considering the concentration of air kicked out even at the lower fan speeds.
The volume levels were pleasingly quiet, especially when taking into account the CirculAir’s punchy airflow. I got a reading of just 29dB from about 2ft away on fan speed 1, 37dB at speed 5, and 51dB at speed 12, so it was whisper quiet at its lowest, and only as loud as moderate rainfall when running at top speed.
(Image credit: Future)
Its low volume meant I had no problem at all sleeping with it toward the foot of my bed. I really appreciated the automatic vertical and horizontal oscillation at nighttime, too, as being able to control both with the remote meant I could get the angle of the airflow exactly where I wanted it without needing to get up and manually adjust it.
After testing, I have no complaints about the Levoit CirculAir. It was easy to use and responsive, and it operated at low volumes while delivering impressively strong airflow.
Performance score: 5 out of 5
Should I buy the Levoit CirculAir Oscillating Fan?
Section
Notes
Score
Value for money
This air circulator’s fantastic performance and versatility make it great value for money, but it’s always worth keeping an eye out for discounts.
5/5
Design
With 2 height options, automatic horizontal and vertical testing, plus responsive controls with clever remote storage, there’s plenty of versatility.
4.5/5
Performance
The airflow is seriously strong, and yet the CirculAir runs pleasingly quietly. The automatic oscillation proved particularly convenient.
5/5
Buy it if...
You want strong airflow This air circulator certainly packs a punch! With impressively strong airflow even at its lower speeds, verging on ridiculous when running at full blast.
You want automatic cooling The CirculAir’s Eco mode is a handy feature to have when the ambient temperature fluctuates, as it’ll adjust the fan speed to suit.
You want a fan with adjustable height Having two different height options is great, whether you want to move it from the floor to a table, or you want to get the most efficient air circulation, depending on the position of your heater or air conditioner.
Don't buy it if...
You want something smart If you love your smart tech and prefer to operate things from your phone, then this won’t be the air circulator for you.
You’re looking for a desk fan Even at its shortened height, the CirculAir is a bit too tall, and the airflow is likely too strong to be a personal fan.
You want to fine-tune the oscillation Unlike fans like the Dyson Cool CF1, which offers angles of 15 to 70 degrees, the Circulair doesn’t have the option to fine-tune the range of the oscillation.
Levoit CirculAir Oscillating Fan review: Also consider
32.3-37.6 x 12.6 x 13.4 in / 82-95.5 x 32 x 33.9cm
Weight
12.7lb / 5.8kg
12.2 lb / 5.7kg
12lb / 5.4kg
Shark FlexBreeze This is a great option if you like the idea of taking your fan outside and making use of its misting attachment on sunny days. It can be used as a pedestal or table fan, plus it can run cordless, and our reviewer was pleased with the battery life. It only has five fan speeds, but it still delivers airflow that can be felt up to 70 feet away. If you’d like to learn more, check out our full Shark FlexBreeze review.
Meaco MeacoFan 1056P Another impressively quiet fan, this height-adjustable air circulator proved a hit with our reviewer. It delivered a great performance when tested during hot weather, and proved pleasingly quiet, even at higher speeds. This is another fan with clever fan storage, too, as the circular remote magnetically clips to the front. To find out more, have a read of our full Meaco MeacoFan 1056P review.
How I tested the Levoit CirculAir Oscillating Fan
I tested the Levoit CirculAir Oscillating Fan for a week
I tried out the different modes and features
I tested its volume and how strong the airflow was
I used the Levoit CirculAir Oscillating Fan in our photo studio, my home office, and my bedroom over the course of a week. I evaluated the assembly process and build quality closely before using it passively and in specific tests that allowed me to assess the available features.
I tried the CirculAir at both heights, oscillating, and static. I tested out the different modes, particularly Eco mode, to see how the CirculAir would respond to fluctuating temperatures.
I assessed the airflow by checking the distance I could still feel a cooling breeze on the top, middle, and lowest settings. I used a decibel meter on my iPhone to check the noise levels, taking the readings from around 2ft / 600mm away, ensuring the fan wasn’t blowing directly into the microphone.
As you can probably tell from my Onyx Boox Go Color 7 review, I didn’t take a shine to the original model released in 2024, which meant I had higher expectations from its successor.
