The TP-Link Deco XE75 Pro is an impressive mesh Wi-Fi system that works in large spaces, can easily connect up to 200 devices, and has some pretty impressive features. As Wi-Fe 6E adoption continues to grow, and some manufacturers are even up to a Wi-Fi 7, mesh systems like the TP-Link Deco XE75 Pro offer incredible wireless speeds and stability for users in a very accessible fashion. This system is easy to set up, can stretch to 7,200 sq. feet of coverage without a problem, and boasts a 2.5GbE port.
I've been running this system at my home/home studio/home office for the last few months to get comfortable with how well it operates. I've had a few hiccups, but this Wi-Fi system has been a massive upgrade from my previous Google Nest Wi-Fi mesh Wi-Fi routers (one of the best Wi-Fi mesh systems for everyday use) and has brought some enhancements I now cannot live without.
Like many people post-COVID, I work from home quite a bit. And, when I am not working from home, I still have things like my client server through Synology's BeeStation, my Plex Server, and other processes running on a Mac Mini Server I have in my home office that I need to access. All this and more can run easily in my 1990s house without ethernet cables running through my walls -- but more on this later.
TP-Link Deco XE75 Pro: Price and Availability
The TP-Link Deco XE75 Pro comes in a couple of options: a two-pack and a three-pack offering. The two-pack is rated at 5,500 sq. ft. and usually sells for around $400. My three-pack variant covers up to 7,200 sq. ft. and usually retails for around $600. You can pick this up at Amazon, Best Buy, or through TP-Link's official website by clicking here.
(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)
TP-Link Deco XE75 Pro: Unboxing and First Impressions
I'm a fan of minimalist tech. I like things to be simple and sleek. I also like things to work well. When I first opened the Deco XE75 Pro box, I was happy to see that the router was a sleep and sharp white dome that did not look bad. I've never been a fan of the black spider-looking routers that were so popular for so long, which is partially why I had stuck with a Google Nest Mesh Wi-Fi system for so long up until now. The units are compact and well-designed, with a beautifully designed point and an easy line of ports on the back, running up the height of the cylindrical design. The nodes, if you will, are all identical, meaning it's super easy to grab one and have it be the central unit -- something I later realized I could also change in the app if I needed to.
In the box comes the nodes, power adapters, and an ethernet cable to connect whichever node you want to be the primary node to your modem. The setup was super easy. I downloaded the companion app and followed the instructions. I had everything operational in a matter of 10 minutes at most.
Included: 3 Deco XE75 Pro units 1 RJ45 Ethernet cable 3 Power adapters 1 Quick Installation Guide
The design of the XE75 Pro is simple and aesthetically pleasing. Normally, I hide away my routers, but in two instances in my house, I have left them out in the open. One was on purpose, and the other was because I didn't need to hide it. These nodes stand about 6.7 inches tall and 4.1 inches wide and are cylindrical. They have a matte white finish with a black top, and the ports are all located on one side, running up the node's height. There is a 2.5Gbe WAN port, 2x 1GbE LAN ports, a power jack, and a reset button. One thing to note that's missing is any USB ports; however, this was not a huge loss for my use case. I've had them in the past, and they are helpful, but with my Synology BeeStation and Mac mini server, I didn't miss it in this rendition of my home office setup.
TP-Link Deco XE75 Pro: In use
I could get into a spec sheet and talk for a few hundred words about the performance of this router, but that wouldn't be as exciting as talking about my real-life use case. I set this router up several months ago, and it works well. I could connect with all my devices in my home and office as I needed to. The Wi-Fi was solid, I could reach my correct speeds, and the stability was pretty good. Nothing incredible and nothing terrible. That was until I dug into what this router could do, and everything changed for me.
One day, when I was contemplating running CAT 6 through the walls of my 1990s house so I could get both a more stable internet connection for my work and a wired connection to test some PCs that were in the queue that didn't have Wi-Fi antennas built in (shocking, I know), I remembered the ethernet ports on the back of the router that was sitting on my desk looking like a modern art piece. After some basic research, I learned that this could serve not just as ports on the central unit but could be something I plug a device into on the points connected over Mesh and connect as though I was wired to my modem.
When I figured this out, I took things a step further and bought a small network switch that I mounted under my desk (photo below). Now, I had multiple ports that I could connect to and get a stable internet connection, even without having a Wi-Fi antenna or relying on Wi-Fi. This was perfect for my BeeStation, my old Mac Mini Server (that I'm shocked is still kicking it, even without a reliable Wi-Fi antenna), and some smart home access points (Phillips Hue, Flic, etc). Next up, I wanted to make my connection as perfect as possible. At this time, my central unit was behind a Christmas tree and started having some issues. So, I looked it up; sure enough, Christmas trees can cause interference. So, I moved my main router to a different part of my living room and voila, I had a near-perfect connection to my other two access points running full Wi-Fi channels for 6GHz, 5GHz, and 2.4GHz connecting to nearly 80 devices at any given time (yes, my house has a lot of smart technology). The Deco app also has a built-in optimizer to help with this; with one click, I could change the channels to cause less interference, strengthening my network even more.
Having those ethernet ports on the back of my points and being able to act as an extension from the central unit has been something I didn't know I needed, but now, legitimately, I cannot live without it. It has allowed me to connect even dated or limited devices to blazing-fast internet without having to poke holes in my walls and traverse between floorboards to bring a CAT6 Ethernet cable from my main floor down across the footprint of my home to my basement home office/studio. Further, it has helped me speed up my testing process, allowing me to run updates and download testing software without having to take another step to connect to my Wi-Fi manually. I can plug into a " wired " dock to my modem, and I'm automatically connected to the internet.
Another massive win for the Deco XE75 Pro Wi-Fi system is that I can have my own built-in VPN to connect back to my home network without paying some absurd fee or having some crazy tech added to my network. I could set this up with limited knowledge of VPN creation and only a few minutes. Now, anywhere in the world, I can connect to my home network and access printers, local cameras, local storage, computers on my home network, and so on.
Lastly, if I did want to pay, I could get a host of AI-enhanced features that TP-Link has that could give me even more ability through this incredible router.
(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)
TP-Link Deco XE75 Pro: Final verdict
The TP-Link Deco XE75 Pro is an excellent Wi-Fi 6E mesh system for those seeking high-speed, low-latency performance with wide coverage. The AI-driven mesh technology and seamless roaming make it ideal for large spaces with multiple devices, and the extra ethernet ports allow the ability to turn a wireless network into a place to plug in wired devices. While it lacks USB ports and some security features require a paid subscription, its performance, ease of use, and future-proofed design make it one of the best Wi-Fi 6E mesh options available.
For more for home networking, we reviewed the best Wi-Fi routers around.
This is a hands-on review to give you the chance to see what the Acer Predator Helios Neo 18 AI (2025) is all about as soon as possible. Stay tuned as we'll be expanding and upgrading this hands-on review very shortly with more info.
At the Intel Extreme Masters esports tournament in Katowice, Poland, Acer has unveiled a pair of new gaming laptops: the Acer Predator Helios Neo 18 AI and Helios Neo 16 AI. I got to spend some hands-on time with the larger of these two new laptops, and I have to say, I’m impressed.
The Predator Helios Neo 18 AI is, unsurprisingly, a seriously chunky machine. The display is a gorgeous 18-inch QHD+ Mini-LED panel that looks stunning, and the large form factor means that it also packs a full-scale RGB keyboard and a metric ton of ports - something I always like to see on a laptop. It weighs in at a hefty 3.3kg (7.3 lbs) - granted, not the heaviest gaming laptop I’ve ever seen, but comfortably into ‘desktop replacement’ territory.
Meanwhile, the Helios Neo 16 AI is a little more svelte, with an optional OLED configuration available for its 16-inch display and a package weight of 2.7kg (6 lbs), making it a little more portable (though still fairly hefty). Otherwise, it looks like someone hit the 18-inch model with a shrink ray; it’s very similar but a little smaller. There’s also the 16S, which was previously unveiled at CES and offers a slightly slimmer overall design (the ‘S’ stands for ‘slim’).
These 'Neo' models were introduced a little while back, acting as a sort of middle ground between Acer's premium Predator gaming laptop line and the more affordable Nitro series. While they’re not exactly what I’d call affordable (more on that below), they are very fairly priced for the hardware on offer. I'm pleased to say that Acer hasn’t skimped on design quality to reduce the pricing; it’s purely a cap on the internal specs, as these laptops only go up to an RTX 5070 Ti while the ‘non-Neo’ Acer Predator Helios 18 AI can be configured all the way up to an RTX 5090.
The rear edge of the laptop features an RGB light bar behind the display. (Image credit: Future)
Acer Predator Helios Neo 18 AI: Price and availability
While we don't yet have full pricing information for the Acer Predator Helios Neo 18 AI, I can confirm that it will start at $2,199.99 in the US with a launch scheduled for sometime in May. The 16-inch version will start at $1,899.99, and is expected to launch a month earlier in April.
Now, it's important to mention that these are base configuration prices, meaning that you'll only be getting an RTX 5070 GPU, Core Ultra 7 255HX CPU, and a relatively standard 1200p LED display. Other configuration details are still up in the air; we know that both laptops can be configured with up to 64GB of RAM, but not the baseline amount, which is likely 16GB or 32GB. It's likely that opting for the more powerful configurations will jack that price up a fair bit, especially the Mini-LED display option.
However, these are still very reasonable starting prices, especially for an 18-inch laptop. The Helios Neo 18 AI's closest competitor will likely be the ROG Strix G18 from Asus, which already starts at $2,299.99 in the US - and that's for the RTX 4070 model.
A thicker chassis has its downsides, but it also means more ports for better physical connectivity. (Image credit: Future)
Acer Predator Helios Neo 18 AI: Design
The build quality on show here is a notable step up from the first-gen Neo laptop design, which I noted was ‘quite robust’ but not exactly the best-constructed laptop I’d tested in my Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 review last year. The keyboard and trackpad in particular feel a bit more sturdy, which is nice.
The Helios Neo 18 AI (and its 16-inch sibling) both retain the same excellent port selection seen in previous models, however, with basically everything you could possibly ask for: USB-A, USB-C, HDMI, Ethernet, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and even a microSD card slot. Anyone wanting to use this laptop for double duty across gaming and professional creative work should be well-served here (as well as by the respectable internal specs). Some of these ports, including the HDMI out, are located on the rear edge of the chassis, which helps keep some of your cables out of the way.
The keyboard is a fairly straightforward affair; customizable RGB backlighting is par for the course with gaming laptops, and the larger scale of the Neo 18 AI means that Acer has seen fit to go with a full-size key layout that includes a numpad. Key spacing is good and there's a reasonable amount of travel, meaning that typing feels comfortable. You've also got dedicated keys for both the Microsoft Copilot AI assistant in Windows and the Acer PredatorSense system tweaking software (which comes preinstalled), as well as a separate button above the keyboard that activates 'turbo mode' for gaming.
The size difference between the Neo 16 AI and Neo 18 AI is immediately obvious. (Image credit: Future)
Acer Predator Helios Neo 18 AI: Performance
Acer sadly (but unsurprisingly) didn't let me sit and download a ton of benchmarks to run on the Helios Neo 18 AI, but based on the spec sheet, both the Neo 18 AI and Neo 16 AI are powerful without going completely overboard.
The GPU can be either an RTX 5070 or RTX 5070 Ti, with a choice between 2nd-gen Intel Core Ultra 7 or Ultra 9 HX chips. System RAM is configurable up to 64GB of DDR5, and storage can be up to a 2TB SSD (with an extra M.2 slot for user upgrades).
One notable missing feature is Wi-Fi 7 support, with these Neo laptops instead opting for Wi-Fi 6E - likely a small cost-cutting measure by Acer, and one that personally doesn't bother me. Considering the RJ-45 port and Intel Killer Ethernet E3100G support, combined with the fact that this laptop is an absolute tank that almost certainly needs to remain anchored to a wall outlet for serious gaming, you should probably just be using a wired internet connection for the best experience anyway.
With a large form factor like this, a full-size keyboard with numpad easily fits inside the Neo 18 AI's footprint. (Image credit: Future)
Acer Predator Helios Neo 18 AI: Early verdict
I was pretty pleased with the Acer Predator Helios Neo 18 (and the Neo 16, too) - it feels like a smart move from Acer to have an option specifically for the midrange, ideal for users who don't want to shell out for an ultra-premium laptop from the likes of Razer or Asus's ROG line, but have enough cash to afford something a bit more heavyweight.
It would be nice to see more of a shift towards thinner form factors in gaming laptops (something that the 16S model does achieve), but that doesn't seem likely to change anytime soon; not with Nvidia's GPUs still bringing the same sort of power and cooling requirements to the table. That's a reasonable tradeoff for performance, though - and after all, any 18-inch laptop is going to spend most of its time acting as a desktop replacement system anyway. In short, I'm excited to see more - we'll be doing a full review of this gaming laptop once Acer starts to send out test units, so watch this space.
While this is a review, it's important to bear in mind that it's only a hands-on account based on my limited time with the device at IEM Katowice 2025. As such, there aren't any concrete performance figures to speak of, and there's the possibility that there may be specific flaws (or benefits!) that I may have missed. It's also possible that the product may be changed in some way before release, which may render parts of this hands-on review incorrect.
When reviewing laptops and tablets, I spend as much time as possible using the device as if it were my own: I'll browse the web, watch videos, and create content. Ideally, we also run a variety of benchmarking software to stress-test the hardware, and keep track of component temperatures and battery life while doing so. I also pay close attention to the weight, profile, and build quality of the device itself, as well as rigorously testing any moving parts such as keys, buttons, and touchpads.
The KitchenAid KF6 is a fully automatic bean-to-cup coffee machine, and it does its main job exceptionally well: brewing a delicious, rich espresso with the best crema I’ve ever seen.
It offers a wide menu of espresso drinks, each of which can be customized and saved to a custom profile. In addition, it includes an automatic milk-frothing system for options including cappuccinos, caffe lattes, and macchiatos. Unlike the higher-end KitchenAid Fully Automatic Espresso Machine KF8 we reviewed in 2024, there’s no separate profile for plant-based milk.
