It’s never too early to start managing your personal finances, which is why Greenlight is such a good idea. This is a banking app and bank account combination that is designed to help younger users master the management of their money.
Unlike some personal finance software and budgeting apps, which are dedicated to helping adults take control of their spending, Greenlight adds a lighter touch to proceedings, which makes getting to grips of money more of a fun experience.
Along with giving children and teens a great grounding in managing their personal finances, Greenlight also features the option to have and use debit cards. Allowing kids to take control of their spending habits, while still enabling parents to keep a keen eye on their progress, has been hugely popular. The Greenlight app frequently gets a thumbs-up from users, while the user base is said to be over 6.5 million.
While older fans of personal finance apps such as Quicken or Simplifi are already well catered for, having Greenlight at the disposal of kids and teens is an excellent way to boost education about money matters. The added benefit, alongside the ability to maintain strong parental control, is that Greenlight has so far managed to keep costs low, making it a very affordable option for most families.
Greenlight is an affordable service that comes with three different product options. (Image credit: Greenlight)
Greenlight: Pricing
The best personal finance software caters extensively for the adult end of the market, whereas Greenlight is perfectly tailored towards kids and teenagers, much like the high-profile GoHenry product. Another bonus in that respect is Greenlight keeps things simple, with a straightforward selection of products built around an app and card combination. A free trial can be used to sample the service first too.
From there, Greenlight offers Greenlight Core, which currently costs $4.99 per month, followed by Greenlight Max at $9.98 per month and this is topped off by Greenlight Infinity. This costs $14.98 per month at the time of writing.
And, because these products come with supporting bank accounts, there is interest to be had as well. Currently, the rates sit at 2 percent, 3 percent and 5 percent accordingly. It should be noted, though, that these rates can (and probably will) change depending on market conditions.
Greenlight offers advice and guidance on every area of personal finances for kids and teens. (Image credit: Greenlight)
Greenlight: Features
As is the case with most personal finance software, more features and functions come with the pricier packages. Central to the appeal and a mainstay of all products is the debit card that comes with each account for up to five children or teenagers. There’s also a credit card option open to adult users of the Greenlight service.
The Greenlight Core package comes with the debit card, a ‘Chores, jobs and allowance’ feature and financial literacy game, designed to encourage kids to get involved with their finances. The Greenlight Max product builds on that and adds in investing for kids, 1 percent cashback on purchases plus phone, purchase and identity theft protection. It’s worth reading the small print relating to these features, however, to ensure they work for you and your circumstances.
Rounding it out on the features front are driving reports, alerts and crash detection options plus family location sharing and SOS alerts offered with the Greenlight Infinity product. Again though, the Greenlight website does have some asterisks attached to these features, so it’s important to check on any exclusions or limitations based on what you expect from the product.
Greenlight has games designed to generate the interest of kids in managing their own money. (Image credit: Greenlight)
Greenlight: Performance
Greenlight works very effectively and that’s largely down to the neat tools on offer within the app itself. There are options to set spending limits and, better still, create chores for the kids to do. These can be used in their default modes or customised to suit more unique scenarios. It’s all very well engineered and thought out, which means using the app is a doddle for both parents and kids alike.
The great thing about all this is the way the graphically-driven software delivers the information. It’s all very simple, logically laid out and the power tools, such as teens having their paychecks deposited and visible within the app, makes the Greenlight performance level very high indeed.
A more advanced feature, like the investing aspect of the service impresses too, with the reassuring line that nothing can be done without parents or guardians being involved.
Greenlight: Ease of use
Greenlight is excellent at providing features and functionality for any parent wanting to keep an eye on things, especially when it comes to the kids' spending. From the off, Greenlight encourages kids and teens to learn about managing their money and using games and other fun features with the app and website. Equally, though, parental controls are at the forefront of all three product variants, so control is never far away if you’re the parent or guardian.
The same goes for the debit card side of things because the Community Federal Savings Bank offering supplied with the Greenlight products can be fully supervised by an adult. There’s even the benefit of cashback too, so younger users can quickly learn to see the benefit of being savvy with their spending. This is a great way to do things and works in a simple but effective fashion. Greenlight does also offer a credit card option for parents if they feel the need for more plastic.
Greenlight provides a helping hand for users via an excellent assistance portal. (Image credit: Greenlight)
Greenlight: Support
Greenlight works well but anyone who does encounter issues or who has a question to ask will find the help portal very beneficial. There are lots of FAQs here, but there is also the option to ask a question via SMS, while the chat tools could prove useful too.
At the foot of the help hub page, Greenlight also offers more ways to seek assistance with a text number, email button and phone number all being at customer’s disposal. Help is apparently offered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with some holiday hours variations.
Greenlight: Final verdict
Alongside a product like GoHenry, the options presented by Greenlight are very appealing and, perhaps, slightly more substantial. The company offers options that sit right up there next to the best personal finance software apps, but the focus on kids and teens is a masterstroke. The product options are also very practical, offering useful guidance on how to manage money while also allowing parents to keep a close eye on spending habits.
With three product variants that are affordable too, Greenlight has done a great job at making money management interesting and fun. At the same time though, it gives kids and teens the ability to take control of their own finances, with plenty of options for parents to ensure that things never get out of control.
CreditKarma is part of the Intuit company, which also owns the likes of TurboTax, Quickbooks and Mailchimp. It’s been designed to make life easier when it comes to monitoring personal finances, with tools that cover everything from credit ratings and card ownership through to offering help with tax and accounts.
Adding to the appeal are options for handling everyday essentials on the money front as well as guidance on loans plus home and auto matters. CreditKarma comes with a sign up for free option for anyone just curious as to how useful if can be to them. Intuit reckons over 130 million members are already part of the CreditKarma club, which suggests it must be doing something right although it's not as appealing as the now defunct Mint app, also owned by Intuit.
One of the most important issues relating to the best personal finance software packages is ease of use. Convenience and time-saving features are vital, which is some that Credit Karma aims to offer. So, if you find staying on top of monetary matters a chore and welcome help when it comes to filing tax returns or optimising how you spend and save, CreditKarma could be worth exploring.
You'll need to sign up for an account prior to being able to use CreditKarma. (Image credit: CreditKarma)
CreditKarma: Pricing
The best personal finance software market is a competitive one, which means that Intuit has to provide value for money when it comes to CreditKarma services. The initial sign-up process can be done for free, which is obviously appealing.
Naturally, with something that comes as free initially, CreditKarma can also tend to provide the user with a bewildering blizzard of financial products. The deeper you get into its offerings, the more this seems to intensify. It’s fine for anyone looking for such things, but this can also detract from the initially appealing free stance.
CreditKarma offers advice and guidance on every area of personal finances. (Image credit: CreditKarma)
CreditKarma: Features
CreditKarma works by offering free access to your credit score and, from there, allows much more effective management of personal finances. It’s a sort of helping hand, offering guidance as to the best way to move forwards, which could be a real boon for anyone who struggles with managing personal money matters.
Once you’ve signed up for an account, you’ll have your own log-in details, which will enable you to peruse personal credit scores from the leading names including TransUnion and Equifax. Being able to do this at your leisure and whenever it suits can be very handy as is the suggestions CreditKarma makes to help you navigate your money management chores.
CreditKarma also offers lots of free advice even if you don't go on to become a subscriber. (Image credit: CreditKarma)
CreditKarma: Performance
Many of use lead such busy lives that staying on top of personal finances can be tricky. So aside from the desktop website, CreditKarma works best when it’s used via the app. This means it’s quick and easy to tap into the incredible array of help and guidance using Intuit’s large-scale volumes of data. It also means that checking the latest deals of loans, credit cards and mortgages can be done on-the-go too.
Such is the level of information offered, both via the desktop website and through the app, Intuit has done a great job and users of CreditKarma might end up finding it their won one-stop shop when it comes to managing personal finances. It’s all here, and everything seems to flow very nicely indeed too. So, it’s a thumbs-up to CreditKarma on the operational front.
CreditKarma: Ease of use
As expected, the slick CreditKarma website and app combination works every bit as easily as other products in the Intuit portfolio. This is a big company, with seemingly endless resources so it’s little wonder that using the CreditKarma features and functions is a breeze. However, it’s interesting that Intuit also owns budgeting app Mint, which was very popular with lots of people.
Since the acquisition though, Intuit has closed down the apparently loss-making Mint and now points customers in the direction of CreditKarma. Some users who have done this report that it’s not such plain sailing and another complaint is that there are less budgeting features and functions on offer compared to Mint. However, CreditKarma does make it immediately obvious that it is more concerned with offering advice on credit scores. And for that purpose, it seems to work well enough.