The Boox Go Color 7 Gen II launched in April 2025 alongside a monochrome edition called the Boox Go 7, both sharing the same design and and feature set – the only difference being the screen: the former uses the color E Ink Kaleido 3 display while the latter is the grayscale E Ink Carta 1300.
Physically, both the 2025 Go Series siblings are nearly identical to the Go Color 7 from 2024, with one tiny design change that I’m pleased with – the page-turn buttons on the new models are smaller, rounded and separated a little to improve ergonomics.
On paper, the Go Color 7 Gen II is the better device compared to its predecessor, running Android 13 (rather than Android 12), getting a generation newer processor and adding writing capabilities that the previous model lacked. Like many smaller-screen epaper tablets like it, you will need to purchase the stylus separately, although at the time of writing, the only pen that works with the Go Color 7 II – the Boox InkSense – has been discontinued and no official replacement has been made available.
According to Boox, it’s preparing a new stylus after taking on user feedback, and the new pen “is expected to be available in the third quarter” of this year. Reimagining a stylus is admirable, but it still begs the question: why release ereaders with stylus support (this affects the monochrome Boox Go 7 as well) if their only pen isn’t available to buy?
When I started testing the device about 11 weeks ago, third-party retailers still had stock of the InkSense, which is how I was able to source one for this review, but even those are no longer available. That said, I’m glad the pen is being replaced as I didn’t enjoy the writing experience with a hard nib on a very smooth screen. I’ll update this review when the promised stylus is released.
The 2025 Boox Go series ereaders get writing capabilities but, at the time of publication, the compatible stylus has been discontinued (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)
While I’m not docking any points for the lack of a supported stylus at the time of publication, I’m disappointed to see that the 7-inch color screen on the Gen II isn’t as nice to read on as its predecessor. Text on the Gen II is 'fuzzy', for the lack of a better word. Compared to its predecessor, its monochrome Go 7 sibling and the Kobo Libra Colour, text within ebooks and speech bubbles clearly lacks crispness. You can still read, that's not the issue, but it's hard to recommend an ereader when others do a better job.
And while some colors are more saturated here than on the older model and the Kobo Libra Colour, the additional contrast means small details are lost in the darker areas. Strangely, though, the color 'inks' when writing lack this same saturation and look washed out compared to what I've experienced on older color Boox models like the Onyx Boox Tab Mini C.
Boox has somehow managed to make the display yellower (or warmer) than on any of its other tablets, and it's a stark difference between the Gen II's monochrome sibling as well. This warmth sadly affects the displayed colors as well. The yellowness is exacerbated when the frontlight is switched on, giving comics and graphics novels what I call the 'jaundiced look'. In fact, the frontlight isn't even as bright on the Gen II as other Boox ereaders (or even Kobos and Kindles).
The overall user experience is also marred by constant ghosting. It’s not as obvious as I’ve seen in older Boox devices, but it is distracting enough to be an issue. Setting the device to higher refresh rates, however, eats into the battery life, which also drains at a faster rate than other ereaders. Even the preset refresh modes that can be set on a per-app basis weren’t well optimized here, causing excessive stuttering while scrolling on the native web browser.
The good news is that the software issues I’ve had with the previous generation have been fixed and I was thrilled to see that wired transfer via OTG (directly plugging an external hard drive or portable SSD to the USB-C port) works smoothly – something I’ve had problems with in previous Boox tablets I’ve tested. Even the fonts folder within Storage is correctly bound, so things work a little more smoothly now, although the user interface continues to be slightly complicated.
Better implementation of the software doesn’t make up for the subpar reading experience, and neither does selling it at the same price as its predecessor – in fact, I'd say it’s hard to recommend at any price.
The magnetic case made specifically for the 2025 Boox Go series comes with a loop to secure the supported stylus (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)
Onyx Boox Go Color 7 Gen II review: Price & availability
Announced end April 2025 for US, Europe and Australia
List price: $299.99 / €279.99 / AU$439
Available directly from the Boox Shop and select retailers, including Amazon
As alluded to earlier, the Boox Go Color 7 Gen II was announced alongside the monochrome Boox Go 7, both becoming available at the end of April 2025.
