Computers - Organizer

I reviewed Anker’s cheap AirPods 4 alternative earbuds, and you could do much worse for the money

5:30 pm | June 9, 2025

Anker Soundcore Liberty 5: two-minute review

The Anker Soundcore Liberty 5 are a modestly priced pair of stem-equipped wireless earbuds, aiming to offer “detail-rich” sound and silencing ANC. With a list price of $129 / £99 / AU$169, these buds are hardly short on competition. But they do a decent amount to stand out in what is a congested market.

One of the ways they do that is by offering a broad, rich suite of features. Whether it’s a preference EQ test, low-latency gaming mode, customizable touch controls or environment-specific ANC, there’s plenty to sink your teeth into. Of course, the adaptive ANC is a standout feature here. It’s not groundbreaking and I’ve experienced better noise-nixing capabilities from wireless earbuds, but external sounds are dulled effectively overall and there are lots of customization options.

That said, to compete with the best earbuds on the market, you need to sound good – in fact, the audio needs to be very good. And thankfully, the Liberty 5 do sound pretty solid overall. You can uncover substantial sonic detail – especially with LDAC deployed – plus booming bass and even a fair amount of breadth and separation when using Dolby Audio. Out of the box, the Liberty 5 do lack a modicum of neutrality, showing a clear preference for bass and treble (read: 'excitement' or 'zeal' over a more natural, faithful and integrated balance across the frequencies). The detail in musical passages and layering of instruments are unlikely to impress audiophiles either. However, it's all relative and for the price you pay, these buds meet the mark.

Something that’s not so impressive, though, is the Liberty 5’s design. I’m just not digging the plasticky housing and stem design. Touch controls, which are accessed via the stems, are fiddly and inconsistent too. You do, however, get a pretty cool sliding case and IP55 dust and waterproofing.

Other aspects that could be better include call quality, which is not exactly bad but not quite as “crystal-clear” as advertised. I also experienced a notable amount of sound leakage – though that’s pretty common for earbuds at this level.

Still, there’s a lot to like about the Liberty 5. My testing suggested battery life may not be as long as quoted, but you still get a decent amount of playtime. There’s a fit check option to get the best seal, a range of additional ear tips in the box and multi-point connectivity too.

All in all, I’d argue that the Anker Soundcore Liberty 5 make for a decent pair of wireless earbuds, though their design flaws in particular hold them back from greatness. If you want an even cheaper option, I’d go for the similarly stemmed Earfun Air 2 NC which impressed me in the audio and noise cancelling department.

At a similar price you could instead get the Nothing Ear (a) – more on those later. And finally, if you’re willing to step it up a little bit, I absolutely love the Dolby Atmos-enabled LG Tone Free T90S, which you can grab on-sale close to the $180 / £150 mark. If the Liberty 5 see a significant price-slash at any of the upcoming sales events, I’m sure they’d be worth adding to your online shopping cart. But right now, you can do better for the money.

Anker Soundcore Liberty 5 buds on circular surface — (Image credit: Future)

Anker Soundcore Liberty 5 review: price and availability

$129 / £99 / AU$169
Launched in May 2025

The Anker Soundcore Liberty 5 launched in May 2025, just over two-and-a-half years after their predecessor, the Liberty 4. They have a list price of $129 / £99 / AU$169, but I wouldn’t be surprised if they were on sale in the not too distant future. Notably, you can grab the Liberty 5 in four different color options: Black; White; Blue; or Apricot. The color you select should have no bearing on price.

Anker Soundcore Liberty 5 review: specs

Drivers	9.2mm dynamic
Active noise cancellation	Yes
Battery life	Buds: 12 hours (8 hours with ANC on); Total with case: 48 hours (32 hours with ANC on)
Weight	4.6g
Connectivity	Bluetooth 5.4
Frequency range	20Hz-20kHz
Waterproofing	IP55

Anker Soundcore Liberty 5 charging case in hand — (Image credit: Future)

Anker Soundcore Liberty 5 review: features

Customizable noise cancellation options…
...but actual ANC performance isn’t top-class
Top-tier companion app

I want to start off with a big plus-point: I really love the Soundcore companion app – and as someone who has countless similar audio apps on my phone, it’s rare that I really love something priced at this level. Said app is laid out in a clean, user-friendly manner, with all of the crucial settings listed on a hub page and smaller nuggets up in a separate menu. I find some companion apps to be a bit slow or buggy – not this one.

So, let’s run through all of the key features you can find on the Soundcore app. There’s the classic inclusions like multi-point connectivity, a Find Device option if a pesky bud goes amiss, and customizable touch controls – something I’ll discuss more in the Design section.

But one of the key areas I want to focus on is EQ adjustment. Soundcore has really knocked it out of the park here; there are just so many ways to tailor the Liberty 5’s sound to your tastes. Firstly, there’s all the usual suspects – think Bass Booster and Bass Reducer, as well as genre-specific choices such as Classical and Dance. There’s also a Dolby Audio option (not Atmos) with music, podcast, or movie sub-options. Mobile gamers are in luck too: there’s a low-latency Gaming Mode that enhances the sounds of footsteps and voices – though you won’t be able to use this alongside the ‘hi-res’ Bluetooth codec, LDAC, which is a great inclusion.

And there’s more! You can even take a preference test, as seen on the Anker Soundcore Space One Pro, which presents a series of sound ‘A’ and ‘B’ options, and forges a bespoke sound for you based on the selections you make. Honestly, I think Soundcore is doing this better than all of its rivals – I even like this more than the preference-based EQ function on the Sony WH-1000XM6.

Of course, the main event here is active noise cancellation, but despite the Liberty 5’s admirable report card so far, this is where things take a slight dip. Is ANC bad on the Liberty 5? No, that would be harsh. But is it the best around? Also no: it’s acceptable, but no better.

When walking near a busy road, I could still hear vehicles going by, even in the 60-70% volume range. Sure, sounds were significantly dulled, but there was a touch more extraneous noise filtering in than I would’ve liked. Similarly, while working away in the office, chatter in an adjacent room was easily phased out, but low-level discussions from my colleagues would creep in. If you don’t need silence or near-silence at all times, the Liberty 5 will do just fine. But if you’re looking for S-tier noise-crushing capabilities, you’re gonna have to look some more.

Interestingly, you can adapt noise cancelling between one – the weakest, and five – the strongest, if you want to take a more balanced approach to listening. There’s a transparency calibration too, as well as a wind noise reducer and ANC modes for traveling via plane or car. If you’d like, you can even use Fit Test, to ensure you’re getting the perfect seal for shutting out the world around you.

Finally, Soundcore says that the Liberty 5 can manage eight hours of playtime with ANC on – that is if you listen at moderate volume with basically every extra option switched off. That’s a pretty solid amount, though I did realize that the battery depleted by 20% after one hour of testing. That suggests you may not quite get that full eight hours after all. Still, the case packs plenty of charge, so unless you want to lock in for a super-long session, there should be enough battery life here.

Features score: 4/5

Anker Soundcore Liberty 5 charging case connected to USB-C cable — (Image credit: Future)

Anker Soundcore Liberty 5 review: sound quality

Impressive bass output
Lack a bit of balance out of the box
…but there are extensive EQ options and Dolby Audio to fix it

For $129 / £99 / AU$169, it’s rare that you’ll find top-of-the-range sound quality. And the Liberty 5 aren’t going to plate up the kind of perfectly nuanced, beautifully separated sound that audiophiles are hunting down – if the Liberty 5 could do that for this money and without wires, we could all pack up and go home.

All the same, I’m pleased to report that they do sound good overall. When listening to It’s Possible by Piero Piccioni and Catherine Howe, vocals had a pleasing degree of detail, with tongue clicks on the palate and subtle breaths sounding three-dimensional and largely authentic. Audio was particularly revealing with the higher-resolution Bluetooth codec, LDAC, switched on, but even then, the vocals weren’t quite lifted out of the mix for the most expressive, layered listen.

Similarly, when tuning into Black Eye by Allie X, the vocal performance was clear, but felt as if it could be more prominent in the mix. This track did reveal, however, that the Liberty 5 pack some serious low-end punch. The pumping drum machine – though perhaps not as agile as you’d hear on more premium buds like the Technics EAH-AZ100 – offered impressive depth. And again with Breather by Christ Stussy & S. A. M., the Liberty 5 had the talents to replicate the thumping bass at the heart of this track’s energetic, almost hypnotic bounce.

When listening to Breather, I did feel that percussion in the treble range could sound overemphasized, especially at higher volume levels. That may well cause some fatigue during longer listening sessions, so if you’d like to tone things down, it’s going to be worth taking a trip to the Soundcore app. After making use of the custom eight-band equalizer, I was able to largely quash this issue, which really is a testament to the highly tunable sound of the Liberty 5.

Yes, you really can make these earbuds sound your own. There’s a Dolby Audio option, if you want slightly wider, more immersive sound. For reference, you’re not getting Dolby Atmos – something you’ll find on models like the LG xboom Buds, as an example. How does this particular Dolby side-sauce sound? Well, it does what it says on the tin. Bass in particular sounds broader… more encapsulating. But you may find that a touch of detail is lost compared to listening with Dolby Audio off.

One more performance-related element I should discuss is mic quality. Soundcore proudly states that the Liberty 5 are capable of “crystal-clear” call quality, thanks to six mics, a wind-resistant algorithm and a helping hand from AI. But I wasn’t all too impressed in this department. My voice was decently clear, but my surroundings would often get in the way. Similarly on a voice note, I could certainly hear myself, but my voice wasn’t particularly forward and external noises crept in easily.

Sound quality score: 4/5

Anker Soundcore Liberty 5 review: design

Stem design won’t be for everyone
Neat sliding case
The touch controls just aren’t it

I think it’s only fair that I put my cards on the table here and say that I’m not a mega-fan of the Soundcore Liberty 5’s design. Part of that comes down to personal preference – I like the smaller, more discreet look of stemless rivals like the Sony WF-C710N.

Still, I can put that aside to a degree. But I couldn’t help feeling that the Liberty 5 look like a more plasticky and less sleek pair of AirPods. I would argue that their slightly slanted look is a plus though, that does give them a sharper, more angular edge. And unlike AirPods, you can grab these in multiple color options: Black; White; Blue; or Apricot.

