Do a little search online and you’ll find a plethora of 3D home design software. BeLight Software’s Live Home 3D aims to provide a solution no matter which platform you’re on: the company has apps for your Mac or Windows computer, iOS or Android phones and tablets, and even the Apple Vision Pro.
For the purposes of this review, we’ll be looking at the desktop versions to see how this popular tool measures up to the best interior design software we've tested.
A limited free version, a 30-day money back guarantee for the other tiers, with clear information about what’s included in each, and no need to hand over your payment details or email address to check the software out
Live Home 3D comes in three versions. One is free and two must be paid for. The free one has severe limitations: you can only design building with up to two stories, for instance, you can't create custom materials, nor can you edit the terrain outside of your building; your renders and video walkthrough will be watermarked, and limited to 720p for videos, and 2048x1536 for stills.
The Standard version removes many of these limitations: you can now work with an unlimited number of levels, and your renders are no longer watermarked, for instance. This will currently cost you $50 for a lifetime licence.
Pro is worth $100, also for a lifetime licence, and introduces the ability to work on the terrain, alter lighting, change camera settings, edit materials, and increase the resolution of both videos and images.
You’ll also find discounts for students, and members of non-profit organisations.
BeLight also offers a 30-day money back guarantee. One thing worth noting, Unlike Macs who have a dedicated free version, Windows users can download the Standard version for free, and have an in-app purchase to unlock features beyond those available in the free version.
Downloading the software is easy. You’re not asked for any payment information, and you’re not even required to hand over your email address. Can’t really get less obtrusive than that.
Score: 4.5 / 5
Live Home 3D: Interface
Live Home 3D’s interface is simple and well-designed, with icons at the top and sidebars on either side (Image credit: BeLight Software)
A single interface, with icons at the top and sidebars on each side, Live Home 3D also comes with a wealth of templates and canvases of different sizes should you prefer to start working from scratch
Live Home 3D sports a very simple and elegant interface. You have a row of tools at the top, a sidebar on the left, where you get to choose items and materials, as well as seeing a list of objects you’ve added to each floor, and an Inspector to the right, allowing you to access all of a selected object’s parameters.
In many ways, the software looks deceptively simple. You can easily start designing a building in seconds, adding walls, doors, windows, and furniture with ease, but the number of values you can alter is huge, all located in the Inspector section, giving you full control over the look of your creation, should you wish to be meticulously precise.
When creating a new document, you’re given a few options in terms of scale: do you wish to build a single room, an apartment, or a house? Either would work to start with, but this just sets the basic size of the canvas you’ll be working on. You’ll also find a wealth of sample designs for you to explore and get inspired by, be they single rooms, houses, apartments or cottages. All these templates are free, save for the ‘Additional Houses’ which offer more ‘exotic’ designs (who lives in a pineapple house, I ask you), and are available via a separate purchase.
Score: 4.5 / 5
Live Home 3D: Tools
Moving walls is as easy as clicking and dragging, and all adjoining walls are automatically resized to accommodate the new position (Image credit: BeLight Software)
The tools are excellent and extremely easy to use, along with a wealth of parameters you’re free to use or ignore
We’ve explored many 3D home design packages, from simple free ones, to the best architecture software for professionals. Each has their strengths and weaknesses, but it really feels to us that Live Home 3D has combined the best of most of these.
Erecting walls is incredibly easy. Not only is it a simple click and drag to add one, you can also just click on a wall and then drag it to alter its position. Any adjoining wall will be altered as you do this, saving you a lot of time. Even better, if you add a new wall close enough to an existing one, Live Home 3D is clever enough to understand you want those two walls to join, and does this for you automatically.
Doors and windows snap to walls automatically as you drag them near one, and this also works with angled walls. It’s like you’ve got an intelligent assistant just waiting to help make your design work so effortless. Of course, just like walls, you can resize doors and windows by selecting them and dragging their edges inwards or outwards. More precise alterations can be done via the Inspector panel on the right.
Just above the Inspector are the view modes. By default you’ll be working on a top-down 2D view, but you can opt for a 3D view instead, or split your workspace into two to see both at the same time. We really liked that you can alter and manipulate your design in any view, although 2D is where you will be doing most of your work, as that’s where all options are available.
Score: 5 / 5
Live Home 3D: Objects
Live Home 3D has a ton of objects you can add to your projects, from doors to sofas, and everything in between (Image credit: BeLight Software)
Live Home 3D has hundreds of materials you can use to decorate your home and customize its furnishings
Live home 3D offers a wealth of objects you can add to your projects, all located in the left sidebar, and broken down by categories - although there’s also a handy search function, to make finding what you’re after so much easier.
When you’ve found what you’re looking for, just drag it onto your project. You have resize and rotate handles around the item, so you can position it exactly where you need it. You’ll find a ‘Glue by’ option in the Inspector, which is preset for each item (although you can change that should you wish).
This tells the software where to drop the object. A sofa, for instance, needs to be on the floor, whereas a ceiling light will automatically attach to the ceiling.
If you can't find the object you're looking for you have the ability of importing your own files, or get additional ones from the Trimble 3D Warehouse (you’ll have to create a free account there in order to do so).
Adding objects is one thing, but you need the ability to customize them as well, and Live Home 3D definitely has your back there. The left sidebar stores hundreds of different materials, also organised by category, which you can add to any object, wall, or floor, or anything that’s selectable, really. And you’re not limited to using these materials in ‘traditional’ ways. Want a sofa made of grass on a leather floor? Go for it.
Score: 5 / 5
Live Home 3D: Renders
You can create an unlimited number of renders, with a choice of two render engines (Image credit: BeLight Software)
Two render engines to create an unlimited number of images for you at various resolutions. Works well, as long as the ‘Radeon ProRender’ doesn’t crash on you like it did us
One thing we quite liked is, although your renders are watermarked for the Free version, and the size is limited to 2048x1536 for Free and Standard, you can create as many images as you please.
That watermark, it’s fair to mention, is massive and right in the middle of the image - there’s no getting away from the fact this was generated by the free version of Live Home 3D. You also have two render engines to choose from, ‘Radeon ProRender’ and ‘Cycles’.
However, the Radeon option crashed on us every time we tried using the former through our computer’s Radeon GPU. Bypassing the GPU and working solely with the CPU worked without a hitch. We found ‘Radeon ProRender’ took longer to render, but produced finer detail.
Should I buy Live Home 3D?
Image 1 of 2
Although you work in 2D by default, you can also switch to 3D and make alterations from there (Image credit: BeLight Software)
Image 2 of 2
Customize objects, walls, and everything else, by changing its material covering (Image credit: BeLight Software)
Buy it if...
You need a simple to use 3D home design software with a myriad of options at your fingertips, should you need them, and a wealth of customisable objects you can add to your projects.
Don't buy it if...
You’re not into home design, don’t like having so many optional options, and would rather have an interface you can wrestle with.
F1 25 is the latest instalment in the officially licensed EA Sports and Codemasters-developed racing series. And while there are certainly some welcome additions to this year’s game, it gives off the feeling of a more iterative upgrade than we’ve seen for the past few titles.
Review information
Platform reviewed: PS5 Available on: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC Release date: May 30, 2025
I still very much enjoy these games as a Formula 1 head, and fans of the sport will find plenty to like about this year’s release. The return of the Braking Point campaign mode is a highlight, once again offering a surprisingly compelling story with a roster of charismatic characters.
Changes to the My Team career option are also very welcome. While it’s not quite the major overhaul I was hoping for (and falls short in some regards), it’s absolutely much less of an afterthought now and well worth playing alongside a single driver career.
On top of that, the new decal editor is a lovely addition, giving you even more freedom to customize your car liveries. All welcome features for a series that’s routinely found itself in our best racing games guide.
The game also benefits from current-generation exclusivity, as some tracks have been fully redone via LIDAR scanning. While it’s only a handful of circuits at this time, they undoubtedly appear much more detailed and lifelike than in last year’s game.
But even with these new additions, F1 25 can’t avoid being strikingly similar to the last few games in the series, most notably F1 24of course. That is the nature of annual releases, sure, especially those in the EA Sports stable. But it leaves F1 25 feeling a little like it’s going through the motions once you’ve experienced the handful of new additions. I’m really hoping that, alongside the sport’s real-world regulation changes in 2026, Codemasters’ next entry can provide a more noteworthy shakeup to the long-running franchise.
A Butler's life
(Image credit: EA)
I think it’s fair to say that F1 25 has plenty of content to enjoy for those who prefer to play solo. And if this is your first time with a Codemasters F1 game, I highly recommend checking out the new Braking Point campaign.
Braking Point follows the trials and tribulations of the fictional Konnersport racing team, which assumes the role of the eleventh outfit on the grid. This latest entry follows the team through the 2024 and 2025 seasons, as they rise from midfield giants to genuine title contenders.
The highlight of Braking Point is its story and cutscenes, which are brought to life by a roster of very talented actors. This third entry is also the most compelling yet, and I found myself consistently rooting for Konnersport as it’s repeatedly hammered by all manner of setbacks and controversies.
Braking Point also doubles as a pretty excellent tutorial. Each chapter focuses on a specific track and introduces concepts like mechanical failures, red flags, pit stops, and team orders in an accessible manner.
There’s some replay value to go around this time, too, as certain story beats will allow you to choose one of Konnersport’s two drivers - Aiden Jackson and Callie Mayer - for certain chapters. Such decisions will have an impact on your team’s reputation, performance, optional objectives and how the team is viewed in the news and on social media.
At around 5-6 hours, it’s a well-paced, compact story mode and does well to get new players up to speed with the game, all while providing a compelling narrative. For me, it’s the best thing about F1 25, and I hope Codemasters explores more story mode opportunities like Braking Point for future games.
Wheel knowledge
(Image credit: EA)
It’s also worth hopping into the My Team career mode this year, as F1 25 has provided it with a much-needed upgrade. It’s not quite the overhaul that you might’ve hoped for, but it does at least make the mode worth playing alongside the Driver Career mode, which had its upgrade in last year’s game.
A somewhat in-depth setup process will have you pick your team principal from a variety of preset avatars. There’s a greater selection of these in F1 25 (for both your principal and player-created drivers, which is great), even if you won’t see them much during the career mode itself.
You’ll then get to pick your starting budget, managerial style, and car development progress, each with three presets. From there, you’ll pick a title sponsor, your engine provider, and your two starting drivers.
Said drivers are where this My Team overhaul shows its first fumble. No matter your starting budget, you’ll only be able to choose two of six F2 drivers, which are seemingly picked at random. If you wanted Victor Martins or Franco Colapinto, but didn’t get them in your list, then you’ll need to back out and start a fresh save. You can’t even poach any F1 talent, instead having to initiate driver talks with them, which take place throughout your first season.
The actual managerial side of things does fare better. Research and development have now been split into two, meaning you actually have to build new upgrade parts after they’ve been researched. You’ll often find yourself having to choose which of your drivers receives these upgrades on their cars, too. Especially if, say, you only have the budget to build one part, or you choose to build two, and one of them gets delayed.
Best bit
(Image credit: Electronic Arts / Codemasters)
I’ve always been a fan of Codemasters’ Braking Point campaign series, and it’s back with a third outing in F1 25. It feels like the end of the trilogy here, and it once again impresses with excellent cutscenes, acting, and a compelling raising of the stakes. There’s even some replay value incentivized this time, as you’re able to choose which of Konnersport’s drivers you control at certain points in the campaign.
Much like Frontier’s excellent F1 Manager 24, you’ll also need to spend money on upgrades that benefit the wider team. These come in personnel, engineering, and financial upgrades and can greatly benefit you in the long run. I personally prioritized getting engineering up to speed, with perks that allowed me to research and develop multiple parts at once. This was crucial in my first year with a backmarking car that was in desperate need of performance upgrades at the tail end of this set of regulations.
The most compelling thing about My Team 2.0 is that the whole thing feels like a balancing act. Even something as simple as deciding which of your two drivers to control for a race weekend has some strategy to it. For example, if one of your drivers has been stuck at the back for a few weeks, it could have a seriously negative impact on their morale. So, taking manual control of them for a better chance at scoring points can do wonders for their mentality and future prospects.
I ended up liking My Team 2.0 even more than the Driver Career overhaul of last year. Especially so in F1 25, where Driver Career remains pretty much exactly the same - even with the same (frustratingly unskippable) introductory cutscene.
Thankfully, racing solo in general feels overall better in F1 25. That’s largely thanks to some AI improvements I’ve noticed in my time with the game. Computer-controlled drivers now seem to get much better launches off the starting grid, meaning you’re less likely to immediately overtake a whole bunch of them before turn one. They also defend their positions better at higher difficulty levels, and aren’t averse to risky overtakes when DRS is enabled down a straight.
Something on the scanners
(Image credit: EA)
F1 25 also benefits from the introduction of LIDAR scanning for a handful of circuits. This is a process that involves the team taking laser scans of some real-world tracks for a heightened level of detail and realism.
Five tracks have been given the LIDAR treatment in F1 25: Albert Park, Suzuka, Bahrain, Miami, and Imola. There is a noticeable bump in visual fidelity on these circuits. Grass, curbs, and road surfaces all appear much less flat. On top of that, there’s a ton more in terms of trackside detail.
There have been more visual improvements with the drivers, too, who now look more like their real-world counterparts than ever before. Smart upgrades like this ensure that the series is well-positioned to improve its graphics over the next few years, and I’m hoping Codemasters keeps the momentum going.
Now, this does mean there is an obvious discrepancy between LIDAR scanned tracks and those that are yet to receive it. Furthermore, I did spot some very distracting visual bugs on some circuits where objects would sporadically flicker in and out of existence. It’s not every track, but it made racing at Circuit of the Americas, Mexico City, and Zandvoort, among a couple of others, more painful than it needed to be.
Should I play F1 25?
(Image credit: EA)
Play it if...
You want to see the conclusion of Braking Point Braking Point 3 is a wonderful addition to the game and puts a cap on the trilogy in a satisfying way. I’m not sure if this will be the last Braking Point campaign, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Codemasters switches gears for its next story-based mode.
You want to properly manage your own F1 team My Team 2.0 is a welcome upgrade that adds some much-needed life and depth to the mode. It’s not F1 Manager levels of depth by any means, but there’s plenty of decision-making to be had, and taking a team from bottom to top feels immensely rewarding.
Don't play it if...
You’ve had your fill of F1 24 Aside from Braking Point and My Team 2.0, there aren’t that many notable improvements over last year’s game. Unless you’re especially keen to check out the new LIDAR-scanned circuits or keep up online play with friends, you can safely skip this entry.
Accessibility
F1 25 once again has plenty of accessibility and assist options for players of all stripes.