Despite the added note-taking functionality, the Boox Go Color 7 Gen II carries a similar price tag to its predecessor (which is already listed as out of stock on the Boox Shop, indicating it might get discontinued soon). Where the older model had a launch price of $249.99 / €279.99 (about £245) / AU$459, the Gen II is listed for $279.99 / €279.99 / AU$439 at the time of writing. As you can see, only US customers face a slightly higher charge likely due to tariffs on several imports. This price includes a magnetic case that features a loop to secure a stylus.
In comparison, the Kobo Libra Colour is cheaper at $229.99 / £209.99 / AU$379.95 for the standalone ereader, but you will need to add on the $69.99 / £69.99 / AU$119.95 for the Kobo Stylus 2 if you want to use it for writing notes, and you’ll need to purchase a case separately if you want one.
The only compatible stylus for the 2025 Go series was the Boox InkSense, which has been listed as “out of stock” since the release of the Go Color 7 II (and its monochrome sibling), and at the time of writing is no longer available from third-party retailers either. I have official confirmation that the pen has been discontinued, and while the Boox Shop lists a bundle that includes the stylus, I’d recommend holding off purchasing the full package until the replacement pen has been released. There’s no confirmed release date at the time of publishing this review, and neither is there any indication of how much the stylus would cost. I’ll update this article as soon as I know more.
Given my subpar experience with the Go Color 7 Gen II, I think the monochrome Boox Go 7 would be the better buy and it retails for $249.99 / €249.99 / AU$399, a price that includes an identical magnetic case as well.
• Value score: 3 / 5
The Boox Go Color 7 Gen II is a very compact size for a 7-inch ereader, and it's lightweight too (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)
Onyx Boox Go Color 7 Gen II review: Specs
Display type:
E Ink Kaleido 3
Screen size:
7 inches
Resolution:
300ppi in B&W; 150ppi in color
CPU:
Qualcomm Snapdragon 690
Frontlight:
Warm and cold
Storage:
64GB (expandable)
Battery:
2,300mAh
Speaker:
Stereo/dual
Water protection:
None
Software:
Android 13
Connectivity:
Wi-Fi (2.4GHz + 5GHz); Bluetooth 5.1
File support:
20 document; 4 image; 2 audio
Dimensions:
156 x 137 x 6.4 mm (6.1 x 5.4 x 0.25 inches)
Weight:
195g (6.9oz)
Onyx Boox Go Color 7 Gen II review: Design & display
Exact same dimensions and weight as Gen I model, but design tweaks to buttons
Compact and lightweight, lacks waterproofing
7-inch E Ink Kaleido 3 screen lacks contrast and sharpness
As the old adage goes: if it ain’t broke… The original Go Color 7 was a lovely compact ereader that I liked the design of, except for the closely placed page-turn buttons. That's been changed on the Gen II model, which now sports smaller, rounded buttons with some space in between.
This tiny change, in my opinion, makes the Gen II a touch more ergonomic in use, but there’s a case to be made for the asymmetric design of the Kobo Libra series (and the Kindle Oasis models) – it provides a nice resting place for the thumb along the edge of the broader bezel. The slim and flat form factor of the Go Color 7 II can be harder on the fingers and wrists in comparison, although the added thickness from its magnetic case helps a alleviate the soreness a little.
As before, the page-turn buttons automatically become volume controls for apps that don’t require scrolling or page turning, and this functionality can be set on a per-app basis in the Settings menu.
Image 1 of 3
The page-turn buttons have been redesigned to being separated and rounded... (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)
Image 2 of 3
..compared to the straight-edged, closely packed ones on the 2024 Go Color 7 (left) (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)
Image 3 of 3
The rounded and separated buttons are nicer to use on the Gen II (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)
Where the buttons on the older model were a different color to the rest of the chassis (silver on the white colorway and dark grey on the black), the Gen II – and its monochrome sibling – are a single color, available in black (as reviewed here) or white. The one-color look without any trimmings or accents makes the device look a little dated, but that’s not a complaint, merely an observation made in comparison to the older model.
All other physical attributes are identical to the Gen I model, including the textured rear panel which, to me now seems just a smidge rougher that makes the Gen II a little grippier if you prefer not to use its magnetic case. In terms of dimensions and weight, nothing has changed since 2024 and that’s not a bad thing as the Go Color 7 II is compact and lightweight, making it quite portable.