Looks aside, there is one major impracticality about the Liberty 5’s design: their touch controls. Soundcore’s gone for a kind of ‘pinch’ control scheme, which frankly, I found a little awkward. The buds wouldn’t feel very secure when I was pinching at the stems to skip or go to previous tracks. And the effectiveness of my attempts varied. Sometimes I had to make multiple attempts to pause or play a song – it’s just not a massively consistent way to control playback.

So, yes, not a lot of good stuff to say so far. But one thing I do like about the Liberty 5 is their charging case. Simply, slide it open and there you are. Your earbuds, right before you! I prefer this motion to the flip-top motion cases opt for and would like to see a few more manufacturers consider it.

The buds are also fairly comfortable in-ear, so it’s unlikely you’ll feel exhausted after mere minutes of use. You can find multiple sized eartips in the box too, helping you find the most secure fit possible. Despite getting a nice seal, though, a colleague did hear some sound leakage at around 65-70% volume. There’s an adaptive sound leakage compensation toggle in the Soundcore app’s advanced settings but, still, you’re not going to get the perfect isolation that the best over-ear headphones supply.

Waterproofing is also pretty solid. The Liberty 5 are IP55 dust and waterproof rated, which means that they can withstand low pressure water jets from multiple directions. That’s better than a lot of competitors, but you can do even better. The Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro, for instance, are IP57-rated, so they can even survive being immersed under a meter of water for a while.

Design score: 3/5

Anker Soundcore Liberty 5 in open charging case — (Image credit: Future)

Anker Soundcore Liberty 5 review: value

Fairly moderate list price
But still, you can do better for the money
Outperformed by a number of rivals

The Soundcore Liberty 5 are playing in a pretty competitive field, coming in at $129 / £99 / AU$169. It’s a decently modest price tag, sure, but a lot of manufacturers are producing pretty great earbuds for even less.

Now, there are a lot of rivals I could name here. I own the Sony WF-C700N and they sound great while also offering a more low-profile look than the Liberty 5. We also rate the Nothing Ear (a) highly, but I’ll discuss those a little more below. But if you want the ultimate guide to the leading cheap models, then I’d recommend checking out our guide to the best budget earbuds.

Ultimately, $100 / £100 / AU$150 is still a significant spend. And I’m not convinced these are particularly standout – aside from their excellent companion app and decently broad feature-set. In terms of sonic prowess, ANC abilities and design, it’s a more mixed picture. If these are on sale, I wouldn’t count them out, of course. But at the moment, I’d rather grab a pair of buds from Sony or Nothing.

Value score: 3.5/5

Anker Soundcore Liberty 5 charging case on circular surface — (Image credit: Future)

Should I buy the Anker Soundcore Liberty 5?

Attributes	Notes	Rating
Features	Awesome companion app, customizable but fairly average ANC, OK battery.	4/5
Sound quality	Good overall sound for the cost with impressive bass, calling could be better.	4/5
Design	Impractical touch controls, divisive stem design, IP55 waterproofing and case.	3/5
Value	Decent price but outperformed by rivals on sound and design.	3.5/5

Buy them if...

You’re looking for a cheaper alternative to AirPods
AirPods are expensive, there’s no getting around it. And there’s no doubt that the Soundcore Liberty 5 are attempting to be a more budget-friendly alternative. With a stem design and a spatial sound option, via Dolby Audio, you can expect a lot of the AirPods’ niceties on the Liberty 5.

You want highly customizable sound
I love the Soundcore app, and one of the reasons for that is its incredibly rich set of EQ options. There’s a preference test that helps you create a truly bespoke sound profile, genre-based presets and even an eight-band custom equalizer. If you want a more balanced listen, it’s definitely worth exploring the options at hand here.

Don't buy them if...

You want class-leading ANC
ANC isn’t all too bad on the Soundcore Liberty 5. External sounds will be dulled fairly effectively and there’s a tasty selection of customization options too. But even at the highest intensity, I wasn’t blown away by the Liberty 5’s noise-crushing skills. I didn’t quite get near-silence in more built up areas and a whisper of noise crept through when I was working in the office, even when blasting music at around 70%.

You’re an audiophile
And finally, these earbuds may not satiate your needs if you’re a true audiophile. Even with LDAC turned on, you won’t get the best instrument separation or perfect control right across the frequencies. With some tuning, they do sound good for the money, but yes, maybe not for the most analytical listeners out there. If that's you, I'd suggest instead checking out our list of the best noise cancelling earbuds.

Anker Soundcore Liberty 5 review: also consider

	Anker Soundcore Liberty 5	Nothing Ear (a)	Apple AirPods 4
Price	$129 / £99 / AU$169	$99 / £99 (about AU$150)	$129 / £129 / AU$219
Drivers	9.2mm dynamic	11mm custom	Custom
Active noise cancellation	Yes	Yes	No
Battery life	Buds: 8 hours (12 hours without ANC on); Total with case: 32 hours (48 hours without ANC on)	Buds: 5.5hrs (9.5hrs without ANC) Total with case: 24.5hrs (42.5hrs without ANC)	Buds: 5 hours (official), 7 hours (measured); Total with case: 30 hours
Weight	4.6g (per bud)	4.8g (per bud)	4.3g (per bud)
Connectivity	Bluetooth 5.4	Bluetooth 5.3	Bluetooth 5.3
Frequency range	20Hz-40kHz	Not stated	Not stated
Waterproofing	IP55	IP54	IP54

Nothing Ear (a)
The Nothing Ear (a) are an excellent pair of budget-friendly earbuds that we’ve talked up no end here at TechRadar. And for good reason. They serve up zealous, expansive audio, surprisingly strong ANC and a compact design. Sure, their battery life is nothing special by today’s standards, but all in all, they’re an awesome pair of buds. Read our full Nothing Ear (a) review.

Apple AirPods 4
In design alone, it does feel like the Soundcore Liberty 5 are a direct competitor to the Apple AirPods 4. And I’m comparing Soundcore’s effort here against the ANC-less version of the AirPods 4, simply due to their closeness in cost. Anyway, Apple’s earbuds are, well… OK. They offer decently fun and dynamic spatial sound as well as that classic design. But no ANC at this price-point, combined with middling levels of detail and lackluster cross-platform features, is disappointing. Read our full Apple AirPods 4 review.

How I tested the Anker Soundcore Liberty 5

Tested for two weeks
Used in the office and while out in public
Predominantly tested using Tidal

I tested the Soundcore Liberty 5 over a fortnight, listening to songs and watching videos for hours on end. I used them out at the office, while at home and when on walks to assess the fortitude of ANC across multiple environments.

Typically, I tested these buds using Tidal, but I also tried using them with both Spotify and YouTube. When listening to music, I ran through the TechRadar testing playlist, which features tracks from a wide variety of genres. Of course, I also tuned in to tons of tunes from my personal library.

Where appropriate, I compared these to the LG xboom Buds on metrics such as comfort, audio quality, ANC capabilities and features. And for reference, I’ve tested tons of audio products here at TechRadar. I’ve reviewed flagship over-ear headphones like the Sony WH-1000XM6, wired earbuds like the Sennheiser IE 600 and, of course, other wireless earbuds like the LG Tone Free T90S.

First reviewed: June 2025
Read more about how we test

Hitman World of Assassination – Signature Edition brings one of my favorite games ever to Nintendo Switch 2, and I just can’t put it down

4:55 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Consoles & PC Gadgets Gaming Nintendo | Tags: New York, Nintendo Switch | Comments: Off

It’s hard to overstate just how much there is to do in Hitman World of Assassination – Signature Edition. This Nintendo Switch 2 port of the latest entries in the legendary stealth series comes crammed with everything from 2016’s Hitman, its follow-up Hitman 2, and the most recent instalment Hitman 3 plus heaps of downloadable content (DLC).

Review info

Platform reviewed: Nintendo Switch 2
Available on: Nintendo Switch 2
Release date: June 5, 2025

You get a total of three main story campaigns, tied together by a servicable overarching plot. Storytelling has never been the main appeal of Hitman, however, which lies instead in its highly replayable, richly detailed global locations.

There are 21 here (or 25 if you count the more limited tutorial and Sniper Assassin stages) ranging all the way from a high-profile Paris fashion show to the annual meeting of a sinister secret society on a remote North Atlantic island, the top of a skyscraper in sun-drenched Dubai, and the high-tech rain-swept streets of Chongqing.

Each of these is an expansive open-world sandbox that is designed to be replayed over and over again. As Agent 47, the world’s greatest assassin, your objective is always the elimination of a highly guarded target - but how you approach that is entirely up to you.

Feedback loop

Hiding with a pistol in Hitman World of Assassination – Signature Edition — (Image credit: IO Interactive)

You could sprint through a stage and shoot your target in the face, before mowing down legions of guards on the way to an extraction point like a bald John Wick, but careful stealth is always more effective and rewarding. The likes of Splinter Cell’s Sam Fisher might rely on futuristic tech to remain undetected, but Agent 47 just needs a simple change of clothes to get by. Knock out a guard and you can steal their outfit, exploring otherwise restricted areas and getting close to your target without the fear of being stopped.

Dress up as a member of a maintenance crew, and you might be allowed to tamper with dangerous equipment - setting up the perfect, undetectable accident kill. Agent 47 can become almost anyone, anywhere, and the possibilities that this opens up are practically endless. You’re always free to experiment, but those who prefer a more guided experience can follow dedicated mission stories - elaborate, showstopping eliminations that require multiple steps to pull off.

Every playthrough contributes to a location’s overall mastery level that unlocks new weapons, tools, starting locations, and so on. You might go in for the first time armed with just a silenced pistol and your trusty fibrewire, but before you know it you have access to compact sniper rifles, undetectable poison syringes, lockpicks, explosive rubber ducks, throwable decoys, flash grenades, and so much more. You can even start armed with a floppy fish to slap enemies over the head.

Best bit

Every location in Hitman World of Assassination – Signature Edition is superb, though the New York bank of the Golden Handshake mission remains a firm favorite. It’s a wholly indoor environment, but that doesn’t mean that it’s small. There are multiple floors to explore and some great Mission Stories including a full-on bank heist to pull off.

Even when you’ve finished the main story, this Signature Edition comes with the fantastic Patient Zero side campaign on top of heaps of bonus missions to master. You also have Escalations (bite-size challenges that layer-on absurd conditions to often hilarious results), live-service Elusive Target contracts that can only be attempted once, seasonal challenges and stages, the Sniper Elite-esque Sniper Assassin levels, and a roguelike Freelancer mode.