(Image credit: CreditKarma)
CreditKarma: Support
There’s not too much to go wrong with CreditKarma as the areas where it gives you an overview of your credit scores and the information relating to how that is shaped proves straightforward. In that respect, it seems unlikely that help will be needed for users dipping in and making the most of the free service. Anyone who does come unstuck is pointed to the Help Center, which is, in essence, an online portal offering predetermined answers to questions. It is comprehensive, mind.
CreditKarma: Final verdict
On initial inspection, CreditKarma is impressive enough with lots of tools that purport to help you better manage your personal finances. However, dig a little deeper and there are obviously lots of features and functions that have the potential to draw users deeper into the world of personal loans, offers of credit and other such schemes.
There’s nothing wrong with that per se, but anyone using CreditKarma who isn’t confident with their own financial management processes will want to tread carefully. It doesn’t cost anything to sign up, so CreditKarma is worth an experimental look. The comprehensive advice sections on the website could prove handy too, but there isn’t anything here that can’t be found elsewhere, as our best personal finance software guide attests only too well.
When I sent a picture of my Thrustmaster Viper TQS Mission Pack review unit to my editor, he called it a “ridiculous product”. He meant it flatteringly, of course - how could anyone not want a chunk of a fighter jet’s cockpit ripped out and placed on their desk? That’s exactly what’s on offer with the catchily titled Mission Pack (which sounds like Flight Sim DLC as opposed to a peripheral).
To get the important thing out of the way, though, there’s no stick included here. You can, of course, connect up any traditional flight stick, but for $549.99 / £449.99, it’s worth remembering you’ll still need one.
That plus the price tag puts this firmly in ‘enthusiast’ territory for many, and yet as soon as you take the hefty unit out of the box, it’s hard not to let out a small gasp at just how neat it is. From the switches, to the throttle and its assorted inputs, it only gets cooler when you plug it in and engage the backlights throughout.
There are a staggering 64 buttons included on this 1:1 model, and it’s possible to get even more out of it with some remapping. It’s in a nice spot where it’s approachable (as long as you can afford it) because you can plug it in and most games will recognize it almost instantly, but there’s the potential for some light tweaking with adjustable lights and friction that mean it can be as smooth as you’d like.
The Thrustmaster Viper TQS Mission Pack won’t be for everyone, but if you’re in the target demographic, you’ll likely already have an order placed.
(Image credit: Future)
Thrustmaster Viper TQS Mission Pack: price and availability
List price:$529.99 / £449.99
Available worldwide
Very much in premium territory
The Thrustmaster Viper TQS Mission Pack, as mentioned above, doesn’t come with a flight stick but it does come in three different configurations if you’d like to keep costs down.
The first is the throttle, which is available solus, while the second is just the control panel of switches and the like. Finally, you can get the complete version that we’re reviewing here, but if you already have a throttle and just want some switches, or vice versa, the option is there.
Still, there’s no getting around that price tag, but there are much more affordable options available for newer pilots - we’ll come to those shortly.
Thrustmaster Viper TQS Mission Pack: specs
(Image credit: Future)
Thrustmaster Viper TQS Mission Pack: design and features
Sturdy construction means it won’t move
Adjustable friction
Plenty of inputs
What struck me when removing the Thrustmaster Viper TQS Mission Pack from its box was just how weighty it is. It’s not necessarily what I’d describe as heavy for heavy’s sake, but it’s got enough heft to it where you can tell it’s been made of materials that will last.
It arrives fully assembled, but with the option to adjust the friction. I found it a little too easy to push at first, and lacking in dramatic effect, but in order to engage afterburner or idle your in-game engine, you’ll need to lift the throttle over a sort of 'hard stop' which adds a fun mechanical feel. Once you then dial in the friction, it just feels right.
There’s even a 'slap button' which can trigger flares with your backhand, which is a nice touch, and then you have a whole bunch of buttons and knobs on the throttle handle. There’s comfortable, if overwhelming at first, and relative novices (that’s me) will likely not press them often, but we’ll come to mapping shortly.
For the panel, you get an adjustable green backlight once you plug it in (there’s a USB-C port at the front), and every switch has a satisfying click when engaged. Add to that the variety of knobs that are easy to turn but don’t get too close to the throttle, and there’s plenty of space for some quick maneuvers.
I also really like the landing gear switch, which you can’t accidentally nudge because it has to be lifted before it can be moved. When I started playing Elite Dangerous I was on Xbox, playing with a controller, fumbling with modifier buttons and all sorts to get my landing gear up. Having a bespoke switch now is a testament to how wide the gamut of flight sim control options are.
If the game you’re playing supports an eject button, you’ll find one of those, too - here’s hoping you never need it.
(Image credit: Future)
Thrustmaster Viper TQS Mission Pack: performance
Plug and play
Customizable elements
T.A.R.G.E.T software feels a little dated
Thrustmaster recommends using its T.A.R.G.E.T software, but I barely dabbled with it in my testing.
It’s a small install, but outside of using it to install drivers, I found the interface a little too dated to use for button remapping. Still, you can set up various premade layouts within it, mimicking the behaviour of real aircraft, if that’s your thing,
I’m more a space ace myself, so I was keen to test it at two ends of the spectrum: Star Wars Squadrons and Elite Dangerous.
The former was nice and easy, with the game instantly recognizing my stick as one input, and the Thrustmaster Viper TQS Mission Pack as a secondary one. Within minutes I was chasing ‘Rebel scum’ in my TIE Fighter, locking on and looping the loop.
Elite Dangerous is a slower-paced space sim, but again it was easy enough to get going after switching my input method over in the settings. After a quick auto-launch procedure, I was out space trucking in comfort, safe in the knowledge I was able to react to any situation.
Naturally, sim-based games will have more use for many of the panel’s various switches and knobs. Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 dropped during testing, and I found much more use for the array of inputs there than I did in more sci-fi settings.
(Image credit: Future)
Should you buy the Thrustmaster Viper TQS Mission Pack?
Buy it if...
You want to take your flight sim setup to new heights This is as close as you can get to flying a real aircraft at your desk, and could elevate your entire setup.View Deal
You’re happy to get your hands dirty With customizable friction and lighting, as well as extensive button mapping.View Deal
Don't buy it if...
You want a flight stick The Thrustmaster Viper TQS Mission Pack is additive, but you’ll still need a stick.View Deal
Also consider...
Still not sold on the Thrustmaster Viper TQS Mission Pack? Here’s how it compares to two similar products.
Turtle Beach VelocityOne The Turtle Beach VelocityOne is a much more affordable stick, which might make it an ideal companion to the Thrustmaster Viper TQS Mission Pack.
It has plenty of buttons and a nice OLED screen for data, while also offering a comfortable flight experience. We’d have liked it to be slightly heavier, though, so it’s less likely to move across a desk.
Logitech T Flight Hotas One Looking to get a throttle and stick combo that’s built for beginners? This option has a comfortable stick and detachable throttle.
It’s not as weighty, but it is a fantastic beginner product thanks to its competitive price and the ability to use it on PC and Xbox consoles.
How I tested the Thrustmaster Viper TQS Mission Pack
Tested over multiple weeks
Used on a gaming PC with an RTX 4070Ti
Tested using Elite Dangerous, Star Wars Squadrons and Microsoft Flight Simulator
I’ve been using the Thrustmaster Viper TQS Mission Pack for a couple of weeks now, switching between multiple titles.
While I enjoyed using it for Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown, I primarily tested it using Elite Dangerous, an expansive space sim, and Star Wars Squadrons for testing tight turns and dogfighting, as well as Microsoft Flight Simulator for longer, more realistic flying sessions.
Blueair Blue Pure 411i Max / Blue Max 3250i : two-minute review
Blueair offers similar air purifiers under different model names in the US and UK. In the US, this air purifier is known as the Blueair Blue Pure 411i Max, but as I’m located in the south of England, I tested the UK model, Blueair Blue Max 3250i.
The Blueair Blue Pure 411i Max is available to purchase at the Blueair website and Amazon for a list price of $169.99, but can occasionally be on offer for a discounted price. In the UK, the Blueair Blue Max 3250i is priced at £169 at multiple retailers including Very and Amazon, and also sees a price drop now and then.
(Image credit: Future)
Despite being compact and impressively light for its capabilities, there’s a lot to love about the Blueair Blue Max 3250i. The two touch buttons make it simple to power on the air purifier and to cycle through auto mode, night mode, and fan speeds one to three. The simple design is composed of the white plastic top section that houses the working parts, and a simple yet efficient base that consists of a lightweight frame within the changeable particle and carbon filter, plus a machine-washable fabric pre-filter outer layer. The neatness of the seam isn’t perfect, but other than this it is a great way to capture dust before it reaches the single-use filter, and is available in a range of colors making it effortless to switch things up if desired.