There’s a tiny power button on the bottom right corner of the device, while the right edge is home to the USB-C port, the speaker grilles and a microSD card tray. Only the mic has moved, now housed on the opposite edge.
Image 1 of 2
On paper, the Go Color 7 Gen II (top) is the better ereader than its predecessor (bottom) (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)
Image 2 of 2
The page-turn buttons are the most obvious design change, but the mic is gone from beside the speaker grille to the opposite edge (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)
What it lacks is waterproofing; there’s no IP rating for it listed on the official website, so if you plan to travel with it – it's the perfect compact size for doing so – steer clear of the pool.
As I mentioned earlier in this review, the Go Color 7 II uses a 7-inch E Ink Kaleido 3 display, the same as the previous generation, although Onyx has made the newer model more naturally yellow in comparison. This has the unfortunate effect of adding a yellow hue to all the colors on screen, giving them what I call the 'jaundiced look'.
This is exacerbated by the frontlight on the Gen II as it enhances the yellowness of the display. It’s also, rather strangely, not as bright as the Gen I model which, at the time of testing it in 2024, I said wasn’t bright compared to the even older Onyx Boox Page. In fact, the light on the Go Color 7 Gen II is dimmer than its own 2025 sibling, the Boox Go 7.
I had complained about the lack of sharpness on the Go Color 7 (Gen I) when compared to the Kobo Libra Colour, but Boox has managed to make that a lot worse on the Gen II, and that is its biggest failing – a subpar display (more on this below in the User Experience section).
• Design & display score: 3 / 5
The Boox InkSense stylus still works with the Boox Go Color 7 II, but there's no word on what its replacement will be like (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)
Onyx Boox Go Color 7 Gen II review: Android software & apps
Runs a custom version of Android 13
User interface takes time to get used to
Access to the Google Play Store; AI Assistant app available on board
Where the older model from 2024 was running Android 12, the Go Color 7 II has been upgraded to a custom version of Android 13. There’s usually no need to worry about a device like an ereader running an older version of Google’s OS as there typically aren’t any security issues here, and I doubt anyone would save sensitive information on a device like this.
The trimmed-down version of Android on the Go Color 7 Gen II caters specifically to reading and writing, and should be familiar to anyone who has used a Boox tablet before. If not, the user interface will take some getting used to as it’s not the most streamlined UX I’ve come across. For a simpler setup, you’ll need to turn to a Kindle or a Kobo ereader.
Image 1 of 3
The navigation menu doesn't have the Notes tab by default and finding it requires some online research (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)
Image 2 of 3
Third-party app downloads via the Google Play Store are quick and easy (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)
Image 3 of 3
The Boox user interface has evolved a little, but it still takes a while to get a handle on as a first-time user (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)
The home screen, once you’ve connected to Wi-Fi, is easy to get around, with a navigation menu at the bottom of the display. This gives you quick access to your library, the storage menu and your apps, plus it’s customizable via the device’s Settings menu. There’s space here for five options and, strangely for an ereader with writing capabilities, the native Notes app is not one of them.
Finding it wasn’t easy, but Boox at least has a quick guide online on how to access it: you’ll need to navigate to Settings > System Display > Homescreen Navigation Bar where It’s listed as one of the options for the aforementioned customization. This may not seem like a big issue, but my expectation from a device like this is to highlight its main features up front rather than tuck them away, highlighting the unintuitive UX. In my case, I swapped out the Bookstore as it’s not as enticing a source of content as the Kindle or Kobo stores.
Preset refresh modes are nice to have, but they didn't work as well I had hoped on the Go Color 7 II (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)
Given its open Android ecosystem, the interface on the Boox Go 7 II includes a lot of advanced settings that help you use third-party apps as smoothly as possible, but submenus for native applications are difficult to find. For example, you need to open an ebook in the NeoReader app (the native library), tap onscreen to open the top menu bar, click on More, then select Settings from there – another example of a convoluted interface.
Thankfully adjusting fonts and overall styling for individual books is easier to do, but there’s a lot going on here compared to what you’d see on a Kindle or Kobo. The setup for styling, however, is now improved, which makes it easier to understand than previous iterations of Boox’s interface.