For the $59.99 / £54.99 asking price the value is undeniable, though it is a shame that a small amount of content is gated behind further paywalls. Some cosmetic packs, for example, and, more significantly, the extra Sarajevo Six campaign are locked behind additional $4.99 / £4.49 purchases.

There’s so much here already that most players likely wouldn’t even notice, but for die-hard Hitman fans like me who have already paid for such extras on multiple other platforms, it’s a shame that this Nintendo Switch 2 version isn’t truly 100 percent complete.

Missed shot

Pretending to be a bartender in Hitman World of Assassination – Signature Edition — (Image credit: IO Interactive)

With gigantic crowds of NPCs and complex AI interactions, Hitman World of Assassination is a very technically demanding game. The Nintendo Switch 2 port runs at a level that I would consider just about good enough, provided that you don’t intend to play a lot with the system docked. In handheld mode, texture quality and resolution takes an obvious hit compared to the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 versions, though this isn’t hugely noticeable on the smaller screen unless you compare the images side by side.

The render distance has also been reduced by a fair amount, and there’s more pop-in than other platforms - even the Xbox Series S. When the image is static, it looks about on par with the Xbox One and PlayStation 4 versions of the game to my eyes - which is not the worst result when you consider the battery life and cooling limitations of a handheld console. The frame rate is stable in most situations too, averaging between 40 and 50 fps, but is prone to dips in certain areas of specific stages.

The streets of the leafy Vermont suburb Whittleton Creek, for example, are noticeably more jittery, as is the dense rainforest of Ambrose Island. Signature Edition also seems buggier than other versions with small visual issues, like floating objects and doors sometimes vanishing when opened, decreasing immersion. Neither of these complaints amount to anything that renders the game unplayable, but I am hopeful that things will be smoothed out in future patches.

Getting a pat down in Hitman World of Assassination – Signature Edition. — (Image credit: IO Interactive)

As for the docked experience, this is unfortunately where it all falls apart a little bit. Blowing the picture up on a big screen allows you to appreciate some of the complex lighting, weather, and reflection effects at play, but makes the cutbacks much more apparent. Again, the experience is never horrifically bad, but if you want Hitman World of Assassination on a big screen you will unavoidably be much better served by the PS5 or Xbox Series X and Series S editions.

There are also some areas where I feel as though developer Io Interactive has really missed the opportunity to make some simple changes to really take advantage of the Nintendo Switch 2 hardware. Foremost is the game’s control scheme, which is effectively identical to other console versions. There’s no Joy-Con 2 mouse aiming here, or even basic gyroscope support which is disappointing given how much it would improve precision aiming with long-range weaponry.

Hitman World of Assassination is also still limited by the lack of a proper offline mode. Sure, you can technically play the game without an internet connection - but you have to sacrifice access to literally all your progression. Unless you’re keen to run around with default loadouts, you have to be online. While I like to play at home, this could be a dealbreaker for those looking for a new favorite to play on the go.

With all that said, is Hitman World of Assassination – Signature Edition worth picking up? I would say yes as, despite this version’s flaws, you’re still getting a fully playable version of one of the greatest stealth games ever made. There’s plenty here to keep you busy and, with a few updates under its belt, we could be looking at a must-have Nintendo Switch 2 release.

Should I play Hitman World of Assassination – Signature Edition?

Play it if…

You want a top quality stealth game
Hitman World of Assassination is still one of the greatest stealth games ever made. If you love sneaking around, then this Nintendo Switch 2 release is the perfect excuse to pick it up.

You after a game with heaps of content
I’ve already spent hours in Hitman World of Assassination – Signature Edition and barely scratched the surface of what’s on offer. Pick this up if you want a content-rich game that will keep you occupied for hundreds of hours.

Don’t play it if…

You’re keen to play docked
Graphically, Hitman World of Assassination – Signature Edition is solid in handheld mode but lacking when the Nintendo Switch 2 is docked. If you mainly play on a TV, you’ll be better off with one of the other console versions of the game instead.

Accessibility

There are unfortunately no dedicated accessibility settings in Hitman World of Assassination – Signature Edition. The game features subtitles, which are enabled by default, and some basic assist settings including an aim assist.

How I reviewed Hitman World of Assassination – Signature Edition

I played Hitman World of Assassination – Signature Edition for more than 10 hours on Nintendo Switch 2, experiencing every location in the game at least once.

I’m a die-hard Hitman fan, and have spent more than 900 hours in Hitman, Hitman 2 and Hitman 3 on Xbox One and Xbox Series S, in addition to roughly 200 hours in Hitman World of Assassination on PC and PlayStation 5 so I compared my experience closely to that.

First reviewed June 2025

Hitman World of Assassination – Signature Edition brings one of my favorite games ever to Nintendo Switch 2, and I just can’t put it down

4:55 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Consoles & PC Gadgets Gaming Nintendo | Tags: New York, Nintendo Switch | Comments: Off

Review info

Platform reviewed: Nintendo Switch 2
Available on: Nintendo Switch 2
Release date: June 5, 2025

Feedback loop

Best bit

Missed shot

Should I play Hitman World of Assassination – Signature Edition?

Play it if…

Don’t play it if…

Accessibility

How I reviewed Hitman World of Assassination – Signature Edition

I played Hitman World of Assassination – Signature Edition for more than 10 hours on Nintendo Switch 2, experiencing every location in the game at least once.

First reviewed June 2025

I tested this 20-port docking station and it’s an impressive beast for your Apple MacBook

4:01 pm | June 8, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Pro | Comments: Off

Ivanky is a brand that I have not heard a ton about other than a few targeted ads or other people's setups I watch on YouTube (yes, gear is a hobby and a job). Once I got my hands on the iVanky FusionDock Max 1 though, I realized just how powerful this docking station truly is.

Granted, it's clearly designed for MacBooks alone, and M-Series, Apple Silicon MacBooks at that. But for Apple users, it's a great docking station, able to produce the amount of power that just about anyone from a casual user with a single display, to a professional user with a quad setup and plenty of accessories.

I added this to one of my more robust desks I have set up as of recently, with a custom desk from Uplift, a super cool desk shelf from Hexcal and a dual monitor setup. Just the kind of bougie, yet accessible setup the iVanky FusionDock Max 1 commands.

iVanky FusionDock Max 1: Unboxing & first impressions

Unboxing this docking station was pretty straightforward, in the box was the dock itself, which is a bit heavier than expected, a Dual USB-C Cable which has connected USB-C ports on one end and disconnected leads on the other end. It also has a power adapter, an HDMI Cable and the user manual.

Personally, I love the floating look, I think it looks fantastic, intentional and unique in a good way. It stands out in all of the best docking stations I have tested, and I have seen quite a few. It has a minimalist design with a compact footprint, though it is a bit too thick to slide underneath my Hexcal Desk shelf, at least without the extensions which would then make my monitors too high.

Moving on, the port split from the front to the back seems very intentional, and easy to navigate. Lastly, the dual-cable system is interesting, though understood. It is interesting that the part that connects to the MacBook is the side that is connected meaning that there is only ever the option to plug both into the MacBook — then again what ports could you possibly want that this dock doesn't already offer?

iVanky FusionDock Max 1: Design & build quality

Specs

Ports: 20 ports; 4x Thunderbolt 4, 2x HDMI, 5x USB-A, 3x USB-C, SD card slot, Ethernet port, Optical Audio
PD: 96W

The iVanky FusionDock Max 1 is clearly a premium product. By build quality alone let alone the materials used and the unique design promoting better airflow, this device is high-end. The ports are tight and assembled perfectly, the labels are clear and descriptive, and the front facing ports are exactly what I would want up front, just enough to keep me capable of pretty much anything I'd need to plug in, but not so much that I feel like there is always a cable cluttering my desk.

iVanky seems to understand the same thing that I have been saying for years with docking stations. The back ports are for your constantly plugged in devices, such as HDMI, Audio, USB-A (most), USB-C (most), power, Ethernet, in this case, optical, and so on. It should be all the devices you don't plan on unplugging anytime soon. The front, however, is where your frequently accessed devices should live. SD Cards, USB-C, USB-A, Headphone jack, and maybe some more.

iVanky FusionDock Max 1: In use

From the first time I plugged a MacBook into this docking station it has run wonderfully. Part of the reason I chose to put this docking station on this desk you see in the photos is because that desk has a soundbar that is currently being used via Bluetooth, but it also has an optical port, just like this dock (something I have never seen before on a docking station).

The integration to the MacBook was not only seamless physically but digitally as well. The ports lined up great to plug in, and then once I approved the device on my Mac I was instantly connected to my dual display setup, my SSD, my Optical, Power, Ethernet, and more.

So far, I have yet to have any issues with the FusionDock Max 1. Like I said, I am running audio out every day through Optical, I am streaming content with the network cable, along with uploading and downloading large files and more. I don't notice any lag or latency in the displays, even when running a heavy load.

I will say that under a heavy load this guy can get hot, but thankfully that is why there is a bit of a guard built into the stand, but regardless, if it takes having a dock that gets a little hot to be able to to run as smoothly as this, then it's worth it.

iVanky FusionDock Max 1: Final verdict

The FusionDock Max 1 is a hefty, powerful, and premium docking station with an ideal number of ports for heavy users. It's a feature-rich docking station that has been super impressive to use and rely on for a few months now. I have this dock running a dual-monitor setup for a MacBook, and it has been an absolute dream so far. If you're looking for a reliable docking station to run your professional setup without compromise, this is a docking station worth checking out.

Attributes	Notes	Rating
Design	Unique and beautiful	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ease of use	Needs to be for specific macs	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Practicality	Practical for the right machine	⭐⭐⭐
Price	Decent price for the quality	⭐⭐⭐⭐

I tested Samsung’s best mini-LED TV, and its Glare-Free screen tech makes it perfect for gaming and sports

3:00 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Televisions | Tags: Star Wars, TV | Comments: Off

Samsung QN90F: Two-minute review

The Samsung QN90F is the company’s flagship mini-LED TV series for 2025. It’s available in 43-inch to 98-inch screen sizes, and is a showcase for the full range of new features Samsung is bringing to market in its 2025 TV lineup.

A key feature found in the Samsung QN90F and other 2025 flagships, such as the Samsung QN990F 8K TV and Samsung S95F OLED TV, is a ‘2.0’ version of Glare-Free technology. Previously limited to the S95F, one of the best TVs of 2024, this effectively eliminates screen reflections, and does so while retaining the deep black levels needed to maintain picture contrast when watching movies in a bright room – something the S95F stopped short of delivering.

