Ugreen 10,000mAh Magnetic Wireless Power Bank review
Anyone on the hunt for a power bank will have likely come across Ugreen, a relatively new Chinese brand looking to wrest Anker’s grip on the sector, with its plentiful offerings at budget-friendly prices.
Just like Anker’s wireless power banks, the Ugreen 10,000mAh Magnetic Wireless Power Bank is simple and to the point. Two colorways are available: black and white. Every side of the unit is smooth and flat, free from any protrusions or indentations. And the only interface comes in the form of a series of LED lights, indicating battery levels and charging status.
For a wireless power bank with a large capacity, the Ugreen 10,000mAh Magnetic Wireless Power Bank is pleasingly light and lean like the best power banks, making it relatively easy to carry around. However, with an iPhone attached, I found it was still too bulky to pocket with ease – although I’ve yet to encounter a 10,000mAh wireless power bank that isn’t.
The Ugreen 10,000mAh Magnetic Wireless Power Bank can wirelessly charge the best iPhones thanks to its MagSafe compatibility, offering 15W of power. During my tests, it was able to charge an iPhone 13 Pro from 50% to 100% in under two hours, draining the bank’s battery by somewhere between 25-50%, as indicated by the loss of one of the four LED dots.
Wired charging via the single USB-C port is more powerful at 20W. I managed to charge a Google Pixel 7a from 50% to 100% in just over an hour, with the Ugreen 10,000mAh Magnetic Wireless Power Bank again losing one dot in the process. Charging the bank itself from empty to full took about two and a half hours, which is reasonable, roughly equal to the charging time of the Anker MagGo (10K).
The durability of the charging pad material is questionable. During my tests of the 5,000mAh variant, the pad began to show signs of wear. Since this is the same material, I have my concerns about this model's durability as well. It’s also fond of picking up fluff and other debris, which I haven't found with the materials on other MagSafe power banks, such as those offered by Anker.
The Ugreen 10,000mAh Magnetic Wireless Power Bank costs $49 / £49 (about AU$72), which undercuts the Anker MagGo Power Bank (10K) by a considerable margin. However, that bank does appear to have greater durability, owing to its hard charging pad material. Some variants also get a useful digital display, with precise battery levels and charging time estimations, making them an all-round better pick than the Ugreen 10,000mAh Magnetic Wireless Power Bank.
(Image credit: Future)
Ugreen 10,000mAh Magnetic Wireless Power Bank review: Price & specs
(Image credit: Future)
Should I buy the Ugreen 10,000mAh Magnetic Wireless Power Bank?
Buy it if…
You need a large yet practical power bank For a 10,000mAh power bank, the Ugreen is surprisingly light and slender. But like all wireless banks this size, you’ll still struggle to fit it in your pocket with an iPhone attached.
You’re on a budget Ugreen seems to be on a mission to undercut Anker at every turn, so if you’re on a tight budget, the Ugreen 10,000mAh Magnetic Wireless Power Bank could be tempting.
Don't buy it if…
You want something durable The silicone pad doesn’t seem to be the most durable, so you may want a harder-wearing alternative.
You have an Android While there are MagSafe-compatible cases for Android phones, they still don’t officially support Apple’s standard, so don’t be surprised if the Ugreen 10,000mAh Magnetic Wireless Power Bank won’t charge your device.
Ugreen 10,000mAh Magnetic Wireless Power Bank review: Also consider
Anker MagGo Power Bank (10k) A more feature-rich alternative, theAnker MagGo has 15W wireless and 27W wired charging power, as well as a digital display showing the bank’s battery percentage and estimated charging times. It also comes with a folding stand, allowing you to view your iPhone in landscape or portrait easily while charging. It is slightly heavier than the Ugreen 10,000mAh Magnetic Wireless Power Bank, though, and it’s considerably more expensive.View Deal
The Reolink Doorbell (Battery) is a wireless video doorbell that's solidly built and works without a subscription, but has a few drawbacks when it comes to video latency and smart home compatibility.
The built quality of the Reolink Doorbell (Battery) impresses as soon as you take it out of the box. Reolink has years of experience making external security cameras (including the recently launched Reolink Altas PT), and has brought that experience to bear on this product.
It feels substantial and purposeful when compared to something like the Aqara video doorbell G4 or the Ring Battery video doorbell Plus with its wafer-thin metal front cover. Superior weather protection is most welcome here in the UK, especially if you have a front entrance exposed to the elements.
It boasts a feature set that we've come to expect from the best video doorbells, including package detection, head-to-toe field of view, night vision, and 2K resolution. Plus, unlike some competing products, it works subscription-free; there is no need to store your video in the cloud as you can keep it on a microSD card within the unit (purchased separately).
With its rechargeable battery and Wi-Fi capabilities, installation can be as simple as downloading the app to your phone, drilling two holes, and attaching the doorbell to the door or wall. Reolink produces a range of devices including security cameras, hubs and network video recorders, and the lineage of this battery-powered doorbell is easy to trace.
However, The Reolink Doorbell (Battery) misses the mark in a few key areas; it has limited home automation connectivity and a slow and unreliable connection between the app and the doorbell, plus it’s easily removed from the wall.
(Image credit: Les Watson)
Reolink Doorbell (Battery): price and availability
List price: $145.99 / £159.99 / AU$186.99
Chimes and smart hub sold separately
The Reolink Doorbell (Battery) launched in September 2024 for $145.99 / £159.99 / AU$186.99, and at the time of writing the company is holding a sale that knocks around 10% off its list price. It can be bought direct from Reolink's online store (which ships worldwide) or from Amazon.
There are also Reolink chimes that let you hear the doorbell easily from anywhere in your home. These cost $19.99 / £23.99 / AU$49.99 each.
Reolink offers a compatible hub for $99.99 / £99.99 / AU$199.99, but I was disappointed that the brand’s solar panels do not appear compatible with the doorbell. It's also not clear how to hardwire the doorbell if you do not have an existing doorbell circuit.
Reolink Doorbell (Battery): specs
Reolink Doorbell (Battery): design
Sleek and attractive design
Battery is not removable
The Reolink Doorbell (Battery) is a pill-shaped device topped by the camera and sensor housing with a sizeable round button on the lower half. It’s simple and unobtrusive, opting for a less boxy form factor than the market-leading Ring doorbells have to offer. It’s robustly built with long-term outdoor use in mind but has a few quirks that make it a less-than-optimal choice for some households.
It's possible to tell quite a lot about a product and the company that produces it from the box that it comes in. I like a good box, and appreciate the time and effort required to design it; Reolink 'gives good box'.
The manual with readable text larger than that found on microfilm impressed me, but the paper template for drilling the holes in your door/wall is a curious inclusion. If you can't figure out where the holes need to go using the provided plates and screws I would suggest that you put the tools down, hold your hands aloft, and step away from the power drill.
The USB-C charge port is sensibly placed about halfway up the back of the doorbell under a protective rubber flap. Lifting the flap also revealed the MicroSD port into which I inserted a spare card and the supplied USB-C cable.
(Image credit: Les Watson)
I admired the nicely illuminated doorbell button and then…
“Welcome to Reolink, please install the Reolink app and scan the QR code on the camera,” said the nice lady on the doorbell.
“No thank you, I am going to bed now,” said I, but the doorbell had other ideas. “Willkommen bei Reolink, bitte installieren Sie die Reolink-App und scannen Sie den QR-Code auf der Kamera“, sagte die nette Dame an der Türklingel.
I replied to the now very annoying lady using all of the four-letter Anglo Saxon words I could think of, hoping that it would shut up after a while, but no - it repeated the same message in six languages again and again and again. Further frustration ensued when I searched for a QR code to scan since the message did not specify “scan the QR code from within the app”.
Eventually, I found the rather hidden power button and consulted the manual to find that it needed holding down for a few seconds to power down. All the while the doorbell is bellowing like a Eurovision score round. Who thought all of that was a good idea?
Installing the doorbell in battery mode after charging it was simple enough, but I did notice that the mounting plate does not allow for powered installation where a power cable does not present itself directly behind the doorbell. It’s unlikely that existing doorbell wiring will be at the correct height, let alone the right location, meaning the power wire will most likely need to enter the unit from one side or the other and there are no slots in the mounting plate to allow for this.
The two major design flaws are the non-removable rechargeable battery and the ease with which the doorbell can be removed from the wall. I appreciate that using widely available removable rechargeable batteries restricts design choices, but everything else about the doorbell is built to last except for the battery.
Far worse is the ease with which the doorbell can be removed from the mounting plate. Yes, Reolink provides a sturdy removal tool, but you can remove it with a paperclip and, more worryingly, you can also remove the MicroSD card.
Reolink Doorbell (Battery): performance
Mobile app is easy to navigate, but a little clunky
Connecting to doorbell via app is slow
Battery life is shorter than many other doorbells
As much as I like the build quality and Reolink’s attention to detail, it has to be said that connecting to the doorbell through the application is very slow. While the app is uncluttered and easy to navigate, some of the settings could be labeled more clearly. For instance, why are the video quality settings called 'Clear', 'Balanced' and 'Fluent', especially when the onscreen icon uses the unpretentious 'High', 'Mid' and 'Low' descriptors?
Drawing the privacy mask for your location is a pain, as you can’t see exactly what you’re doing when your comparatively large finger is blocking the screen. Reviewing video is also a bit clunky as it only displays the current day’s captures. If you want to see what happened the previous day you need to change the date and then wait for it to load.