In fact, there’s another improvement to the software that I’ve previously had trouble with on Boox devices – taking advantage of the USB-C port’s OTG support for wired file transfer. Previously, the menu required to copy files across from an external hard drive to a Boox tablet would disappear as soon as I tried to navigate back to the Storage pane, thus not letting me add files to the default Books folder. Now that is no longer an issue and I was able to select multiple ebooks saved on my Samsung T7 portable SSD and save into the Go Color 7 II without any issues.
I was thrilled to see that OTG transfer worked a charm on the Boox Go Color 7 Gen II (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)
I had no trouble downloading third-party Android apps to the Go Color 7 II. These included the Kindle and Kobo apps as the bulk of my library is on these two platforms, plus an app called CPU X that detects the exact chipset a device is using. I didn’t try any third-party note-taking applications as I’ve always found Boox’s native Notes app to be full featured and more than enough for my needs.
• Software score: 3.5 / 5
Onyx Boox Go Color 7 Gen II review: User experience
Excessive yellow hue on screen affects colors
Subpar reading experience due to lack of text sharpness
Writing experience could change depending on the new stylus
An unintuitive user interface aside, the Go Color 7 Gen II is quite usable. It’s when you compare it to other models, including its own predecessor and its 2025 monochrome sibling that you begin to realize there are better color ereaders to spend your money on. And that’s exactly what my job, as the reviewer, entails – doing the side-by-side comparisons so you, dear reader, can make the most informed buying decision.
As you will see in the comparison photos below, the Go Color 7 Gen II doesn’t hold up well as an ereader. As for writing, it’s hard to rate the experience when you can’t purchase a compatible stylus yet.
There are quite a few submenus to explore on a Boox device (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)
Reading
I’ve tested several ereaders in the last eight years and I don’t think I’ve ever been as disappointed with the reading experience as I was with the Go Color 7 Gen II. Admittedly that’s because I’m comparing it directly to a few of its contemporaries, but even if you didn’t do a side-by-side comparison, it’s easy for anyone who’s used an ereader before to say the display looks hazy. I suspect that’s because of the anti-glare layer on the screen, and it’s just a lot more pronounced here when compared to other brands and Boox models.
Colors appear saturated on the Boox Go Color 7 Gen II, but the higher contrast hides details (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)
The 7-inch E Ink Kaleido 3 display used here is naturally more yellow than other ereader I’ve previously tested and found this affected how colors appear on screen. I compared it to its predecessor and the Kobo Libra Colour, both of which have paler backgrounds in light mode and made the displayed colors appear as close to natural as is possible on an epaper screen. While I can't say this alone affects the reading experience, I found the monochrome Boox Go 7 was nicer to read on in light mode because of the whiter background – it added a touch more contrast to the page.
The frontlight, which isn’t as bright as I’ve seen previously on other Boox tablets (even the Go 7 that released alongside this ereader is brighter), exacerbates the ‘jaundiced look’. Boox doesn't list how many amber LEDs are used on the Go Color 7 II, but the frontlight is warmer compared to five other ereaders I had with me at the time of this review (two other Boox tablets, two Kindles and a Kobo), which makes the screen look yellower when switched on. The only other E Ink tablet that surpasses the Gen II's warm display and light is the Kobo Elipsa 2E, but here it's not a problem as the epaper tablet doesn't display color.
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The frontlight of the Boox Go 7 Gen II (left) makes the screen yellower than on the Gen I model (right) (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)
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Even the Boox Go 7 (right) that launched alongside the Go Color 7 Gen II (left) is clearer and brighter with the frontlight at full bore (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)
As with every color ereader using the E Ink Kaleido 3 screen technology, the Go Color 7 II has a screen resolution of 150ppi for color and 300ppi in grayscale. Colors appear more washed out when compared to its own predecessor which, at the time of writing the Boox Go Color 7 review, I said was pale beside the Kobo Libra Colour. And while I don’t expect the Gen II to match what I would see on an LCD display, I did expect it to be similar to its older sibling, if not better.
