The GM41 Lightweight is a super simple wired gaming mouse appealing to serious gamers with its light weight and laser-like focus on gaming over extravagant features.
This even extends to its looks. It sports a sleek, low-slung design with little in the way of adornments, or anything to offset the total black colorway. A large RGB light on the body is the only element that brightens up proceedings, which can be customized by holding the DPI button and pressing other buttons or moving the scroll wheel to adjust aspects such as the brightness, mode, speed, and color.
The thin, long shape will likely suit those with long hands, although it might not be wide enough for some. As it’s flat and lower to the ground than many of the best gaming mice, your hand is barely raised from your desktop, which again, some may prefer and some may not. The mouse buttons are relatively flat too, meaning claw grippers might not find them to their liking.
Its texture is smooth all over, save for the rubberized sides that help with grip, but they’re not as sticky as some others are, which I prefer.
The DPI switch is located on the bottom, which isn’t the most convenient, although this does help to keep the GM41 Lightweight as minimal as possible, and prevents mispresses from occurring.
(Image credit: Future)
There’s no removing the braided cable as it's hardwired. It also feels more durable than other braided cables, although it’s not as soft to touch. And while it’s light, it’s not as light as some of those adorning its rivals.
In order to tweak the GM41 Lightweight further, the MSI Center software can be downloaded for free. However, compared to other peripheral software, it’s disappointingly basic.
There are only a handful of rebinding options, including other mouse buttons and a few multimedia functions, but there are no keyboard assignments or system-level functions available. The same is true of performance enhancements. While you can select the increments for DPI cycling, the only other adjustments are for the polling rate, angle snapping, and lift-off distance – the latter of which only features two settings with no distance unit given. Those who like to tinker with their debounce time or toggle motion sync will be left out here.
When it comes to actual gaming, the GM41 Lightweight acquits itself reasonably well. The lightness makes for easy maneuverability, while the mouse clicks are snappy, thanks to their lack of travel. However, this lack of travel also reduces feedback somewhat. This makes spamming clicks harder, as does the relative heaviness of the clicks themselves and that aforementioned flat shape of the buttons. On a more positive note, however, I did find the mouse buttons to be also pleasingly resistant to slam clicks.
The scroll wheel, however, is very fast yet still provides enough notching to make for controlled flicks when needed. The scroll click is a little heavy, however, making it hard to actuate at times, but thankfully, it’s secure enough to prevent accidental mis-scrolls.
(Image credit: Future)
The side buttons are very thin, but light enough to use with ease. They offer slightly more travel than you might expect, but they are satisfyingly damped, making them more enjoyable to use than you might expect.
However, while the cable is light, I found it did create drag when making large swipes. The issue seems to stem from the lack of angle on the strain relief, as it did little to elevate the first portion of the cable from my desktop surface. Depending on the layout of your setup, this might not be an issue, but you may benefit from using the GM41 Lightweight with a mouse bungee.
Thankfully, the PTFE skates allow for smooth gliding on hard and soft surfaces, although they are quite thin, and there’s no spare set included in the box. But if you stick to mouse pads, then you should have no problem moving the GM41 Lightweight around.
If you’re looking for a basic gaming mouse with no extra buttons or features, then the GM41 Lightweight is a solid choice. Its main rivals boast similar prices, such as BenQ’s range of EC mice. However, there are others, such as the Cooler Master MM311 and the Logitech G305 Lightspeed, that are cheaper and offer brilliant gaming performance, all without requiring a cable.
The GM41 Lightweight costs $54 / £29 (about AU$85) and is available in one colorway: black. It doesn’t come with any replaceable parts, such as grip tape or a spare set of skates.
Its price is in line with other 1K wired gaming mice. The BenQ Zowie EC2-C, which is our pick as the best mouse for CS:GO and CS2, costs about the same. However, that mouse is heavier at 73g, and that’s excluding the cable, but we still found its performance to be excellent.
There are wireless gaming mice for less. The Cooler Master MM311, for instance, is our budget champion and also features a 1K polling rate, although it has no rechargeable battery. Likewise, the Logitech G305 Lightspeed is only marginally cheaper than the GM41 Lightweight, and is our pick as the best wireless gaming mouse for those on a budget.
MSI Clutch GM41 Lightweight V2: Specs
Should you buy the MSI Clutch GM41 Lightweight V2?
Buy it if...
You want something simple The stripped-back nature of the GM41 Lightweight means there’s nothing to distract or delay you from gaming – just plug and play.
You want something light At 65g, the GM41 Lightweight is undeniably lean, which makes fast movements a breeze. There is some drag though, which might be improved with a mouse bungee.
Don't buy it if...
You want extra features The GM41 Lightweight has no extra buttons besides the usual, and the software doesn’t offer much in the way of customization and tweaking.
You want the best performance With a 1K polling rate and lack of advanced settings, the GM41 Lightweight might not offer enough precision and tweakability for elite gamers.
MSI Clutch GM41 Lightweight V2: Also consider
Cooler Master MM311 As budget mice go, you’d be hard pressed to do better than the MM311. It offers a 1K polling rate and great performance, yet undercuts many gaming mice on the market, wireless and wired. It doesn’t have a rechargeable battery, though, and at 77g it’s considerably heavier than the GM41 Lightweight, but it could be a better choice for those who prefer no trailing cables to deal with. Read our full Cooler Master MM311 review.
BenQ Zowie EC2-C The BenQ Zowie EC2-C is an esports champ in our eyes, as it’s the best for shooters like Counter-Strike. It marries excellent performance with a comfortable design, and it’s also available in multiple size variants. However, like the GM41 Lightweight, it only has a 1K polling rate, so those after something more should look elsewhere. Read our BenQ Zowie EC2-C review.
How I tested the MSI Clutch GM41 Lightweight V2
Tested for several days
Played various games
10+ years PC gaming experience
I tested the GM41 Lightweight for several days, during which time I used it for playing games, productivity, and general use.
In order to push the GM41 Lightweight to its limits, I played fast-paced shooters such as Counter-Strike 2, which is the ultimate test for any gaming mouse.
I have been PC gaming for over 10 years, and have used a large number of mice during that time. I have also reviewed many of them, from budget picks to high-end offerings, all with various shapes, sizes, weights, and feature sets.
Iniu B43 MagSafe 10000mAh Compact Power Bank review
The Iniu B43 MagSafe 10000mAh Compact Power Bank is a low-cost portable phone charger compatible with the iPhone 12 – 16. Its list price is $59.99 / £59.99 / AU$93.99 on the official Iniu website; however, discounts are often applied. At the time of writing, a 55% – 57% discount is available, and it's also available for less than the list price at Amazon. Unlike some other brands' power banks, it comes with a USB-C cable and a little travel pouch, providing it a little protection against scuffs and scratches when on the go.
I would argue that the Iniu B43 MagSafe 10000mAh Compact Power Bank isn’t the most compact example of a MagSafe charger. Its dimensions are 3.8 x 0.9 x 2.7 inches / 97 x 23 x 69mm, which feels quite bulky in one’s hand when trying to continue using a phone as it charges. It feels pretty weighty, too, at 9.2oz / 261g.
(Image credit: Cesci Angell / Future)
The Iniu B43 MagSafe 10000mAh Compact Power Bank features a super-soft touch matt finish and smooth rounded corners. It offers both MagSafe charging, plus there is a USB-C in/out, and a USB-A out port for wired charging, too. The MagSafe charging area stands proud of the power bank’s surface by roughly 2mm.
The design of the Iniu B43 MagSafe 10000mAh Compact Power Bank isn’t a far cry from your typical power bank. On the front face of the charger, there is the Iniu logo in the top-right corner, while in the bottom left, there’s an animal paw print that acts as an indicator light to communicate the level of charge remaining in the battery pack.
Charging an iPhone 13 Pro with the Iniu B43 MagSafe 10000mAh Compact Power Bank proved disappointingly slow, taking three hours and ten minutes to achieve a full charge. To put this in context, it took the similarly priced Anker 633 Magnetic Battery just two hours and fifteen minutes to do the same, plus it has the added bonus of a built-in stand, so it’s easy to continue watching content as your phone charges.
(Image credit: Cesci Angell / Future)
Overall, if you’re not fussed about fast charging and like the novelty of the blue paw print, the Iniu B43 MagSafe 10000mAh Compact Power Bank wouldn’t be a bad choice. However, there are certainly faster alternatives within the same price range, like the UGREEN Uno Magnetic Wireless Power Bank 10000mAh 15W, for example, that have novelty value of its own, displaying cute little faces on its screen depending on the level of charge.
So it’s clear the Iniu B43 MagSafe 10000mAh Compact Power Bank isn’t up to the standard required to feature in our selection of the best wireless chargers or the best iPhone chargers, but it would make an adequate enough purchase if you’re prepared to forgo fast charging speeds.
(Image credit: Cesci Angell / Future)
Iniu B43 MagSafe 10000mAh Compact Power Bank review: Price & specs
(Image credit: Cesci Angell / Future)
Should I buy the Iniu B43 MagSafe 10000mAh Compact Power Bank?
Buy it if…
You don't want any bells or whistles Aside from the light-up paw print, there's nothing particularly fancy about this charger. There's no built-in stand or LED screen, so if you want something super simple, this charger would prove satisfactory.