As always, you can set the intensity of steering and brake assists, as well as traction control and whether you want elements like safety cars and pit stops to be automated or not. There are some handy subtitling options here, too, letting you adjust their size and background opacity. Multiple languages are also supported for team radio messages.
Racing wheel players aren’t being left out, either. F1 25’s control settings support many of the best racing wheels. That also includes PS5 racing wheels and PC racing wheels, with options to adjust overall steering sensitivity, force feedback integration and more.
How I reviewed F1 25
I clocked in 25 hours of F1 25 on PS5. That included several hours dedicated to the Braking Point campaign, seasons with My Team and Driver Career, and some time in the challenge-based F1 World mode, which remains largely unchanged in this year’s entry.
I primarily played with a DualSense controller on an LG CX OLED TV, occasionally hooking up my RIG 900 Max HS gaming headset to experience more immersive audio while driving.
When I’m testing new earbuds, and considering if they deserve a shoutout for our list of the best earbuds, the first thing I do is look at the price to set expectations – but for this AKG N5 review, I found two.
There’s the official list price, which sets you up for these buds to be powerful premium players, but I was also tripping over discounted prices, with the N5 seeing some hefty discounts since launch. So while I’ll test these as top-end earbuds, I’d be remiss not to point out that you can buy them for less – and you should, as they present fantastic value for money with a reduction.
The AKG N5 are the latest pair of wireless earbuds from originally-Austrian audio company AKG (which is owned by Harman, which itself is owned by Samsung). AKG puts out wireless headphones only sparingly, with its website populated almost entirely with professional wired headsets and microphones.
And it’s clear that some of that ‘professional’ DNA is present in the AKG N5 because there are loads of features which are helpful in such a setting: a USB-C dongle included in the case lets you easily (and temporarily) connect to any laptop, tablet or similar device, while call tone settings basically act like an EQ but for incoming voice calls. There are also loads of ANC settings for people who work in busy offices.
Suffice it to say I was impressed by the feature suite of the AKG N5, but not just as someone who himself tries to drown out the infuriatingly-loud team seated next to him – they’re all features that will be handy to regular buyers, not just office-locked ones.
Another strength of the AKG N5 is their audio chops, because the buds offer expressive and clear audio with plenty of detail and texture. A few more in-app modes (sorry to mention features again) let you carry out a sound test or tweak the sonic offering to your pleasure.
Some people may be put off by the AKG N5’s design. It’s true the case is pretty huge, the build quality feels iffy, and the earbud controls are hard to activate when you want to and easy to activate when you don’t. The battery life that won't last a full day of work might also put some people off.
But it’s easy to overlook these issues if, like I said, you’re able to find a good deal on these buds. And that shouldn’t be hard given I found it more of a chore to find their actual original price rather than the current one. The N5 are fine value at their official price – but discounted, they’re a steal.
AKG N5 review: Specifications
Component
Value
Water resistant
IP54
Battery life (quoted)
6 hours (earbuds), 24 hours (total)
Bluetooth type
Bluetooth 5.3
Weight
6g / Charging case: 48.4g
Driver
10mm
(Image credit: Future)
AKG N5 review: Price and availability
Announced in September 2024
Priced at $299 / £249 / AU$309
Readily available for under $250 / £199 / AU$250
The AKG N5 were announced in September 2024, at IFA 2024, as the latest entry into the brand’s line-up of earbuds. At the time of writing they're the company’s only competitor for the best wireless earbuds.
At launch, the AKG N5 cost $299.95 / £249 / AU$309, which makes them a premium audio offering. However it’s worth pointing out that I could easily find it sold online for a discount of $60 / £50 / AU$65, so you’ll easily save money if you shop around.
Lowered price or not, these are still premium earbuds and we’ll treat them as such. Included in the box you get the buds, case and dongle as well as a USB-C to USB connector and some bud tips of varying sizes.
(Image credit: Future)
AKG N5 review: Features
Poor real-world battery life
Range of ANC options
Useful dongle connector
The AKG N5 connects to your phone via Bluetooth 5.3; initial pairing for me was quick and easy, and during testing there were barely any drop-outs or stutters.
You can also easily connect to new devices via a dongle included in the charging case; plug this into any device, and the N5 will stream audio from that.
The dongle is a USB-C one, though an adapter included in the box lets you plug it into standard USB ports. This is a really handy extra for people who own multiple devices and can’t pair to all of them, or who use unfamiliar devices on occasion. As someone who owns (and tests) too many gadgets, I found it incredibly handy.
9 times out of ten, this dongle worked well, however now and then I’d find the headphones would re-pair with my phone even if the dongle was connected to another device. One thing to note is that it did sap the battery of the device it was connected to: fine for gadgets plugged into an outlet, frustrating for my iPad.
Battery life is a weak spot for the buds. AKG predicts a 10-hour battery life… if you listen to music with ANC turned off, and that drops down to six hours with ANC on, or even lower if you’re talking or using the dongle.
However, in my testing I was lucky to get anywhere near six hours of listening time, and I’d usually have to charge after four and a half or five hours. That's not just below what's promised, it's way below average.
(Image credit: Future)
The case itself contains four full charges for the buds, however long you make that.
So should you turn off ANC to preserve battery life? Well you can, but it’d be a shame, because the AKG N5 have fantastic noise cancellation – my usual ANC test is how well it drowns out the trains that commonly pass my house, and when testing the N5, I have no idea if it passed because I could never tell if trains had passed.
ANC is complicated here, though. There are three modes: standard, Ambient Aware and TalkThru (as well as off, obviously). TalkThru boosts nearby voices so you can hear people and Ambient Aware does a similar thing for background voices, with a slider letting you fiddle with the intensity of the effect.
In standard ANC mode you can toggle Adaptive ANC, which adjusts the level of noise cancellation based on your surroundings, and turning it off presents you with a slider to change the intensity yourself. There’s also Auto Compensation mode which tweaks with ANC depending on your ‘wearing and ear canal status’, whatever that means.
(Image credit: Future)
Suffice it to say that every time I was presented with the ANC part of the AKG Headphones app I was scratching my head at all the options presented to me – and that’s really the theme of this companion app which bombards you with options. This’ll be pleasing news to tech-heads, but horrifying for technophobes.
Let’s fire through some of the features and settings: SilentNow turns off music and ramps up ANC to help you focus or study; Smart Audio & Video adjusts sound stage based on whether you’re listening to music or watching a video; the equalizer has a load of presets or lets you customize your sound on a 10-band EQ; various call settings let you change how you or a caller sound on the phone; and Right/Left Sound Balance does what it says on the tin.
These are as well as all the standard app modes: gesture control customization, a find-my-buds feature, and a fit test.
The app also gives you the option to toggle Hi-Res Audio, but turning this on precludes you from several other features, including Spatial Sound and Personi-Fi. This latter is a lengthy audio test that presents you with a bespoke equalization fit for your music, and I don’t know any audiophiles who don’t appreciate this kind of feature.
If you’ve skimmed that list you may have noticed something I want to explicitly commend: there are loads of options with small or large accessibility use cases here, which is always great to see.
Features score: 4/5
AKG N5 review: Sound performance
(Image credit: Future)
10mm drivers
Balanced sound profile
Textured audio in high-res mode
Whether you’re listening via Bluetooth or dongle, with Hi-Res Audio on or instead Personi-Fi enabled, there’s one thing that’s hard to deny: the AKG N5 sounds great.
The sound profile is lovely and balanced, with well-defined bass sitting comfortably alongside clear treble and distinct mids. I didn’t feel the need to touch the equalizer as I liked the default mix, and wasn’t losing any instruments to overbearing bass or treble.
It’s easy to hear the texture in each instrument with the N5: I could make out the ripples of reverb on vocal lines to the flick of a bass guitar string being strum, and the audio lines were all spread out enough to make them distinct and clear (although I have tested buds with a better soundstage).
If I have to say one bad thing about the buds, it’s that audio sounds precision-tuned but not very energetic – they helped me really appreciate great songs sonically, but didn’t always make me feel like rocking out to them.
Sound performance score: 4/5
(Image credit: Future)
AKG N5 review: Design
Chunky and cheap charging case
Lightweight and comfortable buds
Annoying touch controls
Perhaps because it contains a dongle, the case of the AKG N5 is a little on the larger size, and I’ve seen some people online criticize its bulk. Honestly, it’s not that big, and doesn’t allay the space-saving advantages of earbuds like this over full-on headphones or open earbuds with a a wraparound design – plus they're light at 48.4g.
But I did notice the thing in my pocket when I was walking – it's on the larger end of the scale.
What’s arguably worse about the case is its build: the plastic feels cheap, groans under slight pressure and picks up fingerprints readily. However AKG has it certified at IP52, which protects it from limited fine particles and sprays of water at certain angles. I can’t remember the last time I saw a charging case with an IP rating, so it’s a welcome spec.
Now onto the earbuds: these are buds with stems, but with a bigger bud and shorter, flatter stem than on your generic AirPod doppelgänger. They have an IP54 rating so they’re a little better protected against water than the case.
Evidence of how easily-bendable the hook is (Image credit: Future)
Due to the tips material being quite smooth, when I first started testing the N5, it constantly felt like they were on the verge of falling out of my ear. Two weeks on and that hasn’t happened yet, but I’ve still been too apprehensive to take them on a run, cycle or any kind of activity which might actually cause them to fall to the floor.
At least the buds are lightweight, so when I was sitting still, they were comfortable to wear for long periods of time. They weigh 6g each which is comparable to rivals.
Each bud has a touch-sensitive area over the ‘A’ of the AKG logo, which lets you control music playback; by default the left side toggles ANC and Ambient Aware, while the right one is for play and pause.
It took some time getting used to tapping the right spot when I was wearing the buds, and there’s a noticeable delay in the gesture being picked up – more than once I got caught in a loop playing or pausing a tune, thinking that my touch hadn’t been picked up, and constantly flicking between the two.
An even more annoying issue was that it’s very easy to accidentally press the button when you’re trying to readjust loose buds.
You can pick the AKG N5 up in white or black, and your choice affects both the buds and the case. As you can see from images, I tested the black pair.
Design score: 3.5/5
AKG N5 review: Value
(Image credit: Future)
While it's not easy to make reasonable argument for $299 / £249 / AU$309 earbuds being good value propositions, it does bear repeating that these things have been seeing increasing discounts over their first year of existence.
The AKG N5 aren’t bad value for money by any means, with their top-notch audio and range of useful features justifying the price, but they’re far from bargains either (except in Australia, where they’re much cheaper than elsewhere).
That certainly isn’t the case if you can find them for below about $200 / £180 / AU$300, which would make them a really tempting alternative to earbuds that are usually priced in that area.
Value score: 3.5/5
(Image credit: Future)
Should I buy the AKG N5?
Category
Comment
Score
Features
There are so many features that it's hard to get your head around them all. Battery life isn't amazing though.
4/5
Sound
The N5 offered a lovely balanced sound that lets you hear the texture and sound stage of your music.
4/5
Value
By default they're not especially competitively-priced, but discounts help.
3.5/5
Design
A few small design problems affect the user experience, but they're still great to wear.
3.5/5
Buy them if...
You find them discounted
I've yammered on about this enough, but this will be the last time: the AKG N5 are a terrific value proposition if you find them notably below their list price.
The dongle sounds useful
Love the idea of being able to listen to audio from any USB-C or USB-port-toting device without pairing Bluetooth? The AKGs' dongle is a real game-changer.
You need solid noise cancellation
While they're not quite a Bose, the AKG's noise cancellation is fantastic, with a range of features and modes letting you customize it to a surprising extent.
Don't buy them if...
You need a long-lasting battery
I didn't love how quickly the N5's battery life plummeted, and real-world use is well below the promised level.
You need a svelte charging case
I took to carrying the AKG N5's case in my bag because it just didn't fit comfortably in my pockets. You can easily find buds with more convenient-to-carry cases than these.
Also consider
Component
AKG N5
Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro
Apple AirPods Pro 2
Water resistant
IP54
IP57
IP54
Battery life
6 hours (earbuds), 32 hours (total)
7 hours (earbuds), 30 hours (total)
6 hours (buds); 30 hours (case)
Bluetooth type
Bluetooth 5.3
Bluetooth 5.4
Bluetooth 5.3
Weight
6g (buds)
5.4g (buds)
5.3g (buds)
Driver
10mm
10mm dynamic driver + planar tweeter
11mm
Apple AirPods Pro 2
The obvious competitor: these Apple buds only fully work on Apple products, but they're cheaper than the AKG (even discounted) and offer some top-tier features and noise cancellation. They also have a very svelte case.
Another cheaper alternative, Samsung's wireless buds are mostly built for owners of Samsung phones, but work for others too. They sound great and have a lightweight and comfortable design.
My testing process before writing this AKG N5 review took two weeks. I tested them alongside their contemporary siblings, the AKG N9 Hybrid over-ear headphones, and I've tested a huge number of earbuds recently to compare them against.
I connected the AKG N5 to a range of devices including my smartphone (via Bluetooth), my desktop PC (via dongle) and my work laptop (again via dongle) with a roughly 50/50 split between Bluetooth and dongle listening.
I also split my Bluetooth listening time roughly equally between Hi-res Audio and Personi-Fi (and other feature) modes, bearing in mind that you can't have both enabled at the same time.
My listening was done in a range of environments including at home, on public transport, in my office and on walks around my borough – and following TechRadar's testing guidelines for earbuds.
When I’m testing new earbuds, and considering if they deserve a shoutout for our list of the best earbuds, the first thing I do is look at the price to set expectations – but for this AKG N5 review, I found two.
There’s the official list price, which sets you up for these buds to be powerful premium players, but I was also tripping over discounted prices, with the N5 seeing some hefty discounts since launch. So while I’ll test these as top-end earbuds, I’d be remiss not to point out that you can buy them for less – and you should, as they present fantastic value for money with a reduction.
The AKG N5 are the latest pair of wireless earbuds from originally-Austrian audio company AKG (which is owned by Harman, which itself is owned by Samsung). AKG puts out wireless headphones only sparingly, with its website populated almost entirely with professional wired headsets and microphones.
And it’s clear that some of that ‘professional’ DNA is present in the AKG N5 because there are loads of features which are helpful in such a setting: a USB-C dongle included in the case lets you easily (and temporarily) connect to any laptop, tablet or similar device, while call tone settings basically act like an EQ but for incoming voice calls. There are also loads of ANC settings for people who work in busy offices.
Suffice it to say I was impressed by the feature suite of the AKG N5, but not just as someone who himself tries to drown out the infuriatingly-loud team seated next to him – they’re all features that will be handy to regular buyers, not just office-locked ones.