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The warmer light affects colors on screen, giving them a 'jaundiced look' on the Boox Go Color 7 Gen II (left) compared to the Gen I (right) (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)
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Colors might appear darker on the Go Color 7 Gen II (right), but the text is sharper on the Gen I (left) (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)
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A closer comparison between the Go Color 7 II (left) and the Gen I (right) shows text just isn't as nice to read on the newer device (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)
The flip side to that is colors on the Gen II look more saturated compared to the Kobo Libra Colour. Newer firmware may have made the Gen I better at displaying colors, but the release notes for v4.1 on the Boox website make no mention of changes that would account for this improvement. The more saturated hues, however, do come at the cost of some details in darker areas being diminished, but this may not be a deal breaker for many readers of comics and graphics novels.
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Compared to the Kobo Libra Colour (left), the Go Color 7 II (right) is yellower and text paler (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)
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The lack of contrast is clear when seen closely (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)
What is truly disappointing is how the text is displayed, whether in ebooks or in speech bubbles – letters are fuzzy on the Go Color 7 II compared to the Gen I and the Go 7. Even the Kobo is better at displaying text.
The new Boox interface allows you to have custom styling for individual titles you’re reading, but enhancing text weight (or boldness) didn’t help, although setting the Dark Color Enhancement to its maximum improved the text a tiny bit, but note that you will lose further details in darker areas when reading in color. Switching to dark mode also made no difference as overall contrast is lacking.
Long story short, it’s hard to recommend the Boox Go Color 7 Gen II as an ereader.
Even compared to the Boox Go 7 (top), the Go Color 7 Gen II (bottom) is a lackluster ereader (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)
Writing
It’s hard to rate the Go Color 7 Gen II’s writing experience objectively as the Boox InkSense is no longer available (although it still works if you can find stock at a retailer) and will be replaced by a new stylus that I hope will add a touch of friction.
The hard plastic nib of the InkSense just slides across the screen of the Go Color 7 II, and I often felt like I was losing control over my writing because of that. I think a softer nib would be ideal, but we’ll just have to wait and see what Boox releases for its 2025 Go series 7-inch ereaders.
However, as with reading, the color ‘inks’ available for writing look washed out compared to what I’ve experienced on older Boox tablets like the Onyx Boox Tab Mini C, and black is the only option that stands out clearly.
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There's no friction between the screen and the Boox InkSense, so writing isn't very paper-like (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)
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There's a good color palette to choose from for writing and drawing... (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)
The native Notes app, though, is the same as you’d find on the brand’s more high-end epaper tablets like the Onyx Boox Go 10.3 and is more than enough for the average user who needs to jot down some thoughts or doodle. Power users would appreciate the Notes app better, thanks to several tools that could prove handy for productivity. For example, the Insert option allows you to add images and audio files to your notes, and the same tool lets you hyperlink selected text to an external URL or to a different page within the same notebook.
The adjustable Lasso tool gives you a lot of flexibility for text selections, and promptly adds the AI tool for instant handwriting-to-text conversion. Handwriting recognition is not always accurate, but then it’s very simple to make edits manually.
• User experience score: 2.5 / 5
Hopefully the redesigned stylus for the Boox Go 2025 series will be better than the InkSense (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)
Onyx Boox Go Color 7 Gen II review: Performance
Not the fastest ereader I’ve tested
Lots of light ghosting that quickly becomes annoying
Battery drain is higher compared to other similar models
The Boox Go Color 7 Gen II uses the Qualcomm Snapdragon 690 chipset paired with 4GB of RAM to keep things running as smoothly as possible. The CPU is a small improvement over the Snapdragon 680 used in the older Go Color 7, but it doesn’t seem to have made much of a difference in overall performance.
Boox tablets aren’t known for being speedy loaders, and the latest Kindle and Kobo ereaders boot up faster from sleep mode than the Go Color 7 Gen II. Even the native Library app takes its time to open a chosen title, even if it’s been saved locally to the device. It’s not a deal breaker in terms of overall usability, although it’s undeniably slower than the 2024 Kindles and Kobo devices when opening up a book to read.
Even wired file transfer via USB-OTG was very quick. Wireless transfer of files has always been easy using the BooxDrop platform, but I had no trouble signing into my Google Drive account either, with cloud transfer also working quite well.