The QN90F also has a new NQ4 AI Gen3 Processor, which allows for a range of AI-driven picture enhancements to improve picture upscaling of lower-resolution sources and motion handling for sports. It even adds HDR to standard dynamic range programs being upscaled to 4K, giving them a high dynamic range-like look.

Picture quality on the QN90F is stunning. The TV’s powerful, refined local dimming delivers images with strong contrast and deep, detailed shadows. This is the kind of performance we expect to see from the best mini-LED TVs, and the QN90F has set the bar high for 2025.

The QN90F’s 4.2.2-channel built-in speakers provide clear and dynamic sound over a wide volume range. Dialogue clarity is good at the default settings, but there are also processing modes, such as Active Voice Amplifier Pro, to further improve clarity. The TV’s Object Tracking Sound Pro+ feature ensures that both dialogue and sound effects accurately follow the onscreen action.

As with other high-end Samsung TVs, the QN90F has a full suite of gaming features, including support for 4K 165Hz across its four HDMI 2.1 ports, FreeSync Premium Pro, and Samsung’s Gaming Hub, which offers cloud-based, console-free gaming. The TV’s ultra-low input lag makes gaming performance as responsive as one can expect from the best gaming TVs.

The QN90F’s Tizen smart TV platform is among the most advanced in the industry, and Samsung has given it a range of tweaks for 2025 to improve navigation and expand content offerings. The company’s own Samsung TV Plus free ad-supported TV portal provides a wide range of channels. There’s also the Samsung Art Store, a subscription-based service previously limited to Samsung's The Frame TVs that lets you view a wide range of art offerings when the TV is in standby mode.

At $2,499.99 / £2,499 / AU$3,499 for the 65-inch model I tested, the Samsung QN90F isn’t cheap, and it faces stiff competition from the flagship mini-LED TVs from Hisense and TCL. However, the QN90F more than holds its own when it comes to picture quality, features, and design, making it a premium choice for discerning viewers.

Samsung QN90F review: Price and release date

Samsung QN90F showing image of light saber battle from Star Wars — The Samsung QN90F's Glare-Free tech eliminates screen reflections when viewing in bright rooms (Image credit: Future)

Release date: March 2025
43-inch: $1,299.99 / £1,199
50-inch: $1,499.99 / £1,299
55-inch: $1,799.99 / £1,699
65-inch: $2,499.99 / £2,499 / AU$3,499
75-inch: $2,999.99 / £3,499 / AU$4,499
85-inch: $4,499.99 / £4,999 / AU$5,999
98-inch: $14,999.99 / £8,999

The Samsung QN90F is the company’s flagship 4K mini-LED TV series for 2025. Launch prices are lower compared to 2024’s Samsung QN90D series, with the 65-inch QN90F I reviewed priced at $2,499.99 / £2,499 compared to $2,699.99 / £2,699 for the 65-inch QN90D.

Pricing for new Samsung TVs typically takes a substantial drop by mid-year – the same 65-inch QN90D was priced at $1,899 / £1,999 / AU$3,995 when we reviewed it in September 2024, for example – so buyers can expect discounts going forward.

Such discounts will let the QN90F compete more effectively with affordable brands such as Hisense, which at the time of writing had reduced the price of its new 65-inch flagship Hisense U8QG mini-LED TV to $1,399 in the US.

Samsung QN90F review: Specs

Screen type:	QLED with mini-LED
Refresh rate:	Up to 165Hz
HDR support:	HDR10+, HDR10, HLG
Audio support:	Dolby Atmos
Smart TV:	Tizen
HDMI ports:	4 x HDMI 2.1
Built-in tuner:	ATSC 3.0 (USA)

Samsung QN90F review: Benchmark results

Samsung QN90F review: Features

Samsung QN90F back panel ports — The QN90F has four HDMI 2.1 ports with 4K 165Hz support (Image credit: Future)

Glare-Free screen
NQ4 AI Gen3 Processor with 4K AI Upscaling Pro
4K 165Hz gaming support

The Samsung QN90F’s headline feature is its Glare-Free screen. This anti-reflection tech was previously limited to the Samsung S95D OLED but has migrated to all of the company’s flagship TVs in 2025. It very effectively reduces screen glare from ambient room lighting and can even minimize reflections from direct lighting sources such as lamps.

Samsung’s new NQ4 AI Gen3 Processor is used in the QN90F series and enables features such as 4K AI Upscaling Pro, Auto HDR Remastering Pro (upscales standard dynamic range programs to high dynamic range), and AI Motion Enhancer Pro (reduces motion blur in sports and other fast-action content).

Other picture enhancements include Wide Viewing Angle, which improves screen uniformity when viewing from off-center seats, and Real Depth Enhancer Pro, which analyzes scenes to emphasize the difference between foreground objects and backgrounds for a more 3D effect.

The QN90F has a similar audio feature set as its predecessor, including a 4.2.2-channel speaker array powered by 60W, Object Tracking Sound Pro+ for accurate dialogue and sound effects placement, and Active Voice Amplifier Pro to enhance dialogue in complex movie sound mixes. The Q-Symphony feature requires a compatible Samsung soundbar to unlock and combines the TV’s speakers with the soundbar’s output for an expanded soundfield.

Samsung’s Tizen smart TV platform supports both Samsung’s own Bixby and Amazon Alexa voice assistants, and the TV features built-in far-field mics for hands-free voice control. Samsung has added a wide range of custom apps to Tizen for 2025 – everything from the Samsung Art Store (a feature previously only available on its The Frame TVs) to Dr. Tail, an online pet care consultation platform.

The QN90F series supports FreeSync Premium Pro for gaming, with up to a 165Hz refresh rate across its four HDMI ports. There’s also Samsung Gaming Hub for cloud-based gaming, with a wide array of selections from apps like Xbox, Nvidia GeForce Now, Boosteroid and Luna.

Features Score: 5/5

Samsung QN90F review: Picture quality

Samsung QN90F showing aerial image of tulip farm — The QN90F's picture looks consistently great when viewing in bright and dark lighting conditions (Image credit: Future)

High brightness and refined local dimming
Good off-axis picture uniformity
Effective Glare-Free screen tech

My measurements of the Samsung QN90F were made with its Movie picture mode active. While the Filmmaker Mode provided a slightly more accurate picture, the extra brightness from Movie mode made it a better all-round option for both dark and bright room viewing, and I found myself subjectively preferring it.

Peak brightness measured on a white 10% window pattern with HDR was 2,086 nits in Movie mode, and 1,987 nits in Standard mode. Fullscreen brightness measured on a white 100% window pattern with HDR was 667 in Movie mode and around the same level in Standard.

Those are excellent brightness results, and roughly similar to what we measured on last year’s Samsung QN90D.

UHDA-P3 and BT.2020 color gamut coverage results in Movie Mode were 93.6 and 76.5, respectively, marking a slight improvement over the Samsung QN90D. Color accuracy, meanwhile, averaged out to a 6.3 Delta-E value (the margin of error between the test pattern source and what’s shown on-screen), which is a higher level than the 3 threshold we normally look for, though Filmmaker Mode showed better results.

After calibrating the QN90F’s grayscale, its picture looked fantastic. Colors were rich and detailed, and the TV’s high brightness and contrast gave the picture a strong visual punch in both dim and bright room lighting conditions.

Image 1 of 4

Samsung QN90F showing image of Kandinsky artwork — The Samsung Art Store has a wide range of famous artworks on offer, along with images from Disney, Star Wars, and National Geographic (Image credit: Future)

Image 2 of 4

Samsung QN90F showing image of artwork — (Image credit: Future)

Image 3 of 4

Samsung QN90F showing image of sea turtle swimming — (Image credit: Future)

Image 4 of 4

Samsung QN90F showing image of landscape collage — (Image credit: Future)

Watching the movie Mountainhead (streamed on Max in 4K HDR), the bright orange outerwear worn by the tech bros wandering the grounds outside the mountain retreat popped nicely against the snowy background. The white sky and snow-filled trees displayed an impressive level of highlight detail, and the picture had good uniformity even when watching from off-center seats.

The QN90F’s strong contrast also gave excellent depth to darker shots in movies like Oppenheimer. Shadows looked deep, and I saw almost no evidence of backlight blooming effects. While the QN90F’s rich color display carried over to Oppenheimer, the movie's black-and-white scenes also revealed excellent uniformity across the picture’s full range of black, white, and gray tones.

Motion handling on the QN90F was also very good, with only a minimal level of judder and blur visible in a reference scene from No Time to Die where James Bond walks across a craggy hillside cemetery. To evaluate this scene, I selected the TV’s Filmmaker Mode, which disables all motion processing, but setting the judder and blur adjustments to 3 in the Custom menu fully eliminated motion artifacts without adding any unnatural “soap opera” effect.

As mentioned above, I preferred the QN90F’s Movie picture preset for its extra brightness kick, a factor that helped bring out shadow detail and highlights when viewing in both dim and bright rooms. With my room's overhead lights turned on, the TV’s Glare-Free screen was completely free of reflections. And even when I turned on a lamp in front of the screen to see how it could handle strong light sources, the light was effectively diffused.

The QN90F’s Glare-Free screen performs as advertised. And, unlike the version used in last year’s Samsung S95D OLED TV, it manages to maintain solid black levels, even when viewing in a bright room.

Picture quality score: 5/5

Samsung QN90F review: Sound quality

Samsung QN90F shown from the side to illustrate its slim design — The QN90F (side view shown above) has impressively clean, full sound for such a slim TV, but a soundbar is recommended to take movie viewing to the next level (Image credit: Future)

4.2.2-channel, 60W speaker array
Clean, well-defined sound
Object Tracking Sound Pro+ and Active Voice Amplifier Pro features

The QN90F has a 4.2.2-channel, 60W speaker array, along with Samsung’s Object Tracking Sound Pro+ feature to optimize dialogue and sound effects placement. Active Voice Amplifier Pro uses AI to analyze, separate, and amplify dialogue in sound mixes. There are two preset sound modes, Standard and Amplify, with the latter also giving dialogue levels a general boost.

I found the QN90F’s sound to be clean and well-defined, even when played at fairly loud levels. Bass, while lacking the weight and extension you’d get from using one of the best soundbars with a separate subwoofer, was also suitably punchy.

Sound effects, while well-delineated, were mostly contained to the screen area, with little in the way of a surround effect. Dolby Atmos height effects were also modest, though certain scenes, such as one from No Time to Die with a close-up shot of clanging church bells, proved more effective here than others.