Another strength of the AKG N5 is their audio chops, because the buds offer expressive and clear audio with plenty of detail and texture. A few more in-app modes (sorry to mention features again) let you carry out a sound test or tweak the sonic offering to your pleasure.
Some people may be put off by the AKG N5’s design. It’s true the case is pretty huge, the build quality feels iffy, and the earbud controls are hard to activate when you want to and easy to activate when you don’t. The battery life that won't last a full day of work might also put some people off.
But it’s easy to overlook these issues if, like I said, you’re able to find a good deal on these buds. And that shouldn’t be hard given I found it more of a chore to find their actual original price rather than the current one. The N5 are fine value at their official price – but discounted, they’re a steal.
AKG N5 review: Specifications
Component
Value
Water resistant
IP54
Battery life (quoted)
6 hours (earbuds), 24 hours (total)
Bluetooth type
Bluetooth 5.3
Weight
6g / Charging case: 48.4g
Driver
10mm
(Image credit: Future)
AKG N5 review: Price and availability
Announced in September 2024
Priced at $299 / £249 / AU$309
Readily available for under $250 / £199 / AU$250
The AKG N5 were announced in September 2024, at IFA 2024, as the latest entry into the brand’s line-up of earbuds. At the time of writing they're the company’s only competitor for the best wireless earbuds.
At launch, the AKG N5 cost $299.95 / £249 / AU$309, which makes them a premium audio offering. However it’s worth pointing out that I could easily find it sold online for a discount of $60 / £50 / AU$65, so you’ll easily save money if you shop around.
Lowered price or not, these are still premium earbuds and we’ll treat them as such. Included in the box you get the buds, case and dongle as well as a USB-C to USB connector and some bud tips of varying sizes.
(Image credit: Future)
AKG N5 review: Features
Poor real-world battery life
Range of ANC options
Useful dongle connector
The AKG N5 connects to your phone via Bluetooth 5.3; initial pairing for me was quick and easy, and during testing there were barely any drop-outs or stutters.
You can also easily connect to new devices via a dongle included in the charging case; plug this into any device, and the N5 will stream audio from that.
The dongle is a USB-C one, though an adapter included in the box lets you plug it into standard USB ports. This is a really handy extra for people who own multiple devices and can’t pair to all of them, or who use unfamiliar devices on occasion. As someone who owns (and tests) too many gadgets, I found it incredibly handy.
9 times out of ten, this dongle worked well, however now and then I’d find the headphones would re-pair with my phone even if the dongle was connected to another device. One thing to note is that it did sap the battery of the device it was connected to: fine for gadgets plugged into an outlet, frustrating for my iPad.
Battery life is a weak spot for the buds. AKG predicts a 10-hour battery life… if you listen to music with ANC turned off, and that drops down to six hours with ANC on, or even lower if you’re talking or using the dongle.
However, in my testing I was lucky to get anywhere near six hours of listening time, and I’d usually have to charge after four and a half or five hours. That's not just below what's promised, it's way below average.
(Image credit: Future)
The case itself contains four full charges for the buds, however long you make that.
So should you turn off ANC to preserve battery life? Well you can, but it’d be a shame, because the AKG N5 have fantastic noise cancellation – my usual ANC test is how well it drowns out the trains that commonly pass my house, and when testing the N5, I have no idea if it passed because I could never tell if trains had passed.
ANC is complicated here, though. There are three modes: standard, Ambient Aware and TalkThru (as well as off, obviously). TalkThru boosts nearby voices so you can hear people and Ambient Aware does a similar thing for background voices, with a slider letting you fiddle with the intensity of the effect.
In standard ANC mode you can toggle Adaptive ANC, which adjusts the level of noise cancellation based on your surroundings, and turning it off presents you with a slider to change the intensity yourself. There’s also Auto Compensation mode which tweaks with ANC depending on your ‘wearing and ear canal status’, whatever that means.
(Image credit: Future)
Suffice it to say that every time I was presented with the ANC part of the AKG Headphones app I was scratching my head at all the options presented to me – and that’s really the theme of this companion app which bombards you with options. This’ll be pleasing news to tech-heads, but horrifying for technophobes.
Let’s fire through some of the features and settings: SilentNow turns off music and ramps up ANC to help you focus or study; Smart Audio & Video adjusts sound stage based on whether you’re listening to music or watching a video; the equalizer has a load of presets or lets you customize your sound on a 10-band EQ; various call settings let you change how you or a caller sound on the phone; and Right/Left Sound Balance does what it says on the tin.
These are as well as all the standard app modes: gesture control customization, a find-my-buds feature, and a fit test.
The app also gives you the option to toggle Hi-Res Audio, but turning this on precludes you from several other features, including Spatial Sound and Personi-Fi. This latter is a lengthy audio test that presents you with a bespoke equalization fit for your music, and I don’t know any audiophiles who don’t appreciate this kind of feature.
If you’ve skimmed that list you may have noticed something I want to explicitly commend: there are loads of options with small or large accessibility use cases here, which is always great to see.
Features score: 4/5
AKG N5 review: Sound performance
(Image credit: Future)
10mm drivers
Balanced sound profile
Textured audio in high-res mode
Whether you’re listening via Bluetooth or dongle, with Hi-Res Audio on or instead Personi-Fi enabled, there’s one thing that’s hard to deny: the AKG N5 sounds great.
The sound profile is lovely and balanced, with well-defined bass sitting comfortably alongside clear treble and distinct mids. I didn’t feel the need to touch the equalizer as I liked the default mix, and wasn’t losing any instruments to overbearing bass or treble.
It’s easy to hear the texture in each instrument with the N5: I could make out the ripples of reverb on vocal lines to the flick of a bass guitar string being strum, and the audio lines were all spread out enough to make them distinct and clear (although I have tested buds with a better soundstage).
If I have to say one bad thing about the buds, it’s that audio sounds precision-tuned but not very energetic – they helped me really appreciate great songs sonically, but didn’t always make me feel like rocking out to them.
Sound performance score: 4/5
(Image credit: Future)
AKG N5 review: Design
Chunky and cheap charging case
Lightweight and comfortable buds
Annoying touch controls
Perhaps because it contains a dongle, the case of the AKG N5 is a little on the larger size, and I’ve seen some people online criticize its bulk. Honestly, it’s not that big, and doesn’t allay the space-saving advantages of earbuds like this over full-on headphones or open earbuds with a a wraparound design – plus they're light at 48.4g.
But I did notice the thing in my pocket when I was walking – it's on the larger end of the scale.
What’s arguably worse about the case is its build: the plastic feels cheap, groans under slight pressure and picks up fingerprints readily. However AKG has it certified at IP52, which protects it from limited fine particles and sprays of water at certain angles. I can’t remember the last time I saw a charging case with an IP rating, so it’s a welcome spec.
Now onto the earbuds: these are buds with stems, but with a bigger bud and shorter, flatter stem than on your generic AirPod doppelgänger. They have an IP54 rating so they’re a little better protected against water than the case.
Evidence of how easily-bendable the hook is (Image credit: Future)
Due to the tips material being quite smooth, when I first started testing the N5, it constantly felt like they were on the verge of falling out of my ear. Two weeks on and that hasn’t happened yet, but I’ve still been too apprehensive to take them on a run, cycle or any kind of activity which might actually cause them to fall to the floor.
At least the buds are lightweight, so when I was sitting still, they were comfortable to wear for long periods of time. They weigh 6g each which is comparable to rivals.
Each bud has a touch-sensitive area over the ‘A’ of the AKG logo, which lets you control music playback; by default the left side toggles ANC and Ambient Aware, while the right one is for play and pause.
It took some time getting used to tapping the right spot when I was wearing the buds, and there’s a noticeable delay in the gesture being picked up – more than once I got caught in a loop playing or pausing a tune, thinking that my touch hadn’t been picked up, and constantly flicking between the two.
An even more annoying issue was that it’s very easy to accidentally press the button when you’re trying to readjust loose buds.
You can pick the AKG N5 up in white or black, and your choice affects both the buds and the case. As you can see from images, I tested the black pair.
Design score: 3.5/5
AKG N5 review: Value
(Image credit: Future)
While it's not easy to make reasonable argument for $299 / £249 / AU$309 earbuds being good value propositions, it does bear repeating that these things have been seeing increasing discounts over their first year of existence.
The AKG N5 aren’t bad value for money by any means, with their top-notch audio and range of useful features justifying the price, but they’re far from bargains either (except in Australia, where they’re much cheaper than elsewhere).
That certainly isn’t the case if you can find them for below about $200 / £180 / AU$300, which would make them a really tempting alternative to earbuds that are usually priced in that area.
Value score: 3.5/5
(Image credit: Future)
Should I buy the AKG N5?
Category
Comment
Score
Features
There are so many features that it's hard to get your head around them all. Battery life isn't amazing though.
4/5
Sound
The N5 offered a lovely balanced sound that lets you hear the texture and sound stage of your music.
4/5
Value
By default they're not especially competitively-priced, but discounts help.
3.5/5
Design
A few small design problems affect the user experience, but they're still great to wear.
3.5/5
Buy them if...
You find them discounted
I've yammered on about this enough, but this will be the last time: the AKG N5 are a terrific value proposition if you find them notably below their list price.
The dongle sounds useful
Love the idea of being able to listen to audio from any USB-C or USB-port-toting device without pairing Bluetooth? The AKGs' dongle is a real game-changer.
You need solid noise cancellation
While they're not quite a Bose, the AKG's noise cancellation is fantastic, with a range of features and modes letting you customize it to a surprising extent.
Don't buy them if...
You need a long-lasting battery
I didn't love how quickly the N5's battery life plummeted, and real-world use is well below the promised level.
You need a svelte charging case
I took to carrying the AKG N5's case in my bag because it just didn't fit comfortably in my pockets. You can easily find buds with more convenient-to-carry cases than these.
Also consider
Component
AKG N5
Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro
Apple AirPods Pro 2
Water resistant
IP54
IP57
IP54
Battery life
6 hours (earbuds), 32 hours (total)
7 hours (earbuds), 30 hours (total)
6 hours (buds); 30 hours (case)
Bluetooth type
Bluetooth 5.3
Bluetooth 5.4
Bluetooth 5.3
Weight
6g (buds)
5.4g (buds)
5.3g (buds)
Driver
10mm
10mm dynamic driver + planar tweeter
11mm
Apple AirPods Pro 2
The obvious competitor: these Apple buds only fully work on Apple products, but they're cheaper than the AKG (even discounted) and offer some top-tier features and noise cancellation. They also have a very svelte case.
Another cheaper alternative, Samsung's wireless buds are mostly built for owners of Samsung phones, but work for others too. They sound great and have a lightweight and comfortable design.
My testing process before writing this AKG N5 review took two weeks. I tested them alongside their contemporary siblings, the AKG N9 Hybrid over-ear headphones, and I've tested a huge number of earbuds recently to compare them against.
I connected the AKG N5 to a range of devices including my smartphone (via Bluetooth), my desktop PC (via dongle) and my work laptop (again via dongle) with a roughly 50/50 split between Bluetooth and dongle listening.
I also split my Bluetooth listening time roughly equally between Hi-res Audio and Personi-Fi (and other feature) modes, bearing in mind that you can't have both enabled at the same time.
My listening was done in a range of environments including at home, on public transport, in my office and on walks around my borough – and following TechRadar's testing guidelines for earbuds.
The Thrustmaster T128 is a budget racing wheel designed for those after a beginner-friendly experience. Its looks are fairly underwhelming, with its outdated gamer stylings failing to make a great impression. The wheel itself is quite small and has a thin rim, which will suit some hands more than others.
In terms of premium design, the T128 falls short of what some rivals have to offer. While it’s certainly not flimsy, it’s hardly a premium feeling unit, with cost-saving materials employed all over.
It is at least quite light and small, which helps make installation and setup easier compared to some of the best racing wheels. I also found the clamping mechanism much better than those used on other Thrustmaster wheels I’ve tried.
However, installation is hampered somewhat by the awkward placement of the ports, which are inaccessible when the wheel base is clamped down. This means any time you want to remove or reconnect the various cables, you'll have to uninstall the wheel altogether, which is inconvenient.
What’s more, the T128 won’t install on certain dedicated stands, such as the GT Omega Apex I have, since there are no screw holes for fixing the wheel base directly to it.
Once installed, though, the T128 is quick to get going. For Xbox users, it’s a simple case of plug-and-play, although firmware updates do require a PC tool. There’s also a tool for making force feedback and other tweaks, with a generous selection of parameters considering the budget nature of the T128.
The T128 is even better in action. I was pleasantly surprised by just how responsive and connected it feels, making it joy to race with. The force feedback settings, as with other Thrustmaster wheels I’ve tried, are too strong on their highest settings for my liking, although here it’s perhaps a little weaker than usual.
The T2PM pedals are nice and light, which makes them easy to use, although the brake pedal lacks resistance, which can make it difficult to gauge how hard you’re pressing it. It’s still usable enough, though, and I didn’t have an issue with the relatively cramped layout of the pedals either.
All things considered, the T128 offers plenty of fun for the money, undercutting many other wheels and even outperforming some of Thrustmaster’s more expensive offerings. It might not have a standout design, but there aren’t too many wheels at this price that offer such a good time.
(Image credit: Future)
Thrustmaster T128 review: Price and availability
$199.99 / £149.99 (about AU$312)
Available now
Cheaper than many rivals
The T128 costs $199.99 / £149.99 (around AU$312) and is available now. A PlayStation compatible edition is also available. This makes the T128 one of the cheapest in Thrustmaster’s line-up, and one of the best Xbox racing wheels for those on a budget. I was more impressed with it than the T300RS, for instance, which is considerably more expensive yet underperforms by comparison, although its design is more premium.
If you’re looking for another great value racing wheel, the Logitech G920 is another very capable option. It’s still considerably more expensive than the T128, but the build quality is far superior, and the performance is excellent in all aspects.
Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, PC
Software
Thrustmaster Control Panel
Thrustmaster T128 review: Design and features
Cheap but functional
Light and easy to install
Software tool more advanced than it looks
The T128 doesn't make a great first impression. Its material feels cheap, and the styling is quite outdated, with a few touches that pander to the gaming crowd, harking back to a bygone era.
The wheel itself is small and the rim quite thin, which would make it ideal for younger players and those with smaller hands. As a whole, the unit is also very light, which makes it easy to install and move around, and yet it feels surprisingly sturdy at the same time.
It’s a similar story with the T2PM pedal set, which is also very light and small, meaning the layout might be a little too cramped for some. However, it managed to stay planted on the carpeted surface I used it on, and appears more durable than you might expect.
One gripe I have with the pedal set, though, is its length. It’s too short, which meant I couldn't trail it behind my desk; instead, I had to let it dangle right beside me, which isn’t ideal.