You like tactile finishes One thing I liked about this power pack was the soft matt finish of the material and its nicely rounded corners.
Don't buy it if…
You want to use your phone as it charges Although marketed as a compact power bank, its depth makes it a little too bulky to be comfortable to hold when attached to your phone. I recommend checking out our pick of the best power banks if you'd like to continue scrolling as you juice up your phone.
You want a built-in stand Many portable chargers make terrific travel companions, but this power bank sadly isn't one of them. With no stand included, you're limited to lying it flat on a surface to charge, making it hard to binge-watch Netflix during a flight or hotel stay.
Iniu B43 MagSafe 10000mAh Compact Power Bank review: Also consider
Ugreen 5000mAh Magnetic Wireless Power Bank Not only is this power bank lower in price, it's also slimmer and lighter. It offers similar charging speeds, but would make an ideal alternative for anyone who struggles to put their phone down for extended periods of time. If you'd like to learn more, head over to the full Ugreen 5000mAh Magnetic Wireless Power Bank review.View Deal
The Saramonic Ultra is a portable wireless mic system in the same vein as the popular DJI Mic and Mic 2. Aimed primarily at people who need to create audio and video content on the go – vloggers, podcasters and journalists – the Ultra is available as a package containing two wearable transmitters, one receiver and a portable charging case to keep everything together.
This kit allows for single and dual-channel audio, and the receiver can be connected to a variety of devices for adding high-quality 24-bit sound to recordings. Adapters are included for iPhones, iPads, USB-C smartphones and computers, 3.5mm camera inputs and even for Sony’s Multi Interface Shoe, but the transmitters can also record audio on their own thanks to 8GB of on-board space. When recording directly onto this memory, users can even record 32-bit float audio – a data-rich, high dynamic range format prized by audio professionals.
Saramonic’s build quality doesn’t feel quite as rock-solid as some of the alternatives, but the fact that the transmitter is waterproof to IPX5 levels suggests that the company is doing something right. And, despite the noise cancelling being far from the most effective I’ve encountered with wireless mics, the audio quality is generally excellent in a variety of environments.
The whole kit includes two transmitters, one receiver and a charging case (Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)
Saramonic Ultra: Price and release date
$249 / £259 / AU$449 for 2-Channel Set with receiver, two transmitters and charging case
Also available with lavalier mics included
Available now in black and white colour finishes
The Saramonic Ultra is available to purchase in a set that includes two transmitters, one receiver, a charging case, adapters for Lightning, USB-C and Sony Multi Interface, a 3.5mm to 3.5mm cable, two windscreens and a drawstring bag to hold everything. This package is available in a black or white finish and costs around $249 / £259 / AU$449. For a little more money, you can purchase the same package with two cabled lavalier mics included ($299 / £289).
As far as I can see it isn’t possible to buy the individual components separately, or just a transmitter and receiver package (as is available for those who want to save money on a DJI Mic 2, for instance).
That being said, at a price that falls quite a bit below that of premium rivals like the DJI Mic 2 and Rode Wireless Pro, and even below the relatively affordable Sennheiser Profile Wireless, the Saramonic can lay claim to being one of the most affordable higher end wireless mic sets around.
(Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)
Saramonic Ultra: Specs
The Saramonic Ultra receiver comes with USB-C and Lightning adapters for direct smartphone connection. (Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)
Saramonic Ultra: Design
Most elements slot into charging case for transport
Entire package weighs 210.5g / 7.4oz
Adapters for USB-C, Lightning and Sony Multi Interface Shoe included
Like most wireless mic setups, the Saramonic Ultra is centered around two main elements: a small wearable transmitter and an almost as small wearable receiver. The transmitter (of which two are supplied here) has a clip and a strong magnet allowing it to be attached to clothing, with the magnet being best suited to thin garments like t-shirts. It has a USB-C port for charging and data transfer purposes, and a 3.5mm jack for attaching a wired lavalier mic if desired. The transmitters are IPX5 certified too, making them waterproof against rain – something I’ve not seen with rival mics.
The receiver, which links wirelessly to either one or two transmitters, also has a clip, which doubles as a mounting option for sliding into camera cold shoes. It also comes with adapters for Lightning and USB-C devices, and something I haven’t seen on its competitors: an optional antenna to boost its wireless range to 300m (Saramonic claims the range without the add-on is 250m). The receiver also features an OLED touchscreen accompanied by a pressable dial for adjusting settings and viewing gain levels which, while both are small, I had few problems using. Those of a larger fingered persuasion may find them a tad fiddly, however.
(Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)
The supplied charging case has room for both transmitters, the receiver and the Lightning and USB-C adapters for the latter. Unfortunately, there’s no space inside for extras like the transmitter’s windshields or any of the cables. Still, the case, which has a leather-effect texture and a nice light-up logo on top to indicate remaining battery life, is a neat way to carry (and recharge) the core elements of this setup. Its construction is a little creaky compared to that of the DJI Mic 2’s case, but not to the degree I’d be concerned about it falling apart.
(Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)
Saramonic Ultra: Performance
Choice of 16, 24 and 32-bit recording
Transmitters can be used solo
Noise reduction, Vocal Boost and Low Cut modes
Like the DJI Mic 2 and Rode Wireless Pro, the Saramonic Ultra has an option to record high-quality 32-bit float audio directly onto the 8GB on-board memory of the transmitters. 32-bit float is to standard 16 or 24-bit audio what RAW photographs are to JPEGs – a much larger file size with much more data, allowing for more post-production manipulation of the sound. In my opinion, while it’s a useful option to have, particularly for professional users, the smaller file sizes of the 24-bit audio, and the fact that it can be transmitted wirelessly, means I’d be using 24-bit audio nine times out of ten.
It’s not like the 24-bit audio is bad, either. In fact, it’s nice and crisp, and turning on the Vocal Boost mode lends speech some real heft and body. If you want your voice to sound deeper and more authoritative, it’s probably going to be switched on most of the time. The mic can also be set to record 16-bit audio, which is presumably included as a space-saving option.
Another optional mode is Low Cut, which removes some of the lower frequency noise from recordings, and the three-level noise cancelling mode does reduce background sounds – albeit not to the extent of the highly effective noise cancelling employed by the DJI Mic 2. For example, traffic noise was still very loud in my test recordings, even with Saramonic’s noise cancelling dialled up to its top level.
The attachable furry windshield is a must for outdoor recordings. (Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)
Wind noise is also noticeable on my outdoor recordings, even in relatively calm conditions, which is why the furry windshields should rarely leave the transmitters if you’re using them outside – they do a good job of reducing it.
Gain can be set manually, with the receiver’s screen providing both a live indication of levels and a means for adjustment, but the Auto Gain setting can also be used in trickier, changeable environments. It’ll adjust gain on the fly to compensate for changes in background noise or subject distance from the mic, so it’s ideal for non-studio settings.
There’s no backup recording mode here, so no protection against signal drops. That being said, with the antenna attached you should get a consistently strong wireless signal. I wouldn’t rely it to work perfectly over the 300m maximum range claimed by Saramonic (and I take all manufacturers’ range claims as best-case scenarios) but for the vast majority of users that’s never going to be put to the test. I had no signal issues myself using the microphone while walking around my home, despite walls and floors potentially getting in the way.
Another pro-friendly feature you’ll find here is timecode support, allowing users of multi-camera shoots to easily sync their mics and cameras in post-production. It’s something few people will use, but very handy to have – and of the recent wireless mic launches, this and the Rode Wireless Pro are the only two models that offer it.
Battery life is decent, with around 6 hours of operating time on each transmitter and the receiver, plus an addition 12 or so hours (or two charging cycles) in the charging case. In theory, you can record for around 18 hours in total before needing to find a power socket to recharge.
Should I buy the Saramonic Ultra?
Buy it if…
You want an affordable pro-friendly wireless mic
The Saramonic Ultra is packed with useful and often premium features, such as 32-bit float recording, despite being one of the more affordable wireless mic packages around.
You need a waterproof solution
With IPX5-rated water resistance, you could use the Saramonic Ultra’s transmitters in a rainstorm (or even during your morning shower) without fear of damage.
Don’t buy it if…
You want to buy the components separately
The Ultra is only available as a two-transmitter kit supplied with a charging case. So if you need just one transmitter and one receiver and are hoping to save money, you’re out of luck.
You often record in very noisy places
With the on-board noise cancellation tech far from the best around, recording in noisy environments like busy roads can be risky.
Saramonic Ultra: also consider
DJI Mic 2 Packed with pro-friendly features like 32-bit float recording and AI-assisted adaptive noise cancelling, DJI’s second-gen wireless mic is well-built, well-designed, easy to use and more than capable of levelling up your vlogs, interviews, podcasts and other recordings. It also plays nicely with DJI’s camera drones, eliminating propeller noise automatically.
Sennheiser Profile Wireless More affordable than the DJI and Rode alternatives and similarly priced to the Saramonic Ultra, Sennheiser’s wireless microphone set is a great (if slightly lacking in features) one-stop solution for improving vlog audio. Its innovative charging bar even doubles as a handheld mic for interviews.
Used regularly for a week in both quiet and noisy environments
Paired with iPhone 13 and Panasonic Lumix GH6
I tested the Saramonic Ultra mic both inside and outdoors, and with its receiver physically connected to devices (my Apple iPhone 13 smartphone and Panasonic Lumix GH6 camera) and in solo mode. I made sure to record in a variety of environments in order to see how the microphone handled different background noises and weather conditions.