The QN90F supports Samsung’s Q-Symphony feature, which combines the TV’s speaker output with a Samsung soundbar for enhanced and expanded sound. As good as the QN90F’s built-in sound is, this slim TV would definitely benefit from being paired with a Samsung soundbar or one from another brand.

Sound quality score: 4/5

Samsung QN90F review: Design

Samsung QN90F pedestal stand on TV stand — The QN90F's sturdy aluminum pedestal stand (Image credit: Future)

Ultra-slim, bezel-free design
Sturdy pedestal stand with cable management
Solar-powered remote control

The Samsung QN90F has a remarkably slim design for a mini-LED TV. The panel depth is a mere 1.1 inches, and the TV’s ‘bezel-free’ display means there’s a disappearingly slim black border surrounding the screen.

Samsung’s ‘Sharp Neck Hexagon’ aluminum pedestal stand provides firm support, and a cable management system on the back makes for tidy installation. The side-mounted input section features four HDMI 2.1 ports plus an antenna connection for the TV’s ATSC 3.0 tuner (US-only).

The QN90F’s battery-free SolarCell remote control draws power from ambient room lighting, but can also be charged via its USB-C port. I’m of two minds about this compact, minimalist remote. On the one hand, its small size and uncluttered layout fit with the design philosophy of the QN90F. On the other, it lacks a dedicated input button – something I complained about in my LG G5 OLED TV review – and it mostly facilitates onscreen menu navigation to perform functions, along with voice-controlled searching.

Design score: 5/5

Samsung QN90F review: Smart TV and menus

Image 1 of 2

Samsung QN90F smart TV interface — Samsung's Tizen smart TV interface neatly divides browsing options into multiple categories (Image credit: Future)

Image 2 of 2

Samsung QN90F smart TV interface showing pet care app — (Image credit: Future)

Samsung Tizen Smart TV platform
Samsung Art Store
Some settings buried deep in menus

As with all Samsung TVs, the QN90F series uses the company’s Tizen Smart TV platform. This presents a mostly uncluttered ‘For You’ homescreen, with program recommendations, a customizable row of app selections, and tabs to access additional Live TV and App screens.

A vertical row of icons on the homescreen’s left side provides access to the Search, Art, Daily+, and Gaming hubs. The Art Hub now features the full Samsung Art Store, which costs $4.99/month or $49.90/year in the US, and offers selections from partners such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museo del Prado, the Tate, and, new for 2025, Star Wars and Disney. Think of this as a streaming service for artwork, which looks fantastic on the TV’s Glare-Free screen.

Daily+ is Samsung's lifestyle hub, and you’ll find a wide range of fitness and productivity apps here, along with telehealth services for you (HealthTap) and your pets (Dr. Tail).

The Live tab on the homescreen features programming from Samsung’s own Samsung TV Plus and other free ad-supported TV channels. There are an almost ridiculous number of free channels here to explore, and you can also view a program grid that integrates live channels received via the TV’s ATSC 3.0 tuner in the US.

With most picture settings buried deep in the TV’s menu structure, it can be difficult to access even basic picture adjustments like brightness. Some of the drudgery is lessened by the QN90F’s quick menu, which presents a compact screen overlay with a customizable range of settings and setup options, including sound and picture preset modes and, yes, brightness.

Another advantage of the quick menu is that by selecting the All Settings icon, along with a full list of menu options for picture, sound, advanced features, and more, you’ll see a list of your five last used settings for easy access. There's also a search option here, with voice control support, if you don’t want to scroll deep through menus.

Smart TV & menus score: 5/5

Samsung QN90F review: Gaming

Image 1 of 2

Samsung QN90F gaming hub screen — Samsung's Gaming Hub (1) and onscreen game menu overlay (2) (Image credit: Future)

Image 2 of 2

Samsung QN90F game menu — (Image credit: Future)

Four HDMI 2.1 ports
4K 165Hz, FreeSync Premium Pro, and HDR10+ gaming support
9.5ms input lag

Higher-end Samsung TVs regularly rank among the best gaming TVs, and that’s still very much the case with the QN90F. With four HDMI 2.1 ports with 4K 165Hz support, FreeSync Premium Pro, HGiG, and Samsung’s Gaming Hub, which features apps such as Xbox, Nvidia GeForce Now, Boosteroid, and Luna, there’s little here that’s been overlooked, with the exception of Dolby Vision Gaming (HDR10+ gaming is supported, however).

The QN90F’s ultra-low 9.5 input lag results in highly responsive gaming performance. Gaming is also enhanced by the TV’s game bar menu, which lets you quickly make gaming-related picture and sound adjustments and access the Super Ultra Wide Game View and MiniMap Zoom features.

Gaming score: 5/5

Samsung QN90F review: Value

Samsung QN90F SolarCell remote held in hand — The QN90F's compact SolarCell remote control has a limited button count and is mainly designed for navigating onscreen menus (Image credit: Future)

Great performance and features help justify the price
Impressive competing TVs available for less
A complete package for TV perfectionists

Making a value call on the Samsung QN90F can be tough. It’s an excellent all-around TV with great picture and sound quality, a complete set of gaming features, and an attractive, living room-friendly design.

The QN90F faces stiff competition from other TV brands, such as Hisense and TCL, which also make great mini-LED TVs and ultimately sell them at a much lower price. As mentioned above, the 65-inch Hisense U8QG that earned 4.5 out of 5 stars in our review now costs $1,399 in the US. We haven’t yet reviewed the new TCL QM8K, but if its pricing history follows the same trajectory as last year’s TCL QM851G, that model will eventually cost around the same as the Hisense U8QG.

Nevertheless, the QN90F scores value points over its competition with better overall picture and sound quality, a superior smart interface, a more advanced feature set, and a sleeker design. It really is the complete package and an excellent option for watching movies and sports, gaming, or even scheduling a telehealth appointment for your pet.

Value score: 4/5

Should I buy the Samsung QN90F?

Samsung QN90F showing bulletin board format screen — (Image credit: Future)

Samsung QN90F
Attributes	Notes	Rating
Features	Feature-packed, with AI picture and sound enhancements and a wide array of gaming features	5/5
Picture quality	High brightness and refined local dimming plus a Glare-Free screen make this a great TV for viewing in a range of lighting conditions	5/5
Sound quality	A built-in 4.2.2-channel speaker array provides clear, and reasonably full sound, but it's light on bass and immersion	4/5
Design	A wonderfully sleek design with sturdy pedestal stand, but the SolarCell remote provides few options for direct control outside the menu system	5/5
Smart TV and menus	Samsung's relatively uncluttered Tizen smart interface is easy to navigate and there's a wide range of apps plus the Samsung Art Store	4/5
Gaming	An impressive suite of gaming features plus cloud-based gaming and fast, responsive performance	5/5
Value	Pricey compared to the mini-LED competition, but great performance, features, and design for the money	4/5

Buy it if...

You want a TV for viewing in bright rooms: The QN90F has a powerfully bright picture, and its Glare-Free screen tech eliminates screen reflections when viewing in bright rooms.

You want a great TV for movies: The QN90F’s powerful local dimming delivers pictures with deep blacks and refined shadows. And its Glare-Free screen ensures that blacks remain solid over a range of room lighting conditions.

You want a great TV for gaming: The QN90F has a full suite of gaming features: four HDMI ports with 4K 165 Hz support, FreeSync Premium Pro, HGiG, and Samsung’s Gaming Hub. Its ultra-low 9.5ms input lag also ensures fast and responsive gaming.

Don't buy it if…

You want Dolby Vision HDR: Like all Samsung TVs, the QN90F doesn’t support Dolby Vision high dynamic range. However, it does support the HDR10+ format, which can now be found on shows from Amazon and Netflix.

You want to save money: The QN90F faces strong competition from mini-LED TV makers like Hisense and TCL. If you can tolerate a small step-down in performance and features, you’ll save a fair amount of money by buying a TV from one of these brands.

Samsung QN90F: Also consider...

	Samsung QN90F	Hisense U8QG	Samsung QN90D	TCL QM851G
Price (65-inch)	$2,499.99 / £2,499 / AU$3,499	$2,199 / £TBC / AU$2,999	$2,699 / £2,699 / AU$4,299	$2,999 / £2,999
Screen type	QLED w/ mini-LED	QLED w/ mini-LED	QLED w/ mini-LED	QLED w/ mini-LED
Refresh rate	165Hz	165Hz	144Hz	144Hz
HDR support	HDR10+/HDR10/HLG	DolbyVision/HDR10+/HDR10/HLG	HDR10+/HDR10/HLG	DolbyVision/HDR10+/HDR10/HLG
Smart TV	Tizen	Google TV / VIDAA	Tizen	Google TV
HDMI ports	4 x HDMI 2.1	3x HDMI 2.1	4 x HDMI 2.1	4 (2x HDMI 2.1)

Hisense U8QG

The U8QQ is Hisense’s top mini-LED for 2025, and it offers very impressive picture quality for the price. There are areas where it comes up short against the QN90F, such as its sound quality and off-axis picture performance, but it’s still a very solid, high-value bet.

Here’s our Hisense U8QG review

Samsung QN90D

Samsung’s top 2024 mini-LED is still available, and it delivers nearly as good picture quality as the QN90F. You won’t get the QN90F’s Glare-Free screen or 4K 165Hz gaming support, but you will save money as the QN90D is now discounted.

Here’s our Samsung QN90D review

TCL QM851G

TCL’s top mini-LED from 2024 is another high-brightness TV that also performs very well with movies. It’s only available in the US, where it's now seeing steep discounts.

Here’s our TCL QM851G review

How I tested the Samsung QN90F

Hisense U9N TV being measured for brightness by reviewer — Measuring a 10% HDR white window pattern during testing (Image credit: Future)

I spent about 15 viewing hours in total, measuring and evaluating
Measurements were made using Calman color calibration software
A full calibration was made before proceeding with subjective tests

When I test TVs, I first spend a few days or even weeks using them for casual viewing to assess the out-of-box picture presets and get familiar with the smart TV menu and picture adjustments.

I next select the most accurate preset (usually Filmmaker Mode, Movie or Cinema) and measure grayscale and color accuracy using Portrait Displays’ Calman color calibration software. The resulting measurements provide Delta-E values (the margin of error between the test pattern source and what’s shown on-screen) for each category, and allow for an assessment of the TV’s overall accuracy.