Another drawback of the T128’s design is the poor port placement. When the wheel base is clamped to a desk, the ports are inaccessible, which means you have to attach the various cables prior to installation, making the process a little more awkward. It also means you have to unclamp the wheel any time you want to unplug or reconnect them.
(Image credit: Future)
Fortunately, the clamping system is easy to use, and much better than those of other Thrustmaster wheels I’ve tried. The screw has a plastic handle, which is easy to turn and lock into place, as well as being readily accessible.
There’s a pleasing selection of buttons on the T128 and they’re almost as tactile as what you’d find on the best Xbox controllers. You get a close to full Xbox layout with a few extra inputs thrown in, such as two handbrake buttons and an RSB and LSB buttons, which are compatible with certain games only.
The T128 also features paddle shifters, which are better than I was expecting. They curve slightly to help secure your fingers, and their positioning is ideal, if placed a little too far inwards, which can make them a stretch to reach at times.
Setting up the T128 is a simple process, especially for Xbox users, who only have to plug it into their console. However, as with other Thrustmaster wheels, be sure to keep well out of the way as soon as you power the T128 on, as it immediately fires up its self-calibration feature. Thankfully, this isn’t as violent as with other Thrustmaster wheels, but still worth noting all the same.
To update the firmware, you’ll need to download the PC tool for this purpose. There’s also a tweaking tool, known as the Thrustmaster Control Panel, which looks rather rudimentary and lacks refinement, but is deceptively capable.
It functions well and provides a pleasing amount of tweaks, including multiple parameters for the force feedback. Again, this is all very welcome on a budget racing wheel such as the T128.
Thrustmaster T128 review: Performance
Fun and accurate steering
Plenty of force feedback settings
Brake pedal's a little too light
The T128 acquits itself very well when racing. Steering is accurate and responsive, with plenty of feel and capable of offering smooth and rapid movements in equal measure.
As with other Thrustmaster wheels, the force feedback is very strong – too much so on its maximum setting, although perhaps still less than on other models. But once adjusted appropriately, the T128 provides surprisingly nuanced immersion, although there’s a buzzing sensation that’s a little overbearing at times.
The paddle shifters are solid and snappy, with just enough dampening to make them satisfying to flick. They also provide sufficient feedback, and I was surprised at just how capable they were on this budget wheel.
I was also pleasantly surprised by the T2PM pedal set. I found them quite fun and easy to use, owing to their light actuation. The cramped layout didn’t cause an issue for me either, despite having grievances with similarly tight designs on other pedal sets.
(Image credit: Future)
However, the brake pedal is lacking in feedback somewhat, which can make it hard to judge how much pressure to exert. But overall, both the throttle and the brake provide enough control for modulated inputs.
The T128 also features a gear change indicator in the form of multicolored LEDs, known as the 4 engine speed display RPM LEDs, although I found this quite imprecise in practice. For instance, when playing Forza Motorsport, their progress wasn’t all that smooth, and seemed to reach their peak before the in-game indicator did. Still, it’s a welcome feature to have for a basic visual cue, especially if you like to play with a camera angle that omits the steering wheel from view.
Should I buy the Thrustmaster T128?
(Image credit: Future)
Buy it if...
You want an entry-level racing wheel Die-hard racers might not get enough from the T128, but for those dipping their toes in, this is a good place to start.
You want to save money The T128 is on the cheaper end of the market, and its good value considering the performance and features on offer here.
Don't buy it if...
You want a premium design The materials aren’t exactly luxurious, and the overall aesthetic just looks cheap.
You want better pedals The pedals perform quite well for the most part, but the brake pedal is perhaps a little too light, and there’s no clutch pedal.
Thrustmaster T128 review: also consider
If you're on the hunt for other budget racing wheels, here are some alternatives to the Thrustmaster T128:
Hybrid FF system, 2 dual-position encoders, three-pedal base
Connection type
USB-A
USB-A
USB-A
Compatibility
Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, PC
Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, PC
Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, PC
Logitech G920 A close rival to the T128 in the budget realm is the Logitech G920. It’s not as cheap as the T128, but it has a much more premium design and performs very well in all areas. For these reasons, we think it’s one of the best entry-level racing wheels on the market right now.
Thrustmaster T248 Another Thrustmaster special, we think the T248 is the best PS5 racing wheel for those looking for a mid-range experience. Similar to the T128, it’s an easy wheel to use, helped by its stability even when clamped to a desk. We also found its pedal set excellent, which, unlike the T128, includes a clutch pedal.
I tested the T128 for a day, clamping it to a desk. Unfortunately, it isn’t compatible with certain racing stands, such as the GT Omega Apex that I have, as there’s no way to affix the wheel with screws or bolts.
It should also be noted that the wheel isn’t compatible with cloud gaming or other streamed games; it only works with games downloaded onto your console or drive.
I played Forza Motorsport on an Xbox Series S, which is a competent racing sim on the console that provides a sterling test for racing wheels. I set the in-game steering setting to simulation mode and turned all driving assists off.
I’ve been gaming for decades and racing sims are one of my favorite games to play. I have experienced a number of different racing wheels and reviewed various models as well, including others made by Thrustmaster.
Understatement isn’t a common characteristic among content creators, but it’s a winning feature for this wireless mic kit. With two tiny receivers weighing just 7g apiece, the Hollyland Lark M2S is designed to fly under the radar. Hooked over your collar, only a small part of each pick-up is visible. The result is an audio solution that doesn’t distract your audience.
It’s also a versatile one. Available in several variations, the Hollyland Lark M2S Combo kit on test here includes two transmitters, a USB-C mobile receiver and a cold-shoe unit that connects to cameras via USB-C or 3.5mm. There’s also a Lightning cable in the box for connecting to legacy Apple devices. That makes it a pretty complete kit, whatever you choose to shoot with.
Each transmitter is held in place by a rubberized clip, with grips at the tips for extra security. Many of the best wireless mics used magnetic backs to give you more flexibility when positioning. In practise, most users will want the mic on their lapel anyway – and even with the hook on show, the M2S is as subtle as they come.
Despite their discreet size, the omnidirectional pick-ups do a better job than any built-in mic, whether you’re shooting with a smartphone or one of the best video cameras. How the 24-bit audio signal is processed depends on the pre-amp inside your recording device, but voice clips are generally clear and rich enough for the casual listener.
(Image credit: Chris Rowlands)
Blustery conditions can be an issue. The bundled windshields do a good job of buffering against buffeting, though attaching them raises the profile of the mics. You also have the option of enabling noise reduction. This tends to flatten and crisp up the sound slightly, but it’s an effective solution where background noise would otherwise be too intrusive.
Noise cancellation can be activated by pressing the single button found on each transmitter, the button on the USB-C receiver or the dial on the camera receiver. The latter is also used to adjust the output volume, while a long-press switches between mono and stereo recording. That makes the interface sound more complicated than it is. There is a slight learning curve, but once you’ve got your head around the meaning of each indicator light, it’s intuitive enough.
Battery life is far from featherweight, with each transmitter rated for up to nine hours on a single charge. Returning them to the charging case yields a further 18, giving the whole package some serious longevity. Together with its neat proportions, that makes it an attractive solution for creators who need to shoot on the go – even though the case itself feels quite plasticky and the components are prone to rattling inside.
Other wireless mics feel more premium, while the DJI Mic Mini uses a neater single receiver. But if you want a compact and cost-effective way to upgrade your audio quality, the Hollyland Lark M2S Combo kit offers solid value.
(Image credit: Chris Rowlands)
Hollyland Lark M2S Combo: price and release date
$149 / £140 / AU$269 for the Combo kit
Includes 2x mics, 2x receivers, Lightning cable and charging case
Several kit versions available for different devices
Launched in January 2025 as a follow-up to the Lark M2, the Hollyland Lark M2S wireless mic is available to buy now in one of several bundle variations. On test here is the Combo kit ($149 / £140 / AU$269), which includes the following:
Transmitters x2
Receiver (camera)
Receiver (USB-C)
Charging case
Windshields x2
3.5mm cable
USB-C to Lightning cable
USB-A to USB-C cable
The Combo kit is designed to give content creators the flexibility to work with both smartphones and cameras. The Lightning cable allows you to connect the camera receiver to older Apple devices. The Combo kit offers good value for what’s included, but other options will be better suited to specific creator requirements.
The cheapest Hollyland Lark M2S option is the barebones USB-C kit ($119 / £110 / AU$219). This includes two transmitters and a USB-C receiver for use with a smartphone. With no option to connect to a camera, it’s the best choice for mobile-only recording.
The next step up is the Mini Combo ($139 / £130 / AU$249), which is the same as the Combo kit, except it doesn’t include a Lightning adapter cable. It’s the best choice if you want the flexibility to connect to a camera and USB-C smartphone.
Top of the pile is the Ultimate Combo ($159 / £150 / AU$289). In addition to the USB-C and camera receivers, this adds a dedicated Lightning receiver to the mix. Given that the Combo kit includes a Lightning cable, there are few people for who this will be a necessity. Unless you absolutely need a physical Lightning receiver, this version is best seen as a legacy option.
Lightweight transmitters with built-in rubber clips
USB-C receiver with two indicator lights
Camera receiver with indicator lights and control dial
Dinky is the order of the day with the Lark M2S. From the tiny transmitters (7g each) to the compact camera receiver (12g), everything in the bundle is ultra-light. The components weigh less than almost every other kit in our list of the best wireless mics, including the DJI Mic Mini and the Rode Wireless Micro.
Despite being housed in plastic, the transmitters and receivers feel well-built and sturdy enough for long-term use. The little orange buttons on each device give satisfying feedback, as does the click-scroll of the control dial on the cold-shoe adapter. It’s only the charging case that lets the side down: the hinge for the lid creaks and moves, while the parts rattle around while charging inside.
Still, for a low-weight, low-cost kit, the Lark M2S feels like it’s been assembled with thought. Effort has certainly gone into the design of the transmitters. Most wireless mic kits have rectangular units held in place by a magnetic back. This gives you versatility when mounting, but means the pick-up is quite visible in video footage.
Hollyland has taken a different approach with the Lark M2S. The transmitters are attached by a U-shaped hook with a titanium arm inside. This clips over a collar, with rubber ridges on either side for extra grip. It’s a foolproof solution: it has enough flexibility to fit over different fabrics, with sufficient resistance to hold firm. No magnets means one less piece to lose – and most users will place the mic on a hem anyway.
The added benefit is that the larger side of the transmitter unit is hidden beneath your clothing. Only part of the arm and the smaller puck sits on the outside. The result is a very subtle setup. With mini dimensions and no branding, the mic could easily go unnoticed in interview footage. It’s a lot less distracting than larger alternatives.
Image 1 of 3
(Image credit: Chris Rowlands)
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(Image credit: Chris Rowlands)
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(Image credit: Chris Rowlands)
That design does mean the button and indicator light on the transmitter are hard to access when you’re wearing it, particularly as the little LED is obscured beneath the hook arm. Helpfully, there are corresponding lights on the receiver units which indicate the mode and connection status.
The user experience differs slightly depending on which receiver you’re using, but the setup is the definition of plug-and-play. Recording on mobile couldn’t be simpler: remove the transmitters and mobile receiver from the case, insert the USB-C unit into your smartphone and the two LEDs will turn solid to show that everything is connected. The single orange button on the receiver toggles noise cancelling on (green light) or off (blue light). You’re good to go.
Connecting to a camera is no more complicated. Take the cold-shoe receiver and transmitters out of the case and they’ll pair automatically. Then simply hook it up to your camera via 3.5mm or USB-C (or both at the same time) and you’ll get an audio signal. You can also use the bundled USB-C to Lightning cable to connect the camera receiver to an older Apple device.
The camera receiver’s interface is a touch more complicated than the mobile one. You get the same LEDs for connection and noise cancelling status, plus an orange button for power. Then there's an arc of three additional lights to indicate the output volume, which can be adjusted by turning the dial. Pressing the dial changes the noise reduction setting, while a long-press switches between mono and stereo.
There’s a slight learning curve when it comes to the meaning of each LED, but it’s intuitive enough to get your head around after a few minutes. What you don’t get is any kind of display for real-time audio monitoring. That’s a luxury reserved for premium mics that cost and weigh more. It’s also one that’s absent from the DJI Mic Mini and Rode Wireless Micro.
Hollyland Lark M2S Combo: Performance
Omnidirectional audio with optional noise cancelling
9 hours battery life (transmitter), 18 hours battery life (case)
Up to 300m range
Rating audio quality is a tricky thing, because it depends on your expectations. If you’re a professional sound engineer, you’ll find things to fault with what the Hollyland Lark M2S produces. But if you’re comparing it to the built-in mic on your smartphone or camera, the M2S is leagues ahead.
The additional caveat here is that results are influenced by the device you’re using and its built-in pre-amp. Send the same signal from the Lark M2S to an iPhone and a DSLR camera, as I did, and you’ll notice differences which result from how each device processes the audio.
The Hollyland Lark M2S has strong foundations. It records 24-bit audio at 48khz, which sets it up well for capturing detail. You can also set the output level to high, giving your device more to work with. Serious users will balk at the lack of 32-bit float recording or on-board storage, but that reflects the target market of the M2S. There’s enough detail and depth here to satisfy content creators and anyone who wants to improve the quality of their voiceovers.
The omnidirectional pick-ups do a decent job of isolating speech against background hubbub. As with many wireless mics, though, wind noise is an issue. The bundled fluffy windshields help to tackle this, but also make the mics more visible.
Your other option is to enable Environmental Noise Cancellation. This is highly effective at limiting the impact of blustery conditions on your recordings. It also works well at reducing traffic noise to a barely audible level. The trade-off is that noise cancelling tends to make vocals sound slightly flatter and more processed – although not as significantly as some wireless mics.
(Image credit: Chris Rowlands)
You can adjust the level of noise cancelling through the LarkSound app, with high and low options. Usefully, the app can also be used to monitor the audio level from each mic in real time, giving you a visual indication of whether the gain setting needs to be changed to avoid clipping. This can be controlled in the app, as can the channel mode, which allows you to switch from mono to stereo recording when using the camera receiver.
Transmission range is rated at 300m. Unless you’re working at telephoto distances, there are few occasions when you’d need to be that far from your recording device. Still, with a clear line of sight from transmitter to receiver, I didn’t encounter any signal drop-out at a distance of about 100 paces. That changed as soon as something came between the two. In reality, most users will work at close range, where clear transmission won’t be an issue.
Longevity is also assured. Despite the miniature dimensions of the Lark M2S, battery life comes in at a competitive nine hours. The case can also recharge the components twice over, giving you a total recording time of close to 30 hours before you’ll need to use a wall charger. The case itself needs around 90 minutes to go from flat to full.