The Blueair Blue Max 3250i does a great job for the price, rivaling some of the best air purifiers. For the most part, the fan speed remained on the lowest setting when the Blueair Blue Max 3250i was left in auto mode. This came as no surprise to me, but I’ve seen some customer reviews complaining that this air purifier doesn’t do anything. In fact, the Blueair Blue Max 3250i is purifying, and it’s capable of clearing more than just the PM2.5 it detects, such as VOCs when manually operated – it just doesn’t possess the capability to detect these things automatically. That's fine, in my professional opinion, considering the low price.
(Image credit: Future)
During testing, it took just ten minutes for the contamination from spraying dry shampoo to be detected and cleared by the Blueair Blue Max 3250i. It continued to impress me over the days I tested it, being sensitive enough to detect the drop in air quality when I used hair products in the next room.
In terms of noise levels, I didn’t experience any issues with the Blueair Blue Max 3250i. I found that I could sleep or watch TV with it in the room without it being disruptive.
I’m a big fan of the Blueair Blue Max 3250i, both for its innovative design, and its good performance for a low price, so I can envision it finding its way into our choice of the best air purifiers in the near future. So if you're in the market for a low-cost air purifier that won't shock you with extortionate costs for replacement parts, this is the one for you. If you'd like to learn more, read on for our full review to get all the facts.
Blueair Blue Pure 411i Max / Blue Max 3250i review: price & availability
List price: $169.99 / £169
Available: in the US and UK under different product names
The Blueair Blue Pure 411i Max is available to purchase from the Blueair US website for $169.99, and at the time of writing has a Black Friday deal slashing the price down to $119.99 at Amazon US. The comparable UK model, the Blueair Blue Max 3250i, can’t be purchased from the Blueair website but is available at many major UK retailers, including Argos, Very, and Amazon. The list price is £169 for the Blue Max 3250i at Amazon, and a Black Friday deal has knocked the price down to an even more impressive £113.
I was pleasantly surprised that the Blueair Blue Max 3250i performed so well and had such a considered design considering its price tag, making it fantastic value for money. Replacement components won’t break the bank either, with replacement Particle and Carbon filters costing just $29.99 / £35 – this is particularly impressive as Blueair states that these filters can last between six to nine months.
Value for money score: 5/5
Blueair Blue Pure 411i Max / Blue Max 3250i review: specs
Blueair Blue Pure 411i Max / Blue Max 3250i review: design and features
No display
Simple to use
Machine-washable pre-filter
I became a fan of the design aspects of the Blue range when I reviewed the impressive Blueair Blue Pure Mini Max. The standout design feature is the attractive machine-washable fabric pre-filter covering most of the purifier’s outer. This design proves innovative, as directly behind the pre-filter cover sits the particle and carbon filter (this can be upgraded to Smokeblock or Allergenblock filters if desired), which surrounds a simple plastic frame. This makes the base of the purifier super lightweight for its size, weighing in at 7.5 lbs / 3.4 kg. The Blueair Blue Max 3250i can purify an area of 219 sq ft / 48 sq meters yet still remains fairly compact, measuring 18.9 X 10.6 X 10.6 in / 481 x 269 x 269 mm. I’m very pleased with the reduced amount of materials used on the body of the Blueair Blue Max 3250i, but my concern with this construction is that the exposed filter could be prone to damage.
(Image credit: Future)
I’ve never seen a design quite like this, as most air purifiers have plastic casing to protect the inner filters whereas the body of the Blueair Blue Pure Mini Max is simply some structural plastic sitting within the particle and carbon filter, covered in the washable pre-filter. This goes to explain its very light weight of 2.5 lb / 3.4kg but could make it vulnerable to damage.
Despite its minor flaws, it’s a nice touch that Blueair made the pre-filter part of the overall aesthetic, which has meant less material and wasted plastic, which we’re always happy to see at TechRadar. It’s also an advantage that they are machine washable and extras can be purchased in a range of colors, just in case you don’t want to wait for one to dry, or want to switch things up occasionally.
Not only is it delightfully light, it’s dinky in size, too. Measuring just 11.4 x 6.8 x 5.9 inches / 172 x 172 x 289mm. This cylindrical 360-degree design enables the Blueair Blue Pure Mini Max to be placed in a variety of spaces, as there’s plenty of opportunity for it to pull air in.
(Image credit: Future)
As was the case with the Mini Max, the seam of the fabric pre-filter could be neater as it is a little puckered and bulges in places, but this is less noticeable on the Blueair Blue Max 3250i as the overlapping seam doesn’t stand out as much over the larger area.
The controls on the top of the Blueair Blue Max 3250i are simple, there are just two touch-operated buttons, a power button, and a fan button that cycles between auto mode, sleep mode, and fan speeds of one to three when pressed. There’s no LED display to view the air quality data; however, there’s a light on the front of the unit that changes color to indicate the air quality score, ranging from Excellent to Very Polluted, and a light below each fan mode to indicate which is currently being used.
Real-time quality levels are easy to view on the Blueair app, but there’s no detailed data to review, simply a colored graph showing the air quality rating over time. I found I was able to use a pinching motion to zoom in and out of the graph, which allowed me to view more detail of the air quality changes over smaller increments of time.
Design score: 4.5 out of 5
Blueair Blue Pure 411i Max / Blue Max 3250i review: performance
Quiet operation
Clears PM2.5 contaminations quickly
Detects and reacts to PM2.5 that originates in other rooms
Getting the Blueair Blue Max 3250i set up was quick and simple. The user manual was easy to follow, containing first-time setup instructions including how to connect it to my home Wi-Fi, which proved to be a breeze. It also included instructions on how to remove and wash the fabric pre-filter, which I appreciated. Upon installing the Blueair app, I was given the option to use it without creating an account, but I chose to so I could enter my location and view the outdoor air quality data too.
Connecting the Blueair Blue Max 3250i to the app was blissfully straightforward, taking less than three minutes after switching the air purifier on to view my indoor air quality. As I was using the Blueair Blue Max 3250i in my living room, I selected “Living room” as the product name, but there was an option to add a custom name should I have been using it in an office or nursery, for example.
(Image credit: Future)
It’s worth noting that although it’s claimed the Blueair Blue Max 3250i’s electrostatic and mechanical filtration captures airborne particles as small as 0.1 microns, it will not detect anything smaller than PM2.5. PM2.5 is particulate matter over 2.5 microns in size, including dust, pollen, mold, and bacteria. Other far more expensive air purifiers, such as the Molekule Air Pro, can monitor and react to VOCs along with PM2.5. These volatile organic compounds can come from paint, furniture, carpets, and cleaning products, and are often the main offenders behind lower air quality, so having an air purifier capable of detecting these contaminants would be advantageous.
However, just because an air purifier doesn’t detect these contaminants doesn’t mean it isn’t tackling them, but it won't be aware of them so won’t initiate higher fan speeds in their presence. Considering the low price of the Blueair Blue Max 3250i though, it’s not surprising that it doesn’t have this capability, but this is something to bear in mind if you want a purifier that you can leave to its own devices to tackle all the common contaminants.
(Image credit: Future)
According to the Blueair Blue Max 3250i, the air quality in my living room was considered excellent, so it remained at a low fan speed when I put it into auto mode. To test how sensitive the sensors were to contaminants, and how quickly they reacted to them, I sprayed some dry shampoo roughly three meters away. Within two minutes the Blueair Blue Max 3250i detected the dry shampoo, raising the contamination reading to 56 on the graph within the app over about thirty seconds, which it classed as very polluted. Within three minutes of spraying the dry shampoo, the reading had lowered to 25, classed as good; within six minutes, it returned to excellent.
It was at this moment that my fluffy cats chose to pay a visit, and interestingly, the air quality reduced slightly again, raising the score, so it appeared to detect their fur or dander in the air. Within a minute of them leaving, the score gradually dropped further than before, so it appear that the Blueair Blue Max 3250i’s particle sensors were doing a good job.
I continued to be impressed by how sensitive this air purifier was to changes in air quality over a week of testing. I would be surprised to hear the fan speed ramping up, before realizing I’d used my dry shampoo in the next room. I’ve not encountered a cheap air purifier that possessed this level of sensitivity before.
(Image credit: Future)
When it came to viewing the testing data on the air quality graph on the Blueair app, I found that it wasn’t very easy to view data over multiple days. Whenever I viewed the graph, the data was in real time and I would need to scroll along for some while. I could change from hourly readings to readings across a day or month, but when I scrolled back to a previous day and switched to hourly view to see more detail, it returned to the current day and time. This meant that I could only see this level of detail by scrolling all the way back to my chosen day when in hourly view, which wasn't ideal. The air quality graph didn’t give the full picture of how contaminated the air had become after I sprayed the dry shampoo. It communicated the highest score as being 22, despite reaching 56 in reality. This lack of detail isn’t unheard of, though, as I found that the Molekule Air Mini+ also failed to relay all readings if they were cleared quickly.