The doorbell has been designed to conserve the battery wherever possible by only capturing video when the unit detects movement. This is a laudable design principle but as is often the case, it affects the performance; its standby mode leads to a longer connection time as it boots up. Two or three seconds is the usual connection period on other video doorbells and cameras that I have experienced, but the Reolink takes 5-10 seconds. Occasionally, it does not connect at all, which is very frustrating.
The seeds of doubt germinate as the battery also doesn't seem to last as long as the other doorbells that I have tested. The Reolink website states “the 7,000mAh built-in battery provides up to five months of protection,” although they do caveat that this conclusion is based on testing “under lab conditions with 20 triggers per day, each recording lasting eight seconds.” I'm willing to accept that the battery won’t last quite so long once I have finished my testing, but five months is, at best, optimistic.
(Image credit: Les Watson)
Reolink provides software for both Windows and OSX which is commendable; I spend most of my day at the computer and interacting with the doorbell through the phone app is less than ideal. It’s much easier to see the video output on a larger screen and the aliasing is not such an issue when the camera quality is set to high (or 'Fluent'). It goes some way toward redemption for having such limited home automation capabilities. The night vision is darker than on other doorbells which is a bit of a double-edged sword. It is sometimes difficult to see what has been captured, but on the other hand, it does not trigger unnecessarily when the security light on the house opposite lights up like other doorbells I’ve tested.
I have mixed feelings, ultimately, about the Reolink doorbell (battery). I want to believe in this product but at its price and with its software being so middling, it’s likely to be a somewhat disappointing purchase.
Should you buy the Reolink Doorbell (Battery)?
Buy it if
You want a quick and easy way to add a video doorbell
If like me, you do not have an existing chime in your house, battery-powered video doorbells are a quick and easy solution.
You have other Reolink devices but their hard-wired doorbell is not suitable
The Reolink doorbell battery will work with the Reolink hub, Reolink Network Video Recorder and other Reolink security cameras.
You want a subscription-free device
Most other video doorbells either have limited storage capacities or constantly capture the video stream which fills the storage up (or both). The Reolink supports MicroSD cards up to 256GB and only captures video when movement is detected. In theory, this should mean that you will have video that goes back a long way.
Don't buy it if
You use Apple HomeKit
There are options available (like Homebridge) that can usually allow you to easily include non-Homekit devices in your Apple home via a plugin or other ecosystems like Samsung SmartThings. Reolink’s limited home automation options make that difficult.
You need to investigate every notification
The slow response will annoy and the battery will drain quickly.
You are concerned about porch security
If you live in an area where you think someone might have the bright idea to remove, steal and reset your video doorbell, avoid this easily swiped device.
Reolink Doorbell (Battery): also consider
Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2
The Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 is a premium video doorbell that not only looks the part, but offers a wider field of view and sharp video quality. It is, unfortunately, wired only and is pricey as well, though it often goes on sale since it’s a bit older.
While the Eufy Video Doorbell 2K (Wireless) doesn’t have HDR, it still has that sharp 2K resolution, not to mention it’s a little less expensive than the Philips. It also can be used without a subscription, though one is on offer. This model is wireless only.
I tested the phone application and OSX application
I tested package recognition
I compared response times and video output to other smart video doorbells
I attempted to add it to Google Home
I attempted to add it to Apple HomeKit using Homebridge
I accessed the doorbell remotely via 4G and Wi-Fi
The test environment consisted of three smart doorbells (including the Reolink) all connected to the same Wi-Fi network. All doorbells were accessed via their accompanying applications during the testing for this review. The contents of the MicroSD cards were compared for file size and capture frequency (how often the doorbell captures video). The attempts to connect to Google Home and Apple HomeKit via Homebridge were time-limited to an hour each.
The drawback of the 'only capture when detecting movement' paradigm is that it is not possible to review the whole day's video to investigate detection misfires or failures. The privacy mask seemed to work really well, for example, but conversely, maybe it was not picking up everything that it should. Still, I checked to my best ability when I knew there was outside activity and by acting out my own doorbell-ringing scenarios.
I’ve been using smart home devices for several years now, and have a whopping 30+ years of tech enthusiasm and experience under my belt. Read more about how we test.
The Anker 3-in-1 Cube with MagSafe may leave some reeling at its expensive $129.99 / £129.95 / AU$299.95 price tag. However, this brand is a reliable name that’s known for its quality products, so even a penny pincher like myself has come around to this chonky charging companion.
First of all, I loved how secure my phone felt when attached to this stand. The adjustable viewing angle came in very handy, the hinge felt strong and just stiff enough to hold my phone at the angle I wanted. It was really easy to change my phone from portrait to landscape too, making it a delightful desk companion whether I was scrolling through emails or watching YouTube.
This MagSafe charger offers 15W charging power. When tested with an iPhone 13 Pro, the Anker 3-in-1 Cube took two hours and fifteen minutes to charge it from 0%-100%, which is a fairly average charging time compared to the multitude of wireless charging stands I’ve tested.
There’s a satisfying little press-and-pull pop-out platform on the right-hand side of the cube that holds the Apple Watch charger. When in the popped-out position, the platform felt easily movable so I was concerned that the internal attachment may be a little flimsy, although it didn’t pose any problems during testing.
It took the Anker 3-in-1 Cube just an hour and fifteen minutes to charge my Apple Watch Series 9, which was only eleven minutes slower than the fastest Apple Watch charger I’ve tested to date, achieved by the impressive – albeit much larger-sized – Anker MagGo Wireless Charging Station 3-in-1 Stand. I was really pleased to discover that the rear wireless AirPod charging pad also worked great for juicing up a pair of wireless earbuds that supported the tech.
As fond as I am of this charger, I must disagree with Anker that it’s in any way “travel-ready”. Far from pocket-sized at about 2.4 x 2.4 x 2.5 inches / 60 x 60 x 63mm and weighing in at 14oz / 405g, its weight and sturdy design teamed with the non-slip base make it perfect for leaving on your desk or nightstand. But I wouldn’t say that it’s convenient for travel at all.
Overall, if you’re looking for a sturdy 3-in-1 MagSafe charger and you're happy to part with the cash, the Anker 3-in-1 Cube with MagSafe wouldn't be a bad choice. However, there are plenty of options out there if you'd rather have a more travel-friendly alternative that will charge your devices a little faster, then the ESR Qi2 3-in-1 Travel Wireless Charging Set is worth a look. Or, if these Anker or ESR chargers cost more than you'd like to spend, then the Mous MagSafe Compatible 3 In 1 Portable Charger would make a truly transportable alternative.
If you haven't yet made a decision on which charger would suit you best I recommend taking a look at our helpful guides of the best iPhone chargers and best wireless chargers for more ideas.
(Image credit: Future)
Anker 3-in-1 Cube with MagSafe review: price & specs
(Image credit: Future)
Should I buy the Anker 3-in-1 Cube with MagSafe?
Buy it if…
You want something secure I had no concerns when leaving my phone attached to the Anker 3-in-1 Cube. While other wireless chargers may have just as strong magnets, their general design often leaves them open to catastrophe should they get knocked. Thanks to the 3-in-1 Cube's heft and low center of gravity, I didn’t experience any problems.
You don’t want to be limited to one viewing angle Many MagSafe wireless chargers enable you to switch between portrait and landscape configurations, but the Anker 3-in-1 Cube gives additional flexibility thanks to its hinged charging plate. It has just the right amount of resistance to hold a phone at basically any angle between the base up to 60 degrees, making it ideal for scrolling or viewing.
Don't buy it if…
You want something travel-ready Anker may claim that the 3-in-1 Cube is travel-ready, but I simply don’t agree. While the AirPods charger hides beneath the phone charging plate, and the Apple Watch charger can be hidden away inside the cube, its chonky build and heavy weight were very noticeable whenever I tried to transport it between my home and the office.
You’re on a budget There’s no denying it: this is one pricey phone charger and it’s perfectly understandable if the cost puts you off. But other than my niggles over the stability of the Apple Watch charging platform, it feels very robust and well-made as a whole. I’ve never used a phone charger this sturdy, and I’ve found the variable viewing angle to be a gift that keeps on giving, so it’s worth it if you’ve got the pennies for it. Otherwise, we’ve got other options that are more cost-friendly.
Anker 3-in-1 Cube with MagSafe review: also consider
ESR Qi2 3-in-1 Travel Wireless Charging Set I'm a big fan of this ESR charging set. It delivers satisfying charging speeds and is sturdy enough to be used as an everyday charger. Granted, it isn't the most compact portable charger out there and has separate components, but it can be purchased with a travel case to make life easier.
If you’re a content creator who needs a portable microphone for a convention, or even just some on-the-go video making, you really can’t go wrong with the JBL Quantum Stream Wireless. This pocket-friendly lapel mic comes with a convenient charging case, much like a pair of wireless earbuds, and works readily with your phone right out of the box. You simply insert the included Lightning or USB-C dongle and you’re ready to go.
I’ve been impressed with the performance during my testing and found that the JBL Quantum Stream Wireless delivers clear sound even in quite loud environments, especially when paired with the noise-canceling capabilities of the compatible JBL Headphones mobile app. The manufacturer touts a 24-hour battery life, with six hours from the microphone and another 18 from its charging case, and this figure was broadly accurate - giving you more than enough juice for an entire day.
Factor in a few more handy features, such as the onboard microphone mute button, and you have a very robust overall package. My one complaint would be that the included windshield, useful for outdoor recording, is a touch fiddly and can be quite hard to securely install.