It’s unlikely that most users will encounter a shoot where they have to record for 9 hours straight, but it’s reassuring to know that the Lark M2S can live through a lot of takes before it needs returning to the case. Using it as many content creators would – on the move, taking out the components to record clips on location, then storing them back in the case – the M2S simply ran and ran. For such a compact kit, the battery life is seriously impressive. This is a wireless mic that’s easy to live with.
Should I buy the Hollyland Lark M2S Combo?
Buy it if…
You want a discreet wireless mic kit
Thanks to a low-profile lapel clip design, the Lark M2S transmitters hide most of their mass behind your collar. Paired with a lightweight build and one-button interface, the mics offer a simple, subtle solution for recording audio content.
You want cleaner audio for your content
Recording 24-bit audio at 48Khz, the Lark M2S can capture voiceovers with more detail than your device’s built-in microphone. Bundled windshields and the optional noise reduction mode help to reduce background sound, too.
You want a plug-and-play setup
The Combo kit comes pre-paired out of the charging case. Connect the mobile or camera unit to your device and you’re ready to go. Lights on the receivers and transmitters make it easy to check mode and connection status.
Don’t buy it if…
You want transmitters to clip anywhere
The clip-on transmitters are neat and tidy, but the rubber hook design means they can only be worn on a lapel or collar. Other wireless mics have magnetic backs that offer more versatility in where you can wear them.
You want bulletproof audio quality
By producing a 24-bit signal, the Lark M2S is capable of decent results. That said, sound quality can be affected by noise cancellation, as well as the quality of the pre-amp in the device that you’re working with.
You only need smartphone audio
This Combo Kit includes a cold-shoe and USB-C receiver, as well as a Lightning adapter cable. If you only create content with a smartphone, you can save money by choosing the standard kit, which ditches the camera module.
Hollyland Lark M2S Combo: also consider
Hollyland Lark M2S
Rode Wireless Micro
DJI Mic Mini
Dimensions
Transmitter: 24 × 9mm (transmitter) Mobile receiver: 40 × 16.7 × 9mm Camera receiver: 40.5 × 25.5 × 13mm
Transmitter: 40 x 27 x 17mm Receiver: 44 x 24 x 9mm
12g (transmitter, without magnet), 102g for the whole kit
10g (transmitter, without magnet)
Transmission range
300m
100m
400m
Connectivity
USB-C, Lightning, 3.5mm
USB-C or Lightning
USB-C / Lightning, 3.5mm
Battery
9 hours, plus 18 hours from the charging case
7 hours, plus two additional charges from the fully charged case for a total of 21 hours
11.5 hours (transmitter), 10.5 hours (receiver), up to 48 hours with fully charged case
Audio
24-bit
24-bit
24-bit
Noise cancelling
Yes
No
Yes
Bluetooth
No
No
Yes
Rode Wireless Micro
A simple, reliable solution for recording quality smartphone audio, the Rode Wireless Micro captures 24-bit audio with zero fuss. It’s available in Lightning and USB-C versions, with no camera connectivity. The transmitters are visibly bigger than the Lark M2S, but they do have the flexibility of magnetic mounting.
The DJI Mic Mini is a compact wireless mic. It comes with just one receiver that works with both smartphones and cameras, meaning there’s less kit to think about. An optional Lightning adapter is available, too. You can even record 16-bit audio directly via Bluetooth, without using the receiver.
Recorded audio in a range of indoor and outdoor settings
Given that the Hollyland Lark M2S is a wireless mic kit that’s designed to let content creators capture quality audio on the go, that’s how I approached this review. I packed the kit in my backpack every time I headed out of the house, then recorded voiceover content wherever the day took me.
That meant I captured audio clips in a whole range of settings and scenarios, from noisy cafes to windy walks along busy roads. I tested the transmitters at all three volume levels, with and without the windshields installed, and with noise reduction enabled and disabled. This gave me a catalog of recordings with which to make comparisons on clarity and quality.
Because the Lark M2S Combo is pitched as a full kit for creators, I tested it with both the USB-C mobile receiver and the cold-shoe camera adapter. With the latter, I wired up to a Nikon D7100 using a 3.5mm cable, as well as using the bundled Lightning cable to connect an iPhone 12.
During my time with the Lark M2S, I tried to use it as someone might do in the real world. That meant clipping the transmitters to different items of clothing. I also purposefully interacted with interface before consulting the instructions in detail, to get a realistic idea of how accessible the system is for beginners.
If you’re looking to buy a brand new PS5 or PC compatible gaming headset, then the Nacon RIG 900 Max HS will likely be a notable upgrade over your current peripheral. You’d probably expect that given its premium price tag, but the 900 Max HS still manages to go above and beyond.
Going through the checklist, I found that the RIG 900 Max HS ticks almost every box. It’s remarkably durable, and those plush ear cups are tailor-made for gaming the hours away in comfort - never did the headset begin to chafe the sides of my head or become uncomfortably warm, even during 5-6 hour gaming sessions.
And that’s great, because the RIG 900 Max HS is an incredibly difficult headset to take off. Not in a weird ‘cursed helmet’ kind of way - rather, its audio quality is so pristine that I couldn’t imagine playing immersive single-player games like The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remasteredor Clair Obscur: Expedition 33without it.
You can expect impressively detailed audio here that accurately picks up on a wide range of sounds - loud, quiet, and everything in between. Its bass profile is also highly satisfying, which can be further enhanced by accessing the equalizer in the wonderfully easy-to-use companion app. Multiplayer gamers are well-served here, too, with an impeccable flip-to-mute mic that - according to my friends and colleagues - sounded much clearer over calls than even some of the best PS5 headsets I’ve used.
If I had to levy any complaints, one would be that the build - like other Nacon products - still relies somewhat on cheap-feeling plastic. The durable metal headband is a notable improvement here, but the sides of the band as well as the cup exteriors are a little hollow. Turning the headset on and off, as well as pairing, also isn’t as immediate as I’m used to with other headsets.
But otherwise, the RIG 900 Max HS is an excellent premium gaming headset that’s well worth the price of admission.
(Image credit: Future)
Nacon RIG 900 Max HS review: price and availability
The Nacon RIG 900 Max HS is available now and should retail at $249 / £215, but at the time of writing, stock appears to be quite limited in the US and the UK.
It is widely available in Europe, however, and is listed on Nacon’s website for €249.90.
I will return to update this section as and when US and UK availability becomes more widespread.
Nacon RIG 900 Max HS review: Specs
Price
$249.99 / £215 (tentative while availability is limited)
Weight
10.37oz / 294g
Dimensions
7.6 x 8.0 x 3.7in / 194 x 204 x 94mm
Compatibility
PS5, PS4, PC
Connection type
Wireless (2.4Ghz, Bluetooth), Wired (USB-C)
Battery life
20-30 hours
(Image credit: Future)
Nacon RIG 900 Max HS review: design and features
Nacon hasn’t done much to bolster the overall build quality of its headset line-up here, but one crucial change does make a big difference. The 900 Max HS features a durable, metallic headband that not only looks nice, but its flexibility makes for a more durable build overall.
This headset line-up has also always featured unbelievably comfy plush ear cups, and that’s the case here, too. These allow the 900 Max HS to sit on your head snugly, remaining comfy and unintrusive for longer gaming sessions. There are no issues with the headset feeling overly warm, nor did it ever start to chafe my ears even during longer stints.
Onboard buttons here are also very simple and straightforward. You naturally have the power button, as well as a USB-C slot for charging purposes (though this can also be done with the included charging dock). A multi-function button lets you quickly pause or unpause videos and music. It also lets you accept calls if also connected to Bluetooth via the supported dual input mode (that’s Bluetooth and 2.4GHz at the same time). Handy.
Lastly is the Mode button, which lets you cycle through different pairing options including a ‘do not disturb’ Game Mode (available through 2.4GHz only), Dual and Bluetooth modes.
On the left of the headset is the flip-to-mute microphone. This unfortunately cannot be removed and feels built from rather cheap plastic, but - as I’ll get into later - it’s nonetheless an excellent mic that’ll serve you well on multiplayer comms.
(Image credit: Future)
Nacon RIG 900 Max HS review: Performance
Performance is really where the RIG 900 Max HS shines. As far as gaming headsets go, it has some of the cleanest, most robust audio around. The headset deploys powerful 40mm drivers to produce a rich soundstage, capable of covering an impressively wide range. In Monster Hunter Wilds, for example, I could make out streams of rushing water in the distance even while a vicious Rathalos was trying to make me its next lunch.
There is a dedicated bass boost mode, too, and it’s as strong here as it was on the RIG 600 Pro HS - if not moreso. Once I activated bass boost, I simply couldn’t play without it in single-player games. The added oomph to the explosive soundscapes of the Resident Evil 4 remake and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 only helped make those play experiences to be even more enjoyable.
But as mentioned earlier, multiplayer games aren’t being left out. That’s because the 900 Max HS’s flip-to-mute microphone is incredible. Whether it was gaming online with friends on Discord, or talking during a work meeting, my voice came through crystal clear. My colleagues noted it was a step up from my other go-to headset; the JBL Quantum 910P.
(Image credit: Future)
You can also expect a glorious multiplayer gaming experience thanks to accurate directional audio. That’s a real boon for when you need to call out distant shots or vehicle sounds to teammates in shooters like Call of Duty: Warzone or Fortnite.
Battery life is an improvement over previous RIG models, though I must say I didn’t get Nacon’s quoted 50-60 hours on a single charge here. On a full charge, I managed around 20-30 hours before needing to top up again. That’s still not bad at all, and in fairness I was regularly switching pairing modes across both PS5 and PC, so your mileage may vary here depending on your use case.
I also have to mention the excellent software that is the RIG 900 Max HS companion app. While it does take a few seconds to connect to the app via Dual or Bluetooth modes, the app itself is simple to use yet still quite powerful.
The app lets you create up to three individual sound profiles. There are equalizer presets like the aforementioned bass boost, as well as ones tailored to first-person shooters and overall voice clarity. You can also activate an ‘Expert’ mode here, giving you access to a more robust equalizer with 10 sliders.
You can also adjust mic gain, monitoring, and a volume level protection option that prevents the headset’s audio from becoming overly loud.
(Image credit: Future)
Should I buy the Nacon RIG 900 Max HS?
Buy it if...
You want immersive, customizable audio Audio quality is fantastic out of the box, but you can really fine-tune equalizer settings that suit you best via the excellent companion app. Its expert mode also lets you tinker to an even more granular degree.
You’re an endurance gamer You probably want a comfortable headset for your hours-long gaming sessions and the RIG 900 Max HS absolutely delivers here. The plush ear cups are perfectly suited to lazy weekends or burning the midnight oil with pals online.
Don't buy it if...
You’re on a budget This is another very expensive premium product from Nacon’s RIG department. I think it’s worth the money if you can afford it, but if all you need is a simple way to chat with friends online or if you prefer gaming without a headset, you’ll be saving yourself a lot of cash.
You’re an Xbox player Put simply, the RIG 900 Max HS is not compatible with Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S or Xbox One consoles. For that, there is a separate HX model available which you may want to check out instead.
Nacon RIG 900 Max HS review: Also consider
If the RIG 900 Max HS isn’t quite up your alley or out of your price range, you may wish to consider these excellent RIG brand alternatives.
RIG 900 Max HS
RIG 600 Pro HS
RIG 800 Pro HX
Price
$249 / £215
$99 / £89.99
$149 / £199
Weight
10.37oz / 294g
8.47oz / 240g
10.7oz / 308g
Dimensions
7.6 x 8.0 x 3.7in / 194 x 204 x 94mm
7.5 x 7.9 x 3.5in / 191 x 200 x 89mm
7.7 x 7.8 x 3.7in / 196 x 198 x 94mm
Compatibility
PS5, PS4, PC
PS5, PS4, PC
Xbox, PC
Connection type
Wireless (2.4GHz, Bluetooth), Wired (USB-C)
Wireless (2.4GHz, Bluetooth), Wired (USB-C)
Wireless (2.4GHz, Bluetooth)
Battery life
20-30 hours
Around 18 hours
18-24 hours
RIG 600 Pro HS A real mid-range wonder, the RIG 600 Pro HS is my recommendation for those after a PS5 or PC gaming headset without breaking the bank. I prefer this to the official PS5 Pulse 3D gaming headset, and you can expect similar high quality audio and comfort factor here.
RIG 800 Pro HX Essentially an Xbox-compatible version of the above, the RIG 800 Pro HX is slightly older and thus falters relatively in terms of overall build quality. But still, you can expect excellent gaming audio, an awesome mic and comfortable ear cups.
Played single and multiplayer games, as well as general music listening
I tested the Nacon RIG 900 Max HS over the course of roughly a week, during which time it’s been my go-to audio device for both PS5 and PC. In my spare time, I typically don’t wear gaming headsets while playing, but I honestly haven’t been able to play without the RIG 900 Max HS whenever I’ve got a free hour or two. It may have converted me.
I played a whole bunch of single and multiplayer games with the headset on. These include recent releases like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Monster Hunter Wilds, Blue Princeand The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered. I selected these games because they all have diverse and unique soundscapes that really came alive when passed through this gaming headset.
For multiplayer, I hopped online with friends for Final Fantasy 14 Online, Fortnite, and a few rounds of Tekken 8and Street Fighter 6. This was largely to test out the headset’s immaculate microphone, as well as get a feel for how well it handles directional audio.
If you’re looking to buy a brand new PS5 or PC compatible gaming headset, then the Nacon RIG 900 Max HS will likely be a notable upgrade over your current peripheral. You’d probably expect that given its premium price tag, but the 900 Max HS still manages to go above and beyond.
Going through the checklist, I found that the RIG 900 Max HS ticks almost every box. It’s remarkably durable, and those plush ear cups are tailor-made for gaming the hours away in comfort - never did the headset begin to chafe the sides of my head or become uncomfortably warm, even during 5-6 hour gaming sessions.
And that’s great, because the RIG 900 Max HS is an incredibly difficult headset to take off. Not in a weird ‘cursed helmet’ kind of way - rather, its audio quality is so pristine that I couldn’t imagine playing immersive single-player games like The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remasteredor Clair Obscur: Expedition 33without it.
You can expect impressively detailed audio here that accurately picks up on a wide range of sounds - loud, quiet, and everything in between. Its bass profile is also highly satisfying, which can be further enhanced by accessing the equalizer in the wonderfully easy-to-use companion app. Multiplayer gamers are well-served here, too, with an impeccable flip-to-mute mic that - according to my friends and colleagues - sounded much clearer over calls than even some of the best PS5 headsets I’ve used.