Character action single-player games are something of a dying breed or rather only something a handful of developers excel at, often feeling at odds with contemporary expectations of features or content. That's why the announcement of Ninja Gaiden 4 is such welcome news, but it's the surprise shadow drop of Ninja Gaiden 2 Black, a current-gen remaster of Team Ninja's 2008 Xbox 360 title, that makes you truly realize that they truly don't make them like this anymore.
Review info
Platform reviewed: PS5 Available on: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC Release date: January 23, 2025
It's not just here to whet your appetite for the upcoming sequel that's being co-developed by action game extraordinaire PlatinumGames, but goes some way to addressing criticisms over the game's previous remaster in 2021's Ninja Gaiden Master Collection, which was based on the PlayStation 3Sigma 2 port that purists consider to be inferior.
Arguably, the original 360 game was also unbalanced and a bit broken with an absurd enemy count that would infamously have the frame rate dipping into single digits, so Ninja Gaiden 2 Black is more like the best of both worlds, with Team Ninja doing its best to stay close to the original's vision of gushing, dismembering ultra-violence while still retaining features introduced in Sigma 2. In other words, it's as close to a definitive edition of the game as you can get today.
Old school of hard knocks
(Image credit: Team Ninja/Koei Tecmo)
There is, however, a difference between a definitive and modernised experience. The most modern thing you can say about Ninja Gaiden 2 Black is however its stunning visuals updated in Unreal Engine 5.
Yet despite the impressive modern lighting and effects, there's something uncanny about how stubbornly old-school everything else remains, from its linear level design to Team Ninja's obsession with cleavage, a reminder that this is the team that gave us the Dead or Alive series. You often hear how a new game is described as being like a PlayStation 2 game, but it really puts things into perspective when playing a brand spanking new-looking game that controls exactly like one from the Xbox 360 era.
Quite honestly, I suspect it may turn players who have been accustomed to the smoother controls of Bayonetta (incidentally also a 360-era game, albeit released a year after Ninja Gaiden 2). There are times Ryu Hayabusa seems annoyingly sluggish just trying to get him to turn to face the correct enemy while dodging also requires holding block while shifting the control stick. Or the way your attacks can get easily interrupted by a relentless mob of enemies with the same nuisance of being out-jabbed in a fighting game.
The worst thing is a camera that you're supposed to be able to freely move with the right stick, only until it doesn't. Sometimes you're being ambushed from all sides but unable to correctly get the camera behind you while there's no option to target enemies, which you take for granted these days.
Best bit
Ninja Gaiden 2 Black relies on intricate combos and no quicktime events but the coolest most powerful attack you can pull off is the Ultimate Technique, which simply requires holding down Y/Triangle and then releasing to unleash a deadly flurry of moves that requires no further input. It's also difficult to pull off mostly because enemies come at you faster than you can charge it up. The best part then is that this can also be executed by jumping in the air and then pressing Y/Triangle just as you land.
Playing Ninja Gaiden 2 Black then requires a bit of mental rewiring. Yet once you push through it, there's plenty to appreciate. Already a hardcore game, it's not actually as overwhelming as its reputation gives off.
The absence of a scoring and ranking system in the normal campaign offsets any performance anxiety, while you'll also automatically regain health outside of combat, with the exception of red damage that affects your maximum health. Then there are the deliciously gory cinematic finishers you can perform on any enemy that's already had one of its limbs lopped off, requiring nothing more than a single input.
There's still depth in the different weapons you can unlock and the different combos you can execute, though once I remembered how to pull off the Izuna Drop that just became my go-to. But there's also something so pure to its action – no quick time button-mashing, no parry or stagger mechanics, no indulgently lengthy cinematics, no bosses with multiple health bars and phases – it actually feels refreshing.
Ninja unlocked
(Image credit: Team Ninja/Koei Tecmo)
Like other comparable character action games, Ninja Gaiden 2 Black's campaign only takes around 10-12 hours to complete but it's the additional challenges that add to its appeal, and that doesn't necessarily mean only for those who want to finish on the most punishing Path of the Master Ninja difficulty.
Sigma 2's Tag Missions make a welcome return here, which in the absence of the original's online co-op functionality simply allows you to pick two characters and then switch between them on the fly with a button press. Better yet, the mode's roster of female characters you can pick besides Ryu are all unlocked at the start, while completing the story once unlocks all the missions so you can jump ahead to the toughest challenges if you desire.
Players who do care about how well they play are also catered for with Chapter Challenge, which acts like an equivalent of New Game Plus where you can play any mission with all weapons and spells fully upgraded and where you will receive a rank, with UI flashing up to let you know what high-scoring techniques you've just executed.
Nitpickers may bemoan that not every element cut in the Sigma 2 port is restored but if you're an Xbox owner that original is at least still available to you. For everyone else, this is nonetheless the best way to play a classic action game either on Game Pass or at a reasonable price point. As an action game, I don't think it's a cut above Bayonetta, but it's also so uncompromisingly singular that it's in a class of its own. Bring on Ninja Gaiden 4.
Should you play Ninja Gaiden 2 Black?
Play it if...
You like fast-paced action demanding reflexes and combos Forget stamina bars, this is just about rinsing enemies in as fast and as bloody a fashion as you can.
You don't want to stress about scoring or progression systems While it offers different playstyles, switching between weapons is flexible and you already have a suite of moves without upgrading. The game is already challenging enough without grading you, which is instead available after completing the story once.
Don't play it if...
You're expecting the remaster to also offer modern gameplay changes Despite the Unreal 5 glow-up, the game still controls like it did 17 years ago, which will likely cause a level of friction that some players might find too frustrating to get past.
Accessibility features
Although the original game has a reputation for being one of the most difficult games ever made, subsequent releases have provided easier difficulty options. Ninja Gaiden 2 Black adds to this with a 'Hero play style' option that activates the Hero Gauge when your health bar is extremely low. In this state, you'll automatically block or avoid enemy attacks until the gauge runs out or your health is restored.
Elsewhere, you can turn off blood and dismemberment effects, subtitles can be turned on and off, and their size can be adjusted between large, standard, and small with a slider. The game's audio options are English or Japanese, and there are, sadly, no colorblind options.
(Image credit: Team Ninja/Koei Tecmo)
How I reviewed Ninja Gaiden 2 Black
I played Ninja Gaiden 2 Black for 15 hours on my PS5 Pro, completing the game once on the default difficulty setting, as well as spending some time replaying some missions in the ranked Chapter Challenge mode and playing as different characters in some of the Tag Missions.
I played on an LG C2 OLED TV, which allowed me to play the game in 120 frames per second, with the default TV speakers and a DualSense Edge controller.
The Garmin Approach S70 is the brand’s top-tier flagship golf watch and has all the features and performance to match that mantle. Channeling all that makes Garmin watches great for sport, the golf-centered features of the S70 go a long way to put it apart from its competition.
Coming in at $649.99 / £549.99 / AU$1,099 for the larger 47mm model and $699.99 / £599.99 / AU$1,199 for the slightly smaller 42mm, it does have a considerable price of admission, but I broadly think it represents good value and is worth it for those golfers looking to get the most out of a companion watch.
Its design is immediately recognizable as a Garmin watch, and the slick black ceramic of the 47mm size I tested makes for a chic aesthetic, with its sleekness and pop of color provided by the red accenting. The 1.4-inch screen means everything on the watch is easy to read and digest at a glance or in more detail, while the three buttons make it easy to navigate and get around the menus, apps, and features.
The features on offer are excellent too. From the 43,000 pre-loaded courses, to the virtual caddie recommending clubs, all the way to the Enhanced PlaysLike Distance feature which takes into account weather, wind, and topography, players will find plenty to both help their game and get their teeth into to get more out of their game. You can even unlock more features, like green contour data, by subscribing to Garmin Golf. Presented on that beautiful AMOLED display and with fully full-color maps, the watch is a joy to use on the course.
As a pure golf watch, the S70 is, simply, the best golf watch I have ever used. Its suite of features, on top of its wonderful display and established Garmin excellence in golf means that the S70 performs brilliantly. The yardages were accurate (I compared it with another golf watch I find to be accurate too), the new PlaysLike feature is incredibly helpful, and the virtual caddie is super after it’s learned and racked up a bunch of data from your shots.
The battery life is also very strong with the S70. I was able to easily complete two full rounds of 18 holes in GPS mode as well as two weeks’ of day-to-day usage on one charge.
All in all, the Garmin Approach S70 is absolutely one of the best golf watches money can buy right now, and should be at the top of your list if you’re after something that will give you the most bang for your buck, from golf features to battery life, to display.
Garmin Approach S70: Specifications
Garmin Approach S70: Price and availability
(Image credit: Future / Rob Dwiar)
List price of $699.99 / £549.99 / AU1,199 (47mm) / $649.99 / £499.99 / AU1,099 (42mm)
Premium end of the market but discounts becoming more common
Launched in May 2023
Given its punchy list price, the Approach S70 is one of the more expensive options on the market and its price tag is formidable; likely putting it out of range for most golfers. However, for those who can afford it, I believe the S70 goes a long way to justify the price tag and offers robust value for those looking at the top end of the golf watch spectrum.