I found the Blueair Blue Max 3250i to be easy to sleep next to when in sleep mode, and I found that I couldn’t hear it over the TV when operating on fan level 2. Some other air purifiers can prove deafening at higher fan speeds, but this was not the case with the Blueair Blue Max 3250i.
Overall, though, I was very impressed with how sensitive the Blueair Blue Max 3250i was, how quickly it responded to contaminants, and how swiftly it dealt with them. The level and quality of features are great for the price, and this is only the second non-VOC detecting air purifier that I’ve found myself growing a fondness for, with the other being the Blueair Blue Mini Max.
Performance score: 4.5 out of 5
Should I buy the Blueair Blue Pure 411i Max / Blue Max 3250i?
Buy it if...
You want good results on a budget I’ve made no secret of the fact that I’m highly impressed with this air purifier. It’s repeatedly proven itself sensitive, responsive, and fast-acting, making it a great performer for the cost.
You need something lightweight The Blueair Blue Max 3250i isn’t just light for its size; it’s lightweight in general. With barely any body material in its base, it is very easy to pick up and move, making it a good choice for anyone wanting to use it in multiple rooms.
You want something simple With only two onboard buttons to operate the air purifier and a simple-to-use app, the settings of the Blueair Blue Max 3250i are easy to get a handle on.
Don't buy it if...
You want detailed air quality readings With a low-cost piece of tech, there’s always going to be an element of compromise. In this case, the contamination detected is limited to PM2.5, and the app doesn’t give any detail on indoor air quality aside from an overall score.
You want something to fight off the nasties on its own accord As this air purifier can’t detect VOCs, it won’t automatically react to strong odors or finer particles, so settings will need to be altered manually if a higher level of purifying is required.
You want something robust Despite the advantages of such a lightweight air purifier, there’s no denying that the base design could be at risk of damage should anything make contact with it.
Blueair Blue Pure 411i Max / Blue Max 3250i review: Also consider
Levoit Core 300S Smart True HEPA We rated this little air purifier a commendable four-and-a-half stars thanks to its performance and smart features. It is cheaper than the Blueair Blue Max 3250i, but there were delays in response time, and it doesn’t offer washable pre-filters. For more information, why not check out our full Levoit Core 300S True HEPA air purifier review.
Molekule Air Pro I know, I know, the cost difference here is vast, however, if you happen to be looking for an option with medical-grade materials, FDA medical device clearance, and fantastic VOC detection, then this is hands down the product to go for. If you'd like to find out more about this air purifier's skill set, take a look at our full Molekule Air Pro review.
How I tested the Blueair Blue Pure 411i Max / Blue Max 3250i
I used the Blueair Blue Max 3250i for a week and a half
I tested how much of an impact it had on the surrounding air quality
I tested how easy it was to operate and live with
I checked how easy was to get the Blueair Blue Max 3250i set up, how easy it was to operate, and how portable it was.
I tested it in different rooms in my home, and observed how quiet it was at night time and whether it disturbed my sleep.
I assessed its design and structure, paying close attention to quality and any sustainable elements.
I reviewed the impact it had on the air quality in my environment, and how well it handled cooking smells.
Blueair Blue Pure 411i Max / Blue Max 3250i : two-minute review
Blueair offers similar air purifiers under different model names in the US and UK. In the US, this air purifier is known as the Blueair Blue Pure 411i Max, but as I’m located in the south of England, I tested the UK model, Blueair Blue Max 3250i.
The Blueair Blue Pure 411i Max is available to purchase at the Blueair website and Amazon for a list price of $169.99, but can occasionally be on offer for a discounted price. In the UK, the Blueair Blue Max 3250i is priced at £169 at multiple retailers including Very and Amazon, and also sees a price drop now and then.
(Image credit: Future)
Despite being compact and impressively light for its capabilities, there’s a lot to love about the Blueair Blue Max 3250i. The two touch buttons make it simple to power on the air purifier and to cycle through auto mode, night mode, and fan speeds one to three.
The straightforward design is composed of the white plastic top section that houses the working parts, and a simple yet efficient base that consists of a lightweight frame within the changeable particle and carbon filter, plus a machine-washable fabric pre-filter outer layer. The neatness of the seam isn’t perfect, but other than this it is a great way to capture dust before it reaches the single-use filter, and is available in a range of colors making it effortless to switch things up if desired.
The Blueair Blue Max 3250i does a great job for the price, rivaling some of the best air purifiers. For the most part, the fan speed remained on the lowest setting when the Blueair Blue Max 3250i was left in auto mode.
This came as no surprise to me, but I’ve seen some customer reviews complaining that this air purifier doesn’t do anything. In fact, the Blueair Blue Max 3250i is purifying, and it’s capable of clearing more than just the PM2.5 it detects, such as VOCs when manually operated – it just doesn’t possess the capability to detect these things automatically. That's fine, in my professional opinion, considering the low price.
(Image credit: Future)
During testing, it took just 10 minutes for the contamination from spraying dry shampoo to be detected and cleared by the Blueair Blue Max 3250i. It continued to impress me over the days I tested it, being sensitive enough to detect the drop in air quality when I used hair products in the next room.
In terms of noise levels, I didn’t experience any issues with the Blueair Blue Max 3250i. I found that I could sleep or watch TV with it in the room without it being disruptive.
I’m a big fan of the Blueair Blue Max 3250i, both for its innovative design, and its good performance for a low price, so I can envision it finding its way into our choice of the best air purifiers in the near future. So if you're in the market for a low-cost air purifier that won't shock you with extortionate costs for replacement parts, this is the one for you. If you'd like to learn more, read on for our full review to get all the facts.
Blueair Blue Pure 411i Max / Blue Max 3250i review: price & availability
List price: $169.99 / £169
Available: in the US and UK under different product names
The Blueair Blue Pure 411i Max is available to purchase from the Blueair US website for $169.99, and at the time of writing has a Black Friday deal slashing the price down to $119.99 at Amazon US. The comparable UK model, the Blueair Blue Max 3250i, can’t be purchased from the Blueair website but is available at many major UK retailers, including Argos, Very, and Amazon. The list price is £169 for the Blue Max 3250i at Amazon, and a Black Friday deal has knocked the price down to an even more impressive £113.
I was pleasantly surprised that the Blueair Blue Max 3250i performed so well and had such a considered design considering its price tag, making it fantastic value for money. Replacement components won’t break the bank either, with replacement Particle and Carbon filters costing just $29.99 / £35 – this is particularly impressive as Blueair states that these filters can last between six to nine months.
Value for money score: 5/5
Blueair Blue Pure 411i Max / Blue Max 3250i review: specs
Blueair Blue Pure 411i Max / Blue Max 3250i review: design and features
No display
Simple to use
Machine-washable pre-filter
I became a fan of the design aspects of the Blue range when I reviewed the impressive Blueair Blue Pure Mini Max. The standout design feature is the attractive machine-washable fabric pre-filter covering most of the purifier’s outer. This design proves innovative, as directly behind the pre-filter cover sits the particle and carbon filter (this can be upgraded to Smokeblock or Allergenblock filters if desired), which surrounds a simple plastic frame. This makes the base of the purifier super lightweight for its size, weighing in at 7.5 lbs / 3.4 kg. The Blueair Blue Max 3250i can purify an area of 219 sq ft / 48 sq meters yet still remains fairly compact, measuring 18.9 X 10.6 X 10.6 in / 481 x 269 x 269 mm. I’m very pleased with the reduced amount of materials used on the body of the Blueair Blue Max 3250i, but my concern with this construction is that the exposed filter could be prone to damage.
(Image credit: Future)
I’ve never seen a design quite like this, as most air purifiers have plastic casing to protect the inner filters whereas the body of the Blueair Blue Pure Mini Max is simply some structural plastic sitting within the particle and carbon filter, covered in the washable pre-filter. This goes to explain its very light weight of 2.5 lb / 3.4kg but could make it vulnerable to damage.
Despite its minor flaws, it’s a nice touch that Blueair made the pre-filter part of the overall aesthetic, which has meant less material and wasted plastic, which we’re always happy to see at TechRadar. It’s also an advantage that they are machine washable and extras can be purchased in a range of colors, just in case you don’t want to wait for one to dry, or want to switch things up occasionally.
Not only is it delightfully light, it’s dinky in size, too. Measuring just 11.4 x 6.8 x 5.9 inches / 172 x 172 x 289mm. This cylindrical 360-degree design enables the Blueair Blue Pure Mini Max to be placed in a variety of spaces, as there’s plenty of opportunity for it to pull air in.