If I had to levy any complaints, one would be that the build - like other Nacon products - still relies somewhat on cheap-feeling plastic. The durable metal headband is a notable improvement here, but the sides of the band as well as the cup exteriors are a little hollow. Turning the headset on and off, as well as pairing, also isn’t as immediate as I’m used to with other headsets.
But otherwise, the RIG 900 Max HS is an excellent premium gaming headset that’s well worth the price of admission.
(Image credit: Future)
Nacon RIG 900 Max HS review: price and availability
The Nacon RIG 900 Max HS is available now and should retail at $249 / £215, but at the time of writing, stock appears to be quite limited in the US and the UK.
It is widely available in Europe, however, and is listed on Nacon’s website for €249.90.
I will return to update this section as and when US and UK availability becomes more widespread.
Nacon RIG 900 Max HS review: Specs
Price
$249.99 / £215 (tentative while availability is limited)
Weight
10.37oz / 294g
Dimensions
7.6 x 8.0 x 3.7in / 194 x 204 x 94mm
Compatibility
PS5, PS4, PC
Connection type
Wireless (2.4Ghz, Bluetooth), Wired (USB-C)
Battery life
20-30 hours
(Image credit: Future)
Nacon RIG 900 Max HS review: design and features
Nacon hasn’t done much to bolster the overall build quality of its headset line-up here, but one crucial change does make a big difference. The 900 Max HS features a durable, metallic headband that not only looks nice, but its flexibility makes for a more durable build overall.
This headset line-up has also always featured unbelievably comfy plush ear cups, and that’s the case here, too. These allow the 900 Max HS to sit on your head snugly, remaining comfy and unintrusive for longer gaming sessions. There are no issues with the headset feeling overly warm, nor did it ever start to chafe my ears even during longer stints.
Onboard buttons here are also very simple and straightforward. You naturally have the power button, as well as a USB-C slot for charging purposes (though this can also be done with the included charging dock). A multi-function button lets you quickly pause or unpause videos and music. It also lets you accept calls if also connected to Bluetooth via the supported dual input mode (that’s Bluetooth and 2.4GHz at the same time). Handy.
Lastly is the Mode button, which lets you cycle through different pairing options including a ‘do not disturb’ Game Mode (available through 2.4GHz only), Dual and Bluetooth modes.
On the left of the headset is the flip-to-mute microphone. This unfortunately cannot be removed and feels built from rather cheap plastic, but - as I’ll get into later - it’s nonetheless an excellent mic that’ll serve you well on multiplayer comms.
(Image credit: Future)
Nacon RIG 900 Max HS review: Performance
Performance is really where the RIG 900 Max HS shines. As far as gaming headsets go, it has some of the cleanest, most robust audio around. The headset deploys powerful 40mm drivers to produce a rich soundstage, capable of covering an impressively wide range. In Monster Hunter Wilds, for example, I could make out streams of rushing water in the distance even while a vicious Rathalos was trying to make me its next lunch.
There is a dedicated bass boost mode, too, and it’s as strong here as it was on the RIG 600 Pro HS - if not moreso. Once I activated bass boost, I simply couldn’t play without it in single-player games. The added oomph to the explosive soundscapes of the Resident Evil 4 remake and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 only helped make those play experiences to be even more enjoyable.
But as mentioned earlier, multiplayer games aren’t being left out. That’s because the 900 Max HS’s flip-to-mute microphone is incredible. Whether it was gaming online with friends on Discord, or talking during a work meeting, my voice came through crystal clear. My colleagues noted it was a step up from my other go-to headset; the JBL Quantum 910P.
(Image credit: Future)
You can also expect a glorious multiplayer gaming experience thanks to accurate directional audio. That’s a real boon for when you need to call out distant shots or vehicle sounds to teammates in shooters like Call of Duty: Warzone or Fortnite.
Battery life is an improvement over previous RIG models, though I must say I didn’t get Nacon’s quoted 50-60 hours on a single charge here. On a full charge, I managed around 20-30 hours before needing to top up again. That’s still not bad at all, and in fairness I was regularly switching pairing modes across both PS5 and PC, so your mileage may vary here depending on your use case.
I also have to mention the excellent software that is the RIG 900 Max HS companion app. While it does take a few seconds to connect to the app via Dual or Bluetooth modes, the app itself is simple to use yet still quite powerful.
The app lets you create up to three individual sound profiles. There are equalizer presets like the aforementioned bass boost, as well as ones tailored to first-person shooters and overall voice clarity. You can also activate an ‘Expert’ mode here, giving you access to a more robust equalizer with 10 sliders.
You can also adjust mic gain, monitoring, and a volume level protection option that prevents the headset’s audio from becoming overly loud.
(Image credit: Future)
Should I buy the Nacon RIG 900 Max HS?
Buy it if...
You want immersive, customizable audio Audio quality is fantastic out of the box, but you can really fine-tune equalizer settings that suit you best via the excellent companion app. Its expert mode also lets you tinker to an even more granular degree.
You’re an endurance gamer You probably want a comfortable headset for your hours-long gaming sessions and the RIG 900 Max HS absolutely delivers here. The plush ear cups are perfectly suited to lazy weekends or burning the midnight oil with pals online.
Don't buy it if...
You’re on a budget This is another very expensive premium product from Nacon’s RIG department. I think it’s worth the money if you can afford it, but if all you need is a simple way to chat with friends online or if you prefer gaming without a headset, you’ll be saving yourself a lot of cash.
You’re an Xbox player Put simply, the RIG 900 Max HS is not compatible with Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S or Xbox One consoles. For that, there is a separate HX model available which you may want to check out instead.
Nacon RIG 900 Max HS review: Also consider
If the RIG 900 Max HS isn’t quite up your alley or out of your price range, you may wish to consider these excellent RIG brand alternatives.
RIG 900 Max HS
RIG 600 Pro HS
RIG 800 Pro HX
Price
$249 / £215
$99 / £89.99
$149 / £199
Weight
10.37oz / 294g
8.47oz / 240g
10.7oz / 308g
Dimensions
7.6 x 8.0 x 3.7in / 194 x 204 x 94mm
7.5 x 7.9 x 3.5in / 191 x 200 x 89mm
7.7 x 7.8 x 3.7in / 196 x 198 x 94mm
Compatibility
PS5, PS4, PC
PS5, PS4, PC
Xbox, PC
Connection type
Wireless (2.4GHz, Bluetooth), Wired (USB-C)
Wireless (2.4GHz, Bluetooth), Wired (USB-C)
Wireless (2.4GHz, Bluetooth)
Battery life
20-30 hours
Around 18 hours
18-24 hours
RIG 600 Pro HS A real mid-range wonder, the RIG 600 Pro HS is my recommendation for those after a PS5 or PC gaming headset without breaking the bank. I prefer this to the official PS5 Pulse 3D gaming headset, and you can expect similar high quality audio and comfort factor here.
RIG 800 Pro HX Essentially an Xbox-compatible version of the above, the RIG 800 Pro HX is slightly older and thus falters relatively in terms of overall build quality. But still, you can expect excellent gaming audio, an awesome mic and comfortable ear cups.
Played single and multiplayer games, as well as general music listening
I tested the Nacon RIG 900 Max HS over the course of roughly a week, during which time it’s been my go-to audio device for both PS5 and PC. In my spare time, I typically don’t wear gaming headsets while playing, but I honestly haven’t been able to play without the RIG 900 Max HS whenever I’ve got a free hour or two. It may have converted me.
I played a whole bunch of single and multiplayer games with the headset on. These include recent releases like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Monster Hunter Wilds, Blue Princeand The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered. I selected these games because they all have diverse and unique soundscapes that really came alive when passed through this gaming headset.
For multiplayer, I hopped online with friends for Final Fantasy 14 Online, Fortnite, and a few rounds of Tekken 8and Street Fighter 6. This was largely to test out the headset’s immaculate microphone, as well as get a feel for how well it handles directional audio.
The Hisense U8QG follows in the footsteps of last year's Hisense U8N series mini-LED TVs, which combined exceptionally high brightness with a level of local dimming refinement that well exceeded what we’d seen in previous TVs from the company.
With the new Hisense U8QG series (65-inch model tested here), Hisense has created an even brighter U8 series offering, and also one with better local dimming performance yet again.
It’s not a huge leap in picture quality over the excellent Hisense U8N, a model that found itself on many of TechRadar's best TV lists, but our benchmark tests (see below) all indicate better measured performance, from brightness and color gamut coverage to input lag for gaming.
As with many other new TVs coming out in 2025, Hisense tags several features with the ‘AI’ buzzword, specifically AI modes for picture and sound. You can easily take these or leave them (I chose to leave them), though the AI picture mode can help improve the look of lower-resolution programs on streaming and broadcast TV sources.
The U8QG sports a buffed-up design to contain its built-in 4.1.2-channel speaker array, an upgrade over its 2.1.2-channel predecessor that provides powerful, immersive sound with most programs. Sadly, the built-in subwoofer is prone to distortion on movies with low bass effects, making things a tough listen for bass-craving action movie fans.
Hisense uses Google TV as a smart system in the US, and its own VIDAA one in Europe. Google TV is a reliable, easy to navigate smart interface, and it provides features such as an ambient mode that lets you display photos from your own Google photo library onscreen when the TV is in standby.
One area where the U8QG represents a clear upgrade over its predecessor is gaming. Features here include 4K 165Hz support, along with FreeSync Premium Pro, Dolby Vision and HDR10+ gaming. Disappointingly, the TV has only three HDMI 2.1 inputs, although there’s also USB-C input with DisplayPort support.
Prices for the U8QG series were high out of the gate, but have since dropped to a much more reasonable level in the US. For example, the 65-inch model I tested is currently selling for $1,399, and is an excellent value at that price.
Hisense U8QG review: Price and release date
The Hisense U8QG is notably brighter than 2024's also very bright U8N series (Image credit: Future)
Hisense’s U8QG series TVs are its top mainstream mini-LED models in the US, slotting in only under the Hisense U9N series. The full U8QG lineup is currently available in the US, and the 65-, 75-, and 85-inch models are available in Australia.
UK availability and pricing have not yet been announced, but we'll update this review when we have them.
Although the U8QG series was launched in the US in late March, big discounts are already starting to appear as of this review in May 2025, with the 65-inch model selling for $1,399, the 75-inch model for $1,899 and the 85-inch model for $2,499.
Hisense U8QG review: Specs
Screen type:
OLED
Refresh rate:
Up to 165Hz
HDR support:
Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, HLG
Audio support:
Dolby Atmos, DTS Virtual:X
Smart TV:
Google TV
HDMI ports:
3 x HDMI 2.1
Built-in tuner:
ATSC 3.0 (USA)
Hisense U8QG review: Benchmark results
Hisense U8QG review: Features
The U8QG has three HDMI 2.1 ports with 4K 165Hz support plus a side-mounted USB-C input with DisplayPort support (Image credit: Future)
Dolby Vision and HDR10+ high dynamic range
Anti-Reflection Pro panel
4K 165Hz gaming support
The Hisense U8QG series is feature-packed and also provides several upgrades over its U8N series predecessor. The TV’s mini-LED backlight provides up to 5,000 local dimming zones (on the 100-inch model, fewer on smaller sizes). It uses the company’s Hi-View Al Engine Pro processor, which offers AI picture and sound optimization, and its HDR support includes Dolby Vision, Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10, HDR 10+, HDR10+ Adaptive, and HLG.
Peak brightness for the series is specified at 5,000 nits, and an Anti-Reflection Pro screen helps to reduce screen glare when viewing in bright rooms.
Audio is one of the U8QG series’ biggest upgrades, with all models featuring a 4.1.2-channel Dolby Atmos speaker array (powered by 72 watts on the 65-inch model I tested).
Like previous Hisense TVs, the U8QG series uses the Google TV smart TV platform in the US and Hisense’s own VIDAA platform in the UK, Europe and Australia. Google TV can be controlled hands-free using the TV’s built-in far-field mics or via the mic on the included fully backlit remote control.
Gaming gets an upgrade on the Q8QG series with support for 4K 165Hz input across the TV’s three HDMI 2.1 ports, and there’s also FreeSync Premium Pro, Dolby Vision and HDR10+ gaming, ALLM, and Hisense’s Game Bar menu for making quick on-screen adjustments.
Features Score: 5/5
Hisense U8QG review: Picture quality
The U8QG's picture looks great in both light and dark room viewing conditions (Image credit: Future)
High brightness and refined local dimming
Rich-looking color
Contrast suffers with off-center viewing
The first thing to discuss about the Hisense U8QG’s picture quality is that it has brightness to spare – and then some. Measured in the default Filmmaker Mode preset, peak brightness on a 10% HDR white window pattern was 3,337 nits, and in Standard mode it was 2,888 nits. That’s a sizable peak brightness bump over last year’s also very bright Hisense U8N.
However, fullscreen brightness in the same modes was below what last year's U8N delivered. In Filmmaker Mode, the new model hits 733 nits, while last year's hit 805 nits. In Standard mode, the difference is slightly more pronounced again, with 744 nits for U8QG and 873 for the U8N.
Also, the U8QG’s SDR peak and fullscreen brightness both measured strangely low in Filmmaker Mode, meaning the Standard (or Theater Day or Night) picture preset will be the better option for viewing standard- and high-definition programs.
The U8QG’s UHDA-P3 and BT.2020 color gamut coverage in Filmmaker Mode were both excellent for a mini-LED, measuring 97.8% and 82.8%, respectively. Once again, this represents an improvement on last year’s U8N.
Color point accuracy averaged out to an impressive 1.8 average Delta-E value (the margin of error between the test pattern source and what’s shown on-screen), which is well into the zone where the human eye can't distinguish it from being perfect (we look for anything lower than 3).
However, the average grayscale Delta-E was a less impressive 4.3, which showed up onscreen as a slightly too warm, reddish color bias.
Aside from calibrating the U8QG’s grayscale, there were certain adjustments I made to the settings in its picture menu that boosted picture performance.
Dynamic Tone Mapping gave images a slightly punchier look, and Dark Detail helped to flesh out shadows in darker movies and TV shows. There is also an AI Contrast setting in the Picture Brightness submenu that I found had a beneficial effect when set to Low or Medium, but that was only for standard and high-definition programs upscaled to 4K by the TV. With 4K HDR content, AI Contrast at all settings gave pictures a too-crisp look.
The U8QG provides better UHDA-P3 and BT.2020 color gamut coverage than last year's Hisense U8N (Image credit: Future)
The local dimming on Hisense TVs gets incrementally better with every year, and the U8QG provides the best example yet. Dark, shadowy scenes in TV shows like The Last of Us, season 2, episode 6 (watched in 4K with Dolby Vision on Max) had powerful depth, and in challenging shots like one of moonlight shimmering on water, there was no sign at all of backlight blooming effects.