It’s also worth noting that it still costs comfortably less than those super-premium models like the TAG Heuer Connected Calibre E4 Golf Edition and Garmin’s own MARQ Golfer (Gen 2) watch. Thus, as a member of the top-end club, it still comes in much more affordably than those. Equally though, it comes in considerably higher than some excellent budget golf watches such as the Garmin S12 and the new S44.
Even though we’re seeing new watches from Garmin in the S44 and S50, the Approach S70 remains the premium model of the Approach lineup. However, it is also seeing more regular price cuts and discounts, making it even more attractive.
Value score: 4/5
Garmin Approach S70: Design
(Image credit: Future / Rob Dwiar)
1.4-inch AMOLED screen is crisp, bright, and clear
Two sizes and three colorways available
Smart and chic aesthetic overall
The Approach S70 very much looks like the best Garmin watches right out of the box, and is a symphony in black ceramic and red trim. It’s a subtle and very agreeable aesthetic for a golf watch. It’s not quite as subtle as a conventional smartwatch, especially alongside the likes of the best Samsung smartwatches – the S70 looks like a chunky sports watch, for sure.
However it is worth noting at this point, that only the 47mm model that I tested comes in this colorway; the smaller 42mm variant comes in either a grey and peach or black and yellow unit, both with a grey strap as opposed to the 47mm’s black strap.
The three buttons on the right side of the S70 make navigation easy, and the screen of the S70 is beautifully crisp and clear making engaging with the features on the course, as well as choosing apps, functions and viewing messages simple.
Garmin’s proprietary charging port remains on the rear of the watch face which I think is a continuing weak point in the design of Garmin watches. This means you’ll always have to have the watch face down on a surface while you press in the connector and leave it to recharge.
Combine this with a cable that never feels quite long enough, and it’s rather an inelegant charging solution, not really befitting the price tag – even if the change to USB-C at the other end of the cable is welcome.
Design score: 4.5/5
Garmin Approach S70: Features
(Image credit: Future / Rob Dwiar)
Extensive golf features are superb
Garmin’s suite of fitness trackers present
A monthly fee can open up more features
The golf features on offer on the Approach S70 will help out almost every type of golfer, and be incredibly useful. From simply navigating a hole shot-by-shot, to learning more about your game through tracking distances keeping score and marking where to hit shots, to incorporating real-time weather data to help your next shot, the feature-set on offer here is exquisite. The addition of the Enhanced PlaysLike Distance feature is the standout on the S70, meaning you can get accurate assistance on what shots are actually like, given the conditions.
If you want even more out of the Approach S70, you can access further features if you commit to the Garmin ecosystem with a Garmin Golf membership ($9.99 / £9.99 a month). The headline feature you get here is the green contour data you can get, adding further insight and assistance.
On top of the golf-specific stuff, you’re also getting Garmin’s superb range of fitness and sports tracking apps that mean the S70 can turn its hand to a whole host of other activities and workouts.
Throw in some good solid but unspectacular smartwatch functionality, and the S70 does go a long way to tick all the boxes and offer the full package in one watch.
Features score: 5/5
Garmin Approach S70: Performance
(Image credit: Future / Rob Dwiar)
Wonderful on-course performance and features
Great battery life
Smartwatch performance is just OK
In short, the Approach S70 is the best golf watch I’ve ever tested and used. Its suite of golf features and functions are nearly second-to-none and translate into exceptional use out on the course – and considering it comes preloaded with 43,000 tracks from around the world, you’re going to be able to use it pretty much wherever you go.
Garmin’s excellence in distance accuracy and help with yardages is present once again, with the hole map providing a clear image of what shape the fairway and green are, as well as what hazards are on the hole, and how far away, well, everything is.
After playing some rounds, the shot tracking data is wonderful too, and the virtual caddie element of the watch will be able to provide some help in terms of suggesting clubs. You can also team it with the Garmin Golf App to record all your scores, penalties, and shot types too, as well as mistakes and successes.
Elsewhere, I particularly enjoyed the Enhanced PlaysLike Distance feature that gives you accurate yardage based not only on distance, but also topography (if you’re above or below the hole), wind direction, and weather. I have a good grasp on my yardages generally, but the extra assistance when it comes to external factors was really useful.
(Image credit: Future / Rob Dwiar)
I’ve briefly mentioned the battery life above regarding two weeks’ worth of use, and Garmin’s claims largely hold up. I used the Approach S70 for two weeks, as well as every day as a smartwatch, and threw in two 18-hole rounds of golf in GPS mode, and still had 9% of the battery left. Exceptional.
Practically, however, charging the watch is a little awkward, and is mainly due to Garmin’s proprietary connection. While the USB-C connection is welcome, the oval-shaped connector for the back of the watch is still subject to coming loose – and it also requires the watch to be on its face, all with a cable that never feels as long as it could or should be. I hope this informs future premium models as having a pad-like charging solution like Samsung smartwatches, or even a smart dock like my TAG Heuer has would feel more appropriate for the price tag and experience. Folks will have paid a lot of money for this, after all, so sticking a cable in the back, and awkwardly keeping it face down close to a socket feels a bit cheap.
As a golf-first watch the S70 excels, naturally, but this also shows in its use as an everyday smartwatch and I prefer my TAG Heuer or Samsung Watch3 as a daily smartwatch driver by some distance. One example of my gripes with the S70 as a smartwatch is that my WhatsApp messages wouldn’t be displayed with the most recent one first, so if I received a few messages in a group in quick succession (or even not so quickly) then I was unable to stay on top of the conversation at a glance.
It’ll be interesting to see in the future how the S70 stacks up against its new brethren in the S44 and S50, but the fact remains that it is an excellent golf watch and one that you’ll not regret going for.
Performance score: 4.5/5
Garmin Approach S70: Scorecard
Garmin Approach S70: Should I buy?
Buy it if...
You want the best suite of golf features
There’s no denying the S70’s feature set and it packs so much in for golfers who want to get excellent data for their game on their course.
You want a golf watch that can do fitness tracking too
Garmin’s trademark excellent fitness tracking is also present in the S70, so if your desire to track exercise and sport goes beyond just golf, then this is a great watch to get.
You’re already in the Garmin ecosystem
The S70 is an ideal step up if you've tested the waters already with one of Garmin’s budget golf watches and want to embrace something more feature-filled.View Deal
Don't buy it if...
You don’t need loads of features
The amount of features on hand in the S70 may actually be overkill for some golfers, and you’ll only get the most out of the watch if you fully immerse yourself in its capabilities.
You want something that’s a slick daily smartwatch
I much prefer using my TAG Heuer golf watch or my Samsung Galaxy Watch as an everyday smartwatch given their looks, styles, and daily functionality.
Also consider
TAG Heuer Connected Calibre E4 Golf Edition
Offering a more premium feel and performance in both golf watch and smartwatch functions, the TAG Heuer Connected Calibre E4 Golf Edition represents stiff but expensive, competition for the S70. If you’re after a super premium golf watch that does it all – and the small expense of some of the S70’s features – then this is the watch to aim for if you have the budget.
The S70s slightly older, less fancy brother still offers an excellent golf watch option from Garmin, having been its flagship golf watch when it was released back in 2022. It’s got a great set of features that will still help your game a couple of years after it came out, and with its moderate age comes increased value for money with its price dropping consistently.
I used the Garmin Approach S70 over the course of several months, using it for summer and winter golf rounds – and for more rounds than I can remember to put an actual number on. I put all the features to the test in all my rounds and relied on it solely as my only GPS or virtual caddie assist.
Light spoilers follow for Invincible season 3 episodes 1 to 6.
Few superhero shows have been as consistently excellent in recent years as Invincible. The adult animated series has entertained and emotionally stunned Prime Video users – and occasionally made us wince with its extremely graphic violence – since its March 2020 debut. And, as long-time fans (myself included) of its source material will tell you, things will only escalate further as its story progresses.
Pleasingly, Invincible season 3 does a superheroic job of translating its source material's increasingly fraught narrative from page to screen. While lacking in a couple of key areas, the darkest chapter (so far, anyway) of Mark Grayson's story refines and builds on the narrative foundations laid by its predecessors with expert precision, and cements Invincible's position as a torchbearer of R-rated animated storytelling.
The hero within
Season 3's early episodes fully expose the flaws in Mark and Cecil's fragile alliance (Image credit: Amazon MGM Studios/Prime Video)
Three months have passed since Mark (Steven Yeun) was warned that the Viltrum Empire was readying itself to invade and conquer Earth. Since then, the Amazon show's eponymous hero has been training under Cecil Stedman (Walton Goggins) and the Global Defence Agency to prepare for the forthcoming assault.
The best-laid plans often go awry, though, and Mark and Cecil soon find themselves at each other's throats – literally and figuratively. Long story short: when Mark finds out that Cecil has employed, rather than imprisoned, two mass murderers that Mark helped to stop in prior seasons, it leads to a complete breakdown of their working relationship.
Invincible season 3's first poster teased that this would happen, while Invincible 3's official trailer doubled down on this hugely significant plot point. It isn't until the latter half of episode 1 and large swathes of episode 2, though, that non-comic book readers will grasp the full extent of Cecil's perceived multifaceted betrayal of Mark, and the irreparable damage it does to their already uneasy alliance.