Macchiato is one of seven customizable espresso drinks on the menu (Image credit: Future)
In addition, it's one of the quietest coffee machines we’ve tested here at TechRadar, with a pump that’s barely any louder than your refrigerator. The only significant noise happens for a moment during grinding and milk frothing, and it’s over in a second or two.
Thoughtful touches include a brew group that purges itself automatically between drinks to ensure you always have fresh beans ground to the correct size (like a barista would purge their grinder); a chute so you can make an occasional drink using a different bean to the one in the hopper; and a comprehensive set of cleaning functions that make maintaining the machine as simple as using it.
It’s also less expensive than you might expect. Fully automatic bean-to-cup coffee makers are never going to be cheap, but the KF6 costs far less than the KF8, with only a few compromises – and it’s often available at a discount, too.
KitchenAid Fully Automatic Espresso Machine KF6: price and availability
List price $1,199.99 / £1,299 / AU$1,799
Far less expensive than KitchenAid KF8
Often available at a discount
The KitchenAid KF6 launched in 2024, and is available to buy directly from KitchenAid, or from third-party retailers. It has a list price of $1,199.99 / £1,299 / AU$1,799, but you can often find it more cheaply. For example, at the time of writing it’s discounted to $999.99 in the US and AU$1,599 in Australia for Valentine’s Day.
It certainly isn't cheap, but fully automatic bean-to-cup machines never are due to their complexity; plus the KF6 delivers plenty for the money. It's far less expensive than its higher-end sibling, the KF8, which has a list price of $1,999.99 / £1,899 / AU$2,599. While the KF6 makes a few compromises to keep the cost down, it remains an exceptional coffee maker; in my opinion, it's much better value than its big brother. We’ve rounded up today’s best prices for you here:
The KitchenAid Fully Automatic Espresso Machine KF6 is a sleek, modern-looking coffee maker, with a matt finish and brushed stainless steel accents. It's available in three colorways: stainless steel, cast iron black, and porcelain white (the latter of which launched in January 2025).
Its screen measures 2.4 inches diagonally (6cm), which is smaller than that of the KF8, but it’s still bright and clear, with plenty of space for reviewing and tweaking your drink settings. You operate the machine using a set of touch-sensitive buttons positioned beside the display, and the power button is located discreetly on the left-hand side of the case.
The KitchenAid KF7 is controlled using a set of touch-sensitive buttons arranged around its small color screen (Image credit: Future)
The bean hopper is accessed via a hatch on the top, and has a central dial that twists to lock and unlock it. The hatch has a rubber seal to help keep your beans fresh. Next to the hopper, you’ll find a small chute where you can insert a scoop of pre-ground coffee if you want to use a different bean from time to time. This is particularly handy for those who prefer to switch to decaf in the evening; the machine will detect if the chute has been opened and automatically offer you the option of using ground coffee rather than beans when you next select a drink (a thoughtful touch). The KF6 arrives with a scoop to make this easier.
The KF6's water tank has a capacity of 2.3 quarts / 2.2 liters, which is the same as the other espresso machines in KitchenAid’s fully automatic series, and has a folding handle that makes it easier to carry it to the sink. You also get a water-testing strip, so you can decide which water hardness setting to choose, and a water filter that screws into the bottom of the tank. Additional filters are available to purchase directly from KitchenAid, or from Amazon.
The water tank is easily lifted out of the side of the machine, and comes with a filter that screws into the bottom (Image credit: Future)
The dispenser slides smoothly up and down to accommodate different-sized cups, and can dispense coffee and milk into one or two cups.The drip-tray beneath slides out smoothly when lifted slightly, and contains a removable bin where used coffee pucks are deposited. The tray has a spout shape at the back to avoid mess when emptying and rinsing.
The KitchenAid KF6 has an automatic milk-frothing system, but unlike the KF7 and KF8, it doesn’t come with a dedicated container. Instead, you just place the end of the tube into your own jug or cup of milk. The results are the same; the only difference in practise is that you can’t pop the closed container into the fridge between uses. However, unlike the higher-end KF8, the KF6 doesn’t have a separate profile for plant-based milk. You can still use it to heat and texturize oat, soy, or almond milk, but the system is optimized for dairy.
Used pucks are dispensed into a removeable bin that sits inside the drip-tray (Image credit: Future)
The only downside to the design is that I noticed a few small scratches on the stainless steel drip-tray after testing, which must have been caused by the bottom of the glass and ceramic cups I was using. They were noticeable only when observing up-close, however; you’d never see them in ordinary use. I was just a little surprised it happened so quickly.
Makes exceptionally good espresso with thick crema
Good choice of customizable drink presets
No profile for plant-based milks
The KitchenAid KF6 is very simple to use and, most importantly, makes a gorgeous espresso – rich and delicious, and with exceptionally thick crema that even earned praise from team coffee aficionado and reviews editor Josh Russell, who noted that his manual espresso machine couldn’t produce similar results.
The KF6 doesn’t have quite such an extensive menu of presets as the KF8, but still offers plenty of choice. There’s scope for customizing the strength, temperature, volume, and body of each drink, too. The options offered by the KF6 are:
Espresso
Cappuccino
Caffe latte
Macchiato
Latte macchiato
Americano
Coffee
The KF6 can also dispense hot water and warm milk. However, unlike the higher-end KF8, it doesn’t offer a cooler water option for brewing green tea, or foamed milk without coffee for a babyccino.
The KitchenAid KF6 produces an incredible espresso (Image credit: Future)
When I tested the KitchenAid KF8 in 2024, I found that the default settings for a cappuccino and latte didn’t produce as much milk foam as I like, and it was the same with the KF6. Thankfully, both machines let me adjust the volume of the drink to add more milk, which resulted in thicker foam. It’s easy to play around with the options before making your espresso drinks, and once you’ve set your preferences, you can save them to one of four custom user profiles. The KF6 supports six profiles, but four will be plenty for most households.
The KF6 is Quiet Mark certified, meaning it has been designed with noise reduction in mind. It’s definitely quieter than most of the best espresso machines I’ve tested. It reached 75db for a second or two while foaming milk (similar to a vacuum cleaner) and 66dB while grinding coffee (about the noise of a normal conversation), but averaged a mere 44dB while the pump was in operation (a very gentle hum).
Unlike the KF8, the KF6 doesn't have a mode optimized for plant-based milk (Image credit: Future)
Sometimes, the convenience of a bean-to-cup coffee machine is offset by the hassle of maintaining it, but this isn't the case here. All of KitchenAid’s fully automatic espresso machines offer a great selection of cleaning and maintenance functions, and you’ll be prompted when it’s time to run each one.
After each milk-based drink, you’ll be advised to run the "easy milk rinsing" program, which uses water from the tank to flush the lines. To keep things hygienic in the longer term, the "deep milk cleaning" function uses a cleaning solution to give everything a good wash and remove proteins and bacteria.
There’s a quick option for rinsing the brew unit, plus a deep-cleaning mode that requires you to remove the brewing unit and insert a cleaning tablet to remove any build-up of oils that could start to impact the taste of your drinks.
Remove the panel on the right-hand side to access the brew group for cleaning (Image credit: Future)
The KF8 also offers a function that purges all coffee from the hopper and brew unit (ideal if you want to switch to a different bean), and one that evaporates all water from the system (great, if you won’t be using the machine for a while or need to transport it). You may need to use a cloth to absorb a little leftover water from the dispenser once it’s done, but the evaporation system works very well.
Generally speaking, I found the differences between the KF6 and the KF8 to be quite small. Although there are fewer drink options, the ones I use frequently are still available (and customizable). The absence of a special container for milk barely affects the experience at all, and the smaller screen is still ample for displaying your various options.
The only thing I really missed was the plant milk option from the KF8, which yielded particularly silky micro-foam when used with almond milk. If you rarely use plant milk, it’s well worth considering opting for the KF6 instead – the experience is just as good; it handles dairy equally well; and it brews an exceptional coffee.
Performance score: 4.5/5
Should you buy the KitchenAid Fully Automatic Espresso Machine KF6
Buy if if
You love espresso
I've said it before and I'll say it again, this machine produces truly great espresso, with masses of golden crema. It's delicious, and it will be perfect every time – with no skill necessary on your part.
You want minimal hassle
The joy of a bean-to-cup machine is its ease of use and consistency, and the KF6 excels in both areas. It makes preparing your favorite coffee a piece of cake, and is refreshingly easy to clean and maintain.
Don't buy it if
You prefer plant milk
There's nothing to stop you using the KF6 with your favorite plant-based substitute, but it's optimized for dairy. Unlike the KF8, there's no profile for soy, almond, oat and other alternatives.
You're on a tight budget
The KitchenAid KF6 is great value for a fully automatic bean-to-cup espresso machine, but if money is tight then you'd be better off choosing a manual espresso machine instead.
KitchenAid Fully Automatic Espresso Machine KF6: also consider
Not sure whether the KitchenAid KF6 is the right espresso machine for you? Here are a couple of other options that you might like to consider:
De’Longhi La Specialista Arte Evo
This is our favorite manual bean-to-cup machine, and an excellent introduction to the world of espresso. Plus, it's less than half the price of the KitchenAid KF6.
This espresso machine gives you the choice of manual or semi-automatic operation, and for those who lack the experience of grinding and tamping coffee, Breville's Impress system helps you create the perfect puck.
KitchenAid Fully Automatic Espresso Machine KF6: how I tested
I tested the KitchenAid Fully Automatic Espresso Machine KF6 using fresh coffee beans from local coffee shop, Mokoko, and chilled whole milk. I used each of the machine’s preset drink options, experimenting with the volume, temperature, strength, and body settings, creating a custom user profile.
I also ran all of the machine’s cleaning programs, including the intensive profiles for cleaning the milk system and brewing group, and evaporating water from the whole system. For more details, see how we test, review, and rate on TechRadar.
The wireless microphone market is a crowded one. Whether you shoot with one of the best camera phones or a dedicated video camera, content creators are spoilt for choice when it comes to upgrading their voiceover audio. Among the best wireless mics at the moment are the Rode Wireless Micro and the DJI Mic 2, both of which are rated highly for their ease of use and sound quality.
It’s into that busy fray that the AnkerWork M650 steps. A two-mic kit shipped with a touchscreen receiver and packaged in a tidy charging case, the M650 promises high-quality audio recording with cross-platform compatibility. In the box come both Lightning and USB-C connectors for hooking the receiver up to your smartphone. It can also slot into a camera’s hot shoe, with a 3.5mm cable included for connecting to a microphone port.
On paper, the AnkerWork M650 offers a feature-packed setup. It promises dual-channel lossless pickup with optional noise cancelling and on-board storage for up to seven hours of uncompressed audio. Transmission range is a useful 200m, while the receiver has a streamlined touchscreen interface with access to a range of settings, including gain adjustments.
In practise, the AnkerWork M650 delivers on almost all fronts. Pre-paired out of the charging case, the kit is foolproof to use. Open the lid and you’ll find the two mics good to go, with a receiver that comes alive in a blink, instantly displaying audio levels on its bright screen. Key controls can all be accessed with just a few swipes of the icon-based interface.
The transmitters themselves are bigger than those of the Rode Wireless Micro and DJI Mic Mini, but their circular design looks subtle enough. Attaching them is a cinch with the built-in clips, which also double-up as magnetic mounts which can be rotated through 90-degree increments. The transmitters are relatively weighty at 30g apiece, but they hold firm however you wear them.
(Image credit: Chris Rowlands / Future)
Recording performance impressed me in testing. Dialogue sounds clear and natural by default, with the option to adjust the EQ through the AnkerWork software. Noise reduction is also effective in outdoor environments, although it can be aggressive on its highest setting, giving vocals a processed tone.
Battery life is decent but not exceptional. The transmitters and receiver are rated for six hours on a single charge, with a further nine hours available from the charging case. At a total of 15 hours, the AnkerWork M650 is outgunned by the DJI Mic 2.
Still, with a raft of useful features, I think the AnkerWork M650 strikes an excellent balance of performance and usability. Options such as real-time monitoring will appeal to seasoned creators, while the intuitive setup makes it satisfyingly simple to operate. That includes neat design touches, such as the twist-to-lock smartphone adapters.
There are cheaper, screen-free options available if you only want to record audio to a smartphone. But if you need the flexibility to record quality audio with a range of shooting tools, I think the AnkerWork M650 is a good value alternative to the DJI Mic 2.
(Image credit: Chris Rowlands / Future)
AnkerWork M650: price and release date
$199.99 / £249.99 / AU$199.98 for the complete kit
Includes 2x mics, a receiver and a charging case
Available now in black and white with swappable back covers
The AnkerWork M650 wireless mic launched in March 2023. It’s available now, priced at $199.99 / £249.99 / AU$199.98. That makes it quite a bit cheaper than the twin-transmitter DJI Mic 2 Combo, which is arguably its closest like-for-like competitor. Unlike the DJI Mic 2, the M650’s component parts can’t be bought separately: it’s only available as a kit. Luckily, it’s a complete one.
The kit includes a pair of transmitters, a receiver and a charging case. You also get USB-C and Lightning smartphone adapters, as well as USB-C and 3.5mm audio cables, reflecting the universal connectivity of the kit. Adding further value to the bundle is a pair of wind shields, a travel sleeve and two swappable transmitter shells.
It’s available in black or white, with the color scheme reflected across the case, transmitters, receiver and smartphone adapters. The black kit comes with one gold and one green replacement back cover for the transmitters. The white kit includes blue and purple shells.
There are simpler wireless mic kits which can be picked up for significantly less than the AnkerWork M650, including the DJI Mic Mini and the Rode Wireless Micro. Taken together, though, I think the contents of the AnkerWork kit make it excellent value for content creators who are likely to use it with both a smartphone and a camera.