For virtually all of my viewing, I left Local Dimming set to High, and the TV’s picture was given its maximum level of contrast punch.
Colors also looked notably rich on the U8QG, confirming the great results I got from measurements. This gave sports such as the NBA basketball playoffs a serious eye candy quality, with the bold colors of the players’ uniforms popping vividly on the screen.
Given the U8QG’s high brightness levels, sports and other TV programs looked very good when watched in bright rooms, and the TV’s effective anti-reflection screen helped reduce screen glare from overhead lights, making even dark shows like The Last of Us viewable in such lighting conditions.
One area where the U8QG’s picture came up short was off-axis uniformity: When viewing from an off-center seat, colors and contrast faded noticeably. This won’t be an issue when viewing from seats spread out across a typical sofa, but a straggler at your NBA finals viewing party sitting in a far-off-center chair won’t experience the same picture quality as those directly in front of the TV.
The U8QG’s motion handling was just average. Even with Motion Enhancement set to Film mode in the TV’s Clarity sub-menu, reference movie clips such as a scene from the James Bond film No Time to Die, where Bond walks across a craggy hillside cemetery, had a blurry and slightly wobbly look.
Selecting the Custom mode in the same menu and adjusting the Judder and Blur sliders to the 3-4 range helps considerably to tone this down, and with only a slight “soap opera effect” visual penalty.
Picture quality score: 4.5/5
Hisense U8QG review: Sound quality
A dual driver subwoofer set in the TV's back panel tends to audibly distort when watching movies with heavy low-frequency effects (Image credit: Future)
4.1.2-channel, 72W speaker array
Room Acoustic Tuning feature
Bass in soundtracks can create subwoofer rattle
The Hisense U8QG’s sound gets a substantial hardware upgrade over last year’s Hisense U8N. Specifically, it has a 4.1.2-channel Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual:X compatible built-in speaker array (powered by 72W), compared to the U8N’s 2.1.2-channel speaker array.
It also has numerous sound presets, an Intelligent Sound option that automatically optimizes the sound based on the specific program type you’re watching, and a Room Acoustic Tuning feature that uses the mic built into the TV’s remote control to measure and adjust the sound based on your room environment.
While the U8QG’s sound is powerful and provides a good level of immersion – at one point I actually checked to see if my system’s surround speakers were accidentally left turned on – low-frequency effects in movie soundtracks frequently caused the TV’s built-in subwoofer to audibly, and unpleasantly, rattle.
I didn’t experience the same issue with more standard fare, like most TV shows, news, or sports. Also, the noise could be lessened by turning down the Bass Boost level in the Sound Advanced Settings menu, or by turning off the subwoofer altogether in the same menu.
But the U8QG’s rattling built-in sub was nonetheless a disappointment, and I’d recommend instead pairing this TV with one of the best soundbars despite the strong effort put into its sound elsewhere.
Sound quality score: 3.5/5
Hisense U8QG review: Design
The U8QG's sturdy aluminum pedestal stand (Image credit: Future)
Sturdy pedestal stand with cable management
Only three HDMI ports
Full-sized, backlit remote control
The U8QG has a chunky look when viewed from the side due to the frame’s two-inch depth – a necessity to contain the TV’s side-firing left/right and upfiring Atmos speakers. Viewed head-on, it has a much lighter look, with its 0.25-inch thin bezel allowing maximum screen area for the picture.
An aluminum pedestal stand with an angled cut gives the TV sturdy support, and its back-facing section provides ample cable management options for a neat installation.
About the only thing I found off-putting about the U8QG’s design was that HDMI ports were limited to three instead of the usual four, though these were all HDMI version 2.1 with 4K 165Hz support. There’s also a USB-C input with DisplayPort support for a PC connection.
Hisense’s remote control is the same full-sized, fully backlit version provided with 2024’s U8N. It’s easy to handle and navigate menus with, has a built-in mic for the Google Voice assistant, and also provides quick buttons to access apps including Netflix, Prime Video, Disney Plus, and Tubi.
Design score: 4/5
Hisense U8QG review: Smart TV and menus
The U8QG's Google TV homescreen is uncluttered and easy to navigate (Image credit: Future)
Google TV (US) and VIDAA (UK, Europe and Australia)
No broadcast TV data in Live program grid
Some settings buried too deep in menus
The U8QG uses the Google TV smart interface in the US and Hisense’s own VIDAA smart TV system elsewhere. Since I’m located in the US, my comments will pertain to Google TV.
Google TV has a relatively uncluttered interface that’s dominated by program recommendations that are fine-tuned when you sign in with a Google account (a necessity to download streaming apps to the TV).
While not ad-free – the rotating carousel at the top of the screen regularly pushes YouTube Premium subscriptions, movie rentals/purchases on the Google TV store, and Google’s own Freeplay free ad-supported TV portal – sponsored recommendations on the main ‘For You’ homescreen are equally mixed with suggestions from apps that you actually subscribe to.
The U8QG has a built-in ATSC 3.0 tuner for viewing ‘NextGen TV’ digital broadcasts in the US, and while this works perfectly fine in showing enhanced program data for the channel you’ve tuned, the Tuner section of Google TV’s Live TV program grid guide failed to show any info for live broadcast TV channels, and also wouldn’t let me select channels directly from the guide. (The Live guide shortcut button on the U8QG’s remote control was also non-functional.)
This seems like something that could likely be fixed with a software update, because the Google TV Freeplay channel section in the same Live guide worked completely fine.
A menu button on the remote control calls up a quick menu at the bottom of the screen that gives you convenient access to things like picture and sound modes, and even more advanced options like local dimming and Intelligent (AI) settings. A gear button on the remote, and also on the TV’s homescreen, unlocks more in-depth settings, including advanced picture calibration options.
Smart TV & menus score: 4/5
Hisense U8QG review: Gaming
The U8QG's Game Menu in action (Image credit: Future)
Three HDMI 2.1 ports
4K 165Hz, FreeSync Premium Pro, Dolby Vision and HDR10+ gaming support
Low 9.9ms input lag
The U8QG supports an impressive range of gaming features on its trio of HDMI 2.1 inputs, including 4K 165Hz, AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, ALLM, Dolby Vision gaming, and HDR10+ gaming. It also has a Game Bar menu that lets you make a wide range of gaming-related adjustments onscreen while your game plays on in the background.
Latency in Game mode measured with a Bodnar 4K input lag meter was an impressive 9.9ms. That’s the lowest input latency TechRadar has yet measured on a Hisense TV, and it puts the U8QG in the company of the best gaming TVs from Samsung and LG.
Gaming score: 5/5
Hisense U8QG review: Value
The U8QG comes with a large, fully backlit remote control (Image credit: Future)
Performs well compared to pricier competition
The still-available Hisense U8N (2024) is also great
Excellent overall value
At $2,199 for the 65-inch model I tested, the Hisense U8QG wasn’t cheap at launch, though its price has since dropped to $1,399 in the US.
At that reduced price, the U8QG is an excellent value, and it’s bound to give new premium mini-LED competitors like the Samsung QN90F (currently selling for $2,099 in a 65-inch screen size) reason to be nervous.
A main factor affecting the U8QG’s value is that the 2024 Hisense U8N is still available and selling at well under $1,000 for a 65-inch screen. The U8N is a great TV, and one that also offers high brightness, refined local dimming, and a strong set of gaming features.
Having tested both models, the U8QG has better overall picture quality, and it also offers more advanced gaming features. It’s the one I’d choose between the two, but viewers on a budget will be equally happy with the U8N, as long as it sticks around.
Value score: 5/5
Should I buy the Hisense U8QG?
(Image credit: Future)
Hisense U8QG
Attributes
Notes
Rating
Features
Feature-packed, with broad HDR support and a wide array of gaming features
5/5
Picture quality
High brightness and refined local dimming and an anti-reflective screen make this a great TV for both sports and movies, though picture quality suffers when viewed from off-center seats
4.5/5
Sound quality
A built-in 4.1.2-channel speaker array provides clear, powerful, and immersive sound, but the built-in subwoofer is prone to rattling on deep bass effects
3.5/5
Design
A sturdy design with a solid pedestal stand and ample cable management options. The large, fully backlit remote control is a nice addition, though three total HDMI ports may not be enough for some viewers
4.5/5
Smart TV and menus
Google TV is an effective and easy to navigate smart TV platform, but there are problems with the Live TV program guide and some advanced settings can be difficult to access
4/5
Gaming
A wide range of cutting-edge gaming features plus very low input lag make this a fantastic gaming TV
5/5
Value
Steep discounts off the initial launch prices make the U8QG series an excellent value, though its value is somewhat affected by the availability of 2024’s also great U8N series
5/5
Buy it if...
You want a TV that can handle bright rooms Few TVs can match the U8QG when it comes to brightness, and that, combined with its effective anti-reflective screen, makes it an excellent choice for daytime or bright room viewing.
You also want a TV that looks great when you dim the lights The U8QG’s refined local dimming delivers deep blacks along with detailed shadows, and its powerful brightness reserves mean highlights in 4K movies and TV shows with HDR are given maximum punch.
You want a great TV for gaming The U8QG’s three HDMI 2.1 ports support 4K 165Hz, FreeSync Premium, and both Dolby Vision and HDR10+ gaming. An impressively low 9.9ms input lag also ranks this Hisense among the best gaming TVs.
Don't buy it if…
You don’t want to add a soundbar The TV’s 4.1.2-channel speaker array delivers powerful, clear, and immersive sound with most content, but its built-in subwoofer is prone to distortion when conveying low-frequency effects in movies.
You watch plenty of broadcast TV The ATSC 3.0 tuner (US only) is a nice perk, but the Google TV grid guide fails to list any info for tuned channels, and it’s also impossible to navigate.
You like to watch with large groups The U8QG’s main picture quality weakness is off-axis picture uniformity – images lose both contrast and color saturation when viewed from far off-center seats.
Hisense U8QG: Also consider...
Hisense U8QG
Hisense U8N
Samsung QN90D
TCL QM851G
Price (65-inch)
$3.399 /£3,399 / AU$5,299
$3,299
$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
144Hz
144Hz
144Hz
HDR support
DolbyVision/HDR10+/HDR10/HLG
DolbyVision/HDR10+/HDR10/HLG
HDR10+/HDR10/HLG
DolbyVision/HDR10+/HDR10/HLG
Smart TV
Google TV / VIDAA
Google TV / VIDAA
Tizen
Google TV
HDMI ports
3 x HDMI 2.1
4 (2x HDMI 2.1)
4 x HDMI 2.1
4 (2x HDMI 2.1)
Hisense U8N The U8N is a 2024 model that offers nearly as high brightness, along with great overall picture quality. It doesn’t have the same high-level gaming features as the U8QG, but while still available, it’s an excellent deal.
Samsung QN90D Samsung’s top mini-LED – a 2024 model – is another picture quality and gaming powerhouse, and it also has a built-in 4.2.2-channel speaker array. Pricing for the 65-inch model we tested currently matches that of the 65-inch U8QG.
TCL’s top mini-LED from 2024 is another brightness monster that also performs exceptionally well with movies. It’s only available in the US, where it is now seeing steep discounts.
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 it for casual viewing to assess the out-of-box picture presets and get familiar with its 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 Hisense U8QG, 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.
The Hisense U8QG follows in the footsteps of last year's Hisense U8N series mini-LED TVs, which combined exceptionally high brightness with a level of local dimming refinement that well exceeded what we’d seen in previous TVs from the company.
With the new Hisense U8QG series (65-inch model tested here), Hisense has created an even brighter U8 series offering, and also one with better local dimming performance yet again.
It’s not a huge leap in picture quality over the excellent Hisense U8N, a model that found itself on many of TechRadar's best TV lists, but our benchmark tests (see below) all indicate better measured performance, from brightness and color gamut coverage to input lag for gaming.
As with many other new TVs coming out in 2025, Hisense tags several features with the ‘AI’ buzzword, specifically AI modes for picture and sound. You can easily take these or leave them (I chose to leave them), though the AI picture mode can help improve the look of lower-resolution programs on streaming and broadcast TV sources.
The U8QG sports a buffed-up design to contain its built-in 4.1.2-channel speaker array, an upgrade over its 2.1.2-channel predecessor that provides powerful, immersive sound with most programs. Sadly, the built-in subwoofer is prone to distortion on movies with low bass effects, making things a tough listen for bass-craving action movie fans.
Hisense uses Google TV as a smart system in the US, and its own VIDAA one in Europe. Google TV is a reliable, easy to navigate smart interface, and it provides features such as an ambient mode that lets you display photos from your own Google photo library onscreen when the TV is in standby.
One area where the U8QG represents a clear upgrade over its predecessor is gaming. Features here include 4K 165Hz support, along with FreeSync Premium Pro, Dolby Vision and HDR10+ gaming. Disappointingly, the TV has only three HDMI 2.1 inputs, although there’s also USB-C input with DisplayPort support.
Prices for the U8QG series were high out of the gate, but have since dropped to a much more reasonable level in the US. For example, the 65-inch model I tested is currently selling for $1,399, and is an excellent value at that price.
Hisense U8QG review: Price and release date
The Hisense U8QG is notably brighter than 2024's also very bright U8N series (Image credit: Future)
Hisense’s U8QG series TVs are its top mainstream mini-LED models in the US, slotting in only under the Hisense U9N series. The full U8QG lineup is currently available in the US, and the 65-, 75-, and 85-inch models are available in Australia.
UK availability and pricing have not yet been announced, but we'll update this review when we have them.
Although the U8QG series was launched in the US in late March, big discounts are already starting to appear as of this review in May 2025, with the 65-inch model selling for $1,399, the 75-inch model for $1,899 and the 85-inch model for $2,499.
Hisense U8QG review: Specs
Screen type:
OLED
Refresh rate:
Up to 165Hz
HDR support:
Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, HLG
Audio support:
Dolby Atmos, DTS Virtual:X
Smart TV:
Google TV
HDMI ports:
3 x HDMI 2.1
Built-in tuner:
ATSC 3.0 (USA)
Hisense U8QG review: Benchmark results
Hisense U8QG review: Features
The U8QG has three HDMI 2.1 ports with 4K 165Hz support plus a side-mounted USB-C input with DisplayPort support (Image credit: Future)
Dolby Vision and HDR10+ high dynamic range
Anti-Reflection Pro panel
4K 165Hz gaming support
The Hisense U8QG series is feature-packed and also provides several upgrades over its U8N series predecessor. The TV’s mini-LED backlight provides up to 5,000 local dimming zones (on the 100-inch model, fewer on smaller sizes). It uses the company’s Hi-View Al Engine Pro processor, which offers AI picture and sound optimization, and its HDR support includes Dolby Vision, Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10, HDR 10+, HDR10+ Adaptive, and HLG.