(Image credit: Future)
As was the case with the Mini Max, the seam of the fabric pre-filter could be neater as it is a little puckered and bulges in places, but this is less noticeable on the Blueair Blue Max 3250i as the overlapping seam doesn’t stand out as much over the larger area.
The controls on the top of the Blueair Blue Max 3250i are simple, there are just two touch-operated buttons, a power button, and a fan button that cycles between auto mode, sleep mode, and fan speeds of one to three when pressed. There’s no LED display to view the air quality data; however, there’s a light on the front of the unit that changes color to indicate the air quality score, ranging from Excellent to Very Polluted, and a light below each fan mode to indicate which is currently being used.
Real-time quality levels are easy to view on the Blueair app, but there’s no detailed data to review, simply a colored graph showing the air quality rating over time. I found I was able to use a pinching motion to zoom in and out of the graph, which allowed me to view more detail of the air quality changes over smaller increments of time.
Design score: 4.5 out of 5
Blueair Blue Pure 411i Max / Blue Max 3250i review: performance
Quiet operation
Clears PM2.5 contaminations quickly
Detects and reacts to PM2.5 that originates in other rooms
Getting the Blueair Blue Max 3250i set up was quick and simple. The user manual was easy to follow, containing first-time setup instructions including how to connect it to my home Wi-Fi, which proved to be a breeze. It also included instructions on how to remove and wash the fabric pre-filter, which I appreciated. Upon installing the Blueair app, I was given the option to use it without creating an account, but I chose to so I could enter my location and view the outdoor air quality data too.
Connecting the Blueair Blue Max 3250i to the app was blissfully straightforward, taking less than three minutes after switching the air purifier on to view my indoor air quality. As I was using the Blueair Blue Max 3250i in my living room, I selected “Living room” as the product name, but there was an option to add a custom name should I have been using it in an office or nursery, for example.
(Image credit: Future)
It’s worth noting that although it’s claimed the Blueair Blue Max 3250i’s electrostatic and mechanical filtration captures airborne particles as small as 0.1 microns, it will not detect anything smaller than PM2.5. PM2.5 is particulate matter over 2.5 microns in size, including dust, pollen, mold, and bacteria. Other far more expensive air purifiers, such as the Molekule Air Pro, can monitor and react to VOCs along with PM2.5. These volatile organic compounds can come from paint, furniture, carpets, and cleaning products, and are often the main offenders behind lower air quality, so having an air purifier capable of detecting these contaminants would be advantageous.
However, just because an air purifier doesn’t detect these contaminants doesn’t mean it isn’t tackling them, but it won't be aware of them so won’t initiate higher fan speeds in their presence. Considering the low price of the Blueair Blue Max 3250i though, it’s not surprising that it doesn’t have this capability, but this is something to bear in mind if you want a purifier that you can leave to its own devices to tackle all the common contaminants.
(Image credit: Future)
According to the Blueair Blue Max 3250i, the air quality in my living room was considered excellent, so it remained at a low fan speed when I put it into auto mode. To test how sensitive the sensors were to contaminants, and how quickly they reacted to them, I sprayed some dry shampoo roughly three meters away. Within two minutes the Blueair Blue Max 3250i detected the dry shampoo, raising the contamination reading to 56 on the graph within the app over about thirty seconds, which it classed as very polluted. Within three minutes of spraying the dry shampoo, the reading had lowered to 25, classed as good; within six minutes, it returned to excellent.
It was at this moment that my fluffy cats chose to pay a visit, and interestingly, the air quality reduced slightly again, raising the score, so it appeared to detect their fur or dander in the air. Within a minute of them leaving, the score gradually dropped further than before, so it appear that the Blueair Blue Max 3250i’s particle sensors were doing a good job.
I continued to be impressed by how sensitive this air purifier was to changes in air quality over a week of testing. I would be surprised to hear the fan speed ramping up, before realizing I’d used my dry shampoo in the next room. I’ve not encountered a cheap air purifier that possessed this level of sensitivity before.
(Image credit: Future)
When it came to viewing the testing data on the air quality graph on the Blueair app, I found that it wasn’t very easy to view data over multiple days. Whenever I viewed the graph, the data was in real time and I would need to scroll along for some while. I could change from hourly readings to readings across a day or month, but when I scrolled back to a previous day and switched to hourly view to see more detail, it returned to the current day and time. This meant that I could only see this level of detail by scrolling all the way back to my chosen day when in hourly view, which wasn't ideal. The air quality graph didn’t give the full picture of how contaminated the air had become after I sprayed the dry shampoo. It communicated the highest score as being 22, despite reaching 56 in reality. This lack of detail isn’t unheard of, though, as I found that the Molekule Air Mini+ also failed to relay all readings if they were cleared quickly.
I found the Blueair Blue Max 3250i to be easy to sleep next to when in sleep mode, and I found that I couldn’t hear it over the TV when operating on fan level 2. Some other air purifiers can prove deafening at higher fan speeds, but this was not the case with the Blueair Blue Max 3250i.
Overall, though, I was very impressed with how sensitive the Blueair Blue Max 3250i was, how quickly it responded to contaminants, and how swiftly it dealt with them. The level and quality of features are great for the price, and this is only the second non-VOC detecting air purifier that I’ve found myself growing a fondness for, with the other being the Blueair Blue Mini Max.
Performance score: 4.5 out of 5
Should I buy the Blueair Blue Pure 411i Max / Blue Max 3250i?
Buy it if...
You want good results on a budget I’ve made no secret of the fact that I’m highly impressed with this air purifier. It’s repeatedly proven itself sensitive, responsive, and fast-acting, making it a great performer for the cost.
You need something lightweight The Blueair Blue Max 3250i isn’t just light for its size; it’s lightweight in general. With barely any body material in its base, it is very easy to pick up and move, making it a good choice for anyone wanting to use it in multiple rooms.
You want something simple With only two onboard buttons to operate the air purifier and a simple-to-use app, the settings of the Blueair Blue Max 3250i are easy to get a handle on.
Don't buy it if...
You want detailed air quality readings With a low-cost piece of tech, there’s always going to be an element of compromise. In this case, the contamination detected is limited to PM2.5, and the app doesn’t give any detail on indoor air quality aside from an overall score.
You want something to fight off the nasties on its own accord As this air purifier can’t detect VOCs, it won’t automatically react to strong odors or finer particles, so settings will need to be altered manually if a higher level of purifying is required.
You want something robust Despite the advantages of such a lightweight air purifier, there’s no denying that the base design could be at risk of damage should anything make contact with it.
Blueair Blue Pure 411i Max / Blue Max 3250i review: Also consider
Levoit Core 300S Smart True HEPA We rated this little air purifier a commendable four-and-a-half stars thanks to its performance and smart features. It is cheaper than the Blueair Blue Max 3250i, but there were delays in response time, and it doesn’t offer washable pre-filters. For more information, why not check out our full Levoit Core 300S True HEPA air purifier review.
Molekule Air Pro I know, I know, the cost difference here is vast, however, if you happen to be looking for an option with medical-grade materials, FDA medical device clearance, and fantastic VOC detection, then this is hands down the product to go for. If you'd like to find out more about this air purifier's skill set, take a look at our full Molekule Air Pro review.
How I tested the Blueair Blue Pure 411i Max / Blue Max 3250i
I used the Blueair Blue Max 3250i for a week and a half
I tested how much of an impact it had on the surrounding air quality
I tested how easy it was to operate and live with
I checked how easy was to get the Blueair Blue Max 3250i set up, how easy it was to operate, and how portable it was.
I tested it in different rooms in my home, and observed how quiet it was at night time and whether it disturbed my sleep.
I assessed its design and structure, paying close attention to quality and any sustainable elements.
I reviewed the impact it had on the air quality in my environment, and how well it handled cooking smells.
The Temola TS20BS is available to buy at Amazon for $49.99 / £45.99. This is a fairly average cost for a handheld vacuum from a lesser-known brand, and after testing it out I would say that you get what you pay for here.
I was very disappointed to discover that there doesn’t appear to be replacement stainless steel HEPA filters for this model, although I could see replacements for some of their other vacs. Although the stainless steel covering could potentially increase the longevity of the HEPA filter within, but there’s no telling how long it would last. There is, at least, a replacement filter provided with the purchase, but without further replacements, this could significantly decrease the lifetime of the Temola TS20BS.
The Temola TS20BS is lightweight enough to use easily, although in my case using it with my arm extended with nothing to lean on did cause some aching. It’s fairly compact, so it has been easy to store, especially when combined with the convenient drawstring storage bag that fits the accessories, too. The Temola TS20BS doesn’t come with a storage dock but was easy to charge with the included USB-C cable, although it is disappointingly short at just 30.5 inches / 780mm long.