(Image credit: Chris Rowlands / Future)
AnkerWork M650: specs
(Image credit: Chris Rowlands / Future)
AnkerWork M650: Design
Circular transmitters with swappable back plates
Built-in clips or magnetic attachment
Receiver with levels monitoring and 1.47-inch touchscreen
The AnkerWork M650 follows the same basic formula as most wireless mic kits. You get a pair of transmitters, plus a receiver that connects to your camera or smartphone. These all live inside a charging case. Open it up and everything is automatically paired, ready to go.
There are a few design touches which set the AnkerWork M650 kit apart. Its transmitters are unique among the wireless mics we’ve tested in being circular. Measuring 45.5mm across, they are larger than most and relatively weighty at 30g. Despite their size, the domed shells give them a good dose of subtlety. They look less obviously like microphones than many transmitters. They also have a party trick: the back covers can be swapped for different color shells.
There are two easy ways to attach the transmitters to your clothing. The first is to simply latch them to a hem, collar or lapel using the built-in clip. Alternatively, pull on the clip and you’ll find it’s one half of a magnetic mount: put it under a layer of clothing and it can hold the transmitter in place on the other side. This magnetic setup also allows you to rotate the clip through 90-degree steps, so you can always make sure the pick-up is facing your mouth.
On the transmitter itself is just a single button, which can be used to mute the microphone (turning the indicator light red). This also serves as a way to manually power the transmitter off, in the unlikely event that you don’t have the case handy. Each transmitter also has a port which can be used to connect a lavalier mic. This is the same jack used to fix the optional wind shields in place.
The receiver is just as neat. A tidy little brick with a bright 1.47-inch touchscreen, it’s the hub through which audio is relayed to your devices. It also has just a single physical button, which is used to lock the touchscreen. Everything else is controlled via the intuitive, icon-based interface. There’s very little learning curve here: almost every key setting can be accessed with just a couple of swipes – and even for big fingers, the touchscreen is sized just right.
The main screen features two side-by-side graphics which display info from each transmitter in real time, including battery status, signal strength and audio level. Swiping left or right brings up settings for each transmitter, including gain adjustment, which can be boosted or lowered in 3dB increments. Swiping up lets you control the mics in sync, while swiping down lets you adjust the receiver settings, including the degree of noise reduction.
Connecting the receiver is equally straightforward. Your options here are plentiful. The clip underneath doubles up as a hot shoe mount, with USB-C and 3.5mm audio ports on the side for wiring up to a camera. If you’re pairing it with a smartphone, take a bundled Lightning or USB-C adapter, slot it into the mount on the back of the receiver, then twist to lock it in place. From there, the receiver sticks directly into the port on the bottom of your phone. The fit is firm and the position is a natural one for the receiver’s modest dimensions.
That 3.5mm audio port can also be used for real-time monitoring, which is a feature that more experienced content creators will appreciate. Equally, if you need to capture standalone audio, simply hit the record button on the receiver and it can save up to seven hours of lossless audio to its built-in storage. This can be accessed later by dropping the receiver into the case and connecting it to a PC or Mac using a USB-C cable.
(Image credit: Chris Rowlands / Future)
AnkerWork M650: Performance
Dual-channel pick-up with VoiceShield noise reduction
6 hours battery life (transmitter), 9 extra hours battery life (receiver)
Omnidirectional audio and up to 200m range
Each transmitter is equipped with an omnidirectional pick-up that’s capable of capturing 24-bit audio at 48Khz. This isn’t as flexible as the 32-bit float audio support offered by the Mic 2, which can better avoid clipping if volume spikes, but its quality will be more than good enough for most content creators.
It’s worth noting that there’s no equivalent of Rode’s Intelligent GainAssist, which automatically adjusts audio levels to suit the environment. You’ll need to monitor levels using the readout on the receiver and make any necessary gain adjustments manually. In general, though, by keeping the mic a consistent distance from my mouth, I didn’t have any issues with clipping.
Nor did I encounter any problems with pairing, syncing or storing recordings during testing. I didn’t test the claimed 200m transmission range to its limit, but I found the connection stable and reliable even when roaming a fair distance from the receiver.
To assess sound quality, I recorded voiceovers in a range of settings, indoors and out, both quiet and noisy. Overall, I found results clean and natural. Audio captured by the M650 had significantly more clarity and depth than output from the built-in mics on my smartphone and DSLR camera. WAV files saved directly to the receiver were particularly clear.
If your ears are keen enough and you want a slightly warmer tone or more low-end depth to your voiceovers, you can adjust the EQ through the AnkerWork desktop software. That’s also where you can configure the low-pass filter.
Windy conditions are the biggest challenge for any wireless mic and the AnkerWork M650 is no exception. It features two levels of VoiceShield noise reduction which can be enabled using the receiver’s touchscreen. The feature is very effective at isolating vocals, even when there’s a lot of background hubbub. The drawback is that, when the system is battling noise at its highest setting, voices can sound digitally compressed and over-processed.
I found the best balance for recording outdoors was to attach one of the included dead cat wind shields and set the noise reduction level to low. This did allow a little more noise into recordings but not enough to be distracting, while crucially having a less noticeable impact on audio quality.
For content creators who want to upgrade their audio, you can really hear the difference in quality versus a device’s built-in microphone. The lack of Bluetooth connectivity might be a dealbreaker for some, but the added flexibility would likely come at the cost of bit-rate. For most, its reliable 24-bit recording and decent noise-cancelling tech will make the M650 worth the money.
In terms of battery life, the nine-hour boost offered by its charging case is less than some, but you’d need to be using the AnkerWork M650 kit pretty heavily to exhaust its full capacity in a single shoot. In reality, I never once encountered a dead battery. Both the transmitters and the receiver are rated for six hours on a charge, which is plenty. Plus most users are likely have the kit in and out of the case regularly.
(Image credit: Chris Rowlands / Future)
Should I buy the Ankerwork M650?
Buy it if…
You want a complete wireless mic kit
Shipped with two mics and a receiver in a charging case, the AnkerWork M650 also includes USB-C and Lightning smartphone adapters, 3.5mm audio and USB-C cables, plus windshields and two replacement back covers.
You want a mic that’s easy to use
Pre-paired out of the charging case, the M650 offers plug-and-play simplicity. There’s just one button on each transmitter, while the receiver’s icon-based touchscreen interface is intuitive enough for anyone to navigate.
You want premium audio recording
With dual-channel lossless pick-up, the M650 captures clean, natural voiceovers. You have the option of mono or stereo recording, plus the ability to make granular adjustments to the gain level via the receiver.
Don’t buy it if…
You want the best battery life
On-board battery life is par for the course at six hours per charge, but the case only offers a further nine hours. That pales in comparison to the DJI Mic 2’s case (18 hours).
You want a budget smartphone kit
The AnkerWork M650 represents good value for such a feature-heavy wireless mic kit, but there are more affordable options out there for content creators who only need simple smartphone connectivity without a touchscreen receiver.
You want clean, noiseless audio
VoiceShield noise reduction does an impressive job of cancelling wind noise when shooting on location, but it can make voices sound a little processed. The high setting should only be used as a last resort.
AnkerWork M650: also consider
Rode Wireless Micro
If you mainly create content with your smartphone and you’re happy with a screen-free receiver, the Rode Wireless Micro represents excellent value. It’s a tiny, low-fuss option that’s up and running in seconds.
A pro-grade recording kit which is arguably the M650’s closest competitor, the DJI Mic 2 offers a similarly seamless setup for premium audio. It costs more, but includes support for 32-bit float recording.
To fully explore the capabilities of the AnkerWork M650, I tested it regularly over the course of several weeks. I used it to record voiceovers in a range of scenarios, from quiet home environments to noisy outdoor settings.
Paying particular attention to the effectiveness of its noise reduction feature, I used the AnkerWork M650 on a number of windy days. I tested it with VoiceShield switched off, set to low and at its highest setting, both with and without the optional wind shields installed, before comparing the results.
Because the M650 is such a complete kit – and one which content creators are likely to use in a number of different ways – I tested it with both a smartphone and a camera. I attached the receiver to my iPhone 12 via the Lightning adapter. I also used it on the hot shoe of my trusty Nikon D7100, connected via the 3.5mm audio cable. For completeness, I also used the AnkerWork M650 as a standalone solution, recording audio to its on-board storage.
Throughout my tests, I interacted with the wireless mic kit as real users would. That meant monitoring levels in real time on the receiver’s touchscreen and adjusting gain settings. I also tried attaching the transmitters to different items of clothing, used both the clip-on and magnetic solutions, to see how effectively they held.
Aspyr has built an impressive resume of classic action-adventure remasters over the last few years. The masters of the remaster have previously given delightful modern refreshes to the first three Tomb Raider games and delivered a seminal update to two excellent Soul Reaver titles, and now the Texas-based studio has returned its attention to the original Lara Croft timeline.
Review info
Platform reviewed: PC via Steam and PS5 Available on: PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch Release date: February 14, 2025
Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered brings 1999’s The Last Revelation, 2000’s Chronicles, and 2003’s The Angel of Darkness to PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Nintendo Switch and PC with a treasure trove of visual enhancements. Cleaning these Core Design developed titles up after twenty-five years and getting them to look this fresh is nothing short of wizardry at this point.
The Last Revelation, for example, charts Lara’s adventures in Egypt as she works to overcome an ancient curse that she accidentally set in motion, and the level of polish and modern graphical flourishes impress throughout. A new lighting engine sees shafts of sunlight penetrating forgotten temples and provides atmospheric warmth and illumination from fire pits and torches.
Character models have increased levels of detail while retaining the charm and personality of the original releases and the various Egyptian tombs benefit from dramatic rejuvenation that begs you to explore them. Simple flat textures have been replaced with detailed geometrically interesting assets in some spots, creating a sense that these environments could actually exist and aren’t just flat painted boxes anymore.
(Image credit: Aspyr)
A graphical revelation
Once again making use of the original source code as the framework for these remasters, Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered enables players to instantly swap between the shiny newness and the classic visuals with the push of a button. The Last Revelation and Chronicles, which both debuted on the original PlayStation, see the biggest leap in overall fidelity, and while The Angel of Darkness still receives a noticeable improvement over its PlayStation 2 origin, its revamp isn’t as impactful.
Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered isn’t pixel-perfect in its execution, however. Chronicles, which acts as an anthology of sorts for previously untold Croft escapades, suffers from some occasional clipping at the edges and corners of buildings. It’s a minor gripe for sure but one that does pop up throughout Tomb Raider V and does prove distracting whenever it appears.
Likewise, all the original cutscenes are preserved and reused here without any visual enhancements or improvements, but the low-res FMV (full motion video) sequences of yesteryear are brief and have a charm of their own.
Image 1 of 2
(Image credit: Aspyr)
Image 2 of 2
(Image credit: Aspyr)
Bothersome buttons
Mirroring the remasters of Tomb Raider I-III, Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered introduces a new modern control scheme for each game aimed to provide an accessible experience for new players unfamiliar with the original games and their classic tank controls. It’s unsurprising then, if not a little disappointing that, just like Tomb Raider I-III Remastered, this latest collection fails to introduce a reliable, modern control scheme.
Before delving into what does and doesn’t work with the modern scheme though, I’d like to take a moment to celebrate the tank controls. Tank controls, the slightly clumpy yet functional feel when you get used to them, and inputs from the original releases, undoubtedly remain my favorite way to experience these games. Classic Tomb Raider always required precise traversal and, while not the most natural method of controlling a character, tank controls allowed just that.
Despite the precision of the original tank controls, players would still occasionally make accidental slip-ups, causing our pony-tailed heroine to plummet to her demise. Aspyr has introduced a couple of new moves for Lara that, while certainly not exciting on paper, do remove some of those frustrating pratfalls of old.
For starters a new slide-to-run animation, a previously cut action from the original games, allows Lara to keep her momentum after disembarking a sloped surface. There are also two new animations for hanging on ledges as well, with the extra actions designed to prevent an untimely death regardless of whether Lara is facing toward or away from a drop.
The aforementioned new animations are available in both tank and modern control schemes, with a brand new ‘turn around in place’ action that is exclusive to the modern scheme and spins Lara a neat 180 degrees on the spot.
(Image credit: Aspyr)
Entering a new area and flicking between the remastered graphics and the original visuals and appreciating the astonishing work and artistry of the team at Asypr. Far from a simple resolution bump, every decaying tomb, claustrophobic cave, or industrial cityscape has clearly received a lot of love in its modernization.
The new additions are good in theory, even if their implementation into Lara’s ever-increasing moveset leaves a lot to be desired. The turn-around-in-place move, for instance, requires the finger dexterity of a double-jointed gymnast to perform, with the default input requiring two opposing face buttons to be pressed simultaneously. I found myself adopting a claw grip like one might use when playing a fighting game, whenever the situation required a tight turnaround.
It's here that the cracks in the modern control scheme start to show. The default control layout doesn’t mesh well with in-game directions. At the start of The Last Revelation, when an adolescent Lara is navigating a Cambodian temple with mentor Werner Von Croy, Von Croy will often dole out instructions as part of the tutorial level. After diving into a pool, the puffed-up archaeologist suggests we “use ‘Action’ to climb out of the water”, except, with modern controls, Lara does nothing but bobs up and down staring at the edge of the pool. Through much trial and error, I discovered that an entirely different button makes Lara climb out of pools, and even worse, grab ledges mid-fall.
The Action button debacle isn’t an isolated instance either with several context-sensitive inputs not aligning with their in-game instructions. While the modern control scheme does have some perks including fluid horizontal movement, it requires some extensive tinkering and remapping of the controls within the options to make it remotely usable.
Another aspect that could use refinement is the weapon system, although the new on-screen ammo counter is a blessing. Switching between the weapons in Lara’s arsenal requires players to pause the game and scroll through the available armaments. There is a new shortcut system in place, requiring players to hold the touchpad and press one of the face/shoulder buttons to bring up individual weapons but it feels unnecessary and clumsy. A weapon wheel would have been a much simpler refinement and worked well for similarly revamped games such as Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy: The Definitive Edition.
(Image credit: Aspyr)
Lights, camera, action
One modern addition I absolutely adore is the returning and expanded photo mode. Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered builds on the already brilliant photo mode of Tomb Raider I-III Remastered by letting players toy around with Lara’s stances, facial expressions, costumes, and weapons and even moving her freely around the scene.