Potential buyers should also weigh up whether they actually need a lapel mic. The performance is good for a small, portable device, but you will still get superior sound quality from many of the best microphones for streaming - which would be a better choice if you want to record at home.
(Image credit: Future)
JBL Quantum Stream Wireless: Price and availability
$99.95 / £89.99
USB-C and Lightning variants
Launched in March 2024
The JBL Quantum Stream Wireless is readily available for $99.95 / £89.99 directly from JBL and at retailers like Amazon. This might seem like a fair chunk to spend on any microphone, but means that this model sits neatly between super-budget offerings and more premium portable microphones from companies like Rode and DJI. The DJI Mic, for example, features two transmitters and a similar storage space but comes in at roughly double the price of the JBL Quantum Stream Wireless.
JBL Quantum Stream Wireless: Specs
JBL Quantum Stream Wireless: Design and features
Portable size
LED power indicators
Good app
The design of the JBL Quantum Stream Wireless shares quite a lot in common with your average pair of wireless gaming earbuds. Its black carrying case is compact, with a subtle embossed JBL logo and a small row of four white LED indicators used to denote its current charge level. On the back of the case, you can find a type-C charging port, compatible with the included charging cable.
The top of the case opens up like a lid on a hinge, revealing slots for the clip-on microphone and dongle. Both are secured by magnets, though just the microphone also has two metal contacts that allow it to charge while it’s in the case. Removing the microphone gives you a good look at its design, which is mainly constructed from plastic. The front has a smooth grooved pattern, with a little JBL logo, while the back has a generously sized clip for attaching it to your clothes.
On the side of the microphone is a small button, which can be used to quickly mute it. There’s also a bright indicator LED, which is red when the microphone is disabled. Otherwise, it flashes white before turning a solid color when paired with your phone.
There’s very little to report about the dongle itself, which is rectangular and quite light and thin. It attaches to your phone via a type-C or Lightning connector depending on your model of choice, but also has its own USB port for pass-through charging. This is a great little feature and means that you don’t have to worry about not being able to charge your phone while the microphone is in use.
Most of the microphone’s core features are accessed through the JBL Headphones mobile app or JBL Quantum Engine PC software, both of which are compatible with this product. Given the clear focus on portability, I mainly relied on the app which offers the option to check battery levels, alter mic gain, enable AI noise canceling, flick between a few preset effects, and tweak power settings like LED brightness and the automatic power off.
The software isn’t anything revolutionary, but it’s got a decent selection of options and is, importantly, very responsive and well-presented.
(Image credit: Future)
JBL Quantum Stream Wireless: Performance
Effective noise cancellation
Works well at events
Great battery life
It’s hard to fault the performance of the JBL Quantum Stream Wireless. I mainly tested the product at events, including the busy halls of Gamescom, and found that it did a great job of cutting through the background noise to deliver perfectly understandable recordings despite its small size.
You do notice a dip in quality when things get quite loud, with my voice often taking on a slightly robotic edge in particularly large crowds, but that was still preferable to the frankly incomprehensible recordings produced by my phone’s microphone in the same areas. This is also true of its performance outdoors, particularly with loud wind or vehicles. Expect a more natural sound when you’re out on a calm day.
It is a tad unfortunate that the included windshield is so fiddly, though. It clips on the top of the microphone via two little holes but is quite hard to align. I struggled to do it in poor lighting and was often unsure whether it was actually attached. This is not a dealbreaker, but it is worth bearing in mind if you intend to use the windshield a lot.
In terms of battery life, the JBL Quantum Stream Wireless is more than capable. I only have to charge up the case every couple of days with semi-frequent use and never had the microphone die during a recording session. Unless you want to wear it, turned on, for hours and hours at a time, you’re not going to run into any problems here.
(Image credit: Future)
Should I buy the JBL Quantum Stream Wireless?
Buy it if...
You want a plug-and-play solution The JBL Quantum Stream Wireless is incredibly easy to use. You simply clip the microphone to your clothes, plug the included dongle into your phone, and you’re ready to go.
You want to create content on the go The JBL Quantum Stream Wireless is a good option if you’re looking to take your content creation out and about, improving the quality of your audio recordings compared to your phone.
Don't buy it if...
You want a desktop microphone instead Unless you intend to capitalize on its portability, the JBL Quantum Stream Wireless is not for you. For more general gaming or streaming, consider a standard desktop microphone instead.
You need even more features More expensive models offer even more expansive feature sets and could be a better pick if you want a more professional recording setup.
Also consider...
If you’re not keen on the JBL Quantum Stream Wireless, you can consider these two top gaming and content-creation microphones instead.
DJI Mic 2 If you have more to spend and want a similar set of microphones but with two receivers and compatibility with more specialist video equipment, consider the DJI Mic 2.
JBL Quantum Stream Studio JBL also offers a robust option for content creators in the JBL Quantum Stream Studio. It’s not as portable, but it is still simple to use and offers great performance for the price.
I tested the JBL Quantum Stream Wireless over a period of roughly five months with an iPhone 15 Plus. During that time I took the microphone to a variety of gaming events and tested it in a wide range of conditions both indoors and outdoors. I was careful to evaluate its performance and test all of the available features in its mobile app.
Without a doubt, the Emberton III is one of Marshall's best Bluetooth speakers with long battery life and impressive sound considering its relatively small size. This third generation Emberton delivers even better battery life and slightly louder sound, and while it's not going to rattle the rafters it's an impressive performer.
The Emberton III is particularly good at lower volumes where Marshall's Dynamic Loudness delivers a bass boost that prevents your music from sounding too weedy; for podcasts, where voices tend to be lower frequencies, there's an EQ preset to cut the lows and boost the mid-range instead.
The main selling point here is a feature we weren't able to test: Auracast via Bluetooth LE. Auracast will enable you to create a multi-speaker setup with your Marshall as the sound source, broadcasting over Bluetooth to other Auracast-capable Marshalls, but the feature hasn't yet been implemented. It's coming as an over-the-air update via Marshall's smartphone app and Marshall tells us it's coming very soon. Basically, it's built to be LE Audio ready, so if future-proofing your Bluetooth system is something you're into, it's a great buy.
With speakers this small there is of course a limit to how much bass they can put out and how loud they can go before things start getting harsh. But the Marshall is a powerful performer for its size, and if you don't push it too hard you'll be able to get the most out of its large battery too.
The Emberton III comes in two colours, a light stone and the none more black option shown here. (Image credit: Future / Carrie Marshall)
Marshall Emberton III review: Price & release date
Released August 2024
Costs $159 / £159 / AU$289
The Marshall Emberton III was launched in August 2024. The recommended retail price is $159 / £159 / AU$289.
This is the third version of this Marshall portable speaker; we reviewed the original Marshall Emberton back in 2020 and the Emberton II in 2022. It's one of two new releases from the firm alongside the Willen II, a smaller and more affordable speaker ($119 / £99 / AU$199) with one driver rather than two.
Marshall Emberton III review: Specs
This is a speaker to listen to, not to look at: controls are simple and straightforward. (Image credit: Future / Carrie Marshall)
Marshall Emberton III review: Features
Bluetooth LE and Auracast ready
32+ hours of battery life
"True Stereophonic" audio
You can set up the Emberton III in two ways: directly through your device's Bluetooth, or via the Marshall iOS or Android app. That gives you access to three EQ presets: the default "Marshall sound"; a low and high end boost; and a mid-range boost. That latter one is for speech such as audiobooks and podcasts. As with the previous model there are no EQ customization options.
Using the device is very simple, because it's a very simple device. There's an on-off button, a rocker switch for volume and track skipping, and a red LED strip to show battery life.
The big news here is the upgrade to Bluetooth LE audio and Auracast multi-device broadcast support. With Auracast you'll be able to share your music to multiple speakers simultaneously, but the Bluetooth LE it requires won't be available on launch day: Marshall promises an update imminently via the Marshall Bluetooth app but of course that means we weren't able to try that specific feature. There's also built in microphone so you can use this Marshall for calls, but not for voice assistants.
As with the previous Emberton, the Emberton III has what Marshall calls True Stereophonic, a 360-degree audio feature that promises to fill your room with surprisingly big sound. Oh, and there's a strap for your backpack so you can annoy people on hikes.
One of the issues with many speakers is that they can become too bass-light at low levels because audio characteristics change with volume. Marshall has a solution that it calls Dynamic Loudness, which automatically adjusts the tonal characteristics based on the volume you're listening at.
Battery life is a claimed 32-plus hours, two more than before, and we didn't have any problems achieving thirty hours with playback volumes around 50%. Full recharge via the USB-C port takes two hours compared to three for the Emberton II.
In a nice touch, the Emberton III plays a cute little ascending guitar riff when you power it on and a descending one when you power it off.
Features score: 4.5/5
The companion app gives you a choice of three audio presets but there's no custom EQ. (Image credit: Future / Carrie Marshall)
Marshall Emberton III review: Sound quality
Dynamic Loudness impressive at lower volumes
EQ boost for podcast and audiobooks
Punchy given its small size
It'd be rude not to start testing with some classic rock, so the first song to try was naturally AC/DC's Back in Black. The Emberton delivered an impressively punchy performance with excellent mid- and high-range clarity, and the promise of room-filling sound was definitely delivered: this little speaker rocks much harder than you'd expect it to and doesn't need you to position it carefully to get the best results.