I was happy with the material quality of all parts of the Temola TS20BS set, the dust brush, crevice nozzle, and floor brush didn’t look cheap, the storage bag looked durable, and the materials on the vac itself felt sturdy and looked good. To aid visibility when vacuuming in darker spaces, there’s an LED light situated just above the top of the 3.6 cup / 850ml dust cup. It wasn’t outstandingly bright, but it was good enough.
(Image credit: Cesci Angell / Future)
As is the case with many handheld vacuums in this price bracket, I had to remove the front end of the vacuum to empty the dust cup. Detaching it was easy, but care needed to be taken when removing the filter from within, as a lot of debris collects around it. Getting the dust cup to clip back on was tricky on occasion. The level of noise emitted from the TS20BS is fairly standard for a vacuum cleaner, reading 76dB at 10,000PA power, and 80dB on the higher 15,000PA setting.
I found the Temola TS20BS to be a helpful tool for vacuuming my desk and sofa, but it really proved its worth when I put it through its paces against our TechRadar vacuum testing process. It did an adequate job of picking up the larger particles of oats and a mixture of flour and biscuit crumbs when on the lower power setting, but the higher setting was required to collect up the finer dust particles.
When testing the floor brush attachment I found it wasn’t helpful in that instance, mainly flicking debris around rather than helping to collect it up. When I used the dust brush on the end of the crevice nozzle, on the other hand, the results were fantastic. I found this smaller brush to improve performance in many different areas of my car, from dusting and vacuuming the leather to removing stubborn bits of leaf from carpeted areas.
For the most part, I’d recommend you purchase the TS20BS, as it did a good job for its price. Sadly, though, the lack of replacement filters makes me hesitant to encourage you to buy without doing further research, in case some may have become available in the meantime. If you’d like to take a look at some alternatives to help make up your mind, we’ve collated a selection of the best car vacuums, and best handheld vacuums to help you discover the most suitable option for your needs.
Temola TS20BS Cordless Handheld Vacuum review: Price and availability
List price: $49.99 / £45.99
Available at Amazon
The Temola TS20BS is a handheld vacuum that comes with accessories and a storage bag for a list price of $49.99 / £45.99 at Amazon. You’re getting what you pay for with the Temola TS20BS, considering the quality, performance, and ease of use; although some slightly more expensive vacs performed better, I was happy enough with its performance.
The set comes with an additional washable filter, which I was pleased about, but after investigating I cannot find replacement filters for this model. While the stainless steel covering of the filter may potentially increase the longevity of the filters, providing they are cleaned regularly, there’s no saying quite how long they’ll last, giving the Temola TS20BS a disappointingly short lifespan if replacements do not come available to purchase soon.
Temola TS20BS Cordless Handheld Vacuum review: design and features
Materials look good quality
Short USB-C charging cable
Useful drawstring storage bag
Considering its price, I was pretty impressed with the material quality of the Temola TS20BS. The majority of the vacuum is black and off-white and has a gloss finish, aside from the buttons and dust cup securing latch, which are bright orange with a slightly textured finish. The dust cup that makes up the business end of the vacuum is made from shiny transparent black plastic, making it easy for me to see when the dust cup is reaching capacity while obscuring the contents enough to stop it from being an eyesore.
The Temola TS20BS is fairly lightweight, but it isn’t the lightest handheld vac I’ve tested. It weighs 2.1lb / 957g, so it was easy enough for me to use but caused a little bit of arm ache if I wasn’t able to lean a little on what I was vacuuming. It isn’t a bulky vac, at 15 x 4 x 5 inches / 350 x 150 x 150mm, making it easy to store away in the handy drawstring bag, which also holds the accessories as well.
The accessories included are a dust brush, crevice nozzle, and a floor brush. Most of these did a great job, although I found one of them wasn’t very helpful during testing. Another useful addition that resides on the Temola TS20BS itself is the integrated LED light that is positioned above the dust cup. It’s not the most powerful LED I’ve seen, but it did an okay job of helping me see a little better when vacuuming darker spaces.
(Image credit: Cesci Angell / Future)
The Temola TS20BS comes with what Temola states is a stainless steel HEPA filter in place, and an additional filter comes in the box. This is a nice touch, as although the filters can be washed, and made easier with the included cleaning brush, they would likely need to be changed within a few months.
The Temola TS20BS Cordless Handheld Vacuum doesn’t come with a charging dock, instead, it can be recharged using just a USB-C cable. While some users may prefer a dock for ease of access, I liked the flexibility of placement that came with charging via a cable, and I was still able to store the vacuum and accessories away neatly in the drawstring storage bag. The one downside here, however, is that the cable that comes with the Temola TS20BS is only 30.5 inches / 780mm long, proving a little annoying at times.
There isn’t a replacement battery available, so I was limited to the max run time, which wasn’t quite enough to give my car a full valet, although with it being winter as I write this and I both work and live near a lot of leafy trees, I can’t judge it too harshly for that. One aspect I appreciated is that the included USB-C charging cable can be used with a power bank, or with a cigarette lighter adapter, so I didn’t necessarily need to bring it into the house to charge.
(Image credit: Cesci Angell / Future)
I was satisfied with the level of noise the Temola TS20BS emits, as it was quieter than a lower-powered car vac I’d tested and pretty standard for a vacuum cleaner. On the low 10,000mAh setting it reached a sound level of 76dB, and the higher setting reached 80dB, so the highest setting was no louder than a busy restaurant. I still needed to use some ANC earbuds when using it, but that’s due to an auditory issue; for the average person I don’t envision the noise levels would be uncomfortable.
On a few occasions, I found that the dust cup didn’t always connect to the handle properly the first couple of times I’d attached it. It clicked on and looked attached, but any bit of pressure on it caused it to fall off, I found I needed to pay particular attention to making sure the bottom of the dust cup had clicked over the extra plastic tag, which was a little fiddly, but simple once I’d gotten used to it. This is likely just a personal preference, but long pressing the power button did nothing when on the lower suction setting, this would only work after increasing it to the max suction level. This is only a minor niggle, but I like to keep loud noises to a minimum, so I wasn’t a fan that the increase of sound was unavoidable when I needed to turn it off, especially when using it to give my desk a quick hoover in the office.
As it weighs just 2.1lb / 957g, the Temola TS20BS was easier to wield than the Shark UltraCyclone Pet Pro Plus, which is currently our top pick of the best handheld vacuum and best car vacuum. I found the handheld Shark vac made my arm ache a little when performing the same tests for a direct comparison.
The Temola TS20B did a good job when I used it to vacuum my sofa, but I really put it to the test when I used it in my beloved car. One thing I love about working for TechRadar is our mission to perform thorough testing on all products – I just wish that didn’t involve spreading flour, biscuit crumbs, and oats in my car. But, if nothing else, I’m dedicated to our mission. So, dear reader, despite how uncomfortable it made me: I did it, for every single handheld vac I tested, each time praying they were up to the job of cleaning it up. I’m relieved to say, in the case of the Temola TS20BS, I needn’t have worried.
(Image credit: Cesci Angell / Future)
When following our testing procedure, the Temola TS20BS picked up most of the mixture of flour and biscuit on the lowest power setting, but smaller particles were left behind in the pile of my car mat. Turning up to the higher power setting made quick work of picking this up though, so I was able to get it all vacuumed up in a minute or so.
It was a similar story when it came to hoovering up the oats. The lowest setting picked up the large pieces without issue, but the smaller debris remained on the surface of the carpet and in the pile. Again, the higher setting cleared this up, but it required a little elbow grease and pressure.
The floor brush attachment of the Temola TS20BS didn’t do the best job of picking up the fine dust from my car mat. It kind of flicked debris around when using the lower suction, though it performed better on the higher setting. In the end, I found myself removing the floor brush attachment and giving the carpet a final going over on the higher setting just to collect the remaining dust. The dust brush, which is smaller and softer, did a vastly better job, even just on the lower 10,000PA power setting, and the performance improved further when I increased it to 15,000PA.
(Image credit: Cesci Angell / Future)
The crevice tool performed as expected, reaching smaller areas, and, naturally, the pickup was best with the higher suction setting. One nice-to-have would have been a flexible extension hose like the one included with the Homekane Handheld Vac, as getting down the edges of my seats was a bit of a struggle with the limited reach. As with the earlier tests the performance improved by far after adding the dust brush tool to the mix as it aggravated the debris just enough to allow it to be picked up easily.
When it came to emptying the 3.6 cup / 850ml dust cup, I must say that I preferred the Shark configuration, which simply required me to push a button and pull down a flap on the underside of its dust cup, which felt quicker and less messy than needing to remove the dust cup and filter from the Temola TS20BS each time. I had to bang out the filter, as most of the debris was caught on its surface and the cavity at the bottom of the filter housing, and it was also tricky to put it back into place properly.