Aspyr has gone beyond the standard photo mode in Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered and incorporated a new flyby camera mode, and let me tell you, it’s incredible. The flyby camera mode allows players to position up to twenty different cameras around any scene in The Last Revelation and Chronicles, tweak various settings like field of view and roll, and then press play to witness a cinematic flyby of their custom scene.
Flyby mode is so simple and so powerful. I was creating dynamic, professional-looking animations immediately. The possibilities are literally endless and if you love Tomb Raider, you’ll definitely get a kick out of exploring each level using flyby mode.
Unfortunately, the feature currently appears to be absent from The Angel of Darkness. The sixth mainline Tomb Raider game, where Lara goes all Jason Bourne around Europe in a supernatural murder mystery, is a notoriously sullen affair so it makes sense that The Angel of Darkness doesn’t currently support the brilliantly fun flyby mode just yet. It’s a shame as The Angel of Darkness looks fantastic here and exploring Paris or Prague with the new Flyby camera would make an entertaining distraction from all of the brooding.
The flyby camera is a mind-blowing toolkit for fans of the series and a feature I hope Aspyr retrofits into Tomb Raider I-III Remastered, and that every 3D game incorporates and iterates on it from here on out.
Should I play Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered?
Play it if...
You love a thrilling caper Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered sees Lara searching for relics, evading traps, and solving implausibly engineered puzzles on three globetrotting adventures. Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered delivers hours of exciting, pulpy fun in a beautifully presented package for the price of a cinema ticket and a large popcorn.
You have a playful, creative side As photo modes go, Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered’s is one of the best around. Creating unique custom shots by harnessing a suite of selectable stances, facial expressions, outfits and the ability to move Lara around in any scene is great fun and the new flyby mode takes that creativity to a whole new level.
Don't play it if...
You have limited patience Tomb Raider as a series is synonymous with challenging brainteasers, but even for a veteran of the series, the controls can feel like a constant puzzle to understand themselves and the modern control scheme compounds the issue further.
Accessibility
Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered provides only a few, basic accessibility options for players. Subtitles are enabled by default in all three games and are clear to read with a subtle grey background to them. Controller settings can be tweaked with optional vibrations and adjustable stick sensitivity.
All three titles do a poor job of introducing players to controls with no onscreen button prompts or tutorials. Voice lines and subtitles will occasionally guide players on what to do but the instructions often don’t correlate with the default control schemes, making certain sections impassible without much trial and error.
Quality-of-life improvements such as the inclusion of boss health bars, ammo counters, and cutscene skippers are all welcome additions.
(Image credit: Aspyr)
How I reviewed Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered
I played through the campaigns of all three titles while regularly switching between modern and tank controls, testing Lara’s newly added animations in each. I spent a couple of hours fiddling around in photo mode throughout my playthrough, taking time to experiment with various poses and outfits and producing fun flyby shots.
I played Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered on my gaming PC which runs a Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 Ti on a Dell U2415 Monitor. I used my EasySMX D05 controller and my Sony Gold Wireless Headset. I also tested the collection on PS5 on a 4K Sony Bravia TV, with my DualSense wireless controller and my PS5 Pulse 3D Wireless Headset for the most part, and occasionally through the built-in TV speakers.
Prior to playing Tomb Raider IV-VI Remaster, I also chose to revisit the original games on the original PlayStation and PlayStation 2, enabling me to appreciate the differences in controls, visuals and playability to the new remaster.
Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Pro Edition: Two-minute review
The Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Pro Edition is part of a great lineage. It’s been almost 20 years since the first Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin launched – back then it was an iPod dock with a 30-pin connector. It’s moved with the times, of course, so now this version offers aptX Adaptive Bluetooth codec compatibility and the ability to host numerous music streaming and internet radio services within the ‘Music’ control app it has in common with other Bowers & Wilkins wireless audio products.
The look of the Zeppelin Pro is, of course, the look. The Zeppelin line is very much its own thing, and build quality and the standard of finish are predictably good. And when it comes to business, the Pro Edition features a reworked tweeter array and uses the titanium dome unit found in the class-leading B&W 600 S3 series of passive speakers. That's along with a couple of mid-range drivers and a relatively large (150mm) bass driver, plus 240 watts of power to drive them; the on-paper specification is promising to say the least.
And in practice, the Zeppelin Pro Edition makes good on that paper promise. It’s simple and quick to get it up and running, and once the listening starts in earnest there’s next-to-nothing to take issue with.
It’s a detailed, spacious and vigorous listen, able to tease out the finest details yet hit with real determination at the same time. The tonal balance is convincing, the frequency range is integrated smoothly, and there’s an openness to the presentation that’s far superior to any other one-box option among the best wireless speakers at this budget. It’s not the last word in dynamic expression, true – but nevertheless, the ‘plus’ column is far, far longer than the ‘minus’ where sound quality is concerned.
Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Pro Edition review: Price and release date
Costs $799 / £699 / AU$1,349
Launched in late 2024
The Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Pro Edition is on sale now, and in the United Kingdom it costs £699. American customers will have to part with $799, while in Australia it’s more like AU$1,349.
You’re not short of choice where wireless speakers at this sort of money are concerned, of course. The excellent Naim Muso Qb Gen 2 is down to this sort of money nowadays, and things like JBL’s Authentics 500 are well worth considering too…
Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Pro Edition review: Features
(Image credit: Future)
Bluetooth 5.0 with aptX Adaptive codec compatibility
240 watts powering a five-driver array
35Hz - 24kHz frequency response
In most respects, the Zeppelin Pro shares a feature-set with the 2021 incarnation of the Zeppelin. Bluetooth 5.0 with aptX adaptive codec compatibility, 240 watts of Class D grunt powering a five-driver array, compatibility with the exemplary Bowers & Wilkins ‘Music’ control app, a claimed frequency response of 35Hz - 24kHz… so far, nothing has changed.
In fact, the only major difference where features are concerned is regarding 40 percent of the driver array. The Zeppelin Pro uses the same 150mm low-frequency driver and the same pair of 90mm ‘FST’ (fixed suspension transducer) mid-range drivers as the 2021 model – although the mid-range drivers have had their cone damping upgraded in an effort to minimize cone break-up.
The tweeters in the Zeppelin Pro, though, are 25mm versions of the titanium dome design that’s currently in use all across the company’s 600 S3 range of full-size passive loudspeakers. This, it’s fair to say, is an upgrade on the double-dome tweeters fitted to 2021’s Zeppelin. Revised digital sound processing is deployed to take account of the new and improved tweeter line-up.
As with previous Zeppelins, the Pro features built-in multi-room functionality - it can be paired with other Zeppelins or members of Bowers & Wilkins’ ‘Formation’ range of wireless speakers (in case anyone remembers them). The Pro can also be used in conjunction with any of the company’s current (and excellent) line-up of wireless headphones and earbuds.
And as with previous Zeppelins, the Pro is only part-smart. Bluetooth connectivity is all well and good, of course, and the fact that it can sit on your home network and access your favourite streaming services (or, at least, some of them) is good news too – but there’s no DLNA or UPnP compatibility, so network connectivity only takes you so far, and the speaker has no truck with voice assistants either.
Features score: 4.5 / 5
(Image credit: Future)
Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Pro Edition review: Sound quality
Wide and organized presentation
Punchy and detailed in equal measure
Dynamic, but not to the extent separate speakers
Everything’s relative, of course, but while the idea that the Zeppelin Pro creates a true sense of stereo separation is hard to get behind, there’s no denying it generates a wider and more spacious sound that pretty much any other price-comparable single-unit wireless speaker is capable of.
It’s this openness that’s the most immediately striking thing about the way the Bowers & Wilkins performs. You’d never confuse it for the sound of two stereo speakers, of course, but whether it’s playing a 16bit/44.1kHz file of The Wedding Present’s Dalliance or a 24bit/96kHz equivalent of Summon the Fire by The Comet Is Coming, the Zeppelin Pro musters a big, well-organised and entirely convincing soundstage on which a recording can fully express itself.
There’s a gratifying amount of attention paid to the spaces between instruments and voices, and the amount of elbow-room each element of a recording enjoys makes for a coherent and easy-to-follow presentation.
Low-frequency impact is significant, and there’s good control of the attack of bass sounds at the same time – so the low end doesn’t blur, and rhythms are confidently described. The mid-range benefits a great deal from the overall spaciousness – vocalists of all types and all competences get the chance to properly communicate, for better or for worse.
And at the top of the frequency range, the reworked tweeter arrangement allows for plenty of substance to accompany the top-end bite and attack the Zeppelin Pro can muster. Integration of the frequency range is smooth and unobtrusive, despite the numerousness of the drivers here.
The Pro maintains a nicely neutral tonality throughout, and manages to invest every part of the frequency range with plenty of broad and fine detail. It does good work with high-frequency transients, and gives the bottom end lots of texture and variation where lesser speakers can just thump along monotonally. And the mid-range is absolutely alive with personality – there’s an eloquence to the way the Bowers & Wilkins hands over a voice that is never less than engaging.
Only a slight inhibition during the bigger dynamic shifts in volume and/or intensity prevent the Zeppelin Pro from scoring full marks here. If ever a band indulged in the ‘quiet/LOUD/REALLY DAMN LOUD’ dynamic, it’s The Wedding Present – but when the angst really gets into full swing the Bowers & Wilkins just can’t quite breathe deeply enough to give it the fullest expression.
It’s not that everything happens at a fixed level of attack, you understand – it’s just that there’s greater distance between the most contemplative and most fierce moments in the recording than the Zeppelin Pro is able to describe.
Sound quality score: 4.5 / 5
Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Pro Edition review: Design
(Image credit: Future)
Choice of two new finishes
Choice of 15 (!) downlight colors
Still looks like a Zeppelin
If you’ve seen one Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin, you’ve seen 'em all – which is not meant to be any kind of a put-down. In one guise or another, it’s a product that’s been in production for almost two decades, and it’s rapidly approaching ‘classic’ status – and the way it looks hasn’t done any harm in this respect.
So the Zeppelin Pro is recognizably a Zeppelin, and at 210 x 650 x 194mm it’s the same dimensions as the 2021 model. You’ll need a decently sized surface to stand it on, although at 6.6kg it’s hardly a burden where weight is concerned.
The speaker wears its relative bulk quite lightly, though, and this is helped in no small way by the two finishes – both new – in which it’s available. My review sample is in ‘solar gold’, and ‘space gray’ is also available. And within the stable, logical and extensive control app, there are no fewer than 15 different ‘ambient light’ colors with which to illuminate the speaker’s foot (and, if you’re anything like me, expose exactly how long it’s been since anyone did any dusting around here). Or you can turn it off altogether, of course.
Design score: 5 / 5
Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Pro Edition review: Usability and setup
(Image credit: Future)
Bowers & Wilkins ‘Music’ control app
Some physical controls
Swift and stable wireless pairing
The Zeppelin Pro is ‘just’ a wireless speaker, and as such it doesn’t take long to set up – unpack it, plug it in, let the ‘Music’ control app (free for iOS and Android) discover it, connect it to your local network, and you’re in business.
The control app is fairly thoroughly specified. As well as Bowers & Wilkins’ curated content, it’s also able to let you integrate your favourite music streaming service(s) – as long as they’re Amazon Music, Deezer, NTS, Qobuz, SoundCloud or TIDAL. Spotify Connect and AirPlay 2 provide alternative ways of getting music over to it. Internet radio is available via Last.fm and TuneIn.
EQ adjustment (or, more accurately, bass and treble adjustment) is available, and the app also lets you update firmware as and when, and for some reason has a switch to allow aptX Adaptive reception to be switched on or off.
There are a few physical controls at top of the rear of the speaker, too. ‘Bluetooth pairing’, ‘volume up/down’, ‘play/pause’ and ‘power on/off’ are all available.
Usability and setup score: 5 / 5
Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Pro Edition review: Value
Bowers & Wilkins devices are always of a very high standard
Not as pricey as some B&W devices, but just as impressive
Excellent specs and sound
If you know Bowers & Wilkins, you know there’s seldom any issue regarding the standard of build and finish of any of its products – and that’s as true of the Zeppelin Pro Edition as it is of a pair of its passive speakers costing tens of thousands of pounds.
Add in thorough specification, nicely executed control options and an intangible, but definite, pride of ownership and we’re well on the way to calling this wireless speaker ‘very decent value for money’. The way it sounds simply confirms things.
Value score: 4 / 5
Should you buy the Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Pro Edition?
Buy it if...
You know an icon when you see (and hear) one There aren’t all that many current audio products around that can genuinely be referred to as ‘classic’. The Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin is one.View Deal
You enjoy spacious, detailed and lively sound By the standards of speakers in a single enclosure, the Zeppelin Pro sounds gratifyingly open – and it’s a perky, informative listen at the same time.View Deal
You think synesthesia is pretty cool You won’t see colors because of the sound the Zeppelin Pro makes, but you get a choice of colors to accompany it.View Deal
Don't buy it if...
You don’t have significant shelf space The Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Pro Edition remains one of the larger wireless speakers around, and it needs a correspondingly large shelf space in which to operate.View Deal
You want a fully smart speaker The lack of wider networking compatibility, voice-assistant interaction and so on means the Zeppelin Pro Edition is not quite PhD ‘smart’.View Deal
You want to hear every bit of dynamic variation in a recording The Pro Edition is a strong performer, but it lacks the lung capacity to give complete expression to the biggest shifts in intensity and/or volume.View Deal
Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Pro Edition: Also consider
Naim Mu-so Qb 2nd Gen The closest smaller equivalent to the Zeppelin Pro, also made by a hi-fi legend. Far more compact, still a hugely impressive performer with tons of connectivity options. Here's our full Naim Mu-so Qb 2nd Gen review.View Deal
Cambridge Audio Evo One A magnficient speaker that's also pretty wide, like the Zeppelin Pro – but it has a flatter and more traditional design that may suit some people. The screen on the front is nice too, and the built-in phono stage makes it well-suited to turntables.View Deal
How I tested the Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Pro Edition
I positioned my review sample on the top shelf of my Blok Stax 2G equipment rack, and then because it was preventing my turntable from sitting there I also positioned it on a necessarily large bookshelf.