Along with those tests, I make measurements of peak light output (recorded in nits) for both standard high-definition and 4K high dynamic range using 10% and 100% white window patterns. Coverage of DCI-P3 and BT.2020 color space is also measured, with the results providing a sense of how faithfully the TV can render the extended color range in ultra high-definition sources – you can read more about this process in our guide to how we test TVs at TechRadar.

For the Samsung QN90F, I used the Calman ISF workflow, along with the TV’s advanced picture menu settings, to calibrate the image for best accuracy. I also watched a range of reference scenes on 4K Blu-ray discs to assess the TV’s performance, along with 4K HDR shows streamed from Max, Netflix, and other services.

First reviewed: June 2025
Read TechRadar's reviews guarantee

I reviewed the Branch Desk Riser and it’s one of the most beautiful standing desk converters I’ve ever seen

9:47 am |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Pro | Comments: Off

Want the benefits of a standing desk but don't have the space (or you love your existing desk?). Well, Branch has you covered with its new Desk Riser.

I've tried a lot of the best standing desk converters, some electric and some not, some good and some not, but the Branch Desk riser is one of the most beautiful ones to date, boasting the build quality and materials of a high-end standing desk in the form factor of a riser.

Branch Desk Riser: Pricing & Availability

The Branch Desk Riser is available for purchase for $349 on the official website by clicking here. They offer four colors and can ship within 3-5 business days at no extra cost. You can also add a shelf to the back of the riser for monitors, the look, or some small storage for an additional $100.

Branch Desk Riser: Unboxing & first impressions

One of the best aspects of adding a standing desk converter like this one to your current workstation, rather than upgrading to any of the best standing desks, is that there is no assembly required with the Desk Riser. You open up the box, cut some ties, and then you're good to go.

Now, any space I want can become my standing-capable workstation. I can bring this to my kitchen and now have it serve as a multi-purpose space. During the workday, it's my place to sit or stand and work on my laptop, and then at the end of the day, I can move it away and have my table back. Alternatively, I can place this on a counter, another desk I already have, or on any flat surface I'd like to stand on rather than sit or hunch over.

This is particularly important and helpful when you have a workspace that is not a traditional one, meaning the ergonomics may not be optimal. The Desk Riser can transform a boring space into the perfect ergonomic height for standing and getting things done.

The materials feel like they will last for a long time; the desktop is smooth, and the lifting system is easy to use and very smooth.

Branch Desk Riser: Design & build quality

Specs

Dimensions: 30.7" W x 24.3" D x 15.8" H
Weight: 22 lbs
Weight Capacity: Supports up to 26 lbs
Material: Laminated plywood top with powder-coated steel frame
Height Adjustment: Manual, spring-assisted lift mechanism
Warranty: 3 years

The Branch Desk Riser is made of laminated plywood top and a powder-coated steel frame with a smooth spring-assisted lifting mechanism. The front edge of the desk features a softened curved edge to allow for a smooth resting area for your wrist, rather than leaning it or resting it against a 90-degree angle.

Branch Desk Riser: In use

Using this Desk Riser the last few months has been great. It's a fantastic minimalist option for a smaller workspace, or a desk that is not a standing desk that you still love and don't want to give up on quite yet.

I've been using this standing desk converter (admittedly) while the family and I are at the family cabin. One of the many perks of working remote is that you can work from anywhere! In a space like this, I don't have a dedicated office or even desk. So, a standing desk converter like this is literally perfect.

I can take a game table we have downstairs and turn it into a highly usable workspace. I can easily move from standing to sitting with a simple trigger pull, I have enough room on this desk for my laptop, an iPad, a mouse if I want it, and a monitor if I wanted it, but for this setup I like to keep things simple.

There's a part of me that wishes it was an electric lifting mechanism, but I also appreciate the simplicity of not having it be electronic. Though that does bring another slight issue where I wish I had an easy way to charge my devices when I'm getting a lot of work in rather than dangling a cable down.

Branch Desk Riser: Final verdict

The Branch Desk Riser combines aesthetics and overall functionality with this lightweight and beautiful desk riser that can work on any flat workspace. It offers flexibility where you may not have had it before and it makes for a perfect accessory for those workspaces that don't have a full dedicated desk.

Attributes	Notes	Rating
Design	Sleek and comfortable, and it looks and feels premum	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ease of use	So easy anyone can use it	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Practicality	Very practical for working at a table or traditional desk	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Price	High price	⭐⭐⭐⭐

I tested the OdinLake Ergo Max A747 and sitting in this ergonomic office chair brings a relief I didn’t know was possible

9:02 pm | June 7, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Pro | Comments: Off

OdinLake's previous flagship, the Ergo Plus 743, was one of my favorite chairs I have ever tested. I prefer chairs to be firmer. When I'm sitting in a chair, I don't want to be enveloped by it, so I prefer a slightly firmer chair to start with.

The fact that OdinLake tends to be firm, combined with the choice to use mesh material, which keeps the sitter cool and features smooth casters, makes this my chair. Additionally, it features excellent ergonomics and is highly adjustable, all while maintaining a high weight capacity, so I have no concerns.

The O2, also known as the Ergo Max 747, is the upgraded version of the Ergo Plus 743. It utilizes the same material, design, and build quality and adds a few fantastic features. They upgraded the leg rest and the lumbar support and added a jacket rack to the back of the chair, making things just a tad better overall. How does it stack up against the best office chairs I've reviewed? I took it for a test ride.

OdinLake Ergo Max A747: Pricing & Availability

The OdinLake O2 retails for $899.00, though at the time of writing this article, the OdinLake listing shows it on sale for $799. It has a 30-day return policy in case you, for some reason, do not like it, and it comes with a 15-year warranty, ensuring you'll be covered for at least that long, if not significantly longer. It's available from OdinLake.com and a few other select retailers.

OdinLake Ergo Max A747: Unboxing & first impressions

The OdinLake O2 (also known as Ergo Max 747) was delivered in a large box, which contained the chair pieces, the necessary tools for assembly, and some instructions.

I built this chair myself in about 18 minutes, but keep in mind I had built a chair just like this before, so it wasn't new to me.

Right off the bat, I loved the design; I noticed just how similar it is to the last model I tested while still retaining its unique features in certain areas.

I love the look with the mesh and metal frame. It even looks good with my mostly Dark Walnut office with dark accents.

The biggest standout, of course, is the three-section backrest, and it's a bold look for sure, but I don't hate it; in fact, it's growing on me. It makes other chairs look like they are missing something, and this chair is not only hefty but also high-end.

OdinLake Ergo Max A747: Design & build quality

Specs

Weight Capacity: 350 lbs
Warranty: 15 years
Seat Height: 18.5-22.5 inches

The OdinLake design for their flagship chairs has remained consistent, featuring an aluminum alloy frame, black mesh, and a sturdy base. The O2 features a distinctly designed backrest with three sections — one for your shoulders, one for your mid-spine, and one for your lumbar support. These independent sections help ensure that my back is supported better than in other chairs I have sat in that are just a single section.

The mesh is one of my favorite aspects of this chair; it's something I genuinely love. It's sturdy and doesn't feel like it's giving way, yet it's comfortable, and, of course, it's very breathable. As someone who is typically warm, regardless of the time of day, year, or what I'm wearing, having a chair that helps keep me cool rather than warm me up more is a must-have at this point.

The armrests are also really solid. Unlike some chairs that I have tested, where 4-D armrests are the bane of their existence and make for a super touch-and-go experience, I am wondering if adjusting or standing up using the armrest will be the thing that drops me to the floor due to giving way (dramatic, but based on a true story), these armrests are stable, secure, and sturdy to where I do not hesitate leaning on them, standing up pushing off of them, or adjusting to get more comfortable in the seat if needed.

OdinLake Ergo Max A747: In use

Not only is this chair adjustable from the jump, but it's also dynamic and moves with me during the day. I've spent (admittedly) many 9-to 12-hour days sitting in this chair, only getting up briefly. Usually, I like to rotate to standing, but that's not always something I remember to do or feel like doing, especially if I'm locked into a project. The O2's dynamic lumbar support moves with me, allowing for some flex, but in a way that adds support rather than getting out of the way.

This chair offers valuable insights with its suggested heights listed on the website. It's best for those who are 5'3" to 6'3". I'm right in that range, at 6'1" -6'2", depending on the day. This chair feels like it's made for people my height. I've had some taller friends enjoy this chair still, and some that are a tad shorter, though once you get closer to that 5'5" mark, you're going to feel like the chair is oversized.

For my larger friends, this chair is designed to accommodate those weighing 300 - 350 lbs as well. I'm currently floating around 200 lbs, so I had a buddy of mine, who is pushing 285 lbs, come and try this chair. I kid you not; he hasn't sighed relief like that since he tried my last OdinLake chair.

For those who followed my last review or are familiar with the OdinLake Ergo Plus 743, the most significant difference I've noticed is that this chair feels like a true "version 2" of the 743. The leg rest system has been upgraded and is easier to use. The lumbar backrest system has also been upgraded, and a jacket holder has been added to the back for use in a friendly office environment. You don't want to get your sports coat wrinkled or wear a jacket on a cold or rainy day. Everything else feels like it was all slightly improved, but perhaps that's just a matter of perception in light of the other upgrades.

OdinLake Ergo Max A747: Final verdict

All around, this chair is fantastic. It's one of my personal favorites for a reason. If you're looking for one of the best ergonomic chairs available, if you're over 300 lbs or over 6'2", if you run hot, or if you want a remarkably comfortable chair for long hours, the OdinLake Ergo Max A747 (O2) has knocked it out of the park. It's pricy, but it's worth every penny.

Attributes	Notes	Rating
Design	Powerful and comfortable design	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ease of use	Easy for all within height range	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Practicality	Practical for those who need high comfort and breathability	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Price	Higher price	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I tested the OdinLake Ergo Max A747 and sitting in this ergonomic office chair brings a relief I didn’t know was possible

9:02 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Pro | Comments: Off

OdinLake Ergo Max A747: Pricing & Availability

OdinLake Ergo Max A747: Unboxing & first impressions

The OdinLake O2 (also known as Ergo Max 747) was delivered in a large box, which contained the chair pieces, the necessary tools for assembly, and some instructions.

I built this chair myself in about 18 minutes, but keep in mind I had built a chair just like this before, so it wasn't new to me.

Right off the bat, I loved the design; I noticed just how similar it is to the last model I tested while still retaining its unique features in certain areas.