Performance score: 4.5 / 5
Should you buy the Temola TS20BS Cordless Handheld Vacuum?
Buy it if...
You want a simple-to-use vac With easy-to-master controls and a fairly lightweight body, you'll be up and running with this Temola vac before you know it.
You want a vac that's easy to store away Whether you plan on sticking it in a cupboard or in the trunk of your car, the drawstring storage bag makes it easy to keep all the parts neatly in one place.
Don't buy it if...
You don't want a vac with an expiry date As there doesn't appear to be any replacement stainless steel HEPA filters compatible with this model at present, there is a risk that this handheld vacuum could only be usable for as long as the two included filters last.
You want a charging dock The Temola TS20BS doesn't have a model with a storage dock, so if you're a dock fan this won't be for you. The storage bag provides a tidy storage solution, though.
Temola TS20BS Cordless Handheld Vacuum review: also consider
Shark UltraCyclone Pet Pro Plus The top spot holder of our pick of the best handheld and car vacuums, this handheld Shark vac delivers great suction power, easy emptying, and some versatile tools. Take a look at our full review to hear how well it performed.
Shark WandVac System WS642 / WV361UK 4 This versatile vac requires more investment, but it's a great choice if you're looking for a lightweight and ergonomic vac that can be used in a stick or handheld configuration. It features on our list of the best handheld vacuums for its flexible use and light weight, but its battery life is a little on the short side. Here's our full review if you'd like to find out more.
How I tested the Temola TS20BS Cordless Handheld Vacuum
I tested the Temola TS20BS against two other handheld vacs
I assessed its ability to vacuum both large and fine debris
I made use of the included accessories
I took a close look at the design and materials used for the Temola TS20BS. I used it to vacuum my sofa and my desk and put it through its paces against the TechRadar vacuum testing process in my car. This involves testing a vacuum's ability to pick up fine and coarse particles, namely oats, and a mixture of flour and fine biscuit crumbs.
I assessed the fit of the accessories and used each of them to see how effective they were. I also looked at how easy and efficient the dust cup emptying process was.
The Temola TS20BS is available to buy at Amazon for $49.99 / £45.99. This is a fairly average cost for a handheld vacuum from a lesser-known brand, and after testing it out I would say that you get what you pay for here.
I was very disappointed to discover that there doesn’t appear to be replacement stainless steel HEPA filters for this model, although I could see replacements for some of their other vacs. Although the stainless steel covering could potentially increase the longevity of the HEPA filter within, but there’s no telling how long it would last. There is, at least, a replacement filter provided with the purchase, but without further replacements, this could significantly decrease the lifetime of the Temola TS20BS.
The Temola TS20BS is lightweight enough to use easily, although in my case using it with my arm extended with nothing to lean on did cause some aching. It’s fairly compact, so it has been easy to store, especially when combined with the convenient drawstring storage bag that fits the accessories, too. The Temola TS20BS doesn’t come with a storage dock but was easy to charge with the included USB-C cable, although it is disappointingly short at just 30.5 inches / 780mm long.
I was happy with the material quality of all parts of the Temola TS20BS set, the dust brush, crevice nozzle, and floor brush didn’t look cheap, the storage bag looked durable, and the materials on the vac itself felt sturdy and looked good. To aid visibility when vacuuming in darker spaces, there’s an LED light situated just above the top of the 3.6 cup / 850ml dust cup. It wasn’t outstandingly bright, but it was good enough.
(Image credit: Cesci Angell / Future)
As is the case with many handheld vacuums in this price bracket, I had to remove the front end of the vacuum to empty the dust cup. Detaching it was easy, but care needed to be taken when removing the filter from within, as a lot of debris collects around it. Getting the dust cup to clip back on was tricky on occasion. The level of noise emitted from the TS20BS is fairly standard for a vacuum cleaner, reading 76dB at 10,000PA power, and 80dB on the higher 15,000PA setting.
I found the Temola TS20BS to be a helpful tool for vacuuming my desk and sofa, but it really proved its worth when I put it through its paces against our TechRadar vacuum testing process. It did an adequate job of picking up the larger particles of oats and a mixture of flour and biscuit crumbs when on the lower power setting, but the higher setting was required to collect up the finer dust particles.
When testing the floor brush attachment I found it wasn’t helpful in that instance, mainly flicking debris around rather than helping to collect it up. When I used the dust brush on the end of the crevice nozzle, on the other hand, the results were fantastic. I found this smaller brush to improve performance in many different areas of my car, from dusting and vacuuming the leather to removing stubborn bits of leaf from carpeted areas.
For the most part, I’d recommend you purchase the TS20BS, as it did a good job for its price. Sadly, though, the lack of replacement filters makes me hesitant to encourage you to buy without doing further research, in case some may have become available in the meantime. If you’d like to take a look at some alternatives to help make up your mind, we’ve collated a selection of the best car vacuums, and best handheld vacuums to help you discover the most suitable option for your needs.
Temola TS20BS Cordless Handheld Vacuum review: Price and availability
List price: $49.99 / £45.99
Available at Amazon
The Temola TS20BS is a handheld vacuum that comes with accessories and a storage bag for a list price of $49.99 / £45.99 at Amazon. You’re getting what you pay for with the Temola TS20BS, considering the quality, performance, and ease of use; although some slightly more expensive vacs performed better, I was happy enough with its performance.
The set comes with an additional washable filter, which I was pleased about, but after investigating I cannot find replacement filters for this model. While the stainless steel covering of the filter may potentially increase the longevity of the filters, providing they are cleaned regularly, there’s no saying quite how long they’ll last, giving the Temola TS20BS a disappointingly short lifespan if replacements do not come available to purchase soon.
Temola TS20BS Cordless Handheld Vacuum review: design and features
Materials look good quality
Short USB-C charging cable
Useful drawstring storage bag
Considering its price, I was pretty impressed with the material quality of the Temola TS20BS. The majority of the vacuum is black and off-white and has a gloss finish, aside from the buttons and dust cup securing latch, which are bright orange with a slightly textured finish. The dust cup that makes up the business end of the vacuum is made from shiny transparent black plastic, making it easy for me to see when the dust cup is reaching capacity while obscuring the contents enough to stop it from being an eyesore.
The Temola TS20BS is fairly lightweight, but it isn’t the lightest handheld vac I’ve tested. It weighs 2.1lb / 957g, so it was easy enough for me to use but caused a little bit of arm ache if I wasn’t able to lean a little on what I was vacuuming. It isn’t a bulky vac, at 15 x 4 x 5 inches / 350 x 150 x 150mm, making it easy to store away in the handy drawstring bag, which also holds the accessories as well.
The accessories included are a dust brush, crevice nozzle, and a floor brush. Most of these did a great job, although I found one of them wasn’t very helpful during testing. Another useful addition that resides on the Temola TS20BS itself is the integrated LED light that is positioned above the dust cup. It’s not the most powerful LED I’ve seen, but it did an okay job of helping me see a little better when vacuuming darker spaces.
(Image credit: Cesci Angell / Future)
The Temola TS20BS comes with what Temola states is a stainless steel HEPA filter in place, and an additional filter comes in the box. This is a nice touch, as although the filters can be washed, and made easier with the included cleaning brush, they would likely need to be changed within a few months.
The Temola TS20BS Cordless Handheld Vacuum doesn’t come with a charging dock, instead, it can be recharged using just a USB-C cable. While some users may prefer a dock for ease of access, I liked the flexibility of placement that came with charging via a cable, and I was still able to store the vacuum and accessories away neatly in the drawstring storage bag. The one downside here, however, is that the cable that comes with the Temola TS20BS is only 30.5 inches / 780mm long, proving a little annoying at times.
There isn’t a replacement battery available, so I was limited to the max run time, which wasn’t quite enough to give my car a full valet, although with it being winter as I write this and I both work and live near a lot of leafy trees, I can’t judge it too harshly for that. One aspect I appreciated is that the included USB-C charging cable can be used with a power bank, or with a cigarette lighter adapter, so I didn’t necessarily need to bring it into the house to charge.
(Image credit: Cesci Angell / Future)
I was satisfied with the level of noise the Temola TS20BS emits, as it was quieter than a lower-powered car vac I’d tested and pretty standard for a vacuum cleaner. On the low 10,000mAh setting it reached a sound level of 76dB, and the higher setting reached 80dB, so the highest setting was no louder than a busy restaurant. I still needed to use some ANC earbuds when using it, but that’s due to an auditory issue; for the average person I don’t envision the noise levels would be uncomfortable.