I used my Qobuz and TIDAL accounts to stream music of many different varieties and file sizes, and I also checked out some favorite internet radio stations using TuneIn.
I can’t pretend it was any kind of hardship to do this for well over a week…
Ultenic has certainly upped the ante with the U16 Flex Cordless vacuum, launched in August 2024. As you may have already guessed from the name, the most notable feature is the U16 Flex’s flexibility. Thanks to a clever bendable elbow feature in its wand, this cool cordless does all the bending for you – making light work of pushing the floorhead deep under the furniture.
That's not the only feature borrowed from today's best cordless vacuums. The floorhead has 'GreenEye technology'; essentially bright green LED lights that help you track down less obvious dirt, dust and dander... as well as adding a bit of space-ship coolness. There’s a tangle-free roller brush that actually works, three power modes, six-layer HEPA filtration and a funky illuminated display panel that adds more spaceship vibes.
Operation is one-touch, by which I mean you don’t have to hold the power button in to keep it going, which is always a relief to my poor RSI-ridden hand. Ultenic promises the battery will last up to a full 60 minutes. I managed 54 in my tests, but that's still very respectable.
For all these features, you may well be expecting a price tag along Dyson lines, but perhaps the most astonishing aspect of the U16 Flex cordless is its price – if you shop smart, you can pick one of these little beauties up for under $200 / £200. It's absolutely one of the best budget vacuums I've tested.
I test it in out my four-bed home over the very busy Christmas and New Year holidays, and it did a sterling job on hard flooring (of which we have plenty). I loved how lightweight it was, and the power lasted plenty long enough to whip round downstairs before the next gaggle of guests descended.
However, there's one concession you'll need to make for that mind-blowingly bargain price. To get carpets clean, Normal mode won't cut it; you'll need to call on the maximum 'Turbo' mode. Unfortunately, the U16 can only manage 12 minutes of cleaning in this mode; not long enough to make it around my mostly-carpeted upstairs. So this one is only really suitable for people with mostly hard floors in their home.
Now you’ve read the short-and-sweet version, keep going to discover the full highs and lows of using this budget-friendly cordless in my full Ultenic U16 Flex Cordless review.
Everything that came in the box for my review model (Image credit: Future)
List price: $219.99 / £219.99 (but discounted everywhere)
Launched: August 2024
Availability: US / UK
The Ultenic U16 Flex cordless vacuum is a straight-up bargain. If you’re on the hunt for a lightweight player without dropping a small fortune, this sleek little number is worth a look.
Officially, purchasing direct from Ultenic the list price is $219.99 / £219.99, which is in TechRadar's lower-mid price bracket for vacuums. However, at time of writing, it's discounted there and on Amazon, so you can expect to pay more like $150-$180 in the US, or £160-£170 in the UK. That's firmly in the budget bracket.
Sadly, Australians are out of luck because it’s not available there yet. But for everyone else, this vacuum delivers mid-range performance for a low-end price-tag. It’s got power, it’s lightweight, and it’s brilliant for getting into all those low-level nooks and crannies.
If you’re after a cordless vac that’s stylish, effective, and doesn’t leave you eating instant noodles for a month, the Ultenic U16 Flex has got your back.
Value for money score: 5 out of 5
Ultenic U16 Flex Cordless specs
Ultenic U16 Flex Cordless review: design
Lightweight, with flexible wand for getting under furniture
Intuitive LED display and good bin capacity
Slightly plasticky build quality
Landing on my doorstep in a compact box, with a fair number of plastic bags and foam padding, it wasn’t especially eco-friendly looking on the packaging front, but the Ultenic U16 Flex was very well protected. After pulling out and unwrapping all the elements, I found it was super easy to put together without any need to look at the quick setup instructions.
In red, black and a hint of purple, the Ultenic U16 Flex cordless vacuum gives me '80s throwback fear. The design has hints of early Dyson, too – that purple cyclone-like filter chamber looks very familiar. Overall, it's lightweight and easy to use; you won’t be breaking a sweat lugging it around.
The build quality feels a bit on the budget side – kind of plasticky and a bit clunky to connect the wand to the floorhead, but given the price that's not a dealbreaker. It's sturdy enough to get the job done without worrying it’ll collapse mid-clean.
(Image credit: Future)
The main design highlight for me was the flexible wand, which can be released to bend forwards. It's an idea borrowed from today's best Shark vacuums (like the PowerDetect Cordless), and a game-changer for reaching awkward spots – like under the couch where crumbs and dust bunnies love to party. It bends and twists like a pro, making those hard-to-reach areas not so hard-to-reach. Combined with the lightweight build and searing green LED lighting in the floorhead (this one inspired by the far-pricier Dyson V15 Detect and Gen5detect), it was perfect for quick zips around the house.
Oddly, the control panel isn’t nearly as sexy as the previous model, the slightly cheaper U12 Vesla (which I have also put through its paces) but it’s still nicely styled and techy-looking. There's one button for switching between power modes, so you don’t have to overthink anything while you're cleaning. Plus, the battery indicator is super clear – no guessing games about how much power you have left in the tank.
The control panel shows power level and battery percentage, and the light ring turns more red as the power dials up (Image credit: Future)
The main floorhead is solid enough, with decent swivel action that lets you glide around furniture. It's also shallow enough that it doesn’t get stuck under my sideboards, like competitors' models have. It only comes with one detachable crevice tool, but let’s face it, that’s the one we all use – I’ve got a cleaning cupboard full of weird and wonderful (and never used) nozzles from various ghosts of vacuums past. If you do need the gentler approach of a bristled nozzle, for furniture or upholstery etc, one slides out in handheld mode, which is handy because it’s always there, close to hand.
The Ultenic U16 Flex features a generous dustbin for the cordless sector, with a 95ml capacity. I could vacuum round our 4-bed home at least twice before needing to empty it, and given that we have two very hairy spaniels and two messy kids so that’s pretty impressive. When it’s time to dump the contents, the process is simple – just press the release button, and the lid flaps open. You can then empty it directly into the trash with minimal mess – and I never had to get my hands dirty digging out any stuck muck.
The bin empties easily. (Image credit: Future)
The Ultenic U16 Flex’s charging wall mount is space-saving and convenient. I didn’t fix it to my wall because it wasn’t staying, but I could check how well the vacuum slots in and out and always appreciate a mount where the charging is automatic once docked – no need to fiddle about manually inserting the charger port. If you prefer, you can also slide the battery out and charge it away from the vacuum, which would be handy if you don’t have a socket where you want to store your cleaner.
Overall, the U16 Flex is designed to offer everything you need, with a few cool extras on top. It might not feel as premium as some high-end brands, but nor do you have to sell a kidney to buy it.
Design score: 3.5 out of 5
Ultenic U16 Flex Cordless review: performance
Excellent maneuvering, and great on hard floors
Easy to empty and clean
Battery-sapping Turbo mode needed for carpets
Let me start by saying that the Ultenic U16 Flex cordless vacuum isn’t great on carpets. It’s not the worst I’ve tested, but if you have wall-to-wall carpets throughout and like to feel the power of dirt lifting through from the floorboards underneath, this is not the vacuum for you.
Those with mostly solid floors, like me, should keep reading, especially anyone who is really feeling the cost-of-living crisis right now (also me!). The Ultenic U16 Flex has three power levels: Eco, Normal (which is the default startup setting) and Turbo.
In Eco mode, which gives you the maximum battery life, it did a perfectly good job of sucking up dog hair, crumbs and small particles of dust/dirt from my solid floors (in the busiest rooms of our home: the open-plan kitchen, hallway and utility). However, it wasn’t great at dealing with bigger debris like hay and shavings (we have horses, and half the yard seems to come home via the kids’ socks). Normal was much better and so it was the mode I used most of the time on my hard floors.
On carpet I felt like I was wasting my time in Eco mode. Normal was okay, but I also had to call upon the battery-depleting Turbo mode for carpets. The vacuum only lasted around 12 minutes in Turbo mode. This was okay if I was only cleaning the downstairs, where there's just one room that's carpeted, and it's small. However, it wasn't long enough to clean the four carpeted bedrooms upstairs.
The Ultenic U16 Flex took a little longer than I’d expect to complete a full battery recharge – around four hours. I could have done with a spare battery to tackle upstairs though.
Using the crevice tool in handheld mode (Image credit: Future)
The real star of this vacuum, though, has to be the flexibility. The floorhead swivels and moves really smoothly and I can glide around my furniture without getting the floorhead stuck. I never felt like I was doing battle with the vacuum, and my hand/arm never ached, even when testing the battery to its maximum use in Eco mode (I clocked 52 minutes).
The flex wand is also a total game-changer. It bends low so I don’t have to, stretching under areas that I can normally only reach by getting down on my hands and knees. That almost never happens so it was quite satisfying/disturbing to see how full the bin got when I tackled under the island and kitchen sofa.
Plus, the attachments are really easy, if slightly clunky, to pop on and off. I’ve been using the crevice tool on the end of the long wand for the edges of my baseboards and getting cobwebs up high, and it worked perfectly – again without making my arm ache.
The brush bar is great on hard floors and doesn't get choked with hair (Image credit: Future)
In handheld mode, the Ultenic U16 Flex really shines for quick and targeted cleaning jobs. It’s lightweight and easy to handle, making it perfect for tackling stairs, upholstery, or even light spills in your car (just don’t expect thorough detailing – for that you might need to invest in one of the best car vacuums).
With the crevice attachment, you can reach tight spots effortlessly, like between couch cushions or the corners of stair treads, without contorting into awkward angles or straining your wrists. In handheld mode, the suction is the best you’ll get from this cordless, easily picking up crumbs, and dust. I’d have like a mini upholstery head attachment, ideally with power brush, for really getting those deep-grained pet hairs out of my couch cushions though. TechRadar's best vacuum for pet hairlist has some alternative suggestions here.
It's light and nimble for cleaning the stairs (Image credit: Future)
When it comes to noise, the Ultenic U16 is pretty average for cordless vacuums – not too loud but not super quiet either. In the lowest power it recorded 71 dB on my decibel meter app, in Normal it was 74 dB and in Turbo it went to 82 dB, which is comparable to a food processor or blender. It’s not silent, but it’s definitely quieter than I expected for the price. The good news was I could vacuum in Eco without making my spaniel bark his head off, which is a huge win and a rare feat. He still lost his cool when I dialed up to Turbo, though.
Suction tests
When I ran our standard vacuuming tests – one with flour to mimic fine debris, and another with oats for larger particles – the results were exactly as I’d anticipated. The Ultenic U16 did well on the hard floors and failed on carpets.
The flour test was completed on our engineered wood flooring, and I found I had to switch to Turbo mode to get the best results, but it only took two passes to achieve a clean strip of flooring.
Flour on hard floors, the left strip shows Eco mode and the right is in Turbo (Image credit: Future)
Next came the oats test, again on engineered wood, and I was surprised to discover that I could get all the oats up as easily in Eco mode as I did in Turbo. In fact, the Ultenic U16 Flex made really light work of clearing away the entire spill, with a little help from the spaniels!
Oats on hard floors, the left strip shows Eco mode and the right is in Turbo (Image credit: Future)
Moving into the snug to check out performance on carpet (a short-pile wool number), and the flour test was an absolute fail. Eco mode barely touched the flour and even in Turbo I had to do a bazillion passes and then call in the big guns (my Miele Duoflex cordless) to get the job done.
Flour on carpet, the left strip shows Eco mode and the right is in Turbo (Image credit: Future)
The oats test was a bit better on carpet, but I still had to spend a lot of time going back and forth over the same spots. Then I had to get the crevice nozzle out to suction up the strays that had snuck into the threshold joint. I nearly ran out of power before my carpet was clean again.
Oats on carpet, the left strip shows Eco mode and the right is in Turbo (Image credit: Future)
Maintenance
I found the Ultenic U16 easy to clean and maintain. The bin pops open really easily and empties straight out – no fishing about with sticks to unblock clogs. The HEPA filter is also simple to access, which is a bonus for those who hate vacuum maintenance.
The filter is easy to clean under a running tap (Image credit: Future)
You just detach the dustbin by pressing the release button and the filter is easy to spot and pull out. Wash it under a running tap and leave to dry – there’s a spare so you’ll always have a dry one to hand. Another bonus of this cordless is the hair-evading brush in the floorhead, which didn’t get wrapped in any hair, string or random threads during the entire test period.
Performance score: 3.5 out of 5
Ultenic U16 Flex Cordless review: battery
Battery lasts 12 mins in Turbo, 52 mins in Eco
4 hours to fully recharge the battery
Removable and swappable battery
The Ultenic U16 Flex provides a practical balance between performance and battery life, especially in a home with mostly solid floors like ours. In Eco mode, the vacuum lasted a generous 52 minutes. That's not quite as long as the hour promised by Ultenic, but it's still plenty of time to tackle everyday messes in busy areas like my open-plan kitchen and hallway.
Most of today's best cordless stick vacuums will offer a maximum of 50 or 60 minutes' of cleaning (and a couple offer up to 70 minutes), although of course the suction in that mode will vary from model to model.
In Turbo mode the battery lasted just 12 minutes. It's not unusual for a stick vacuum's maximum suction mode to drain power that quickly, but the fact I had to use Turbo mode quite a lot when tackling carpets wasn't ideal.
Recharging takes around four hours. The U16's battery is removable and spares can be purchased if you want to extend the cleaning times further.
Battery life score: 3.5 out of 5
Should you buy the Ultenic U16 Flex Cordless?
Buy it if...
Your chiropractor is on speed dial
Anyone with limited strength, RSI or back pain will really appreciate this flexible, lightweight vacuum that makes cleaning tight spaces and under furniture a breeze.
You like to see what you’re cleaning
The bright LED lights in the floorhead of this thing are really exceptional, possibly the best I’ve tested – no dirt, hair strands or dust will escape your attention, even in the darkest of corners.