I love the look with the mesh and metal frame. It even looks good with my mostly Dark Walnut office with dark accents.

OdinLake Ergo Max A747: Design & build quality

Specs

Weight Capacity: 350 lbs
Warranty: 15 years
Seat Height: 18.5-22.5 inches

OdinLake Ergo Max A747: In use

OdinLake Ergo Max A747: Final verdict

Attributes	Notes	Rating
Design	Powerful and comfortable design	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ease of use	Easy for all within height range	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Practicality	Practical for those who need high comfort and breathability	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Price	Higher price	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This window cleaning robot proved a major effort-saver, but I won’t be cancelling Matt the window guy just yet

5:00 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Home Small Appliances | Comments: Off

Hobot S7 Pro: two-minute review

The Hobot S7 Pro is a square robot that clings to your window and cleans dirt away using dual cleaning pads and a fine spray mist. It can be used indoors and out, and is suitable for framed or frameless windows. The large size is well suited to big windows; note that if the pane is too narrow, it won't clean it at all.

On test, I found this bot did a great job of cleaning lightly dirty glass. It's easy to use, navigates accurately, and doesn't miss any spots. However, it struggles with tougher dirt, which is probably true of most window bots. When I used it on the outer panes of my large patio doors, with some water marks and general grime accumulated from being exposed to the elements, the results were a little streaky. In contrast, my indoor glass partitions were left perfectly clean with no smears at all (and the bot accurately detected the frameless edges, which impressed).

The design of the S7 Pro is largely effective, with a few downsides. At time of testing, app support wasn't available, which meant I had to rely on the remote control. This requires you to point the remote directly at the robot, which is sometimes awkward. I also found the voice prompts shrill and irritating – and there's no way to switch them off. During my extensive testing period, the bot did once fall off a window.

Price-wise, the S7 Pro is an investment, but roughly in line with the wider market. You won't be saving much time by opting for this bot and, unlike a robot vacuum, you can't leave it to do its thing unattended – you need to be around to move it from pane to pane. However, in a home with lots of glass, or glass that needs regular cleaning, it could be a big effort-saver, and worth the investment. That's the short version; read on for my full Hobot S7 Pro review.

Hobot S7 Pro review: price & availability

List price: $439 / £329
Available: US / UK
Launched: 2025

The Hobot S7 Pro is available in the US and the UK, with a list price of $439 / £329. Solenco – the brand behind Hobot – also has a presence in Australia, but at time of writing, the S7 Pro wasn't available there. You can buy it direct from Solenco in the UK, and via Amazon in the US, although I suspect it will become more widely available as time goes on.

The S7 replaces the S6 in the Hobot range. Unfortunately, I can't find the pricing for that model anywhere, and nor can I discern the exact differences between the S6 and S7 models. (I've requested the information and will update this review when I hear back.)

A major competitor in this market is Ecovacs with its Winbot line. Models range from around $230-$700 in the US or £300-£500 in the UK. In general, though, the models closest to the S7 seem to be roughly the same price.

The Hobot S7 Pro isn't an especially cheap alternative to manual window cleaning, but it could be worth the investment if you have a lot of glass to clean, or if your windows get dirty quickly.

Value for money score: 3.5 out of 5

Hobot S7 Pro specs

Size (W x D x H):	10.5 x 10.2 x 3.5in / 26.7 x 26 x 9cm
Tanks:	2 x 80ml
Max suction:	4,800 Pa
Total charge cable length:	21ft / 6.4m

Hobot S7 Pro review: design

Square-shaped bot with dual reciprocating cleaning pads
Sprays fine mist from two small water tanks
Controlled via remote control – app support advertised, but unavailable

The Hobot S7 Pro is a square robot with dual reciprocating cleaning pads. It clings to your window and makes its way across its surface to clean it, with the aid of "AI-powered navigation". This bot is suitable for both framed and frameless windows, as well as patio doors and mirrors. While the following isn't addressed in the literature anywhere, previous reviews suggest the S7 Pro is only suitable for perfectly vertical surfaces.

Size-wise, the bot is rather large, so better suited to big windows (in fact, it refused to clean a 12.6in / 32cm wide window, I think due to lack of maneuvering room). The brand makes a range of smaller window bots, shaped like elongated ovals, which might be a better option if your windows aren't sizeable.

Hobot S7 Pro window cleaning robot on wooden deck next to patio doors — (Image credit: Future)

On the upper side of the unit is a grip handle for attaching and removing the bot to a surface, plus an on/off rocker power switch and a start/pause press button. On either side are two small, 80ml water tanks, sealed with a rubbery stopper. These can be filled with water and/or Hobot's own (supplied) cleaning solution; they're detachable with the aid of a screwdriver. Attached to each one is an "Ultrasonic nozzle", which sprays a very fine mist into the path of the bot as it moves around the surface. These are apparently extremely sensitive and not to be touched under any circumstances.

Hobot S7 Pro window cleaning robot flipped upside down to show mop pads — (Image credit: Future)

Flip the robot over and you'll find two rubbery caterpillar belts and two removable, washable cleaning cloths. These have rectangular sections cut out of the middle, to leave the suction area the bot uses to cling to the glass free. The cloths are mounted on separate plates, and vibrate vertically in towards each other. Hobot says this simulates the motion of a human hand scrubbing, although with up to 600 "wipes" per minute, it's rather more frenetic than any window cleaner I've met.

On the edges are bumpers to protect your window frames. This model also includes patented Edge-Leakage-Bumper (ELB) sensors, which are designed to make this cleaner suitable for edgeless glass. These sense if there's a loss of suction as a result of a gap, or if the bot reaching the edge of a pane of glass, and change direction rather than continue over it, breaking the main suction seal and dropping off.

Close up of ultrasonic spray nozzle spraying window — (Image credit: Future)

The device needs to be plugged into the mains to work. Thankfully, the cable is nice and long, but you might still need to make use of an extension cord for awkwardly placed outside windows. You'll also need to keep the backup battery charged, in case of a power outage – this will keep the bot attached to your window for up to around 20 minutes without power.

A safety cable is provided as a further backup if you're cleaning windows up high. I was pretty lax about attaching this until the bot fell off one of my windows. This only happened once during my extensive testing period, and luckily I was close enough to catch the rope before it hit the ground outside, but I learned a lesson about being diligent with attaching the rope.

Remote control for Hobot S7 Pro window cleaning robot — (Image credit: Future)

Control is via remote. This offers a few different cleaning cycles – with the one you'll probably want to use helpfully colored in blue – plus options to turn the spray on and off, or manually direct the cleaning path if required. Unfortunately, you need to be pointing the remote directly at the bot for it to register, which can sometimes be tricky to achieve. Ideally, I'd have used the companion app; app support is advertised for this model, but didn't appear to be available at time of writing.

The bot will also provide information by yelling at you in a rather shrill voice, accompanied by various loud beeps. It needs to be loud to be heard over the suction of the machine, but that doesn't make it any less irritating, especially given it repeats the same safety instructions every time you turn it on.

Design score: 4 out of 5

Hobot S7 Pro review: performance

Navigates accurately and doesn't miss any spots
Excellent for maintenance cleans, but can smear dirtier windows
Not especially speedy, but does save on effort

The Hobot S7 Pro's dual pads vibrate in a reciprocating (linear, side-to-side) motion to clean and buff your windows. The water tanks apply a fine mist onto the surface of the glass, but this is by no means a wet cleaning setup – after cleaning three large floor-to-ceiling windows, the pads were only very slightly damp around the edges.

It's easy to get started, although if you're unfamiliar with window-cleaning robots, you might need to watch a video or two to understand how it will work. You need to hold the bot against the window and switch it on manually – at this point the suction will kick in, along with a loud voice prompt, and you can let go.

Hobot S7 Pro window cleaning robot on outside of reviewer's patio door window — (Image credit: Future)

Then you can start the cleaning run. Unlike, say, a robot vacuum, there's no need to map anything first: just set off your preferred cycle and the bot will do the rest. I found the S7 Pro navigated my windows accurately, turning after it had bounced lightly against the window frame or sensed a gap in the glass. Route planning is apparently aided by AI, although each of the buttons on the remote launches a specific cleaning pattern, so I'm not exactly sure where the AI comes in.

The water tanks spray jets of mist – from the side the bot is moving towards – at regular intervals (it isn't "continuous", as some of the literature on the bot states). Filling the tanks to max gave me enough liquid to clean one side of one pane on my patio door, plus a bit more; but you'll still have to top these up quite regularly.

The cleaning coverage is excellent: the S7 Pro left only a small margin around the edges of my framed windows. Previous Hobot window-bots have used two circular cleaning pads; the squared-off design here seems much better suited to regularly proportioned windows.

The ELB (Edge-Leakage-Bumper) sensors are designed to make this bot suitable for edgeless glass (explained more in the Design section). I tested it on some indoor glass partitions that have a 1.5in / 4cm gap at the sides, and the feature worked exactly as advertised – the bot stopped short of the wall and changed direction.

In terms of cleaning results, I'd give it a middling score. For lighter, maintenance cleans, it performed very well. Using it on relatively clean windows indoors, the results were excellent, with no smearing.

However, when faced with the dirtier outside panes of my patio doors, the S7 Pro struggled. While windows were left significantly cleaner than they had been, the results were streaky. I could see the path the bot had travelled, and the occasional caterpillar track-mark. Don't expect the bot to be able to clean off caked-on dirt or bird poo, either.

Overall, I'm not sure that the ultra-fine mist is sufficient to tackle tougher dirt; I think a little more liquid would help. In addition, when using the S7 Pro outside, I could see that much of the mist was getting blown away in the breeze rather than landing on the window.

Hobot S7 Pro window cleaning robot on outside of reviewer's window, photographed from inside — (Image credit: Future)

On dirtier windows, Hobot suggests you run a no-spray cycle first, to buff off surface dirt. I also found a brand video that recommended drizzling a little bit of cleaner solution on clean pads before starting, to help with grip. I found both of these tips improved the results on dirtier windows.

As as side note, the S7 Pro was also an unexpected win for cleaning behind the safety railings on some second floor, floor-to-ceiling windows; an area that's extremely awkward to clean any other way.

Generally, the bot adhered well to my window, and felt securely attached when giving it a little tug after pausing operations. However, it did once fall off a window, seemingly for no reason.