Third-party apps, however, load quickly and, during my testing, worked smoothly, with no app crashes experienced with the few that I downloaded for this review. That said, reading on the Kindle or Kobo app also suffered from the same screen issues as when using the native NeoReader application.
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There are options to tweak the text style on the Go Color 7 Gen II, both for comics/graphics novels... (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)
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..and text-heavy ebooks, but they don't help the Go Color 7 Gen II very much (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)
My biggest performance issue with the Go Color 7 II was ghosting. Adjusting refresh rates using the presets available for individual apps didn’t help at all and the only way I found to counter this was to set system refresh rate to a faster option. I tested a full-refresh frequency set at 10 taps and 5 taps, with the latter working fine for the most part, although it came at the cost of battery life. There was still some ghosting on the display between the 5 taps, and the only way to eliminate this was setting full-refresh frequency to 1 tap. This drains the battery even more significantly, but was the best solution for me.
In fact, the preset refresh rates that can be set on a per-app basis didn’t even help smoothen stuttering while scrolling web pages on the native browser. I wasn’t expecting seamless scrolling like on a phone, but I’ve experienced better refresh-rate presets on other E Ink devices: case in point, I had no such problems in my ViWoods AiPaper review which also runs a custom version of Android 13 like the Go Color 7 II.
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Dark mode doesn't improve readability very much, but it has its own quirks. It's fine when first switched on... (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)
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..but the white floating bar gets distracting. (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)
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Turn a page, though, and the bottom information bar becomes white, which is just as distracting as the floating toolbar (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)
As I’ve already mentioned, battery drain for me on this ereader was quite significant after I changed the system refresh rate to a quicker option, but even on default settings, the Go Color 7 II chews through its 2,300mAh battery quite quickly.
I had the ereader set to powering off after 48 hours of no activity, but upon switching the Go Color 7 II on again I found the battery life would be significantly lower than when I put it into sleep mode. I expect about 5% to 10% drain for ereaders in scenarios like this, but the Go Color 7 II would drop by 25% on average – in one instance where it was in sleep mode for 48 hours and powered down for a further 36 hours, battery life dropped from 81% to 56%.
This isn’t behavior I’ve experienced with any other Boox tablet, so I suspect there’s a bug that’s affecting battery efficiency and a future firmware might be able to fix it. In the meantime, you’ll still get about a week of reading from every top-up with the system refresh rate set to 15 taps. This will reduce if you use faster refresh rates and will also be affected by how bright you set the frontlight to and how often you use Bluetooth connectivity.
Recharging, thankfully, isn't slow and it went from 12% to full in 1 hour and 57 minutes plugged into a wall adapter during my testing. Connected to a dock slowed down the charging rate only marginally, going from 17% to full in 2 hours and 10 minutes.
• Performance score: 3 / 5
I wish submenus were easier to find on Boox devices – for example, you can't tell there's a library settings option under the More in the above image (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)
Should I buy the Onyx Boox Go Color 7 Gen II?
Onyx Boox Go Color 7 Gen II
Kobo Libra Colour
Kobo Clara Colour
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2024)
Price
$279.99 / €279.99 (about £245) / AU$439
$229.99 / £209.99 / AU$379.95
$159.99 / £149.99 / AU$249.95
from $159.99 / £134.99 / AU$299
Screen
7-inch E Ink Kaleido 3
7-inch E Ink Kaleido 3
6-inch E Ink Carta 1300
7-inch E Ink Carta 1300
Resolution
300ppi in B&W; 150ppi in color
300ppi in B&W; 150ppi in color
300ppi in B&W
300ppi in B&W
Operating system
Android 13
Linux-based
Linux-based
Linux-based
Storage
64GB (expandable)
32GB
16GB
16GB
CPU
Qualcomm Snapdragon 690
Undisclosed 2GHz dual-core chipset
Undisclosed 2GHz dual-core chipset
Undisclosed 1GHz dual-core chipset
Battery
2,300mAh
2,050mAh
1,500mAh
Undisclosed
Connectivity
Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB-C
Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB-C
Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB-C
Wi-Fi, Bluetooth (in select regions), USB-C
Waterproofing
None
IPX8
IPX8
IPX8
File support (including images and audio)
25
16
16
17
Speakers
Yes
No
No
No
Dimensions
156 x 137 x 6.4 mm
161 x 144.6 x 8.3 mm
112 x 160 x 9.2 mm
176.7 x 127.6 x 7.8 mm
Weight
195g
199.5g
174g
211g
Buy it if...