Analogue is your thing
Those who value simplicity and convenience, with easy-to-use features and quick attachment swaps will love the lack of nonsense tech and complicated controls. Turn it on, vacuum, empty and repeat. Simple.
Don't buy it if...
You covet a champagne lifestyle
If you’re all about luxury and expect a premium feel this is not the vacuum for you – it’s functional, but the plasticky build might not vibe with your high-end tastes.
Carpets are everywhere
You need heavy-duty suction power for deep-pile carpets; this one’s definitely better for hard floors.
You like a quiet life
If you are noise-sensitive and crave near-silent cleaning – or have a newborn or irritable neighbours, the sound levels may disappoint. It’s not super loud, but it’s no whisper either, especially on max power.
How I tested the Ultenic U16 Flex Cordless
I tested the Ultenic U16 Flex cordless vacuum for four weeks during the festive season, during which we hosted far too many family gatherings than was good for our livers, and a child’s birthday, too. Our home is a Victorian, four-bed detached property that is mostly open-plan downstairs. We don’t have any thick-pile carpet, but we do have virtually every other type of flooring – porcelain, terracotta, luxury vinyl, engineered oaks, wool carpets and lots of flatweave rugs. I used this cordless as the only vacuum during the testing period, in every room and up the stairs, checking out the various attachments as I went. I also conducted controlled tests using flour and oats on hard floors and carpet, monitored the sound levels using an App on my iPhone and timed battery use and charging.
OLED monitors are becoming widespread, and Asus is among the first manufacturers to release a gaming monitor with the panel technology on a 27-inch 4K display. The result is essentially a smaller, slightly less powerful screen than the company’s larger ROG screens, shedding the ultrawide and curved properties that many gamers (myself included) consider unnecessary – but it’s ROG, so it can’t be that simple, can it?
What we’ve got here is an exceptional piece of technology with a bunch of old gimmicks bolted to the sides.
On the tech side, the panel is gorgeous, pulling off 4K resolution paired with a 240Hz refresh rate and offering a max brightness of 450 nits (1,000 HDR). Its selection of ports on the back is quite generous, including several USB-A ports to keep your cabling situation a bit tidier. The integrated monitor interface is also quite easy to use and provides an amazing level of depth to tailor screen performance to your needs.
On the extras side, like many of Asus’ top-end Swift monitors, you’ll find a downward-facing projector that shoots the Republic of Gamers logo onto your desk in red. This resides in the monitor stand with the lens protruding between the screen’s three feet. The feet extend out quite far from the monitor and are both huge and very over the top. It’s a signature of the ROG Swift range of monitors and it exists to be distinct.
Complementing the projector is a programmable RGB logo on the front of the screen and a larger one on the rear left of the monitor, along with some lighting around the projector housing. These lighting details I’m fine with, I have no axe to grind with RGB provided it’s not over the top, but the accumulation of all of these aesthetic extras has left me with a feeling of ‘why are we doing this?’
And this criticism manifests best when we get to pricing. Despite offering a combination of features that are new and in-demand on the market, slightly older monitors with more impressive specs (like larger screen size) can be picked up for less.
With these things in mind, while I’ll applaud Asus for offering a display with a technology arrangement previously unseen, and likely in demand from at least a subset of PC users, I’m content with the opinion that a 4K, OLED, high refresh rate monitor better appeals to a graphics and visual quality lover – and that such a user likely wouldn’t mind going a size up to 32 inches and pocketing the potential savings.
Asus ROG Swift PG27UCDM: PRICING AND AVAILABILITY
(Image credit: Zachariah Kelly / TechRadar)
How much does it cost? $1,099 / £1,098 / AU$2,099
When is it available? Available now
Where can you get it? Technology retailers in the US, UK and Australia
The ROG Swift 27-inch OLED breaks new ground by offering the gorgeous, darkness-enhancing panel technology at a high refresh rate at a 4K resolution on a screen of this size. This explains the high cost, but the price is driven higher by a combination of things.
Asus’ inclusion of RGB lighting, a unique stand and its iconic (if unnecessary) downward-facing projector add to its appeal, but its great user interface and array of ports are more deserving of praise.
Similar monitors are available from LG, Gigabyte and Alienware, often sporting larger displays at the same price, or the same size at a lower cost. This monitor’s closest competitor is the MSI MPG 272URX, starting at $799.99 / £999.99 / AU$1,799.
Asus ROG Swift PG27UCDM: DESIGN
(Image credit: Zachariah Kelly / TechRadar)
Asus is awesome, not just because it always does top-quality stuff, but also because it’s always doing something interesting. In the display category, the brand has been strapping downward-facing projectors to its premium ‘Swift’ range for a long time, while incorporating a tripod-style stand with three feet extending out from the base of the stand.
This is iconically ROG and… well, getting old. The company has strapped this projector to its top-end screens for some time, all while other gaming peripheral aesthetics have matured. Competitors like Alienware and MSI now look more grown up across their entire product line-ups. Even much of the ROG range looks more charming and less gamer-y.
Even if the projector didn’t leave a poor taste in my mouth, I’d still be disappointed in the stand. It spans a far greater space across my desk than it has any right to, and its footprint limits my ability to push the display further from me without it falling off the back of the desk. Though this wouldn’t be a problem for users mounting the display elsewhere, as it’s VESA wall-mount compatible. On the default stand, it also allows a 90º pivot (allowing for a uniform portrait orientation) and 110mm height adjustment, along with 30º of swivel.
A programmable RGB light on the rear left side gives a nice illumination against the wall, and lights on the monitor stand itself look quite good when viewing the screen from the back, but many users likely won’t engage with these. The ROG logo on the front, the stand lights and the projector light can’t be changed from red, which might be disappointing to folks fond of a particular color.
In terms of interaction, hidden behind the ROG logo on the front of the monitor is a handy set of buttons: two on the left and right, and a joystick nub in the middle that's perfect for adjusting display settings.
Asus ROG Swift PG27UCDM: FEATURES
(Image credit: Zachariah Kelly / TechRadar)
The ROG Swift 27-inch monitor is one of the few screens of such a size operating a 4K resolution on an OLED panel – a feature in itself worthy of praise and certainly appealing to some users. It offers this combination of features with a tiny 0.03ms response time and a whopping 240Hz refresh rate, combined with a maximum brightness of 450 nits (1,000 nits HDR).
Dolby Vision HDR is also available, but I elected to disable this and switched to standard HDR, as it kept turning my display off and on again when entering different programs.
ROG Swift OLED PG27UCDM Key Specs
Screen size: 27-inch Resolution: 3,840 x 2,160 Brightness: 250 nits full screen, 1,000 nits max HDR Color coverage: 99% Response time: 0.03ms Refresh rate: 240Hz HDR: DisplayHDR True Black400, HDR10, DolbyVision Features: FreeSync Premium Pro, NVIDIA G-Sync, KVM Switch, 2 x HDMI 2.1, 1 x DisplayPort 2.1, 1 x Headphone out, 1 x USB-B upstream, 3 x USB-A downstream, 1 x USB-C (90W Power Delivery)
The screen itself is slightly glossy and the in-built monitor software gives the user quite a lot of control over its performance. A single nub behind the ROG logo on the front of the screen allows you to adjust quick settings, including superfluous things like enabling an FPS counter, a persistent crosshair or even a stopwatch or timer. This software is generally more useful for selecting your preferred HDR calibration, adjusting brightness, and tailoring the screen’s performance to your needs.
Obviously because it’s an OLED panel, there is worry of burn-in occurring, and Asus’ solution is quaint. Simply by pressing the button on the left (beside the nub) you can activate the company’s OLED Care program, which refreshes the pixels to avoid damage. The program runs for about six minutes and it’s recommended that you perform this action often to increase the longevity of your device. The monitor will remind you every eight hours or so by default to run the program, but you can disable this pop-up in the on-device settings.
The ports on offer with this display are also very accommodating. A USB-B port running to and from the monitor and your computer allows the three integrated USB-A 3.2 ports to communicate with your PC, cutting down on cable clutter. There’s also a USB-C port with 90W power delivery (great for charging a phone or even a laptop), a DisplayPort 2.1 and two HDMI 2.1 ports.
Finally, bringing the panel's main range of features back into range (4K, 240Hz), it’s worth considering this as a monitor for an already particularly dedicated enthusiast. Operating a 4K monitor at a high frame rate in most new games is going to require a fairly competent (and expensive) gaming rig, though most competitive games (think League of Legends and Valorant) that run smoothly on a broad range of computers will typically complement this monitor well – so perhaps it’s more a screen for gamers looking to compete online.
Asus ROG Swift PG27UCDM: PERFORMANCE
(Image credit: Zachariah Kelly / TechRadar)
The ROG Swift OLED 27-inch is perfect for making gorgeous games look amazing. An upgrade to an OLED screen continues to be the best way to upgrade your gaming visual experience in a single purchase – you can upgrade your computer’s internal components, sure, but the output monitor’s better handling of darkness and contrast will always be more noticeable than slightly higher graphics fidelity.
A 27-inch sized screen is fairly common among gaming PC setups, though a 4K resolution can be difficult to cater for as games become more demanding as quality scales up – though this will certainly appeal to gamers craving beautiful visuals. The panel performed exceptionally well in every game that I played, and the deep blacks were particularly welcome in games like The Headliners, Helldivers 2 and Ghost of Tsushima, where darkness is a big part of the gameplay.
TV shows look awesome too. Invincible, Severance and For All Mankind in particular looked great, with the color clarity up to scratch, but the experience would have been made better by integrated speakers. Built-in sound isn’t a top feature request for monitor shoppers but it’s nice to have when it’s there, for convenience at least.
And it’s not all about gaming – the monitor is also a more-than-capable productivity monitor, and I didn’t notice any text fringing when using Google Docs or Google Keep. Its dealing with apps in dark mode is splendid, and I liked the inclusion of a KVM switch, allowing you to quickly switch between your connected computers. The USB-A ports aren’t difficult to access in the back of the monitor, so you won’t be spending much time pulling cables and dongles out of your actual PC if you don’t want to.
Maximum brightness of 450 nits – or 1,000 nits with HDR enabled – was also notable as it’s easy to find similar monitors with slightly higher HDR brightness. Nevertheless, it’s serviceable and hardly an issue.
Should I buy the Asus ROG Swift PG27UCDM?
ROG Swift 4K OLED 27-INCH: Report Card
Buy it if...
You want a high-end, 27-inch OLED monitor
A 4K resolution with a 240Hz refresh rate on an OLED panel isn’t particularly common – yet.
You like ROG aesthetics
It doesn’t get much more gamer-y than ROG, and the downward-facing projector is certainly a… choice.
DON’T BUY IT IF…
You’re looking to save money
This monitor is surrounded by alternatives that are either larger (for the same cost) or cheaper for the same size.
You can’t stand over-the-top aesthetics
The gamer projector is not for everyone, nor is all the lighting or the huge stand.
Also consider
LG 32GS95UE-B
Though it originally launched at a higher price, the LG 32GS95UE-B can be picked up for a much lower cost than the ROG Swift OLED PG27UCDM – with 4K, a 240Hz refresh rate and a low response time to boot, along with a 32-inch panel.
Offering similar specs at a significantly lower price, this MSI monitor is a much more accessible OLED gaming solution than Asus’ offering.
HOW I TESTED THE ROG Swift 4K OLED 27-INCH
From the moment I received the ROG Swift 4K OLED 27-inch for testing, I got to work setting it up and optimizing it for gameplay and productivity tasks. I quickly assembled it and replaced my monitor with it at home, using it over a three-week period. I used it every day that I was home over this time, whether it was for watching YouTube videos, Twitch streams, TV shows or playing videogames.
Most of my time with the monitor was spent playing videogames. Marvel Rivals, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, The Headliners, Helldivers 2, Ghost of Tsushima, Car Manufacture and FlyKnight were among the games I tested the monitor with. I used the monitor with a variety of settings enabled and disabled, and used a DisplayPort connection.
The Hisense U9N arrived on the scene after the rollout of the Hisense U8N, a mid-range mini-LED TV offering exceptional performance and value for money. And while the step-up U9N series is arguably eclipsed by the U8N when it comes to value, it nonetheless offers a noticeable upgrade in picture and sound quality and has a more premium design.
Availability of the Hisense U9N is limited to the US market, where, befitting a premium TV, it is sold in 75-inch ($1,999.99) and 85-inch ($2,999.99) screen sizes. Those prices are a considerable saving on the initial release prices and are notably less than premium mini-LED TV offerings from Samsung and Sony. For this review, I tested the 75-inch U9N.
The U9N’s specs include a mini-LED backlight with up to 5,300 local dimming zones (in the 85-inch model) and a Hi-View Engine X chipset borrowed from the company’s limited edition ULED X series TVs. Along with providing AI-driven picture enhancements, this carries support for the Dolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10+, and HLG high dynamic range formats.
Picture quality on the U9N is stunning. Images are bright, and have exceptional detail and contrast. Colors pop without looking garish, and it has notably better motion handling than other Hisense TVs I’ve tested. But what really sets it apart from the U8N and also lets it compete in the premium mini-LED TV arena is its precise, refined local dimming, which creates deep, uniform-looking blacks with fine gradations of shadow detail. Also, its picture doesn’t lose contrast and color richness when viewed from off-center seats – an important factor for watching with groups.
Sound quality is another U9N strong point. A built-in 4.1.2-channel Dolby Atmos speaker system delivers robust sound with clear positioning of dialogue and effects, along with a decent bass kick. Audio performance is helped by the TV’s design, which positions the left and right speakers in an angled aluminum bezel so they can emit sound directly at the viewer, while the top surface contains upward-firing speakers for Atmos height effects.
As with other Hisense TVs in the US, Google TV is used as a smart TV interface and it’s a flexible and relatively uncluttered platform with a compelling Ambient mode for displaying artwork and photos. Hands-free voice commands are supported, and there’s also a built-in mic on the remote if you don’t want the TV to be set in 'always-listening' mode.
Gaming features on the U9N include dual HDMI 2.1 ports with support for 4K 144Hz, VRR with AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, and Dolby Vision gaming. Input lag is slightly high compared to the best gaming TVs, but that’s not something more casual gamers will notice.