In terms of timings, Hobot advertises that it will clean an area of 1 square meter in 2 minutes 36 seconds. In practice, a complete, standard cleaning run takes rather longer than that – in my tests, it cleaned a 1.3 square meter pane of glass in around 7 minutes 30 seconds. So you're not saving a ton of time by opting for this method of cleaning, but you are saving on effort.

In general, like most robotic home assistants, the Hobot S7 Pro doesn't do as good a job as a human would do with a manual tool. It's designed for maintenance cleans that can be supplemented by the occasional proper window-wash, rather than to replace humans entirely. Also note that you can't leave it to clean unattended – you'll need to be present to move it from pane to pane.

Performance score: 3 out of 5

Should you buy the Hobot S7 Pro?

Attribute	Notes	Rating
Value	Not an especially cheap solution, but in line with similar bots on the market.	3.5 / 5
Design	Square-shaped bot with effective dual reciprocating mop pads and ultrasonic spray. Remote control is a little too sensitive, and app control is absent. Voice alerts annoying.	4 / 5
Performance	Easy to use and navigation accurate and complete. Results are excellent on lightly dirty windows, but can smear when encountering more challenging dirt.	3 / 5

Buy it if...

You have a lot of large windows
The large, square shape of this window bot makes it a good choice for big expanses of glass. Those with smaller windows will get away with a more compact bot.

Your windows get dirty fast
This bot won't do as good a job as a human, but it will make a noticeable difference to how clean your windows look – which makes it ideal for regular maintenance cleaning.

You don't need a pristine result
My windows were left much cleaner, but the results were slightly streaky. If that's acceptable to you, it will be a great addition to your cleaning arsenal.

Don't buy it if...

You want a pristine, smear-free result
If you're seeking perfectly clear windows, you'll be better off taking care of the task manually.

You want something that can operate unattended
Unlike a robot vacuum, you'll need to stick around while the S7 Pro cleans, to move it from pane to pane.

You want something app-controlled
At time of writing, there was no app support for this window bot.

How I tested the Hobot S7 Pro

I used the Hobot S7 Pro window cleaning robot to tackle various floor-to-ceiling windows, both inside and out. I tested its different cleaning modes, as well as the remote control option. I focused on how clean it left windows, if it missed any spots, and if it could achieve the advertised streak-free finish. I also assessed how easy it was to use, its noise level in operation, and if there were any design features that proved troublesome.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed June 2025

I reviewed the BenQ EW2790U – and I still can’t believe this 4K business monitor is so cheap for what you get

4:01 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Pro | Comments: Off

I review monitors as a significant portion of my work here at TechRadar Pro. I've tried more than most, and I have a good sense of what monitor I'd be willing to buy for real-world use and what is good on paper. That's partially due to the fact that I am still very much in the "regular" workforce as well, using all sorts of different setups, computers, monitors, and so on. With all that being said, I had forgotten how affordable this monitor was during my testing phase and realized it was only $360 when I sat down to write the review and double-checked the specs.

There is a plethora of 4K monitors on the market right now, ranging from budget options that are not worth the money to absurdly overpriced models. We have excellent guides if you're looking for some of the best business monitors right now, but what is truly impressive about this EW2790U is that, for only $360, you get a great 4K panel packed with features, not just a bare panel.

BenQ EW2790U: Pricing & Availability

The EW Series currently has three variants: the EW3290U at $549.99, the EW2790U at $359.99, and the EW2790Q at $329.99. The Q model has a lower resolution (2560x1440) but a higher refresh rate of 100Hz compared to the EW2790U. Outside of that, the displays are identical. The EW3290U, then, is essentially the same as the EW2790U, but with a larger screen and an improved speaker system.

BenQ displays are sold through the BenQ website and at major retailers and are frequently available at discounted prices. If you are in the market for a new panel and want a BenQ, be sure to do some searching to check for deals.

BenQ EW2790U: Unboxing & first impressions

The BenQ EW2790U comes with a monitor, a slimmer stand than other BenQ monitors, a USB-C cable, a power cable (IEC), and a quick guide. Right off the bat, the visible speakers stand out, there's no doubt about that. Additionally, the white bezel is a bit different than most black bezel monitors. However, after having it out of the box for a little while, I grew accustomed to it, and now I don't mind it at all.

I had the monitor on the stand it came with for about 15 seconds to see how it worked. Then I moved the display to one of my monitor arms because I'm pretty sure I've reached my limit, and all my monitors need to be on one of my monitor arms for aesthetic reasons, to keep the desk clean, and for cable management.

BenQ EW2790U: Design & build quality

Specs

Display: 27-inch IPS
Resolution: 3840x2160
Contrast Ratio: 1,000:1
Refresh Rate: 60Hz
Response Time: 5ms
Color Profile: 95% DCI-P3

There have been a few BenQ monitors now that I have tested that has a non-standard white bezel frame, and I have really grown to like it in the right space. It feels modern and fun, reminding me that I can enjoy this space and the work I am doing and not just feel like work is work.

The visible speakers are something that I haven't seen before in a monitor, but now I barely even see them as odd since I have seen them so frequently at this point.

The port offering on the back is another build quality that I was not expecting on a budget monitor in the slightest. Most budget monitors have minimal ports, I've seen some with a single HDMI port to save money. This monitor, though, has three HDMI, two USB-C (one that can plug into your computer, one for accessories), three USB-A, a headphone jack, and an IEC port for power (not a cheap barrel connector like a lot of budget displays have).

BenQ EW2790U: In use

Alright I'll admit it, I have a problem. After only about 15 seconds of having this monitor on the stand it came with, just long enough to test it out and see how it functions, I threw this display on one of my monitor arms. I just love the look and function. But that's not to say anything negative about the stand that BenQ sends with the monitor, because I don't mind it. It's minimalist, has some nice mobility to it, and it's pretty.

Moving on, this display has been running my secondary setup for 105 days at the time of writing this review. For 105 days I have run every computer through this monitor to test specs and performance, I've had it in the background of every meeting, I've had my son play games on it, and watch shows on it while I'm working, I've had friends co-work from it, and I've even had it play a podcast or two just because I can and it's that easy.

For productivity, this display is great. The 27-inch size is industry standard for a reason, it's a sweet spot. That, along with the 16:9 aspect ratio and 4K resolution, works well with almost every computer. What makes this unit unique though is that with the tap of a button you can swap color profiles, audio modes, display modes and volume and jump to a totally different profile for a different device all together.

So, you could have your productivity setup with your standard visuals, vocal audio mode, and USB-C port, and then with the touch of a button you can be ready for gaming after hours, or watching content on your lunch break. And, with the three HDMIs, you can plug in a gaming system, an Apple TV, and a work dock all while still keeping your personal laptop or tablet plugged in via USB-C. Oh, and don't forget this is a budget monitor.

The speakers are not ground breaking, but I will say that they are better than the vast majority of other monitors and would more compare to a TVs speakers in my mind. They're good, you won't be upset with the quality but you also won't be mind blown by them. For music I could tolerate non-descript background music but anything I know well I felt like I was missing out on some parts. For virtual meetings the audio profiles were excellent, same with podcasts or videos I was watching.

BenQ EW2790U: Final verdict

The BenQ EW2790U is a spectacular budget 4K monitor with phenomenal port offerings, fabulous features and a unique design. If you're looking for a full-featured budget monitor, or even just a full-featured monitor and you aren't as worried about the price, you'll want to check this display out before you make any other purchases.

Attributes	Notes	Rating
Design	Unique and clean design	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ease of use	Easy for all to use	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Practicality	Practical for most who need monitors	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Price	Great price	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

« Previous Page — Next Page »

Anker Soundcore Liberty 5: two-minute review

Anker Soundcore Liberty 5 review: price and availability

Anker Soundcore Liberty 5 review: specs

Anker Soundcore Liberty 5 review: features

Anker Soundcore Liberty 5 review: sound quality

Anker Soundcore Liberty 5 review: design

Anker Soundcore Liberty 5 review: value

Should I buy the Anker Soundcore Liberty 5?

Buy them if...

Don't buy them if...

Anker Soundcore Liberty 5 review: also consider

How I tested the Anker Soundcore Liberty 5

Feedback loop

Missed shot

Should I play Hitman World of Assassination – Signature Edition?

Play it if…

Don’t play it if…

Accessibility

How I reviewed Hitman World of Assassination – Signature Edition

Feedback loop

Missed shot

Should I play Hitman World of Assassination – Signature Edition?

Play it if…

Don’t play it if…

Accessibility

How I reviewed Hitman World of Assassination – Signature Edition

iVanky FusionDock Max 1: Unboxing & first impressions

iVanky FusionDock Max 1: Design & build quality

iVanky FusionDock Max 1: In use

iVanky FusionDock Max 1: Final verdict

Samsung QN90F: Two-minute review

Samsung QN90F review: Price and release date

Samsung QN90F review: Specs

Samsung QN90F review: Benchmark results

Samsung QN90F review: Features

Samsung QN90F review: Picture quality

Samsung QN90F review: Sound quality

Samsung QN90F review: Design

Samsung QN90F review: Smart TV and menus

Samsung QN90F review: Gaming

Samsung QN90F review: Value

Should I buy the Samsung QN90F?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if…

Samsung QN90F: Also consider...

How I tested the Samsung QN90F

Branch Desk Riser: Pricing & Availability

Branch Desk Riser: Unboxing & first impressions

Branch Desk Riser: Design & build quality

Branch Desk Riser: In use

Branch Desk Riser: Final verdict

OdinLake Ergo Max A747: Pricing & Availability

OdinLake Ergo Max A747: Unboxing & first impressions

OdinLake Ergo Max A747: Design & build quality

OdinLake Ergo Max A747: In use

OdinLake Ergo Max A747: Final verdict

OdinLake Ergo Max A747: Pricing & Availability

OdinLake Ergo Max A747: Unboxing & first impressions

OdinLake Ergo Max A747: Design & build quality

OdinLake Ergo Max A747: In use

OdinLake Ergo Max A747: Final verdict

Hobot S7 Pro: two-minute review

Hobot S7 Pro review: price & availability

Hobot S7 Pro specs

Hobot S7 Pro review: design

Hobot S7 Pro review: performance

Should you buy the Hobot S7 Pro?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

How I tested the Hobot S7 Pro

BenQ EW2790U: Pricing & Availability

BenQ EW2790U: Unboxing & first impressions

BenQ EW2790U: Design & build quality

BenQ EW2790U: In use

BenQ EW2790U: Final verdict

Recent Posts

Archives

Categories

Tags