That said, it's important to manage your expectations with a speaker of this size. There's only so much air that two-inch drivers can push, so while Marshall has done a good job delivering low frequencies at lower volumes – so much so that you might want to swap to the mid-range EQ boost for podcast listening so the presenters don't make everything around you vibrate – when you crank up the Emberton to higher volumes the low end distorts and the higher frequencies become harsh.
With Marshall amplifiers, it's traditional to turn them up. But this Marshall speaker is best turned down. At lower volumes the Dynamic Loudness delivers very impressive bass for a system this small. REM's Out of Time album was a particular highlight, Mike Mills' bass as clear as his harmonies.
The relative lack of bass at higher volumes is particularly noticeable on dance music such as Pet Shop Boys' Loneliness, Troye Sivan's slinky One of Your Girls or Charli XCX's 360, all of which lose a lot of their floor-filling thump, and with expensively produced tracks such as Taylor Swift's No Body No Crime, which has a very distinctive bass drum sound that loses its punch here. All of these tracks sound better quieter on this system.
That's also an issue for guitar-based rock music, especially relatively busy tracks such as The Killers' When You Were Young. It's fun at lower volumes but turn it up and it quickly becomes tiring.
To my ears this is a speaker best suited to bedroom, kitchen or study listening and for taking outside on nice days. If you're looking for a party monster or intend to listen loud you might be better with something built around larger speaker drivers.
Sound quality score: 4/5
You're not going to mistake this speaker for any other brand. (Image credit: Future / Carrie Marshall)
Marshall Emberton III review: Design
Looks like a Marshall amp
IP67 for dust and water resistance
Rugged and stackable
The Emberton III unsurprisingly looks a lot like the Emberton II. As with other Marshalls the design echoes that of the famous Marshall cabinets and stacks we've seen on rock stars' stages, and that means they're pretty rugged-looking and no-nonsense as well as stackable, just like stage speakers. I think they look great; having Marshall's design DNA in speakers makes more sense to me than crowbarring it into headphones such as the Marshall Major III, which I think just look overly boxy. You can choose between a classic black or cream.
The new Emberton is rated IP67 for dust and waterproofing, so it's capable of surviving a dunk as deep as 1m of water for up to 30 minutes. That makes it largely immune to a spilled drink or festival rain.
Inside the Marshall there are two class D amplifiers pushing twin 10W 2-inch full range drivers and two passive radiators. Frequency response is 65Hz to 20kHz and it's slightly louder than before, pushing out a sound pressure level of 90dB at 1m compared to the 87dB of the Emberton II.
The Marshall, thankfully, is a lot lighter than the Marshall amps I've had to lug up and down stairs and fire escapes: it's 0.67kg/1.5lbs.
Design score: 4.5/5
Marshall Emberton III review: value
Lots of impressive competitors in this price bracket
Marshall's battery life leaves many rivals behind
At $159 / £159 / AU$289 this speaker is competing against some very impressive rivals: spend £20 more and you could get our current favorite among the best Bluetooth speakers, the Sonos Roam 2. But where the Marshall has the Sonos speaker beaten is in battery life.
The Sonos promises up to 10 hours whereas the Marshall can deliver more than three times that. So if you're going to a weekend festival or anywhere else where home comforts will be absent for a few days, the Marshall is the speaker you'll want to take with you. It's small enough to be truly portable but loud enough to soundtrack your adventures without having to push it too hard.
Value score: 4.5/5
Should you buy the Marshall Emberton III?
Buy it if…
You like the Marshall sound You can't customize the EQ presets so you're going to be listening the way Marshall intends.
You like 'em tough Just like Marshall's amps this looks and feels bomb-proof.
You listen long With 32 hours of battery life this speaker has serious stamina.
Don't buy it if…
You're a bass monster There's only so much air two-inch drivers can push.
You listen loud Like most speakers of this size, the Marshall isn't at its best when it's really loud.
You want to connect a cable The Emberton III doesn't have an Aux socket.
Marshall Emberton III review: Also consider
Sonos Roam 2 We called the original "the best Bluetooth speaker on the planet", although the controversy over Sonos's bungled app update has tarnished the brand a little this year. But the Roam 2 is a superb portable speaker with exceptional sound. Find out if it's the better option for you by reading our in-depth Sonos Roam 2 review
JBL Charge 5 The Charge 5 is a hooligan, and we mean that as a compliment: it's ridiculously loud for its size and while it doesn't offer 360-degree audio it does deliver 100% audio entertainment. Its drivers are larger than those in the Marshall and you can hear the difference. For more info, see our full JBL Charge 5 review
Marshall Willen II The Emberton has a baby sibling, the Willen. It's effectively half an Emberton with a single 10-inch full range driver, and while it’s not as loud as the Emberton it's still impressive for its size. Battery life is 17 hours and it weighs just 0.36kg/0.79lbs. We haven't reviewed it actually, but if you like its looks, it's worth a look…
How I tested the Marshall Emberton III
Tested for two weeks as an alternative to Apple HomePods and UE's Wonderboom
Used indoors at sensible levels – and loud outside
Listened to Apple Music, my own library, Overcast podcasts and some of my own tunes too
I used the Marshall Emberton III for two weeks with Apple Music and some of my own recordings, using the same tracks I use to test all audio kit – a big mix of genres including live performances, dance and pop music, various flavors of metal and more. I also listened to podcasts via the Overcast app.
I've been a musician and audio obsessive for over 35 years now, and I've been reviewing audio kit – headphones, speakers and audio devices of all kinds – since the late 1990s.
Peak Design's Outdoor Backpack range is the latest series of bags from the US-based camera accessory maker. It's available in three colors and in 25L and 45L versions, and is due to hit the market in November 2024 after a successful crowdfunding campaign, with retailers already taking preorders.
I was among the first group of reviewers to receive a review sample, and I've been using the Peak Design Outdoor Backpack 25L, in white, as my primary bag for the last three months ahead of its launch. I've found it to be a highly versatile bag that has rewarded the time I've invested to customize it for my needs.
I'm a photographer, commuter and serial outdoors adventurer, and Peak Design's Outdoor Backpack and has proven itself to be apt companion for all these scenarios, becoming my first-choice bag these last couple of months. It's not a dedicated camera bag per se, but it'll do the trick for a little bit of camera gear, with the right Peak Design accessories.
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(Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)
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Peak Design Outdoor Backpack 25L: price and availability
Two sizes: 25L and 45L
Three colors: white, black or dark red
Preorders now, global launch due late November
The Peak Design Outdoor Backpack is available in two sizes: 25L and 4L, and in three colors; Cloud (white) Eclipse (dark red) or Black – the white 25L version is pictured throughout this review. The 25L version costs $249.99 / £249.99 and the 45L version is $329.99 / £329.99. The bag is due to go on sale globally in late November.
Peak Design Outdoor Backpack 25L: specs
Peak Design Outdoor Backpack 25L: design
Daisy-chain loops to fasten cords to
Weather-resistant exterior but not waterproof
Accessories include raincover, hip belt and more
For commuting, I usually pack a 17-inch MacBook Pro laptop, mirrorless camera with lens, a spare change of clothes, as I often run to work, plus a few accessories (in a Peak Design Camera Cube), all of which fit snugly into the 25L version of the Peak Design Outdoor Backpack. I slip a water bottle and a travel tripod into the elasticated side pockets and I'm good to go.
There's no dedicated place to store camera gear – the Outdoor Backpack's main compartment is single open space, without the padded dividers you typically get in a dedicated camera bag. If you want to pack you camera and accessories you can pick up one of Peak Design's Camera Cubes, which will slot in nicely to securely hold that pricey gear. You just need to ensure that it's the right-size cube for the size of bag – there's guidance on Peak Design's website, plus new soft-shell Packing Cubes. A decent alternative to a Peak Design Cube is a gear wrap like 3 Legged Thing's Wrapz.
For daily use over months, the Outdoor BackPack 25L has proven itself durable, comfortable, and versatile. Its shoulder straps are well padded, and are fastened to the bag through a loop rather than being stitched on. This excellent design touch removes the stitching stress point (lesser-quality straps can become un-stitched) and should ensure that the straps last for many years of heavy use.
Both of the straps also feature an elasticated pocket that will comfortably fit a large phone – my Pixel handset slotted in comfortably and securely.
Elsewhere on the outside are the aforementioned elasticated side pockets, and what I've seen Peak Design call a 'daisy chain' of loops along most of the bag's seams that you can feed cords through, several of which there are included, to secure larger items such as a travel tripod. The ways to customize the Outdoor Backpack based on what you're carrying feel endless, even if some are a little fiddly.
I have regularly used the bag for short runs (around 6km) from a train station to my workplace, and even with a full load it sits comfortably on my shoulders, especially with the optional hip belt in place for additional lumbar support. However, on my runs, and on hikes in hot weather, I found that got more sweaty than I'd like to; it would be great to have better breathability on the back.
I also found the two zips to the main compartment, when closed together at the top of the bag, came loose during running and on a couple of occasions I had to rescue the contents as they spilled out. Closing the zips towards the bottom of the bag on once side instead avoided this issue.
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(Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)
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There are two ways to access the main compartment: the zips, which open the entire back, or the soft roll-top magnetic-clasped opening. For the former, you lie the bag down on its front to open it up and access the entire contents, while using the latter you can keep everything inside and rummage through the contents via the top opening.
The roll-top pocket is fitted securely inside the bag's weatherproof exterior with a cord, which is released for access via a neat pull-tab. To pack the top away, you pull at the cord to close down the opening (see gallery below). It's a very clever bit of design, and reassuringly robust, locking the cord securely with whatever tension you like. I regularly crammed a sweater or light rain jacket outside the main compartment but inside that adjustable weatherproof exterior, securing it in place with the cord. It's just a shame that there's no obvious place to put that cord when the top is closed off, as it simply dangles and is at risk of snagging.