The Hisense U9N ultimately adds up to a great value. It does cost quite a bit more than the step-down Hisense U8N, but if you do have the money to spend, the upgrades it offers are worth it.
Hisense U9N review: Price and release date
The Hisense U9N is one of the brightest TVs we've yet tested (Image credit: Future)
Release date: April 2024
75-inch: $2,999
85-inch: $3,999
The Hisense U9N is sold in 75- and 85-inch screen sizes, with availability limited to the US market. As a 2024 model, prices for both sizes have dropped since the TVs first shipped, with the 75-inch version now widely available for $1,999.99 and the 85-inch for $2,999,99.
In Hisense’s TV lineup, the U9N series slots in between the mid-range U8N series and the limited-release ULED X series, the latter of which it borrows several features from.
Hisense U9N review: Specs
Hisense U9N review: Benchmark results
Hisense U9N review: Features
The U9N has two HDMI 2.1 ports with 4K 144Hz support; additional HDMI ports support eARC. (Image credit: Future)
Mini-LED backlight with up to 5,300 zones
Dolby Vision and HDR10+ HDR
Two HDMI 2.1 inputs with 4K 144Hz support
The Hisense U9N features a mini-LED backlight with up to 5,300 local dimming zones (in the 85-inch model). It uses the same Hi-View Engine X chipset found in the company’s limited-edition ULED X series TVs, which features AI-driven scene detection and real-time image enhancement. High dynamic range support includes Dolby Vision, Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10, HDR10+, and HLG, and there’s an ultra-wide viewing angle feature to ensure consistent picture quality when watching from off-center seats.
The 75-inch U9N I tested features a 4.1.2-channel built-in speaker system powered by 76W of amplification that supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, along with IMAX Enhanced. The U9N’s thicker-than-average aluminum bezel houses front-firing left and right speakers and there are upwards-firing Atmos height speakers located at the top.
Hisense TVs use the Google TV smart TV interface, and the U9N series also features a built-in mic for hands-free voice control. (Works with Alexa is also supported.) Gaming features include 4K 144Hz support for PC gaming, AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM). The U9N’s inputs include two HDMI 2.1 ports, and there’s also an ATSC 3.0 tuner for receiving Next-Gen TV broadcasts.
Features Score: 4.5/5
Hisense U9N review: Picture quality
The U9N's picture looks uniformly good even when viewed from far off-center seats. (Image credit: Future)
Exceptional brightness, refined local dimming
Rich color reproduction
Impressive motion handling
The Hisense U9N’s high brightness levels easily exceed other premium mini-LED TVs such as the Samsung QN90D and Sony Bravia 9. I measured HDR brightness on a 10% HDR white window pattern in Filmmaker Mode at 2,694 nits, while a full-screen HDR white pattern measured 590 nits in the same mode. Those numbers indicate that the U9N can display the full level of highlight detail in most movies and TV shows with HDR without having to resort to tone mapping, and programs like sports will also look good when viewed in bright rooms.
Hisense says the U9N has an anti-reflection screen coating, though I did note some screen glare when viewing with my room’s overhead lights on. One strong picture-quality positive for daytime sports viewing is the U9N’s ultra-wide viewing angle feature, which ensures that pictures had uniform contrast and color saturation even when viewing from far off-center seats – as you might have to do when watching with a crowd of people.
The U9N’s color gamut coverage was also exceptional, measuring 98.9% for UHD-P3 and 81.5% for BT.2020 in Filmmaker Mode. Those results best other premium mini-LED TVs we’ve tested, and rival what you get with the best OLED TVs. Grayscale accuracy in the same mode was less impressive, averaging 3.5 (we normally look for a result under 3), though color accuracy averaged out to an exceptional 1.1.
With its extraordinarily bright picture, the U9N looked fantastic when viewing sports. Watching the Eagles trounce the Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX, the respective green and red hues of the players’ uniforms popped from the screen, and highlights like stadium lights gleaming off helmets gave the image a strong sense of realism and depth. The U9N also did a great job of upscaling the HD picture, making it look near 4K-like.
Darker content such as the Apple TV Plus show Severance also shone on the U9N’s expansive 75-inch screen. Season 2 Episode 4 takes place in a frozen rural landscape, and the U9N rendered details in the wintry scenes with a high level of subtlety. Severance frequently uses monochrome color schemes – blue, especially – for sets and costumes, and the U9N displayed these vividly while also leaving skin tones looking completely natural.
Other scenes from the same Severance episode demonstrated the U9N’s precise local dimming. As the MDR team camps outdoors on a corporate retreat, there are several scenes with campfires being lit and torches wielded at night. On the U9N, these fires blazed against a black background with minimal blooming effects. Even when I checked the blooming torture test clips on the Spears & Munsil Ultra HD Benchmark 4K Blu-ray test disc, I could see only just the faintest signs of backlight blooming.
When I did a hands-on test of a pre-production U9N back in early 2024, I was disappointed with its motion handling. But Hisense clearly made progress on that front with the production version of the U9N, which has no such issue. When I watched a reference scene from Bond film No Time to Die where 007 walks across a craggy mountain cemetery, the picture looked impressively solid, even with no motion processing applied. The U9N's solid motion handling also yielded benefits for sports, which looked fluid yet fully natural.
Picture quality score: 5/5
Hisense U9N review: Sound quality
A thick aluminum bezel houses front-facing and upward-firing speakers. (Image credit: Future)
4.1.2-channel, 76W speaker system
Auto Acoustic Tuning feature
Good height, width with Atmos soundtracks
The U9N features a 4.1.2-channel speaker system powered by 76W. Front left and right drivers are built into the sides of the TV’s substantial aluminum bezel and upwards-firing drivers are located on the screen’s top. Around the back, a pair of built-in bass drivers handle subwoofer duty.
An array of audio adjustments are provided beyond the U9N’s basic sound presets. The Advanced Settings menu has an Auto Acoustic Tuning feature that lets you optimize the TV’s sound output based on measurements taken of your viewing environment using the mic in the remote control. There’s also a multi-band equalizer adjustment, wall-mount compensation, and a subwoofer level adjustment.
The U9N displayed consistently clear dialogue and volume levels could be set fairly high without hearing any distortion. Watching the recent sequel Twisters, in an early scene where the students seed a tornado, only to get caught up in the ensuing turmoil, the sound of wind and loose objects – like vehicles and bodies – blowing around exceeded the screen area and had a good sense of width and height. Shouted dialogue in this sequence also came across clearly, and there was even a decent level of bass thump.
We usually recommend adding one of the best soundbars to any TV, but the U9N could easily stand on its own as long as you’re not overly fussy about home theater sound.
Sound quality score: 5/5
Hisense U9N review: Design
The U9N's widely spaced support feet require an equally wide TV stand. (Image credit: Future)
Widely spaced support feet
Premium design with angled bezel
Full-sized, backlit remote control
Unlike other premium (or premium-aspiring) TVs I’ve recently tested, the Hisense U9N opts for widely spaced support feet instead of a pedestal-type base. These barely cleared my 59-inch-wide TV stand, with just a 0.5-inch of space on each side, so make sure you first measure your own stand. The feet provide sturdy support for the TV, though I wished there was a variable height option to clear more space for a soundbar, if you choose one.
The U9N’s bezel is angled on the sides to accommodate the TV’s front-firing speakers. This gives the TV a more premium look than other Hisense TVs, which have a more basic design. Rear panel connections include four HDMI ports (two of which are HDMI 2.1), an optical digital audio output, 3.5mm analog audio input and output jacks, and a pair of USB-A inputs.
Hisense’s full-sized remote control has curved edges and a more solid feel than most other TV remotes. The keypad is backlit and there are buttons to directly access the TV’s quick menu and broadcast channels guide, along with streaming services including Netflix and Disney Plus. A centrally located mic button lets you selectively access Google voice commands when you’ve disabled the TV’s built-in mic.
Design score: 4.5/5
Hisense U9N review: Smart TV and menus
The U9N's Google TV smart interface. (Image credit: Future)
Google TV with Ambient mode
Live TV program grid
Extensive picture adjustments and quick menu
Hisense uses Google TV as the smart interface for all of its TVs in the US. This provides an editable row of apps at the bottom of the home screen, along with a row of suggested content directly above. The suggestions that appear here are based on both your viewing history and Google search history – an arrangement you sign up for when entering your Google account in the TV’s user profile. My only serious issue with Google TV is that you need to create a Google account to download apps from the Google store, and not everyone will necessarily want to participate in the ever-growing Google-verse.
Scrolling down the home screen reveals a range of suggested content categories, while tabs at the top of the screen let you access a Live program guide with both Google Freeplay free TV channels and broadcast channels received by the U9N’s ATSC 3.0 tuner.
A Screensaver option in the TV’s main menu enables you to configure Ambient mode, which kicks in when the TV is on standby. Selections here include an art gallery with Google-curated images, custom-generated AI art, and photos from your personal Google Photos account. You can also add weather and time widgets, which will show up as an overlay on any images in Ambient mode.
Hisense provides extensive picture adjustments in the U9N’s setup menu, with options to have the TV automatically detect content with Filmmaker Mode and IMAX Mode tags, optimize picture settings based on the scene, and upscale standard dynamic range (SDR) programs to high dynamic range (HDR).
A quick menu (called up by pressing the Menu button on the remote) lets you easily switch picture and sound presets, as well as directly access both picture and sound adjustment menus.
Smart TV & menus score: 4/5
Hisense U9N review: Gaming
A Game menu allows for easy gaming-related picture and sound adjustments (Image credit: Future)
The U9N’s dual HDMI 2.1 ports support 4K 144Hz, VRR with AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, and Dolby Vision gaming. We typically ding TVs in reviews for providing only two, rather than four, HDMI 2.1 ports, but an additional HDMI port on the U9N supports HDMI eARC, allowing for both PS5 and Xbox Series X gaming consoles and an external soundbar to be connected all at once, so we can accept it here.
A Game Bar menu (accessible via the quick menu) provides a range of stats and game-related picture and sound adjustments, including genre-specific presets, when the TV is in Game mode.
At 15.2ms, the U9N’s input lag in Game mode is on the high side compared to the best gaming TVs, though I didn’t notice any issues during casual gaming with an Xbox Series X.
Gaming score: 4/5
Hisense U9N review: Value
Hisense's full-sized, backlit remote control (Image credit: Future)
Priced lower than premium mini-LED competition
Cheaper Hisense U8N series is also excellent
Still, a great overall value
At around $2,000, the 75-inch Hisense U9N is priced lower than its closest mini-LED competition when it comes to picture and sound quality. You can buy the Samsung QN90D in a 75-inch screen size for around $2,400, while the Sony Bravia 9 will cost you around $3,500. Taken in that company, the U9N is an exceptional value.
The main thing that chips away at the U9N’s value is the also-excellent Hisense U8N (around $1,299 for the 75-inch screen size), which has an even brighter picture than the U9N plus similar gaming features and performance. You get a more refined local dimming with the U9N, however, along with better P3 color space coverage and superior off-axis picture performance. The U9N’s 4.1.2-channel speakers also deliver more powerful and immersive sound than the U8N’s 2.1.2-channel speakers.
All things considered, the Hisense U9N still stands out as a great value, and one well worth considering even at a $700 premium over the Hisense U8N.
Value score: 4.5/5
Should I buy the Hisense U9N?
Dual bass drivers on the TV's rear convey the ".1" subwoofer channel in Atmos soundtracks. (Image credit: Future)
Buy it if...
You want to watch in bright rooms The U9N’s high brightness and excellent off-axis picture picture quality make it a perfect choice for viewing sports in bright rooms and with large groups.
…and also want a great TV for movies The U9N’s refined local dimming and versatile handling of programs with high dynamic range makes it great for viewing movies and TV shows in HDR.
You want great built-in sound A 4.1.2-channel, 76W speaker system with front- and upward-firing drivers lets the U9N project loud, clean and immersive sound with good bass.
Don't buy it if…
You want the best gaming TV The U9N has better-than-average gaming features and good gaming performance, but other TVs best it when it comes to measured input lag as well as offering extras like cloud gaming.
You’re on a budget While the U9N is easy to recommend, Hisense’s U8N also delivers great overall performance and a mostly similar feature set at a much lower price.
Panasonic Z95A review: Also consider...
Samsung QN90D Samsung’s flagship mini-LED TV costs more than the U9N and doesn’t support the Dolby Vision HDR format. Its picture quality is equally good, however, and it also has a sleeker design and better gaming features, as we found in our Samsung QN90D review.
Sony Bravia 9 Sony’s flagship TV is about as premium as mini-LED gets, and we appreciated its bright yet refined picture and powerful sound in our Sony Bravia 9 review. But, it’s considerably more expensive than the U9N and lacks the Hisense’s HDR10+ support.
Hisense U8N The step-down series from the U9N in Hisense’s TV lineup, the U8N has a nearly as good picture along with impressive sound quality. It’s also an exceptional value as we said in our Hisense U8N review.
How I tested the Hisense U9N
Measuring a 10% HDR white window pattern during testing (Image credit: Future)
Tested over the course of two weeks
Measurements were made using Calman color calibration software
A full calibration was made before proceeding with subjective tests
When I tested the Hisense U9N, I first spent a few 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 selected the most accurate preset (Filmmaker Mode, in this case) and measured 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 made 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 was also measured, with the results providing a sense of how faithfully the U9N can render the extended color range in ultra high-definition sources.
I used the Calman ISF workflow, along with the TV’s advanced picture menu settings, to calibrate the image for best accuracy after I'd assessed its out-of-the-box performance. I also watched a range of reference scenes on 4K Blu-ray discs to assess the TV’s performance, and 4K HDR shows streamed from Max, Hulu, and other services.
The Acer Predator X32QFS (or X32QFSbmiiphuzx to give it its full jargon name) is a superb do-it-all gaming monitor. Its fabulous 4K IPS mini-LED panel is a joy to use no matter what game or task is on screen, and it always displays colors crisply, brightly, and with punch.