Season 3 ups the introspective ante by placing a greater emphasis on the battle waging within Mark
The fallout is so bitter, in fact, that it leads to a Captain America: Civil War-like splitting of the Guardians of the Globe (GotG), aka Earth's most famous superteam, with some of Mark's fellow heroes also walking away from the GotG and GDA over Cecil's apparent duplicity.
Those consequential moments, which play out with an increasingly captivating intensity, are just two instances of the thematically darker undercurrent woven into season 3.
With its visceral levels of ultraviolence and adult themes, Invincible was already a mature and oft-times disquieting take on the superhero formula. Season 3, though, ups the introspective ante by placing a greater emphasis on the battle waging within Mark than ever before. Indeed, one of the best Prime Video shows is no longer just about Mark continuing to grapple with who he is corporeally (i.e., the son of disgraced Viltrumite and near-Earth conqueror Omni-Man/Nolan Grayson (J.K. Simmons)). Now, it's also about planet Earth's most powerful hero struggling with who he has to be versus who he wants to be – or, given his inadvertent involvement in the wanton destruction of Chicago in the final episode of Invincible's first season among other tragic incidents in seasons 1 and 2, whether he's a hero at all.
Cecil is antagonistic in season 3, but he's not a villain in the traditional sense (Image credit: Amazon MGM Studios/Prime Video)
It's a season- and character-defining theme that's similarly explored in a near-perfect adaptation of Cecil's backstory from the comics, which explains his understandable steadfastness and at times questionable choices as the GDA's uncompromising director. "You can be the good guy, or the guy who saves the world," Cecil's mentor tells him during the extensive flashback sequence – a quote that comparably applies to Mark as he persists in wrestling with his own interpretation of heroism, especially after he seemingly killed Angstrom Levy (the first person he's accidentally murdered, FYI) in Invincible season 2 part 2's finale.
Mark's self-examination extends to his tutorship of half-brother Oliver (Christian Convery). With Oliver's abilities manifesting early on in season 3, Mark is thrust into the role of Oliver's mentor-in-chief – an interesting juxtaposition on the student-teacher dynamic Mark shared with Nolan in season 1.
Mark has to deal with a number of familial issues in season 3, too – not least with his half-brother Oliver (pictured left) (Image credit: Amazon MGM Studios/Prime Video)
Oliver's black-and-white worldview and excitable nature (he's still a kid, after all), coupled with his desire to use his powers to save people by any means necessary, though, occasionally puts him at odds with Mark. The conflicts that arise from their opposing perspectives of what it means to be a hero become a fascinating part of what makes this season's primary narrative tick, and forces them to reconsider if their individual points of view are as valid as they first thought.
The conflicts that arise from their opposing perspectives become a fascinating part of what makes this season's primary narrative tick
Away from the familial melodrama, Mark and Eve's 'will they, won't they' dynamic is also central to the duo's individual and collective arcs. Season 3 was in danger of following in its forebears' footsteps and dragging out this out – something that, even as a big fan of Invincible's source material, was starting to irritate me. Thankfully, season 3 stops laboring the point in its second episode, though I would've appreciated it if this had happened as part of an episode's main plot, rather than the afterthought-esque mid-credits scene it's allocated to. Still, the evolution of their romantic relationship throughout this season is an endearing and at-times light-hearted diversion from its weightier material.
Coloring in around the gray(son)
Rex (left) continues to be one of the main beneficiaries of Invincible's TV adaptation righting the wrongs of its source material (Image credit: Amazon MGM Studios)
Key members of Invincible's extensive supporting cast roster also benefit from satisfying character development. Season 3 continues to highlight Rex Splode's (Jason Mantzoukas) growing maturity as a hero and individual, while Debbie's (Sandra Oh) recovery following Nolan's betrayal and Angstrom's brutal attack continues apace with heart-warming aplomb.
Elsewhere, Shrinking Rae (Grey DeLisle) is granted some long-overdue time in the spotlight with her own emotionally driven arc – one of numerous creative deviations from Invincible's literary works that remedy some of its outdated material and gratifyingly flesh out underused characters. Season 3's exploration of other characters' backstories, including a subplot centered around Dupli-Kate (Malese Jow) and twin brother – not to mention newly-introduced villain – Multi-Paul (Simu Liu), though, suggest that other Invincible one-off specials, such as the standalone chapter that laid bare Atom Eve's past, won't be made. That's a pity, too, because there are plenty of side characters with enough history and intrigue surrounding them to star in their own TV specials.
Key members of Invincible's extensive supporting cast roster also benefit from satisfying character development
Nevertheless, the variety of subplots supplement season 3's core storyline to largely satisfying effect, especially ones that directly tie into Mark's moral quandry. Whether it's reintroducing old villains like Titan and Machine Head, dipping its toes into the multiverse once more, or setting up events ahead its final two episodes and already confirmed fourth installment, Invincible crams a lot into its latest eight-episode season, and it juggles them all with a deftness that its contemporaries have sometimes struggled to master.
Atom Eve gets moments to shine from action perspectives as well as emotional ones (Image credit: Amazon MGM Studios/Prime Video)
That said, season 3 doesn't get everything right. For me, there are hugely significant moments that aren't as emotionally impactful in Amazon's TV adaptation as they are in the source material. The previously mentioned Mark and Eve storyline is one, but there are a couple of others, such as a massively important character-defining event for Oliver, which I won't spoil here for non-comic readers, that aren't as potent or don't carry the same weight as they do in the literature. Viewers may also be disappointed that the plot revolving around Nolan and Allen the Alien (Seth Rogen), who are fast becoming everyone's favorite superpowered odd-couple pairing, doesn't get much airtime, either.
There are hugely significant moments that aren't as emotionally impactful in Amazon's TV adaptation as they are in the source material
Season 3 is found lacking in the primary villain department, too. This season, it can be argued that Mark's greatest foe is himself, particularly as he battles his inner demons and guilt, and comes to terms with the fact that any action he takes has grave consequences, either for himself or someone else. The ever-looming threat of the Viltrum Empire is all well and good, as is the tease of a returning enemy, whose reappearance will be a surprise development to anyone who hasn't read the graphic novels.
Powerplex is one of many new villains introduced in season 3 (Image credit: Amazon MGM Studios/Prime Video)
Where past seasons had Nolan and Angstrom, though, Invincible's latest chapter doesn't have its own Big Bad. The closest thing it has to a primary foe is Powerplex (Aaron Paul), a tortured soul/tragic villain seeking vengeance against Mark for – again – reasons I won't ruin ahead of time. What I will say is that Paul absolutely steals the show with a typically powerful performance that spans the emotional spectrum, and may help cement this season's sixth entry as one of the all-time great Invincible episodes. Anyway, with two more chapters to go before season 3 ends, I'm still hopeful that a monstrous foe, be that a Viltrumite warrior or someone else, will show up. After all, the roles of two of season 3's nine new cast members – Jonathan Banks and Doug Bradley – remain a mystery after its first six episodes...
My verdict
Invincible's third season secures the adult animated show's position as the best superhero series on television right now. It's as hyperviolent, action-packed, occasionally funny, and strikingly visual as before (its animation doesn't feel like it's evolved as much as it did between seasons 1 and 2, mind you). Above all else, though, it continues to be an incredibly compelling character drama – one that, with its skilful deconstruction of heroism, carries a greater emotional gravitas than previous seasons. If its final two episodes can stick the superhero landing, I'd suggest that Invincible season 3 is the Prime Video series' strongest installment yet.
Invincible season 3 launches with a three-episode premiere on February 6. New episodes air weekly until this season's finale on March 6.
NZBGet is a free, open-source NZB downloader known for its speed, lightweight design, and extensive configuration options. It’s compatible across desktops (Windows, Linux, Mac) and devices like NAS systems, routers, and media players, making it easy to integrate into nearly any setup. Docker images are also available for popular architectures, allowing for easy deployment across a wide range of systems.
A browser-based interface makes it easy to manage and monitor downloads from any device. For advanced users, NZBGet has automation tools, including support for custom scripts, RSS filters, and RPC API for in-depth configuration to streamline large-scale downloads and automate much of the process.
To access Usenet newsgroups with NZBGet, you’ll need a Usenet subscription.
Wide compatibility: NZBGet isn’t limited to desktops—it also runs on NAS devices, routers, and media players, allowing it to run with nearly any setup.
Docker images: Easily deploy NZBGet on a wide range of systems using Docker images for popular architectures.
Browser-based interface: Manage NZBGet from any browser, making it easy to control downloads from your PC, phone, or tablet.
Resource-efficient: NZBGet uses as little as 32MB of RAM, ideal for low-powered or older devices without compromising performance.
Fast downloads with repair capabilities: Includes intelligent PAR (Parity) file verification and multi-core repair, quickly recovering incomplete files and minimizing download issues.
Advanced automation: Supports custom automation through scripts, RSS filters, and an RPC API for full control over the download process.
Actively maintained and updated: Regular updates bring new features and optimizations, making NZBGet one of the most modern and up-to-date NZB downloaders.
(Image credit: NZBGet)
Performance
NZBGet is one of the fastest NZB downloaders available, performing well even on low-end hardware. It uses minimal resources, making it a solid choice for devices with limited processing power or memory, such as NAS devices, routers, and other low-power systems where efficiency is key.