There are no interior pockets in the main compartment, just a laptop sleeve. Peak Design says the 25L bag can hold a 16-inch laptop, but I found the stretchy sleeve snuggly held my 17-inch MacBook Pro.
There are no dedicated padded dividers, which I understand helps to keep the bag light and customizable. However, even with one of Peak Design's (add-on) Camera Cubes in place to secure gear in its padded dividers, access to gear is slower than I'd like.
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Speaking as a photographer, I would love quicker access to gear, say through a side-access zipped opening. A few design tweaks like these could realize the Outdoor Backpack as the perfect versatile camera bag.
With a fully loaded bag and a Camera Cube positioned inside at the top, it doesn't take too long to access your gear, but you will have to take the bag off your shoulders.
I wouldn't describe this as a dedicated camera bag, nor would I specifically call it an outdoors bag; but it does a decent job of both, even if there are better alternatives out there that are focused on one or the other. As an all-in-one option, the Peak Design Outdoor Backpack has served my daily needs, photography and otherwise, better than any bag I've used for quite some time.
Should I buy the Peak Design Outdoor Backpack 25L?
(Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)
Buy it if...
You carry just a small amount of camera gear alongside daily items The 25L Outdoor Backpack can hold a little bit of camera gear, but not a lot.
You demand excellent quality There's no doubt this is a high-quality backpack, from its premium materials to cleaver design touches.
Don't buy it if...
You're looking for a dedicated camera gear bag With no padded dividers or quick side access, photographers will find a dedicated bag an easier companion.
You're on a tight budget The bag is pricey, and so too are the additional accessories needed to optimize your experience.
How I tested the Peak Design Outdoor Backpack 25L
Two months of daily use
Commuting, outdoor hikes and photography walks
Paired with Peak Design Camera Cubes
I used the Peak Design Outdoor Backpack 25L as my primary bag for a few months ahead of its official launch and writing this review. It has been on my shoulders for commuting, running and hiking. I've paired it with Peak Design's Camera Cubes to improve the overall handling of the bag for securely storing camera gear.
The Baseus Bowie 30 Max headphones are a perfect example of some cans that bite off more than they can chew. At a glance, you’d think these are an incredibly competent pair of Bluetooth headphones. They offer LDAC higher-resolution audio, proprietary head-tracking technology, active noise cancellation, customizable button controls and incredible battery life. But something may throw up a red flag fairly quickly – the low price.
That’s right, although the Baseus Bowie 30 Max have a list price of $149.99 / £109.99, you’ll realistically never have to pay quite so much. They’re already discounted on Amazon and the Baseus website has them available for less than that too. We’ve already spotted them going for as little as $69.99 in the US – that’s really cheap for some headphones with all of the above features. So is it too good to be true?
Frankly, yes it is. In fairness, getting up to 65 hours of listening is excellent, better than even some of the best headphones around, but things go pretty downhill from here. Head tracking, though functional, will worsen overall audio quality – though admittedly not as badly as the ‘fixed’ spatial audio option, which leaves you with almost sub-nautical sound littered with tinniness.
General audio quality isn’t amazing either. Out of the box, bass is thin and treble sounds are pretty grating at higher volumes. And sure, there’s a Bass Boost option in the Baseus app, or even custom EQ options, but these are only able to improve – not cure – the Bowie 30 Max of their sonic shortcomings. This means that the added detail you’d expect to uncover with the inclusion of LDAC never truly comes to fruition and fundamental flaws in sound means these headphones are held back from competing strongly against budget rivals.
It isn’t all doom and gloom. These are some decent looking cans with a relatively attractive rectangle-like design. Mic and call quality is decent too and ANC, though far from silence-inducing, is able to dull external noise competently. You can also customize the function of the headphones’ ANC button, which is a neat inclusion.
However, these are ultimately small wins in the context of disappointing audio quality. Unfortunately, if you’re in the market for some cheap ANC headphones, there are better options available to you. I have some personal recommendations in the ‘Also Consider’ section of this review, but if you’d like, you can consult our guide to the best cheap headphones, where we run you through some incredible alternatives that offer plenty of bang for your buck.
Baseus Bowie 30 Max review: price & release date
$149.99 / £109.99 (around AU$230) list price, but already discounted
Launched in the US and UK September 2024
Australia release date and pricing TBC
To be honest, reader, I’m a little confused on pricing for the Baseus Bowie 30 Max. They have a list price of $149.99 / £109.99 (around AU$230) on Amazon US/UK, but just head over to the Baseus website and these are only $79.99 (or $69.99 with an in-site coupon). On top of that, despite only releasing in September, these have been hit with discounts and coupons on Amazon. So really, I’d aim to pay around that $70/$80 mark if you really want to grab these.
The Baseus Bowie 30 Max are available now in the US and the UK, although the company isn’t planning to sell them to the Australian market. They’re available in one color option – Black, although this is pretty clean in fairness (more on this later).
(Image credit: Future)
Baseus Bowie 30 Max review: Specs
Baseus Bowie 30 Max review: features
Decent head-tracked spatial audio
Companion app compatibility
Adequate ANC
When it comes to features, the Baseus Bowie 30 Max appear to pack in some seriously impressive options for often sub-$100/£100 cans.
I’m mainly talking about head tracking – a great inclusion for some budget headphones, but one that produces mixed results. Audio does dynamically shift with head movement quite well, which is ideal for following sound across a screen when viewing video content.
The catch? You take a hit to audio quality. When listening to Wasurechau Hitotoki by Fishmans, vocals and percussion became very tinny with head tracking active, which frankly, made it unpleasant to listen to. But as I say, this feature is predominantly for video, so I tried watching some Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth gameplay on YouTube. And again, although audio did shift as I turned my head, the actual quality was noticeably worse than when head tracking was turned off, making for a disappointing user experience.
Even worse was the Fixed spatial audio option. But when listening to Rock With You by Michael Jackson I didn’t get expansive, spacious sound at all; instead it sounded as if I’d journeyed around 10ft below sea level. Vocals sounded warped and inauthentic while percussion lacked sharpness, so I switched this off again pretty quickly. The out-of-the box audio didn’t exactly make this song sound amazing either, so I found myself playing around with EQ options a fair bit – but I’ll get onto that in the ‘Sound quality’ section.
OK, maybe spatial audio might not quite hit the spot, but how do the other features fare? Well, ANC wasn’t too bad. At around 60% volume a lot of outside sounds were fairly dulled, although a lot of sounds – whether lower or higher-frequency – still crept through with relative ease. For instance, even at around 75% volume, I could make out the sound of my colleague typing next to me. So don’t expect the near-silent listening experience you’d get from some more premium cans, like the Bose QuietComfort Ultra, for example.
The story so far is certainly one of disappointment, although Baseus didn’t let me down on battery life. I kept the LDAC ‘hi-res’ codec activated throughout almost all of the testing process and predominantly listened at quite high volumes, but found my playtime to be in-line with the 50 hours ANC claimed. You even get up to 65 hours with ANC off, which is an excellent serving of battery life. So, if you’re someone that often forgets to charge their devices, this shouldn’t matter too much with the Baseus Bowie 30 Max – they can keep going (and going) for quite some time.
Features score: 3/5
(Image credit: Future)
Baseus Bowie 30 Max review: sound quality
Thin bass out of the box
LDAC audio support
Highs can get quite tinny
I’ll be upfront – the Baseus Bowie 30 Max didn’t offer the best listening experience out of the box. When listening to I Want You by Moloko, I felt that percussion and higher-pitched vocals were pretty grating at higher volumes and even sounded a bit tinny. I should mention too, that was with LDAC audio turned on – the benefits of which never felt truly realized.
Something that puzzled me was Baseus’ claim that the Bowie 30 Max have “super bass”. I definitely didn’t feel that initially. When listening to Love Foolosophy by Jamiroquai, the groovy bassline was relegated to a small-part background actor and the choppy guitar riff and vocals sounded too forward. Admittedly, the thin low-end was improved significantly when I toggled on Bass Boost in the Baseus app, but of course, the grating highs didn’t stop.
I knew what I had to do… I took to the EQ settings to make amends to the Bowie 30 Max’s sonic shortcomings. Unfortunately, I found the different presets – including Baseus Classic, Clear Vocals, Hi-Fi Live, Pop and Rock Classic – lacked enough definition. There were noticeable differences between them, sure, but it was pretty minimal for the most part. Instead, I found the best solution was to create my own custom tuning, with a bit more low-end weight. A lot of users may be OK with tailoring their own sound, but if you’re someone that wants straightforward, hassle free listening that could be a bit of a turn off.
So, after customizing my own sound were my woes overcome? Well, not entirely. Despite having a bit more bite, bass and electric guitars in Walk Up by Geordie Greep sounded fairly muddy and instrumental separation was lacking. Vocals in White Mustang by Lana Del Ray also sounded boxy and constricted, resulting in an unnatural-sounding delivery. I would say, though, that lower-frequency sounds were no longer hidden away to a frustrating degree and the overall listening experience became at least adequate. So if you do decide to snap these up on a discount sale, it’s 100% worth shifting away from the top-heavy Baseus Classic EQ calibration.