A big factor to address right from the off is that this gaming monitor is unavailable in the US - which is a huge shame. For those that can potentially buy it, however, priced at £899.99 / AU$1,099 it’s a premium monitor. However, its position as more affordable than other premium screens such as the Alienware AW3225QF and the Samsung Odyssey OLED G8 means it will be tempting for those looking to save up and splash out for a monitor that can do everything well.
An understated gaming monitor in its design, there are no overt ‘gamer’ flourishes adorning the monitor apart from its curved, silver stand. Otherwise, it’s a monitor that will melt into any home office or productivity setup - despite being a gaming beast under the hood.
The juice under said hood is based around the excellent mini-LED IPS 4K panel that sports 1,152 local-dimming zones, as well as gaming specs that include a 150Hz refresh rate, a 0.5ms response time, and HDMI 2.1 capability. It goes further though, channeling that do-it-all characteristic elsewhere in its feature set as it also offers 99% Adobe RGB and 99% DCI-P3 color coverage and a peak brightness of 1,000 nits.
On top of that, the screen has enough ports to keep you well covered and sets itself up beautifully for being the center point of a multi-gaming machine setup. I’ve had my RTX 3090-powered gaming PC and PS5 plugged into it for a couple of months now and it’s a dream for both.
Gaming on PC is a wondrous sight - especially if you have a beefy enough machine to enjoy the 4K resolution - and games from Control to Frostpunk 2 draw you in on the X32QFS, treating you to enormous and immersive pictures and experiences.
The Acer Predator X32QFS also proves itself a worthy contender as a dedicated monitor for PS5 or monitor for Xbox Series X and was a brilliant companion to my PS5 Slim and PS5 Pro during testing. The HDMI 2.1 capable screen means you can tap into the best of Sony’s games on its newest, most powerful console while using it as an everyday PS5-presenter for games like Dragon Age: The Veilguard, Sniper Elite: Resistance, and Botany Manor has been a treat for the eyes.
However, it’s not just gaming that it excels in. Everyday work tasks from spreadsheets to writing documents are a joy and feature no text fringing or other frailties; while image work on the screen is also a pleasure with punchy, accurate colors and lovely contrasts. It’s even great for watching TV, films, or catching up on sports highlights.
Drawbacks are few, but one in particular is quite a shame: the monitor is not available in the US. This is a UK-focused release from Acer which is disappointing, if not only because the monitor exudes such a high level of quality. There’s also no remote or control hub which would be a nice touch for a monitor of this price, and some of the settings can be a bit of a drag to re-input all the time.
Away from those gripes, the fact that the Acer Predator X32QFS can do everything so well means it’s an easy screen to recommend for multi-purpose use, with gaming at the center of it. I think it goes a very long way to justify the price tag, and if you’re a UK gamer looking for a high-quality 4K 32-inch screen that’s in between premium OLEDs and affordable panels, then this is it.
(Image credit: Future/Rob Dwiar)
Acer Predator X32QFS review: Price and availability
List price: £899.99 in the UK
No US availability
UK-specific variant of the X32
The elephant in the room with the Acer Predator X32QFS is that it has no availability in the US. In something of a classic Acer style, this screen appears to be a sub-variant of a model, the X32, in this case. For full clarity, this means that you may come across different monitors also labeled as an ‘X32’ in your region. However, models with this particular variant's full name, the Acer Predator X32QFSbmiiphuzx, are the one exactly like my review unit. In practice, the result of this means that this version of the X32 is not available to US folks, though another variant may be.
Where it is available in the UK (for £899.99 at Overclockers), the price does pitch the X32QFS as something of a premium screen. In terms of other 4K 32-inch screens, it comes in at nearly twice the price of one our favourites in the Gigabyte M32UC, but it’s worth noting it comes in cheaper than super-premium OLED gaming monitors such as the Alienware AW3225QF, Samsung Odyssey G8, and LG 32GS95UE-B.
I think the X32QFS goes a long way to justify its price tag, and it being in between the likes of the M32UC and those OLED monitors means it’s pitched quite well price-wise. Positioned as offering something more than the affordable models, but a cheaper alternative to OLEDs - without any of the concerns that OLED brings - is a solid spot to inhabit. The performance of the monitor only serves to reinforce this price positioning and value proposition too.
(Image credit: Future/Rob Dwiar)
Acer Predator X32QFS review: Specs
(Image credit: Future/Rob Dwiar)
Acer Predator X32QFS review: Design and features
Super 32-inch IPS Mini-LED screen
4K; 150hz refresh; 1ms response
Plenty of ports for multi-device setups
Keeping it simple, the Acer Predator X32QFS is a 32-inch 4K Mini-LED monitor with a very plain design. The aesthetic is very subtle and understated, and there are no ‘gamer vibes’ present, especially when mounted on a monitor arm which I have it set up with. Some of the typical angular aesthetic that gaming monitors have can come from the stand, so removing that has, in effect, toned down the style of the screen. If you fancy using that, however, its curved steel look is still attractive.
Looking a bit more closely, the top and the sides have narrow bezels, while the bottom one, housing the ‘Predator’ badge is slightly wider. Inside the chassis is an IPS Mini-LED panel with 1,152 locally dimming zones that offer deep blacks and vibrant, lush colors.
The Acer Predator X32QFS’s gaming specs are robust and certainly great for those looking for a crisp and smooth 4K experience. Rated for 150Hz, the refresh rate will cover those looking to get 4K at 144Hz on PC, and, naturally, means that a PS5’s or Xbox Series X’s maximum of 120hz is well catered for too. The 0.5ms response time also keeps things speedy for those looking to play online or competitively.
Elsewhere, specs-wise, there’s AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, 99% Adobe RGB, 99% DCI-P3 color space ratings, VESA DisplayHDR 1000 rating, 1,000 nits of peak brightness, and a color depth of 1.07 billion.
In terms of what’s lacking, there’s no remote control or separate hub for settings which is a shame, and perhaps not quite befitting of a screen that costs nearly a thousand pounds in the UK.
The monitor’s port selection is plenty good enough too. Sporting two HDMI 2.1 ports, a DisplayPort 1.4, a single USB-C (that can provide 65w of power delivery), an audio jack port, and two USB-A ports (with the accompanying USB upstream port) there’s enough for multi-device setups as well as the incorporation of a sound bar and USB devices too thanks to its upstream connection of the latter kind. The addition of a KVM switch in the screen is welcome too.
(Image credit: Future/Rob Dwiar)
Acer Predator X32QFS review: Performance
Fantastic gaming images and performance
Particularly perfect for PC, PS5, and PS5 Pro
Wonderful specs and HDR presentation
Simply put, the X32QFS has performed brilliantly for me in every single way I have used and tested it. From games on PC as well as PS5 and PS5 Pro, to everyday work use, the monitor is just dreamy.
In terms of gaming, I enjoyed the screen most when using it with the PS5 Slim I have set up in my home office, and the PS5 Pro which I reviewed with the monitor at the end of last year. The X32QFS is HDMI 2.1 capable, so using a current-gen console with it can really unleash a machine’s abilities. This was the case with the likes of Horizon Forbidden West on PS5 Pro, with the game’s Balanced mode providing a supreme experience on the X32QFS.
Elsewhere, Alan Wake 2 was a sheer joy to behold, while the likes of Sony first-party games like The Last of Us Part 1, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, and Ratchet & Clank Rift Apart, shine incredibly brightly on the X32QFS. PlayStation 4 games also look the part on the X32QFS so those still rocking Sony’s last-gen console can have great confidence in this screen presenting their games beautifully too - they were for me on both PS5 and PS5 Pro.
For PC gaming (via DisplayPort) the screen is a joy once more. Offering an excellent amount of screen real estate for games - without ever being too overwhelming - like Frostpunk 2 and Warhammer 40,000 Dawn of War 3 - the amount of the barren snowy land of the former, and the bleak battlefield of the latter that you can take in all at once, and in great detail, is exquisite. Games like Control are also a delight on the monitor on PC, with the atmospheric Federal Bureau of Control building a joy to immerse myself in.
The experience I’ve had gaming on the X32QFS goes some way to cement my belief that a 4K 32-inch monitor is the sweet spot for PC and console setups; especially for those gaming PCs that are beefy enough to play nice with the resolution.
(Image credit: Future/Rob Dwiar)
For day-to-day work, the screen is bright, punchy, and crystal clear no matter if I’m deep in research and writing, swimming the spreadsheet waters, or even putting together custom images and doing light graphic work. The 32-inch screen is big enough for me to split it in two manually with windows too, without feeling cramped.
The brightness is a great quality in the screen in particular, with there being plenty of it, and thus enough to find the right amount for you, along with its HDR capability too. The baked-in settings are useful too, though I found the best settings for me were the ones making the most of the monitor’s brightness and HDR, and have had both on, with max brightness enabled and HDR color space selected for almost all of my use after testing the modes.
Backing all of this up further is the color accuracy. Offering 99% Adobe RGB and 99% DCI-P3, the monitor will have you covered if you’re using it for graphic work as well as gaming, serving up a treat for the eyes no matter its deployment.
While the Gigabyte M32UC comes in cheaper still and performs very well, and the likes of the Samsung Odyssey G8 can offer a bit more for pure gaming given the OLED panel and superb feature setup, the X32QFS is a tremendous alternative for a cheaper price, even more so if you’re afraid of OLED burn-in too. On that note, my testing didn’t throw up any other, albeit mainly-OLED-type concerns such as text fringing (where text can appear to have a shadow or blurry color around it).
In practical day-to-day use, some of the settings wouldn’t be ‘remembered’ by the monitor and would revert every time I booted up my PC. This is a small gripe but one I noticed happening relatively frequently despite tinkering in the settings. Also speaking practically, I’ve been able to hook up my PC, the PS5, a soundbar output, and utilize the USB ports on the monitor with no issue, as well as mount it on my Secretlab monitor arm and deploy a BenQ monitor bar on its top too.
It’s this ‘great at everything’ characteristic that makes the Acer Predator X32QFS an easy recommendation to make. It can turn its hand to anything and do a terrific job, and I’m looking forward to relying on its excellence for PC and PS5 gaming, as well as the demands of work going forward.
(Image credit: Future/Rob Dwiar)
Should you buy the Acer Predator X32QFS?
Buy it if...
You’re a UK gamer looking for a 4K 120Hz gaming monitor While it is not widely available on a global scale, it’s an excellent monitor for shoppers in the UK who can pick it up from the likes of Overclockers. Its specs and feature set, and quality mini-LED panel, mean that its price offers decent value for a high-end screen on that side of the Atlantic.
You’re looking for a super 4K screen for a multi-device setup and as an all-rounder The range of ports the Acer Predator X32QFS has makes it a great screen for multi-device setups on a practical level but its outright quality means that playing on both PC and PS5 is a dream. It’s also a good fit for entertainment and daily office use making it a veritable jack of all trades.
You want a Mini-LED screen for high-fidelity gaming, entertainment, and productivity The panel on this monitor is a joy to behold and a great advert for Mini-LED gaming screens. If you’ve been eyeing up this screen tech for your PC or console then I can confirm it’s a great match and makes for excellent gaming experiences as well as watching entertainment and doing work.
You’ve got a gaming PC that can make the most of 4K If you have a PC that can crank out 4K gaming then, naturally, this 4K screen is a great match for you - throw in the rest of its qualities and you have an excellent companion to a 4K-capable gaming PC.
Don't buy it if...
You’re in the US This is sadly more of a ‘can’t’ than a ‘don’t’, but US shoppers need to look elsewhere, perhaps to the ‘main’ X32, as this particular model isn’t available stateside.
You need even greater, faster specs While the X32QFS has decent specs for 4K gaming, if you need something that can do any resolution faster in terms of Hz and frame rates, then you’ll need to look elsewhere.
You haven’t got a 4K-capable gaming PC While not a total deal breaker given how enjoyable the monitor is to use as a PS5 screen, if you want to pair this with a gaming PC, but haven’t got a 4K capable machine, then you won’t get the best or make the most out of the X32QFS.
Acer Predator X32QFS review: Also consider
If you’re still not convinced about the Acer Predator X32QFS, or it’s not available in your region, then check out these alternative monitors.
Gigabyte M32UC This remains one of our overall top picks for any console gamer or PC player and comes in much cheaper than the X32QFS too. It’s also got a curved screen for extra immersion and sports a great feature set that makes for excellent performance from colors to refresh rate, and from picture quality to response time.
Samsung Odyssey OLED G8 Perhaps the best 32-inch gaming screen money can buy right now, the Odyssey OLED G8 barely puts a foot wrong - in any department. If you can stretch your budget, then this is the screen to go for, bagging you that sweet OLED performance and picture quality as well as a top-tier feature set, specs, and screen protection suite.
Tested with an RTX 3090-powered PC, PS5 Slim, and PS5 Pro
(Image credit: Future/Rob Dwiar)
I’ve had the pleasure of using the Acer Predator X32QFS monitor for a few months now, using it almost every day for work, and several times a week for gaming. I’ve used it all day for work, from writing to managing spreadsheets and making work calls and communications, testing the screen in both light and dark modes constantly.
I have my RTX 3090-powered gaming PC connected to the monitor, a Yamaha SR-C20A soundbar for sound output when playing my connected PS5 Slim console, and I have made use of the USB ports on the monitor too to great effect. I tested the monitor on its own stand initially, but largely when connected to my Secretlab Magnus Pro gaming desk with the Secretlab monitor arm.
I’ve played a variety of PC games and PS5 games to test the screen out. On PC, I played Frostpunk 2, Control, Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War 3, and A Total War Saga: Troy; while on PS5 and PS5 Pro, I tested Alan Wake 2, Ratchet & Clank Rift Apart, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, The Last of Us Part 1, and Part 2 Remastered, and Horizon Forbidden West and Zero Dawn Remastered, as well as PS4 games such as Doom (2016) and Infamous Second Son.
I also tested the PS5 Pro extensively with the monitor when reviewing Sony’s latest console, and found it to provide excellent performance, opening up the extra modes in some of Sony’s first-party games, wonderfully, and presenting them beautifully.