Features like multi-core repair and automatic retry handling ensure that downloads remain smooth and uninterrupted, even when dealing with incomplete or corrupt files. NZBGet can recover and repair these files in the background without requiring manual intervention.
Installation and Setup
The installation process is straightforward, with versions available for different platforms. On desktops, simply download and run the installer. Setting up on NAS devices or routers requires more technical knowledge, but the official NZBGet website has manuals to guide you through both installation and custom configuration.
Once installed, NZBGet’s browser-based interface makes the initial setup quick and easy. Users can configure download folders, adjust server settings, and customize preferences.
Adding Your Usenet Server Settings:
To begin downloading, you’ll need to add your Usenet server settings. Here’s how to do it:
Open NZBGet’s browser Interface: Open NZBGet in your web browser.
Navigate to Settings: Click on the "Settings" button in the top menu, then go to ‘NEWS-SERVERS’.
Add Server Information: In the "NEWS-SERVERS" enter your Usenet provider's details, including the server address, port, and the username and password for your Usenet account.
Test Connection: After entering the server information, click “Test Connection” to make sure NZBGet successfully connects to the Usenet server.
Save Settings: Once the connection is successful, click “Save all changes” to store your server settings.
(Image credit: NZBGet)
Pricing
NZBGet is free and open-source, with no costs or premium tiers. You can download the software directly from the official website or the NZBGet GitHub page.
Support
Extensive setup guides and documentation are available on the NZBGet website that covers installation, configuration, and troubleshooting. There is also an active NZBGet Discord channel where users can ask questions, share tips, and get support from the community.
Final Verdict
NZBGet is one of the best NZB downloaders, and it’s free. Beginners will appreciate its simple setup and interface, while intermediate and advanced users will like the customizability and automation capabilities. Whether you’re running it on a dedicated NAS, an older PC, or a low-powered device, NZBGet’s performance and flexibility make it a top choice.
Ugreen Uno Magnetic Wireless Power Bank 10000mAh 15W review: don't be fooled by its cute expressions, this power bank charges fast
Ugreen Uno Magnetic Wireless Power Bank 10000mAh 15W review: Quirky but quick, this expressive MagSafe power bank left me smiling
Ugreen Uno Magnetic Wireless Power Bank 10000mAh 15W review
Although the cute faces of the Ugreen Uno Magnetic Wireless Power Bank 10000mAh 15W may not be to everyone's taste, if you're looking for a fast-charging MagSafe power bank with character, this charger was made for you.
The Ugreen Uno Magnetic Wireless Power Bank 10000mAh 15W has a list price of $69.99 / £64.99 on the official Ugreen website, but this price is often cut due to regular deals. I have been advised that Ugreen is due to launch this charger in Australia around the beginning of 2025 at a list price of AU$89.99. The Ugreen Uno Magnetic Wireless Power Bank 10000mAh 15W can also be purchased at Amazon US but at present, only the 5000mAh version is available at Amazon UK.
Neither super compact nor over-sized, the Ugreen Uno Magnetic Wireless Power Bank 10000mAh 15W measures 3 x 0.9 x 4.3 inches / 75 x 23 x 109mm and weighs 8.1oz / 230g, which is pretty average for the best power banks. The surface of the MagSafe charging area appears to be soft-touch silicone, and the rest of the casing is metallic plastic, bar the TFT screen, which stands slightly proud from the back panel of the charger. There's a metal effect stand over the top of the charger which attaches to either side. This stand works well, but I found the marketing photos misleading, as I couldn't angle the Ugreen Uno Magnetic Wireless Power Bank 10000mAh 15W to show the display screen when my phone was in situ.
The various emoji faces that appear on the TFT smart display communicate the level of battery left in the power bank; for example, it shows heart eyes when it's at full power, and pulls a somewhat dismayed face when the power is below twenty percent. I feel I must tell you these faces aren't displayed all the time, and I was a little disappointed by the frequency at which they appear. If you're not a fan of this novelty display, you'll be happy to know that the display can be turned off simply by pressing the side button.
I was pleasantly surprised by the charging speed when juicing up an iPhone 13 Pro from 0% - 100%, as the Ugreen Uno Magnetic Wireless Power Bank 10000mAh 15W took just under two hours to do this, making it the fasted MagSafe power bank I've tested to date. I found that my phone got a little toasty on a couple of occasions, but nothing too drastic. There were also a few instances when my phone hadn't actually started to charge; I found that I either needed to click the power button again or remove and replace my phone. But, for the most part, there weren't any issues.
This may be down to personal taste, but the combination of fast charging speeds and the novelty of the emoji status symbols make the Ugreen Uno Magnetic Wireless Power Bank 10000mAh 15W a worthy candidate to feature in our selection of the best wireless chargers or the best iPhone chargers, in my humble opinion. If this MagSafe power bank isn't singing your tune, then it's worth taking a look at the aforementioned guides, as you may well spot something better suited.
(Image credit: Cesci Angell / Future)
Ugreen Uno Magnetic Wireless Power Bank 10000mAh 15W review: Price & specs
(Image credit: Cesci Angell / Future)
Should I buy the Ugreen Uno Magnetic Wireless Power Bank 10000mAh 15W?
Buy it if…
You want fast-charging You could be forgiven for thinking that Ugreen simply focused on the novelty aspect with this MagSafe power bank, but I'm delighted to say they've created a charger that's as fast as it is cute.
You want something whimsical It won't be for everyone, but for anyone like me who appreciates anything adorable and eccentric, these emoji battery status symbols will bring a smile to your face.
Don't buy it if…
You want something super compact I'm not complaining about the size of this power bank, its size and weight are pretty standard, but if you're after a super slim option that's barely noticeable when it's attached to your phone, this isn't the charger for you.
You need total reliability Now, this may have just been the case with my sample, but it was a shame that my phone didn't always begin to charge after I'd attached it to the MagSafe charging pad. It's worth keeping an eye out for this for the first few uses, just in case.
Ugreen Uno Magnetic Wireless Power Bank 10000mAh 15W review: Also consider
Anker 633 Magnetic Battery Another firm favorite of mine is this MagSafe power bank with its springy integrated stand. It took about fifteen minutes longer to charge the iPhone 13 Pro, but its charging time is still perfectly adequate. Plus, the weight and dimensions of this charger are roughly the same as this Ugreen Uno, but without a smiley in sight.
ESR Qi2 3-in-1 Watch Wireless Charging Set (HaloLock) review
The ESR Qi2 3-in-1 Watch Wireless Charging Set (HaloLock) has a list price of $74.99 / £71.99 / AU$134.99, which may seem expensive to some. However, when compared to the cost of other 3-in-1 MagSafe chargers by the likes of Anker, and indeed some other models from ESR themselves, it's a reasonable price to pay for a speedy and sturdy charger.
In use, the ESR Qi2 3-in-1 Watch Wireless Charging Set (HaloLock) was easy to lift and reposition on my desk. The weight of the stand, helped along by the sturdy metal post, meant that I didn't experience any issues with it toppling over. It did feel like it'd be easier to tip than the Anker MagGo Wireless Charging Station 3-in-1 Stand, however.
I found it a bit frustrating that the charging area is static and cannot be angled for better visibility of my phone screen. The vast majority of the best wireless chargers I've tested so far have had adjustable angles, so I wasn't a fan of this limitation.
The matte finish of the ESR Qi2 3-in-1 Watch Wireless Charging Set (HaloLock) shows fingerprints easily, and they're not easy to remove once they're there. The shiny surface of the circular Qi2 charging area proved to be quite the dust magnet when the phone wasn't in situ, with dust particles being very noticeable on top of the deep black.
As with the ESR's Qi2 3-in-1 Travel Wireless Charging Set, the Apple Watch charger is a separate packaged component that comes within the main charger box. It has a magnetic cover to protect the USB-C connector, which connects to the area at the back of the iPhone charging pad with ease. I wasn't a fan of this in the travel set, as it seemed risky to have such a small and losable component as part of a portable charger; I don't mind it as much in the ESR Qi2 3-in-1 Watch Wireless Charging Set (HaloLock), though.
When it came to charging speed, I was impressed with how quickly the ESR Qi2 3-in-1 Watch Wireless Charging Set (HaloLock) charged an iPhone 13 Pro and Series 9 Apple Watch. It was able to juice up my Apple Watch from 0%-100% in an hour and 13 minutes, making it much faster than ESR's Qi2 3-in-1 Travel Wireless Charging Set, which took just under an hour longer.
It took an hour and 52 minutes to fully charge an iPhone 13 Pro, which is impressive. But it is lagging a little behind the Anker MagGo Wireless Charging Station 3-in-1 Stand, which took an hour and 38 minutes to charge the same iPhone 13 Pro, and a commendable one hour and 14 minutes to charge up my Apple Watch.
As was the case with the ESR Qi2 Magnetic Wireless Car Charger (HaloLock), the iPhones I tested got warm while charging, but in this case, the watch got rather toasty too. It was also distractingly noisy, making various ticking and whirring noises as it charged, even after repositioning, something I'd never encountered before. My Apple Watch didn't appear to suffer any effects from this, but still, those noises made me nervous.
Overall, though, this charger proved its worth. With its speedy charging times, reassuring stability, and small footprint, it efficiently charges three types of Apple devices and other compatible earbud cases.