One aspect sound-wise that was somewhat redeeming was mic quality. When recording the opening of Charles Dickens' A Tale of Two Cities, my voice was pretty clear-cut, with only a bit of ambience in the background. Call quality, meanwhile, was a bit more middling in terms of quality, but still totally passable. I was still, however, underwhelmed with the audio on offer from the Baseus Bowie 30 Max – especially given the manufacturer's claim that they offer “superior audio quality”. I’m sorry to say that this is not the case.
Sound quality score: 2.5/5
(Image credit: Future)
Baseus Bowie 30 Max review: design
Tidy design for the price
Although the headband is a little plasticky
Customizable button controls
I’ve been quite critical of the Baseus Bowie 30 Max so far, but one area I think they succeed more in is design. When at a discounted price, these headphones look great for the price you pay. They have a more rectangular, classic look than a lot of cheap options and small ring lights on each can add a nice splash of style too.
The headband isn’t the most padded thing in the world, but I was able to happily listen for multiple hours on end. Looks-wise it is a tad plasticky – and the glossy finish means you can see fingerprints fairly easily, but it’s not particularly ugly or anything.
Speaking of a plasticky look, the button controls suffer from a similar issue, feeling a little cheap. They are, however, nicely laid out and, despite volume down, up, and play/pause being quite close together, they’re easy to use. There’s also an ANC button that can handily be customized using the Baseus app to switch between noise cancelling modes, EQ settings, or spatial audio options.
The Bowie 30 Max are also decently portable. They’re not as compact as a model like the Anker Soundcore Space One Pro or anything, but they can be folded up for carrying in a backpack or tote bag. These are fairly lightweight headphones too weighing in at 11.3 oz / 320g and have decently soft earpads, so they’ll not be too uncomfortable for longer listening sessions, even if the headband isn’t top quality. My main complaint here though is that these cans don’t come with a carry case or similar for keeping them safe during longer journeys.
Finally, don’t expect anything super-fancy or hi-tech from these design-wise. There’s no waterproofing or touch controls – although this isn’t too bad if you’re getting them on discount for around $70/£70. What you do get though is an AUX port for wired listening and USB-C charging, the latter of which can give you as much as 14 hours of playtime from a 10-minute recharge – not bad.
Design score: 3.5/5
(Image credit: Future)
Baseus Bowie 30 Max review: value
Even when discounted, rivals perform better
Head tracking nice at this cost, but mixed quality
Ultimately, sound quality not good enough against competitors
If we’re going by their $149.99 / £109.99 list price, I’d argue that the Baseus Bowie 30 Max are totally outclassed by a wide array of competitors, competing against competitors in the same ballpark, like the Sony WH-CH720N, for instance (more on those later).
However, from early discounts, I suspect these will be available for far less for a lot of the time. Early sales and coupon offers on Amazon US/UK even put these as low as $69.99 / £68.79, so don’t look to pay much more than that. And sure, at this price, getting features like spatial audio is undoubtedly impressive. But, what matters above all is good sound quality and I would argue that’s adequate at best with these headphones. Some of the best cheap headphones – like the Earfun Wave Pro – will likely prove to be a much better value pick.
Value score: 3/5
(Image credit: Future)
Should I buy the Baseus Bowie 30 Max?
Buy them if…
You want head tracking at a low-price Although sound quality isn’t top-rate, head tracking is still functional here. It’s not going to give you truly exceptional 3D sound, but if you simply want audio that will dynamically shift as you peer across a screen this is a budget option.
You’re looking for a splash of style For all of my criticism, I do like the look of the Baseus Bowie 30 Max, they have a fairly unique appearance. There are no color options and the headband is a little plasticky, but overall they have a clean, attractive design.
Don’t buy them if…
You’re an audiophile If you checked out the ‘Sound quality’ section, this will come as little surprise. Out of the box, bass is too thin, highs often sound tinny and the ‘hi-res’ details don’t really get the chance to breathe. Even with EQ adjustments, these aren’t going to cut it for the most keen listeners.
You want the ultimate value pick The world of wireless headphones is truly vast. There are so many amazing options out there for you, regardless of your budget. There’s no need to spend an arm and a leg to get top features like ANC – I’ve picked out some stronger budget options below that, in my view, offer cleaner audio and a better user experience overall.
(Image credit: Future)
Baseus Bowie 30 Max review: also consider
1More Sonoflow The 1More Sonoflow still sit proudly in our guide to the best noise-canceling headphones – and for good reason. You get 50 hours of battery life with ANC on (and 70 hours with ANC off), solid overall sound, what is (in my opinion) quite a stylish build and solid ANC. Now that’s value. Read our full 1More Sonoflow review.
Sony WH-CH720N I’ve owned the Sony WH-CH720N for over a year now and highly recommend them if you’re looking for a strong budget option. Yes, at first these may look a fair bit more than the discounted Baseus Bowie Max – but these cans are regularly available for closer to $90/£70. You get commendable ANC, quality customizable audio, DSEE upscaling and so much more. You can even choose from some neat color options, ensuring these are an excellent alternative. Read our full Sony WH-CH720N review.
Baseus Bowie 30 Max review: How I tested
Tested across the course of a week
Used in the office, while on walks and on public transport
Predominantly tested using Tidal on the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE
I spent a week testing the Baseus Bowie 30 Max headphones in a number of settings, including: my apartment; a train; bus; and while on walks. This let me get a real taste for ANC quality, regardless of environment.
When listening to music, I played the entirety of the TechRadar testing playlist and listened to hours and hours of tunes from my own personal library. I predominantly tested using Tidal to make use of LDAC, but I also tested the headphones using Spotify, YouTube and Messenger (for calling). I mainly connected the headphones up to the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE when conducting tests.
Where appropriate, I compared these headphones to the Sony WH-CH720N, judging them side-by-side with the Baseus Bowie 30 Max to gauge audio quality, features and design choices.
The Beyerdynamic MMX 330 Pro brings the German brand’s noted pro audio pedigree to the gaming world, in the form of an open-back gaming headset that’s light on features, but promises big things in the realm of sound.
At first glance, you’d be forgiven for not realizing this is a piece of gaming hardware, given the lack of flair. The monotone palette is only slightly alleviated by specks of orange, but if you’re willing you can customize your own design via Beyerdynamic’s website.
Compared to some of the best wired gaming headsets, the MMX 330 Pro is pleasingly slim. It’s also light, which makes it comfortable. The plush ear pads and thoughtfully designed headband also help in this regard, although I did find the MMX 300 Pro to be slightly more comfortable, as the inside of its drivers didn’t push into my ears as much as those on the MMX 330 Pro.
The detachable analog cable is thick yet doesn’t weigh down the headset. The strain reliefs aren’t the strongest, so I don’t have complete confidence they’ll resist splitting over time, but they offer more protection than on some other gaming headsets. The inline controller has a volume wheel and a mute button, although there are no mic volume controls as there are on the MMX 300 Pro, which is an odd omission, but not one I missed greatly.
Unlike the MMX 300 Pro, the MMX 330 Pro sports an open-back design, intended to impart a more natural sound and create a greater sense of space. I didn’t find this added to the immersion or increased my perception of the in-game ambiance, but I personally prefer closed-back designs. There is also a loss of low-end compared to the MMX 300 Pro, which was already lacking in that department.
All this isn’t to say that the sound of the MMX 330 Pro is poor, though. True to many of Beyerdynamic’s headphones and headsets, the audio balance is superb, with most frequencies coming across clearly and precisely. In this regard, it certainly ranks among the best gaming headsets.
The microphone quality is similarly great, rendering voices with clarity and doing a good job of preventing unwanted sound from being picked up. It’s also very well made, with the gooseneck design making it easy to manipulate yet secure enough to remain in position. It can also be rotated out of the way easily.
There’s no denying that the MMX 330 Pro is incredibly expensive, even eclipsing some of the best wireless gaming headsets. Oddly, it’s also more expensive in North America, which Beyerdynamic claims is due to certain market conditions and launch timeframe concerns.
Whatever the reasons, the fact is there are gaming headsets available that pack in more features for less money, yet still provide terrific audio quality. If you don’t mind sticking to cables, then the Epos H3 wired gaming headset is a brilliant alternative, and for those who want less clutter, the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro is one of the best wireless gaming headsets around.
(Image credit: Future)
Beyerdynamic MMX 330 Pro review: price and availability
$329 / £259 / AU$499
Black only (unless customized)
More expensive in the US
The MMX 330 Pro costs $329 / £259 / AU$499 and is available in black only. However, you can customize it with your own designs via Beyerdynamic’s website, letting you add engravings and your own photos to have emblazoned on the drivers.
The MMX 330 Pro costs the same as the MMX 300 Pro in the UK, EU, and Australia; in the US, however, it’s more expensive: $329 as opposed to $299 for the MMX 300 Pro. Having contacted Beyerdynamic, a representative explained the increase comes down to regional costs and distribution logistics, as well as the headset's launch timeline. Regardless, it’s still a bad deal for those in North America.
The only major difference between the 300 and the 330 is the open and closed-back designs. I did, however, notice a softer earpad material on the MMX 330 Pro, and the lack of mic volume controls on the inline controller.
For a wired gaming headset, the MMX 330 Pro sits towards the higher end of the market. The Epos H3, one of the best wired gaming headsets, is much cheaper. In our Epos H3 review, we were very impressed with its detailed audio quality, which made it great for both gaming and listening to music. There is also a wireless version available in the form of the Epos H3 Hybrid, although this is close to the same price as the MMX 330 Pro.
The MMX 330 Pro is also considerably more expensive than the best wireless gaming headset, the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro. Not only does this headset ditch the cables, but it also has more features, including software that allows you to alter various sound settings and modes.