You want a compact color ereader with writing capabilities
With a 7-inch color display, the Go Color 7 II is quite compact and very light too. And given it’s also got writing features built in, it’s versatile. Unfortunately, its many usability and performance issues makes it hard to recommend over similar devices.
Don't buy it if...
Readability and performance are important to you in an ereader
The Go Color 7 II has potential, but its subpar screen and above-average battery drain leaves it trailing behind many of its contemporaries. If the color display isn’t important, you’ll be better off opting for the grayscale Go Color 7.
Value for money is important
Compared to its predecessor, the Go Color 7 is well priced as it adds writing features for the same cost. However, its lackluster user experience and lack of performance makes it hard to recommend at any price point.
You want a compatible stylus at the time you buy a device
It’s very strange for a brand to release devices that require an optional add-on that gets discontinued soon after their launch. Stranger still is that no replacement was made available at the time. So until Boox releases a replacement for the InkSense stylus, it’s hard to recommend the 2025 Go series ereaders.
Onyx Boox Go Color 7 Gen II review: Alternatives
Kobo Libra Colour
It's displayed colors might look washed out in comparison to the Go Color 7 II, but that means you can see a few more details in darker areas. It, too, allows you to read and write and Kobo's Advanced Notebooks are quite full featured. You will, of course, need to purchase the Kobo Stylus 2 separately if you want to use jot notes, but I think it's worth the additional ask. Compared to the Go Color 7 II, though, it's the better ereader and has a more streamlined interface. Read my in-depth Kobo Libra Colour review
Kobo Clara Colour
If you don't want the writing features, but the color screen is important to you, you can save quite a bit of cash opting for a 6-inch color ereader and I think the Kobo Clara Colour is the best option in that regard. Seamless performance and a compact form factor are just some of its attributes. Read my in-depth Kobo Clara Colour review
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2024)
The 12th generation Kindle Paperwhite is a fantastic 7-inch ereader with a black-and-white screen that I'd recommend if you're already part of the Amazon ecosystem. With direct access to the Kindle Store and a smoother interface than Boox, its E Ink Carta 1300 is one of the best optimized in the business. Read our in-depth Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2024) review
How I tested the Onyx Boox Go Color 7 Gen II
Used as main ereader for approximately 11 weeks
Used wireless and wired file transfer methods for books and audio files
Separately purchased the Boox InkSense to test writing
The Boox Go Color 7 Gen II has potential... if only its screen hadn't been so disappointing (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)
When Boox sent the Go Color 7 Gen II for review without a stylus, I was a little surprised. On enquiring, I was told that the Boox InkSense – the supported pen – had been discontinued and I would be sent its replacement as soon as it was released. However, that meant delaying this review until later this year, so I purchased the InkSense myself from a third-party retailer in Australia (where the the testing was done) who still had stock. The stylus is now no longer available anywhere.
It was fantastic to see that I didn't need to manually pair the stylus to the Go Color 7 II – it just worked. To test the writing features, I wrote some notes and tried doodling a little (I can't draw to save my life).
To test the Go Color 7 II as an ereader, I used USB-OTG to transfer a few ebooks, but also signed into my Google Drive account for cloud transfer of other files, including the Bookerly font family I'm partial to and some MP3s. I also 'pushed' a couple of existing files I had in the cloud via the BooxDrop platform as well.
I compared the Go Color 7 II to two other color ereaders: the older Boox Go Color 7 and the Kobo Libra Colour. I also compared it to its 2025 sibling, the Onyx Boox Go 7, as well as the 2024 Amazon Kindle and Kindle Paperwhite for direct text comparisons.
I listened to some audio files using the native music player. I downloaded a couple of other reading apps (Kindle and Kobo) and used the native web browser to see what the experience is like on an E Ink tablet.
I've tested more than 30 ereaders in the last eight years, giving me the knowledge and expertise to comment on the Boox Go Color 7 Gen II's usability and performance.