If you're interested in looking at alternative chargers, we have curated a selection of the best iPhone chargers and best wireless chargers. Within these guides, we suggest the most suitable option based on different needs, and you'll find plenty of options for charging the best iPhones in both.
Should I buy the ESR Qi2 3-in-1 Watch Wireless Charging Set (HaloLock)?
Buy it if…
You want to charge three devices without sacrificing space With the earbuds charging area inlaid in the base, and the iPhone and Apple Watch charging pads located at the top of the stand, this 3-in-1 charger is pleasantly compact, so won't take up too much valuable desk or nightstand space.
You want to look at things from a different angle It's a shame that the position of the charging pad is fixed, as it limits you to one viewing angle. The phone can still rotate into landscape mode without issue, but I would have liked to be able to position my phone to make it easier to use as it charged.
You want to keep things clean Unfortunately, due to the matte finish on the majority of the charger and the shiny surface of the MagSafe charging pad, this charger collects dust and fingerprints for a pastime. This is only a minor issue that may not prove an issue for some, but if this kind of thing gets your goat, this may be a charger to avoid.
ESR Qi2 3-in-1 Watch Wireless Charging Set (HaloLock) review: Also consider
Anker MagGo Wireless Charging Station 3-in-1 Stand It takes up more space, but its design is aesthetically pleasing, and it offers speedier charging – taking just over an hour to fully charge a Series 9 Apple Watch and an hour and 38 minutes to charge an iPhone 13 Pro. Check out our full Anker MagGo Wireless Charging Station 3-in-1 Stand review to see just why we awarded it four and a half stars.
Gli auricolari true wireless sono diventati un accessorio indispensabile per chi desidera ascoltare musica, effettuare chiamate o seguire contenuti multimediali senza fili e con la massima libertà di movimento. Xiaomi, con la serie Redmi Buds, ha sempre puntato su un ottimo rapporto qualità-prezzo, offrendo dispositivi accessibili ma ricchi di funzionalità. Con i nuovi Redmi Buds 6, il brand cerca di alzare ulteriormente l’asticella, proponendo un doppio driver per una qualità audio superiore, cancellazione attiva del rumore fino a 49 dB e un’autonomia prolungata.
Rispetto ai modelli precedenti, i Redmi Buds 6 migliorano diversi aspetti chiave, come la qualità del suono, la riduzione del rumore e il comfort. Pur mantenendo un prezzo competitivo di circa 43 euro, offrono funzioni avanzate che si trovano solitamente su dispositivi più costosi. Tuttavia, ci sono anche alcune limitazioni da considerare, come la mancanza della ricarica wireless e la scelta di un cavo USB-A a USB-C invece di un più moderno USB-C a USB-C. In questa recensione analizzeremo nel dettaglio tutti i pro e i contro, valutando se i Redmi Buds 6 rappresentano davvero la scelta ideale per chi cerca auricolari economici ma performanti.
(Image credit: Redmi Buds 6)
Redmi Buds 6: Design, comodità, ergonomia
I Redmi Buds 6 si distinguono per un design moderno e compatto, progettato per un uso quotidiano confortevole e discreto. La custodia ha una finitura opaca che migliora la presa e riduce le impronte, un dettaglio che la rende più elegante e resistente nel tempo. È disponibile in tre colorazioni: Ivy Green, nero e bianco, permettendo una scelta estetica più ampia rispetto a molti concorrenti nella stessa fascia di prezzo.
Il peso ridotto della custodia (43,2 g con gli auricolari inclusi) la rende facilmente trasportabile in tasca o in una borsa senza risultare ingombrante. Anche gli auricolari, che pesano solo 5 g ciascuno, sono leggeri e ben bilanciati, riducendo la fatica anche durante sessioni prolungate di ascolto.
Per garantire la migliore vestibilità possibile, Xiaomi include punte in silicone intercambiabili in più misure. Questo dettaglio è fondamentale per migliorare sia l’isolamento passivo dal rumore esterno sia il comfort, evitando che gli auricolari si spostino o risultino fastidiosi dopo un uso prolungato. Inoltre, la certificazione IP54 assicura resistenza a polvere e schizzi, rendendoli adatti all’uso in palestra o sotto la pioggia leggera.
Un aspetto da considerare è l’assenza della ricarica wireless, una funzione sempre più diffusa anche in modelli economici. Sebbene comprensibile per un dispositivo dal prezzo contenuto, avrebbe migliorato ulteriormente la comodità d’uso. Inoltre, il cavo incluso è USB-A a USB-C, una scelta che potrebbe risultare meno pratica per chi utilizza principalmente caricabatterie USB-C a USB-C.
(Image credit: Redmi Buds 6)
Redmi Buds 6: Applicazione per smartphone
I Redmi Buds 6 sono compatibili con l’app Xiaomi Earbuds, disponibile per Android e iOS, che aggiunge un livello di personalizzazione e controllo avanzato alle cuffie. L’interfaccia è intuitiva e ben organizzata, permettendo di monitorare la batteria sia degli auricolari che della custodia, nonché di regolare impostazioni fondamentali per l’esperienza d’ascolto.
Tra le funzioni principali, spicca la possibilità di personalizzare i comandi touch per ogni auricolare, consentendo di assegnare azioni diverse a tocchi singoli, doppi o prolungati. È possibile, ad esempio, attivare/disattivare l’ANC, gestire la riproduzione musicale, rispondere alle chiamate o attivare l’assistente vocale.
L’app include anche quattro preset EQ per adattare il suono alle preferenze personali:
Bilanciato – un profilo neutro per la maggior parte degli ascoltatori.
Bassi potenziati – ideale per chi ascolta generi come EDM, hip-hop o rock.
Voce enfatizzata – perfetto per podcast, audiolibri e videochiamate.
Alti migliorati – consigliato per generi musicali con strumenti ad alta frequenza, come jazz o musica classica.
Un aspetto molto apprezzato è il supporto al dual device pairing, che permette di collegare due dispositivi contemporaneamente. Questa funzione è particolarmente utile per chi lavora con un laptop e uno smartphone, evitando la necessità di riconnessioni manuali. Ad esempio, si può ascoltare musica dal computer e passare automaticamente alle chiamate in arrivo sul telefono.
L’app offre inoltre strumenti pratici come il test di tenuta delle punte auricolari, che aiuta a verificare la corretta aderenza degli auricolari al condotto uditivo per migliorare isolamento e comfort. Infine, consente di aggiornare il firmware, garantendo che gli auricolari siano sempre ottimizzati con le ultime migliorie software.
(Image credit: Redmi Buds 6)
Redmi Buds 6: Isolamento passivo
Grazie al design in-ear, i Redmi Buds 6 offrono un buon isolamento passivo già senza la necessità di attivare l’ANC. La forma ergonomica e il peso ridotto (5 g per auricolare) permettono una tenuta salda e confortevole, riducendo naturalmente il rumore esterno. Questo aspetto è particolarmente utile in ambienti rumorosi, come uffici, trasporti pubblici o palestre, dove un buon isolamento passivo migliora l’esperienza d’ascolto senza dover sempre ricorrere alla cancellazione attiva del rumore.
Un ulteriore supporto all’isolamento è dato dalle punte in silicone intercambiabili, che consentono di adattare gli auricolari alle diverse conformazioni dell’orecchio. L’app Xiaomi Earbuds include inoltre un test di vestibilità, che verifica la corretta aderenza degli auricolari al condotto uditivo e aiuta a scegliere la misura di gommini più adatta. Questo non solo ottimizza l’isolamento acustico, ma migliora anche la resa sonora complessiva, evitando dispersioni di bassi e assicurando un audio più definito.
La leggerezza e la forma compatta delle Buds 6 le rendono ideali anche per l’attività fisica, garantendo stabilità anche durante movimenti intensi, come corsa o allenamenti in palestra.
(Image credit: Redmi Buds 6)
Redmi Buds 6: Riduzione del suono ANC
I Redmi Buds 6 offrono una cancellazione attiva del rumore (ANC) fino a 49 dB, un valore notevole per questa fascia di prezzo. Grazie ai quattro microfoni integrati, gli auricolari analizzano i suoni ambientali e li eliminano in tempo reale, migliorando sensibilmente l’esperienza d’ascolto, specialmente in ambienti rumorosi.
Nei test effettuati su voli, trasporti pubblici e uffici affollati, le Buds 6 si sono dimostrate molto efficaci nel ridurre rumori di fondo costanti, come il ronzio dei motori, il brusio delle persone o il ticchettio delle tastiere. Anche se non raggiungono il livello di cancellazione di modelli premium, la loro performance è più che adeguata per la maggior parte degli utenti.
L’app Xiaomi Earbuds consente di regolare l’intensità dell’ANC in base alle necessità, permettendo di scegliere tra più livelli di cancellazione. Questo è utile per trovare il giusto equilibrio tra isolamento e comfort, evitando quella sensazione di pressione auricolare che alcuni utenti avvertono con ANC troppo aggressivi.
Un’altra funzione apprezzata è la modalità trasparenza, che permette di amplificare i suoni ambientali, rendendo più facile ascoltare annunci nei trasporti pubblici o interagire con le persone senza dover rimuovere gli auricolari. La modalità voce migliorata è particolarmente utile per chiamate o conversazioni rapide, enfatizzando il parlato e filtrando il rumore di sottofondo.