Beyerdynamic MMX 330 Pro review: specs
(Image credit: Future)
Beyerdynamic MMX 330 Pro review: design and features
Surprisingly slim
Not quite as comfortable as the MMX 330 Pro
No extra features
In line with Beyerdynamic’s other headsets, the MMX 330 Pro adopts a muted aesthetic, with only a few dashes of orange contrasting with the monochromatic color scheme. It certainly isn’t as brash as some other gaming headsets, which may or may not please players depending on their preferences.
For a gaming headset, the MMX 330 Pro is refreshingly slender, with minimal protrusion from the drivers. Beyerdynamic’s other headsets can verge on the unwieldy, including the MMX 200 Wireless, which is also less comfortable. The MMX 330 Pro still isn’t what you’d call portable, though, and the lack of driver swivel means they aren’t the easiest to hang around your neck.
Compared to the MMX 300 Pro, the earpad material here is more plush and feels slightly baggier but also softer. The thickness of the cushioning is about the same, but it didn’t feel quite as comfortable, with the inside of the drivers pressing into my ears with more force than those on the MMX 300 Pro. This isn’t to say the MMX 330 Pro is uncomfortable, but fatigue did set in sooner than it did with the MMX 300 Pro.
The headband, though, is just as excellent as it is on the MMX 300 Pro. The fontanelle that helps to relieve pressure at the top of the head really does work, and I experienced hardly any aching on the top of my head after extended sessions with the MMX 330 Pro, which I am liable to feel with many other headsets. It also seems durable, although it is easily replaceable (as are the earpads).
The detachable 3.5mm analog cable feels premium, although the strain reliefs don’t appear to be the most resilient, so I wouldn’t be surprised if they began to split over time. They also attract dust too easily, which is hard to remove. It’s also hard to tell when the plug is fully inserted into the headset socket – again similar to the MMX 300 Pro – as there’s no audible click or physical feedback, but this is a minor gripe.
(Image credit: Future)
Despite its length, the cable has no noticeable effect on the weight of the MMX 330 Pro when wearing it. And as with the best PS5 headsets, it’s unobtrusive when plugged into a DualSense controller, making it easy to use with the console.
The in-line controller feels well-made too. It features a volume wheel that operates smoothly and a mic mute button. However, there are no mic volume controls as there were on the MMX 300 Pro, which may bother some people, but I rarely used them when they were present.
One issue that’s plagued every Beyerdynamic headset I’ve tried is the poor driver height adjustment, and the MMX 330 Pro is no exception. The mechanism feels clunky and stiff, making it hard to maneuver, and while it does offer a secure hold once set in position, the engineering isn’t on par with the rest of the headset – and isn’t what you’d expect from a gaming headset at this price point.
The microphone is, however, up to the standards you would expect. The gooseneck is easy to adjust yet secure, and the cloth tip feels thicker and more durable than on other gaming headsets. Although it doesn’t detach or retract, it can be rotated 360 degrees, allowing you to move it out of the way completely.
As with the MMX 300 Pro, there are no extra features on the MMX 330 Pro. The simplicity is refreshing, letting you plug and play without having to worry about connectivity and setups. However, for a gaming headset at this price, more adjustments and settings would’ve been welcome, so you could dial in the perfect sound according to your individual preferences.
(Image credit: Future)
Beyerdynamic MMX 330 Pro review: performance
Great gaming sound
Open-back design lends more space
Weaker low-end than the MMX 300 Pro
Beyerdynamic’s famed audio quality is present and correct on the MMX 330 Pro, with frequencies appearing crisp and clear. Beyerdynamic claims the open-back design adds a greater sense of space, allowing you to perceive sounds more naturally.
While gaming, I did notice a more airy sound, but I wouldn’t exactly call this an improvement. The claim that it makes it easier to tell where sound is coming from wasn’t something I experienced during my time with the MMX 330 Pro.
Personally, I prefer the isolation and depth of sound you get from closed-back headsets. Beyerdynamic points out that it has less bass than the MMX 300 Pro because of the open-back design, and this is noticeable. The low-end of the MMX 300 Pro was already a touch on the weaker side, but here it is even more so. It’s not completely devoid of impact, but if you’re going to be using a headset for listening to music as well as gaming, then the 300 Pro is the slightly better choice.
As with the MMX 300 Pro, the microphone on the MMX 330 Pro renders voices with clarity and precision, and blocks unwanted noises from registering with aplomb, including coughs and other plosive sounds.
(Image credit: Future)
Should I buy the Beyerdynamic MMX 330 Pro?
Buy it if...
You want an open-back design The open-back design of the MMX 330 Pro means a greater sense of space, so if that’s what you prefer, this fits the bill.
You want a simple headset No setup, no buttons, no software: the MMX 330 Pro is plug-and-play all the way.
Don't buy it if...
You want to tinker with settings Unfortunately, the aforementioned simplicity means there are no sonic adjustments to make or different modes to select, so you’re stuck with what you get.
You’re on a budget The MMX 330 Pro is one of the most expensive wired gaming headsets on the market, and US customers will be especially aggrieved that it’s more expensive for them.
Also consider...
Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro The closed-back counterpart to the MMX 330 Pro, the MMX 300 Pro offers a deeper bass response as a result of its tight isolation. I found the comfort levels to be slightly improved too, and it’s also cheaper in the US than the MMX 330 Pro. However, it still suffers from the same lack of features and connectivity options, being a wired-only headset also.
Razer BlackShark V2 Pro If you have your heart set on a gaming headset with no cables, then you can’t do much better than the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro, as it’s our pick as the best wireless headset around. Not only is it cheaper than the MMX 330 Pro, it also has more features thanks to its integration with Razer’s Synapse software – and we still found its audio quality to be class-leading.
I have over 20 years of gaming experience, and I have tested numerous headphones and headsets during that time. These include Beyerdrynamic’s other gaming headsets, such as the MMX 200 Wireless and the MMX 300 Pro.
Mention SiriusXM and most people think of the service that uses satellites to beam hundreds of music, talk, comedy, news, and sports radio stations to automobiles. That service has become popular for several reasons. First, traditional (i.e., terrestrial AM/FM) radio isn’t what it used to be. Second, for many in rural areas, the ability to receive terrestrial station signals can be limited.
However, there is a SiriusXM internet-based mobile app that delivers virtually all of the content found on the satellite service. While that typically requires a line of site between the automobile and the satellite to work, like the best music streaming services, the SiriusXM app only requires a cellular or Wi-Fi connection. It will work on your iOS or Android-based phone or tablet and is also supported by many of the best TVs, the best streaming devices, and the best wireless speakers from brands such as Sonos and Bose. The app’s content can also be accessed on a computer web browser. SiriusXM’s app has you covered whether you are home, outside exercising, in your car, or anywhere else where you can access the internet.
The SiriusXM app’s All Access” $9.99 per month subscription plan includes an astonishing amount of content that is sure to provide something for everyone. It features over 425 streaming stations and thousands of podcasts courtesy of Pandora, which is owned by SiriusXM. As discussed below, there’s also exclusive content, the crowning jewel of which is The Howard Stern Show and its related programming.
Unlike streaming services such as Spotify, Apple Music, Qobuz, and Tidal, the SiriusXM app does not support the playback of specific music tracks or the creation of track-specific music playlists. (Users can train the app through thumbs up and down icons to play the type of music that they like, however.) Also, some of the music channels can get a bit repetitive and the sound quality won’t satisfy those using expensive, audiophile playback gear. Still, with the enormous amount of content available on the app, all of which is served up via a slick interface, we think the only problem will be deciding what to listen to and watch.
SiriusXM app review: Pricing and subscription
The SiriusXM app's Library, Live Sports, and Podcasts screens (Image credit: SiriusXM)
$9.99 per month
Three-month free trial
No free ad-based tier
A SiriusXM app All Access subscription plan costs $9.99 per month and can be canceled at any time. It provides access to over 425 channels of ad-free music, news, talk, comedy, and sports. Also included are the Howard Stern channels, video, sports talk, live sports coverage, artist stations, Pandora podcasts, and exclusive in-studio content.
If you want also to receive SiriusXM satellite radio for your car, numerous plans start at $16.98 per month. Details about those plans are available on SiriusXM’s website.
As with competitors like Apple Music, there's no free ad-based tier for any SiriusXM subscription plan. Nor is there a comprehensive family plan, although there is a discount for each additional subscription within the family. Students can get the All Access plan for $4 per month. Also, a three-month free trial for All Access will let you determine if it is right for you.
SiriusXM app review: Specs
SiriusXM app review: Content
SiriusXM app screens (Image credit: SiriusXM)
Over 425 diverse audio channels, plus video
Includes ad-free music and live-action sports
Pandora podcasts
The content library available with the SiriusXM app’s All Access subscription plan is, to say the least, extremely vast. For example, if you’ve come to the SiriusXM app for music, there are plenty of ad-free music stations ranging from SiriusXM Hits 1 (pop hits from Taylor Swift, Harry Styles, Miley Cyrus, etc.) to Oldies Party (The Supremes, Elvis Presley, etc.) and Miles Davis Radio (24/7 Miles Davis music).
Though the tracks on some of the app’s music stations can sometimes be repetitive, there’s always another interesting station or special event to tune in to. For example, SiriusXM’s Billy Joel Channel is currently broadcasting that artist’s final show from his ten-year Madison Square Garden residency.