Peak brightness for the series is specified at 5,000 nits, and an Anti-Reflection Pro screen helps to reduce screen glare when viewing in bright rooms.
Audio is one of the U8QG series’ biggest upgrades, with all models featuring a 4.1.2-channel Dolby Atmos speaker array (powered by 72 watts on the 65-inch model I tested).
Like previous Hisense TVs, the U8QG series uses the Google TV smart TV platform in the US and Hisense’s own VIDAA platform in the UK, Europe and Australia. Google TV can be controlled hands-free using the TV’s built-in far-field mics or via the mic on the included fully backlit remote control.
Gaming gets an upgrade on the Q8QG series with support for 4K 165Hz input across the TV’s three HDMI 2.1 ports, and there’s also FreeSync Premium Pro, Dolby Vision and HDR10+ gaming, ALLM, and Hisense’s Game Bar menu for making quick on-screen adjustments.
Features Score: 5/5
Hisense U8QG review: Picture quality
The U8QG's picture looks great in both light and dark room viewing conditions (Image credit: Future)
High brightness and refined local dimming
Rich-looking color
Contrast suffers with off-center viewing
The first thing to discuss about the Hisense U8QG’s picture quality is that it has brightness to spare – and then some. Measured in the default Filmmaker Mode preset, peak brightness on a 10% HDR white window pattern was 3,337 nits, and in Standard mode it was 2,888 nits. That’s a sizable peak brightness bump over last year’s also very bright Hisense U8N.
However, fullscreen brightness in the same modes was below what last year's U8N delivered. In Filmmaker Mode, the new model hits 733 nits, while last year's hit 805 nits. In Standard mode, the difference is slightly more pronounced again, with 744 nits for U8QG and 873 for the U8N.
Also, the U8QG’s SDR peak and fullscreen brightness both measured strangely low in Filmmaker Mode, meaning the Standard (or Theater Day or Night) picture preset will be the better option for viewing standard- and high-definition programs.
The U8QG’s UHDA-P3 and BT.2020 color gamut coverage in Filmmaker Mode were both excellent for a mini-LED, measuring 97.8% and 82.8%, respectively. Once again, this represents an improvement on last year’s U8N.
Color point accuracy averaged out to an impressive 1.8 average Delta-E value (the margin of error between the test pattern source and what’s shown on-screen), which is well into the zone where the human eye can't distinguish it from being perfect (we look for anything lower than 3).
However, the average grayscale Delta-E was a less impressive 4.3, which showed up onscreen as a slightly too warm, reddish color bias.
Aside from calibrating the U8QG’s grayscale, there were certain adjustments I made to the settings in its picture menu that boosted picture performance.
Dynamic Tone Mapping gave images a slightly punchier look, and Dark Detail helped to flesh out shadows in darker movies and TV shows. There is also an AI Contrast setting in the Picture Brightness submenu that I found had a beneficial effect when set to Low or Medium, but that was only for standard and high-definition programs upscaled to 4K by the TV. With 4K HDR content, AI Contrast at all settings gave pictures a too-crisp look.
The U8QG provides better UHDA-P3 and BT.2020 color gamut coverage than last year's Hisense U8N (Image credit: Future)
The local dimming on Hisense TVs gets incrementally better with every year, and the U8QG provides the best example yet. Dark, shadowy scenes in TV shows like The Last of Us, season 2, episode 6 (watched in 4K with Dolby Vision on Max) had powerful depth, and in challenging shots like one of moonlight shimmering on water, there was no sign at all of backlight blooming effects.
For virtually all of my viewing, I left Local Dimming set to High, and the TV’s picture was given its maximum level of contrast punch.
Colors also looked notably rich on the U8QG, confirming the great results I got from measurements. This gave sports such as the NBA basketball playoffs a serious eye candy quality, with the bold colors of the players’ uniforms popping vividly on the screen.
Given the U8QG’s high brightness levels, sports and other TV programs looked very good when watched in bright rooms, and the TV’s effective anti-reflection screen helped reduce screen glare from overhead lights, making even dark shows like The Last of Us viewable in such lighting conditions.
One area where the U8QG’s picture came up short was off-axis uniformity: When viewing from an off-center seat, colors and contrast faded noticeably. This won’t be an issue when viewing from seats spread out across a typical sofa, but a straggler at your NBA finals viewing party sitting in a far-off-center chair won’t experience the same picture quality as those directly in front of the TV.
The U8QG’s motion handling was just average. Even with Motion Enhancement set to Film mode in the TV’s Clarity sub-menu, reference movie clips such as a scene from the James Bond film No Time to Die, where Bond walks across a craggy hillside cemetery, had a blurry and slightly wobbly look.
Selecting the Custom mode in the same menu and adjusting the Judder and Blur sliders to the 3-4 range helps considerably to tone this down, and with only a slight “soap opera effect” visual penalty.
Picture quality score: 4.5/5
Hisense U8QG review: Sound quality
A dual driver subwoofer set in the TV's back panel tends to audibly distort when watching movies with heavy low-frequency effects (Image credit: Future)
4.1.2-channel, 72W speaker array
Room Acoustic Tuning feature
Bass in soundtracks can create subwoofer rattle
The Hisense U8QG’s sound gets a substantial hardware upgrade over last year’s Hisense U8N. Specifically, it has a 4.1.2-channel Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual:X compatible built-in speaker array (powered by 72W), compared to the U8N’s 2.1.2-channel speaker array.
It also has numerous sound presets, an Intelligent Sound option that automatically optimizes the sound based on the specific program type you’re watching, and a Room Acoustic Tuning feature that uses the mic built into the TV’s remote control to measure and adjust the sound based on your room environment.
While the U8QG’s sound is powerful and provides a good level of immersion – at one point I actually checked to see if my system’s surround speakers were accidentally left turned on – low-frequency effects in movie soundtracks frequently caused the TV’s built-in subwoofer to audibly, and unpleasantly, rattle.
I didn’t experience the same issue with more standard fare, like most TV shows, news, or sports. Also, the noise could be lessened by turning down the Bass Boost level in the Sound Advanced Settings menu, or by turning off the subwoofer altogether in the same menu.
But the U8QG’s rattling built-in sub was nonetheless a disappointment, and I’d recommend instead pairing this TV with one of the best soundbars despite the strong effort put into its sound elsewhere.
Sound quality score: 3.5/5
Hisense U8QG review: Design
The U8QG's sturdy aluminum pedestal stand (Image credit: Future)
Sturdy pedestal stand with cable management
Only three HDMI ports
Full-sized, backlit remote control
The U8QG has a chunky look when viewed from the side due to the frame’s two-inch depth – a necessity to contain the TV’s side-firing left/right and upfiring Atmos speakers. Viewed head-on, it has a much lighter look, with its 0.25-inch thin bezel allowing maximum screen area for the picture.
An aluminum pedestal stand with an angled cut gives the TV sturdy support, and its back-facing section provides ample cable management options for a neat installation.
About the only thing I found off-putting about the U8QG’s design was that HDMI ports were limited to three instead of the usual four, though these were all HDMI version 2.1 with 4K 165Hz support. There’s also a USB-C input with DisplayPort support for a PC connection.
Hisense’s remote control is the same full-sized, fully backlit version provided with 2024’s U8N. It’s easy to handle and navigate menus with, has a built-in mic for the Google Voice assistant, and also provides quick buttons to access apps including Netflix, Prime Video, Disney Plus, and Tubi.
Design score: 4/5
Hisense U8QG review: Smart TV and menus
The U8QG's Google TV homescreen is uncluttered and easy to navigate (Image credit: Future)
Google TV (US) and VIDAA (UK, Europe and Australia)
No broadcast TV data in Live program grid
Some settings buried too deep in menus
The U8QG uses the Google TV smart interface in the US and Hisense’s own VIDAA smart TV system elsewhere. Since I’m located in the US, my comments will pertain to Google TV.
Google TV has a relatively uncluttered interface that’s dominated by program recommendations that are fine-tuned when you sign in with a Google account (a necessity to download streaming apps to the TV).
While not ad-free – the rotating carousel at the top of the screen regularly pushes YouTube Premium subscriptions, movie rentals/purchases on the Google TV store, and Google’s own Freeplay free ad-supported TV portal – sponsored recommendations on the main ‘For You’ homescreen are equally mixed with suggestions from apps that you actually subscribe to.
The U8QG has a built-in ATSC 3.0 tuner for viewing ‘NextGen TV’ digital broadcasts in the US, and while this works perfectly fine in showing enhanced program data for the channel you’ve tuned, the Tuner section of Google TV’s Live TV program grid guide failed to show any info for live broadcast TV channels, and also wouldn’t let me select channels directly from the guide. (The Live guide shortcut button on the U8QG’s remote control was also non-functional.)
This seems like something that could likely be fixed with a software update, because the Google TV Freeplay channel section in the same Live guide worked completely fine.
A menu button on the remote control calls up a quick menu at the bottom of the screen that gives you convenient access to things like picture and sound modes, and even more advanced options like local dimming and Intelligent (AI) settings. A gear button on the remote, and also on the TV’s homescreen, unlocks more in-depth settings, including advanced picture calibration options.
Smart TV & menus score: 4/5
Hisense U8QG review: Gaming
The U8QG's Game Menu in action (Image credit: Future)
Three HDMI 2.1 ports
4K 165Hz, FreeSync Premium Pro, Dolby Vision and HDR10+ gaming support
Low 9.9ms input lag
The U8QG supports an impressive range of gaming features on its trio of HDMI 2.1 inputs, including 4K 165Hz, AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, ALLM, Dolby Vision gaming, and HDR10+ gaming. It also has a Game Bar menu that lets you make a wide range of gaming-related adjustments onscreen while your game plays on in the background.
Latency in Game mode measured with a Bodnar 4K input lag meter was an impressive 9.9ms. That’s the lowest input latency TechRadar has yet measured on a Hisense TV, and it puts the U8QG in the company of the best gaming TVs from Samsung and LG.
Gaming score: 5/5
Hisense U8QG review: Value
The U8QG comes with a large, fully backlit remote control (Image credit: Future)
Performs well compared to pricier competition
The still-available Hisense U8N (2024) is also great
Excellent overall value
At $2,199 for the 65-inch model I tested, the Hisense U8QG wasn’t cheap at launch, though its price has since dropped to $1,399 in the US.
At that reduced price, the U8QG is an excellent value, and it’s bound to give new premium mini-LED competitors like the Samsung QN90F (currently selling for $2,099 in a 65-inch screen size) reason to be nervous.
A main factor affecting the U8QG’s value is that the 2024 Hisense U8N is still available and selling at well under $1,000 for a 65-inch screen. The U8N is a great TV, and one that also offers high brightness, refined local dimming, and a strong set of gaming features.
Having tested both models, the U8QG has better overall picture quality, and it also offers more advanced gaming features. It’s the one I’d choose between the two, but viewers on a budget will be equally happy with the U8N, as long as it sticks around.
Value score: 5/5
Should I buy the Hisense U8QG?
(Image credit: Future)
Hisense U8QG
Attributes
Notes
Rating
Features
Feature-packed, with broad HDR support and a wide array of gaming features
5/5
Picture quality
High brightness and refined local dimming and an anti-reflective screen make this a great TV for both sports and movies, though picture quality suffers when viewed from off-center seats
4.5/5
Sound quality
A built-in 4.1.2-channel speaker array provides clear, powerful, and immersive sound, but the built-in subwoofer is prone to rattling on deep bass effects
3.5/5
Design
A sturdy design with a solid pedestal stand and ample cable management options. The large, fully backlit remote control is a nice addition, though three total HDMI ports may not be enough for some viewers
4.5/5
Smart TV and menus
Google TV is an effective and easy to navigate smart TV platform, but there are problems with the Live TV program guide and some advanced settings can be difficult to access
4/5
Gaming
A wide range of cutting-edge gaming features plus very low input lag make this a fantastic gaming TV
5/5
Value
Steep discounts off the initial launch prices make the U8QG series an excellent value, though its value is somewhat affected by the availability of 2024’s also great U8N series
5/5
Buy it if...
You want a TV that can handle bright rooms Few TVs can match the U8QG when it comes to brightness, and that, combined with its effective anti-reflective screen, makes it an excellent choice for daytime or bright room viewing.
You also want a TV that looks great when you dim the lights The U8QG’s refined local dimming delivers deep blacks along with detailed shadows, and its powerful brightness reserves mean highlights in 4K movies and TV shows with HDR are given maximum punch.
You want a great TV for gaming The U8QG’s three HDMI 2.1 ports support 4K 165Hz, FreeSync Premium, and both Dolby Vision and HDR10+ gaming. An impressively low 9.9ms input lag also ranks this Hisense among the best gaming TVs.
Don't buy it if…
You don’t want to add a soundbar The TV’s 4.1.2-channel speaker array delivers powerful, clear, and immersive sound with most content, but its built-in subwoofer is prone to distortion when conveying low-frequency effects in movies.
You watch plenty of broadcast TV The ATSC 3.0 tuner (US only) is a nice perk, but the Google TV grid guide fails to list any info for tuned channels, and it’s also impossible to navigate.
You like to watch with large groups The U8QG’s main picture quality weakness is off-axis picture uniformity – images lose both contrast and color saturation when viewed from far off-center seats.
Hisense U8QG: Also consider...
Hisense U8QG
Hisense U8N
Samsung QN90D
TCL QM851G
Price (65-inch)
$3.399 /£3,399 / AU$5,299
$3,299
$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
144Hz
144Hz
144Hz
HDR support
DolbyVision/HDR10+/HDR10/HLG
DolbyVision/HDR10+/HDR10/HLG
HDR10+/HDR10/HLG
DolbyVision/HDR10+/HDR10/HLG
Smart TV
Google TV / VIDAA
Google TV / VIDAA
Tizen
Google TV
HDMI ports
3 x HDMI 2.1
4 (2x HDMI 2.1)
4 x HDMI 2.1
4 (2x HDMI 2.1)
Hisense U8N The U8N is a 2024 model that offers nearly as high brightness, along with great overall picture quality. It doesn’t have the same high-level gaming features as the U8QG, but while still available, it’s an excellent deal.
Samsung QN90D Samsung’s top mini-LED – a 2024 model – is another picture quality and gaming powerhouse, and it also has a built-in 4.2.2-channel speaker array. Pricing for the 65-inch model we tested currently matches that of the 65-inch U8QG.
TCL’s top mini-LED from 2024 is another brightness monster that also performs exceptionally well with movies. It’s only available in the US, where it is now seeing steep discounts.
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 it for casual viewing to assess the out-of-box picture presets and get familiar with its 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 Hisense U8QG, 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.