Grazie alla combinazione di ANC efficace e modalità trasparenza ben implementata, le Buds 6 risultano ideali sia per chi vuole immergersi completamente nella musica o nel lavoro, sia per chi ha bisogno di rimanere consapevole dell’ambiente circostante.
Redmi Buds 6: Qualità musica
I Redmi Buds 6 offrono una qualità audio sorprendente per la loro fascia di prezzo, grazie all’architettura a doppio driver. Ogni auricolare è dotato di un driver dinamico in titanio da 12,4 mm, responsabile dei bassi potenti e della resa delle frequenze medio-basse, e di un driver piezoelettrico in ceramica da 5,5 mm, che migliora la riproduzione degli alti e la separazione dei dettagli sonori. Questa combinazione, solitamente riservata a modelli più costosi, garantisce un suono ricco e bilanciato, con un’ottima definizione degli strumenti e delle voci.
La mancanza di un equalizzatore personalizzabile può risultare una limitazione per gli utenti più esigenti, che preferiscono regolare manualmente le frequenze in base ai propri gusti. Tuttavia, la qualità audio offerta dal doppio driver compensa questa assenza, garantendo una riproduzione fedele e ben equilibrata.
Nel complesso, le Buds 6 si distinguono per una resa sonora dettagliata e dinamica, rendendole una scelta eccellente per chi cerca auricolari economici senza rinunciare a una buona esperienza musicale.
(Image credit: Redmi Buds 6)
Redmi Buds 6: Qualità audio in chiamata
I Redmi Buds 6 sono progettate per garantire una qualità audio in chiamata chiara e affidabile, grazie a un sistema a quattro microfoni con riduzione del rumore AI. Questa tecnologia analizza e filtra i suoni di sottofondo, migliorando la nitidezza della voce e riducendo le interferenze ambientali.
Nei test effettuati in ambienti chiusi, come uffici o stanze silenziose, le Buds 6 garantiscono una trasmissione vocale pulita e naturale, senza distorsioni o eccessiva compressione del suono. All’aperto, in contesti più rumorosi come strade trafficate o luoghi affollati, la riduzione del rumore AI si dimostra efficace nel minimizzare il vento e i rumori di fondo, permettendo all’interlocutore di sentire chiaramente la conversazione.
Un ulteriore vantaggio è la possibilità di utilizzare un solo auricolare per le chiamate, utile per chi preferisce mantenere un orecchio libero per ascoltare l’ambiente circostante.
Queste caratteristiche rendono i Redmi Buds 6 particolarmente adatte a chi utilizza spesso gli auricolari per riunioni di lavoro, chiamate su piattaforme come Zoom o Teams, o semplicemente per conversazioni telefoniche in mobilità, senza preoccuparsi della qualità del microfono.
Redmi Buds 6: Batteria
I Redmi Buds 6 si distinguono per un’autonomia eccellente, superando molti concorrenti nella stessa fascia di prezzo. Gli auricolari offrono fino a 10 ore di utilizzo continuo senza ANC e circa 5 ore con la cancellazione del rumore attiva. Questo permette di coprire un’intera giornata lavorativa o lunghe sessioni di ascolto senza doverli ricaricare frequentemente.
La custodia di ricarica amplia ulteriormente l’autonomia, portandola a un totale di 42 ore, garantendo così diversi giorni di utilizzo senza necessità di collegare il dispositivo alla corrente. Un punto di forza è il supporto alla ricarica rapida, che permette di ottenere fino a 2 ore di riproduzione con pochi minuti di ricarica, una funzionalità particolarmente utile in situazioni di emergenza.
Un aspetto da considerare è la mancanza della ricarica wireless, che avrebbe migliorato ulteriormente l’usabilità, specialmente per chi utilizza caricabatterie wireless con il proprio smartphone o altri accessori. Inoltre, il cavo incluso nella confezione è USB-A a USB-C, una scelta che può risultare meno pratica per chi utilizza principalmente caricabatterie USB-C a USB-C, ormai standard nei dispositivi più recenti.
Nonostante questi piccoli compromessi, i Redmi Buds 6 si confermano tra le migliori opzioni in termini di durata della batteria e velocità di ricarica, offrendo un’ottima esperienza d’uso per chi cerca auricolari affidabili e con una lunga autonomia.
Redmi Buds 6: Confronto con altre varianti
La gamma Redmi Buds 6 include diverse varianti, pensate per soddisfare esigenze e budget differenti. Il modello Redmi Buds 6 Lite è la versione più economica, ma mantiene un buon livello di cancellazione del rumore fino a 40 dB e un driver dinamico da 12,4 mm. La sua autonomia arriva a 7 ore di utilizzo continuo e 38 ore con la custodia.
I Redmi Buds 6 Play sono invece prive di ANC, ma offrono un driver da 10 mm e cinque modalità EQ per personalizzare l’audio. Hanno un’autonomia leggermente superiore, con 7,5 ore di utilizzo e un totale di 36 ore con la custodia.
I Redmi Buds 6 Active presentano un design semi-in-ear, che privilegia il comfort rispetto all’isolamento passivo. Sono dotate di un driver più ampio da 14,2 mm, ma l’autonomia è inferiore rispetto agli altri modelli, con 6 ore di riproduzione continua e 30 ore complessive.
Infine, i Redmi Buds 6 Pro rappresentano la versione più avanzata, con un sistema a triplo driver (11 mm + 2 piezoelettrici), supporto all’audio Hi-Res LDAC e una cancellazione del rumore fino a 55 dB. Questo modello è pensato per chi cerca la massima qualità audio e una cancellazione del rumore superiore.
Redmi Buds 6, ne vale la pena?
I Redmi Buds 6 offrono un equilibrio ideale tra funzionalità avanzate e prezzo accessibile, posizionandosi come una delle migliori opzioni nella loro fascia di mercato. Con un costo di circa 43 euro, questi auricolari garantiscono un’eccellente qualità audio grazie al sistema a doppio driver, una cancellazione attiva del rumore efficace fino a 49 dB e un’autonomia prolungata che permette di affrontare giornate intere senza preoccupazioni.
Alcune mancanze, come l’assenza della ricarica wireless e il cavo USB-A a USB-C anziché un più moderno USB-C a USB-C, avrebbero potuto migliorare ulteriormente l’esperienza d’uso. Tuttavia, considerando la qualità complessiva, queste limitazioni risultano secondarie rispetto ai numerosi vantaggi offerti.
I Redmi Buds 6 sono una scelta consigliata per chi cerca auricolari versatili, performanti e dal prezzo competitivo, senza rinunciare a funzionalità avanzate come l’ANC, la personalizzazione tramite app e il dual device pairing. Un prodotto solido, capace di soddisfare sia chi desidera un’esperienza musicale immersiva sia chi necessita di auricolari affidabili per chiamate e utilizzo quotidiano.
Ragioni per comprare
Audio di qualità con doppio driver
Il sistema a doppio driver (12,4 mm + 5,5 mm piezoelettrico) offre bassi profondi, alti cristallini e ottima separazione sonora.
ANC efficace fino a 49 dB
La cancellazione attiva del rumore riduce significativamente i rumori esterni, migliorando l’esperienza d’ascolto su voli, trasporti pubblici o ambienti affollati.
Autonomia eccellente e ricarica rapida
Le 10 ore di utilizzo continuo e le 42 ore totali garantiscono un’intera giornata di ascolto senza interruzioni.
Ragioni per NON comprare
Manca la ricarica wireless
L’assenza di ricarica wireless può essere un limite per chi possiede uno smartphone compatibile e vuole maggiore comodità.
No supporto a codec avanzati
Manca la compatibilità con aptX o LHDC, limitando la qualità audio per chi cerca un suono ad alta risoluzione su dispositivi compatibili.
No equalizzatore personalizzato
L’app Xiaomi Earbuds offre solo quattro preset EQ, ma manca la possibilità di regolare manualmente le frequenze audio preferite.
Alternative
Se i Redmi Buds 6 non ti convincono del tutto, esistono diverse opzioni valide nella stessa fascia di prezzo o leggermente superiore. Ecco tre alternative da considerare, ognuna con caratteristiche specifiche che potrebbero meglio adattarsi alle tue esigenze.
Huawei FreeBuds SE 2
Questi auricolari semi-in-ear offrono un’ottima ergonomia e una qualità audio equilibrata, con autonomia fino a 40 ore grazie alla custodia di ricarica. Pur non avendo ANC, la loro vestibilità garantisce un discreto isolamento passivo. Sono ideali per chi cerca auricolari leggeri e comodi per un utilizzo quotidiano.
Sony WF-C510
Sony è sinonimo di qualità audio, e i WF-C510 offrono un suono ricco e dettagliato con supporto DSEE, che migliora la resa delle tracce audio compresse. L’autonomia è eccellente, con 10 ore per carica e fino a 30 ore con la custodia. Non hanno ANC, ma compensano con una resa sonora superiore.
SoundPEATS Air3 Deluxe HS
Questi auricolari Hi-Res certificati sono tra i migliori nella loro fascia di prezzo per qualità audio. Supportano il codec LDAC, offrendo una maggiore fedeltà sonora rispetto ai normali SBC/AAC. Sono semi-in-ear, quindi non offrono ANC, ma la loro qualità audio e connettività stabile li rendono un’ottima alternativa.