Speaking of concerts, one fun thing about the SiriusXM app is the weekly giveaways. Some of the giveaways are tickets to see an artist at a venue near the entrant’s home. Others throw in an all-expenses paid trip to see an artist at a venue far away, such as Taylor Swift performing in Miami, Florida during her Eras tour.
For talk and entertainment fans, the elephant in the room is SiriusXM’s exclusive arrangement with talk host Howard Stern, who has two channels on the platform. Howard 100 broadcasts his show live and then repeats them until the next live show airs, while Howard 101 broadcasts a supplemental “wrap-up show,” archived Stern content, special features, and video clips recorded in Stern’s SiriusXM studio. Other interesting talk and entertainment channels include Business Radio (business, money, and life) and Crime Junkie Radio (24/7 true crime).
If you like sports, there is not only talk and analysis, but extensive play-by-play game coverage. ESPN Radio (sports talk and big games), SiriusXM College Sports Radio, and SiriusXM PGA Tour Radio (live tour coverage and talk) are just a few available stations. And there are also sports giveaway contests, such as VIP tickets to see the New York Jets play at their training camp.
Those seeking comedy on the SiriusXM app will want to check out Comedy Central Radio, Kevin Hart’s Laugh Out Loud Radio, Raw Comedy (uncensored), Pure Comedy (comedy for the entire family), and Comedy Classics. Yet another recent SiriusXM giveaway contest: an all-expense-paid trip to see Kevin Hart in Los Angeles. News junkies, meanwhile, will appreciate stations from the BBC, CNN, NPR, Fox News, and C-Span, among many others.
There are also several off-the-beaten-path channels on the app. These include Mental Health Radio (by NYU’s Langone Health), Road Dog Trucking (all things relating to the trucking industry), and Rural Radio (agricultural and other issues affecting rural America and Canada).
There’s also plenty of exclusive content to check out beyond Howard Stern such as music stations DJ’d by artists and celebrities and audio and video clips of interviews and musical performances recorded in SiriusXM’s studios. Recent videos that the app suggested for me included interviews of actor Matt Damon, comedian Will Arnet, musician Nelly Furtado, and actress Jamie Lee Curtis. Also recommended were musical performances by Upsahl and Common and Pete Rock, as well as several comedy clips by Jeff Lewis.
If all of the above were already not enough, the All Access plan also includes the full library of Pandora’s podcast stations.
SiriusXM app review: Apps and compatibility
The Sirius XM app is compatible with wireless streaming speakers from Sonos, Google, and Amazon (Image credit: Future)
Slick and attractive design
Smart channel surfing and playback features
No specific track playback, but app learns what you like
I very much enjoyed using the SiriusXM app, which is continually updated and improved and is available for iOS and Android devices, smart TVs, and streaming devices from Apple, Roku, Amazon, and Google. It looks great, is user-friendly, and works well.
The app has three main tabs. Discover is broken down by content type and is where user-specific recommended content, including daily “morning picks” are displayed. The Discover tab is also where frequently and recently listened to channels are located.
Search allows for app-wide content searches and also displays trending and popular searches. Library is where you will find your designated favorite channels (including artist channels) and downloaded content. (You can locally download content that does not contain music.) Another Library tab feature is the ability for sports fans to add favorite teams so they can quickly access team-related information, programming, and contests.
The app does not allow users to search for and play a specific music track or create track-specific playlists as you can with Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal, Qobuz, and other services, though there is the ability to create what SiriusXM calls “artist-based” stations. To find such a station, just search for an artist in the app and a relevant station will typically appear in the search results. You can then train the app to better play more of what you like by selecting a thumbs-up or thumbs-down icon for each track played on that station.
A channel may play live and/or recorded content. Under one of the app’s default settings, “TuneStart,” music starts at the beginning of a track. This feature, which can also be disabled, facilitates channel surfing since you won’t call up a channel only to hear the end of the track.
The SiriusXM app generally lets users “skip” up to six times per hour for preprogrammed music and comedy channels. Outside of these channel types, skipping is not permitted on some channels and is unlimited on others.
SiriusXM app review: Sound and Video Quality
(Image credit: SiriusXM)
Sound quality gets the job done
No high-resolution or spatial audio
Video looks great
The SiriusXM app offers Normal, High, and Maximum streaming quality settings for both audio and video. No technical specifications for compression format, bit rate, etc. are given for these classifications. Indeed, sample streams on Tidal and Qobuz, and Apple Music’s ALAC (lossless) files typically sounded better than streams over SiriusXM when I made listening comparisons. There are also no options for high-resolution audio or Atmos/spatial audio.
For video, moving from the app’s Normal to Maximum settings on my iPhone 14 Pro Max didn’t appreciably improve picture quality, even in full-screen mode – sharpness and color accuracy were great at all settings. It’s possible, however, that the Normal setting will be the best option for a stable stream if your cellular reception is poor.
Bottom line: For most people, the quality of the SiriusXM app’s audio and video streams will be more than adequate.
Should you subscribe to the SiriusXM app?
Subscribe if...
You want an enormous content catalog: Most users will never come close to taking advantage of all of the content available under the All Access plan. If you seek lots of varied content, the app is for you.
You love The Howard Stern Show: SiriusXM is the only place where you will find Howard Stern’s shows and supplemental content. The app is a must for diehard Stern fans.
Don't subscribe if...
You want to be able to play specific tracks: The app does not allow you to play specific music tracks or make track-specific playlists. Look elsewhere if that’s important to you.
You want top audio quality: We prefer other streaming services in terms of audio performance. Look elsewhere if you seek the one with the highest level of sound quality.
The Pitaka MagEZ Car Mount Pro 2 Qi2 is an understated but efficient in-car MagSafe wireless charger. It made a pleasant change from the dashboard-mounted phone cradle I was using, and I soon found myself wondering how I ever managed without a wireless charger in the car.
It costs $59.99 / £59.99 to buy the Pitaka MagEZ Car Mount Pro 2 Qi2 on the official Pikaka website and Amazon. It’s currently available to buy in the US and the UK but not in Australia. I road-tested it against another MagSafe car charger, to see if either had what it took to win the crown, so the stakes were high.
The MagEZ Car Mount Pro 2 Qi2 doesn't stand out when in situ. It's not overly large or shiny like some other car-mounted best iPhone chargers are because it has a slim, ovular-shaped profile. The charger, including the aramid fiber charging plate, measures 3.7 x 1.4 x 1.8 inches / 94 x 36.5 x 45mm. It comes with a USB-C cable, which I don't have a port for in my car, but this was easily resolved by purchasing a multi-port cigarette lighter adapter from Amazon.
The metal hook attachment was something I hadn't encountered before, and I was a little dubious about whether it would fit on my car vents; however, this feeling was fleeting in the end, as the hooks extended out a long way. Once I had used the screw collars at the back to pull the hooks back in and to fix the ball joint in place when I was happy with the position, I placed my phone on, which attached easily. I liked that the mount felt secure, but I was still able to reposition the charging pad easily if required.
My only niggle would be the cable position, as it comes out of the bottom of the charging plate, so I recommend purchasing some little stick-on cable tidy clips to stop it from interfering with access to the controls or shift stick.
I encounter plenty of pot-hole-infested British roads plus some gnarly speed bumps on my commute, so it was somewhat trial by fire for the MagSafe attachment. It did a superb job holding onto my phone, and I recall only one occasion of needing to retighten the collars, which isn't bad going considering the amount of jostling it had put up with.
The charging speed proved to be adequate, charging an iPhone 13 Pro from 0% to 30% in half an hour. This does put it slightly behind the ESR Qi2 Magnetic Wireless Car Charger in terms of charging time, as the ESR charged the same phone from 0% to 40% in thirty minutes. That's not to say that the Pitaka did badly, however.
I really enjoyed testing the Pitaka MagEZ Car Mount Pro 2 Qi2 and would gladly purchase one for myself. If you happen to be on the hunt for other iterations of MagSafe chargers, then I recommend checking out our selection of the best wireless chargers for some inspiration.
(Image credit: Future)
Pitaka MagEZ Car Mount Pro 2 Qi2 review: Price & specs
(Image credit: Future)
Should I buy the Pitaka MagEZ Car Mount Pro 2 Qi2?
Buy it if…
You want peace of mind on bumpy roads After a couple of months of testing on my daily commute, I didn't encounter any issues with the phone dismounting or the charger becoming unstable, which has been particularly impressive considering the road conditions here. So, if you're looking for a secure MagSafe charger, you won't be disappointed.
You want something inconspicuous With an oval-shaped charging pad, a soft sheen finish, and no distracting lights, this car charger doesn't draw attention or cause distractions from reflections or bright lights whether your phone is in situ or not.
Don't buy it if…
You think your car vents won't be compatible There's no true one-size-fits-all guarantee, so if you're concerned that the hooked attachment style might not suit your car, it may be safer to opt for a clip-on or stick-on MagSafe car charger instead.
You get irritated by untidy cables It could be that it's more of an obstruction in my car, but the position of the cable makes it tricky to get to the dashboard controls and proves to be an occasional irritation when I switch gears. Some cable-tidy clips would likely resolve most of these issues, however.
Pitaka MagEZ Car Mount Pro 2 Qi2 review: Also consider
ESR Qi2 Magnetic Wireless Car Charger If you have concerns about whether your car vents will accept the Pro2 Qi2's hooked attachment design, then this charger from ESR would make a good alternative. It has a clip-on design with a stabilizer attached and helpfully comes with a stick-on dashboard mount too, so there's plenty of flexibility with placement.View Deal