On a few occasions, I found that the dust cup didn’t always connect to the handle properly the first couple of times I’d attached it. It clicked on and looked attached, but any bit of pressure on it caused it to fall off, I found I needed to pay particular attention to making sure the bottom of the dust cup had clicked over the extra plastic tag, which was a little fiddly, but simple once I’d gotten used to it. This is likely just a personal preference, but long pressing the power button did nothing when on the lower suction setting, this would only work after increasing it to the max suction level. This is only a minor niggle, but I like to keep loud noises to a minimum, so I wasn’t a fan that the increase of sound was unavoidable when I needed to turn it off, especially when using it to give my desk a quick hoover in the office.
As it weighs just 2.1lb / 957g, the Temola TS20BS was easier to wield than the Shark UltraCyclone Pet Pro Plus, which is currently our top pick of the best handheld vacuum and best car vacuum. I found the handheld Shark vac made my arm ache a little when performing the same tests for a direct comparison.
The Temola TS20B did a good job when I used it to vacuum my sofa, but I really put it to the test when I used it in my beloved car. One thing I love about working for TechRadar is our mission to perform thorough testing on all products – I just wish that didn’t involve spreading flour, biscuit crumbs, and oats in my car. But, if nothing else, I’m dedicated to our mission. So, dear reader, despite how uncomfortable it made me: I did it, for every single handheld vac I tested, each time praying they were up to the job of cleaning it up. I’m relieved to say, in the case of the Temola TS20BS, I needn’t have worried.
(Image credit: Cesci Angell / Future)
When following our testing procedure, the Temola TS20BS picked up most of the mixture of flour and biscuit on the lowest power setting, but smaller particles were left behind in the pile of my car mat. Turning up to the higher power setting made quick work of picking this up though, so I was able to get it all vacuumed up in a minute or so.
It was a similar story when it came to hoovering up the oats. The lowest setting picked up the large pieces without issue, but the smaller debris remained on the surface of the carpet and in the pile. Again, the higher setting cleared this up, but it required a little elbow grease and pressure.
The floor brush attachment of the Temola TS20BS didn’t do the best job of picking up the fine dust from my car mat. It kind of flicked debris around when using the lower suction, though it performed better on the higher setting. In the end, I found myself removing the floor brush attachment and giving the carpet a final going over on the higher setting just to collect the remaining dust. The dust brush, which is smaller and softer, did a vastly better job, even just on the lower 10,000PA power setting, and the performance improved further when I increased it to 15,000PA.
(Image credit: Cesci Angell / Future)
The crevice tool performed as expected, reaching smaller areas, and, naturally, the pickup was best with the higher suction setting. One nice-to-have would have been a flexible extension hose like the one included with the Homekane Handheld Vac, as getting down the edges of my seats was a bit of a struggle with the limited reach. As with the earlier tests the performance improved by far after adding the dust brush tool to the mix as it aggravated the debris just enough to allow it to be picked up easily.
When it came to emptying the 3.6 cup / 850ml dust cup, I must say that I preferred the Shark configuration, which simply required me to push a button and pull down a flap on the underside of its dust cup, which felt quicker and less messy than needing to remove the dust cup and filter from the Temola TS20BS each time. I had to bang out the filter, as most of the debris was caught on its surface and the cavity at the bottom of the filter housing, and it was also tricky to put it back into place properly.
Performance score: 4.5 / 5
Should you buy the Temola TS20BS Cordless Handheld Vacuum?
Buy it if...
You want a simple-to-use vac With easy-to-master controls and a fairly lightweight body, you'll be up and running with this Temola vac before you know it.
You want a vac that's easy to store away Whether you plan on sticking it in a cupboard or in the trunk of your car, the drawstring storage bag makes it easy to keep all the parts neatly in one place.
Don't buy it if...
You don't want a vac with an expiry date As there doesn't appear to be any replacement stainless steel HEPA filters compatible with this model at present, there is a risk that this handheld vacuum could only be usable for as long as the two included filters last.
You want a charging dock The Temola TS20BS doesn't have a model with a storage dock, so if you're a dock fan this won't be for you. The storage bag provides a tidy storage solution, though.
Temola TS20BS Cordless Handheld Vacuum review: also consider
Shark UltraCyclone Pet Pro Plus The top spot holder of our pick of the best handheld and car vacuums, this handheld Shark vac delivers great suction power, easy emptying, and some versatile tools. Take a look at our full review to hear how well it performed.
Shark WandVac System WS642 / WV361UK 4 This versatile vac requires more investment, but it's a great choice if you're looking for a lightweight and ergonomic vac that can be used in a stick or handheld configuration. It features on our list of the best handheld vacuums for its flexible use and light weight, but its battery life is a little on the short side. Here's our full review if you'd like to find out more.
How I tested the Temola TS20BS Cordless Handheld Vacuum
I tested the Temola TS20BS against two other handheld vacs
I assessed its ability to vacuum both large and fine debris
I made use of the included accessories
I took a close look at the design and materials used for the Temola TS20BS. I used it to vacuum my sofa and my desk and put it through its paces against the TechRadar vacuum testing process in my car. This involves testing a vacuum's ability to pick up fine and coarse particles, namely oats, and a mixture of flour and fine biscuit crumbs.
I assessed the fit of the accessories and used each of them to see how effective they were. I also looked at how easy and efficient the dust cup emptying process was.
Carv is a system that gathers motion data from your ski boots using sensors, analyses that via the app on your smartphone, and provides feedback through your headphones. It’s a digital ski coach, using advanced algorithms to detect and evaluate your technique, grade it, highlight improvement points, and provide feedback to help you achieve that.
The first version of Carv used pressure-sensing insoles but has now evolved to two sensor units that clip onto your ski boot in Carv 2. That makes setup a breeze, you just clip them on, check the Bluetooth connection to your phone, pop in a headphone and you’re good to go.
The beauty of Carv 2 is that it works in real-time. It can provide audible feedback on each turn, with more detailed evaluation when you stop, or once you get on the lift. Your skiing is captured in incredible detail: this isn’t just a GPS trace like you’d get from a Garmin, you get detailed data through every part of your turn, recording how your weight shifted and how each of your skis behaved.
Carv 2 gamifies your skiing, giving you a Ski IQ score based on your skill (mine is 124) while helping you target the changes you’d have to make to improve your technique. The aim is to help you become a smooth carving skier, but there’s plenty to help you progress to better parallel turns, so it works for a wide range of intermediate to advanced skiers.
(Image credit: Carv)
Carv is a unique system and incredibly detailed, identifying your strengths and weaknesses, with audio feedback to help you improve, supported by videos in the app to demonstrate what’s being discussed. It’s like having an instructor with you every time you ski, talking in your ear, while hitting new targets is incredibly rewarding.
Carv 2 isn’t suitable for beginners and it can’t teach you to ski from scratch. It’s also fairly expensive: the sensors cost £99, but you need a subscription to use them and that’s £99/$119 for 6 days (a typical ski vacation). Alternatively, you can pay £199, get the sensors free of charge, and have a full year of use – but in future years you’ll need a new subscription, so there’s an ongoing cost.
(Image credit: Future / Chris Hall)
It’s cheaper than ski lessons, but you have to be engaged with Carv to benefit and you don’t have the advantage of having a real-life person to show you what you’re doing wrong – instead, you might end up with repeated feedback, which can feel a little like nagging.
Carv 2 is perfect for me however: as an intermediate skier, who has plateaued and is unlikely to ever have lessons again because I’d rather ski with my family, Carv 2 lets me make small adjustments to focus on my technique. There’s nothing else like it and for a skier, those stats are really addictive and mean that every run counts.
(Image credit: Carv)
Carv 2 Ski Coach: Scorecard
Carv 2: Should I buy?
Buy it if…
You’re an intermediate skier
If you love skiing but aren’t getting any better, then Carv 2 could help you make those changes to improve.
You’re a data junkie
Sometimes you just need data and Carv 2 will give you data on everything about your skiing. You’ll get the metrics of your turns, your speed, and the distance you’ve covered, all nicely presented for every ski session.
You feel like you’re held back by friends or family
It sounds mean but … with Carv 2 you can use those slower runs to really focus on your technique and make progress – while skiing with others.
Don’t buy it if…
You’re a beginner skier
If you’re just getting started and you can’t turn, then Carv isn’t for you. Get some lessons to help you learn the basics safely.
You don’t ski regularly
While you could buy Carv 2 for one week of skiing, you’re really not going to benefit unless you’re getting out on the snow regularly – yearly at least.
You don’t like headphones
It might sound silly, but Carv 2 talks to you through your headphones - if you can’t ski with headphones, then you won’t get on with it.
How I tested
I used Carv 2 over two days of skiing on the Stubai glacier in Austria, where I tested all the features. I previously used the original Carv, so had the chance to compare the experience of both systems. During testing, I covered 40km of runs, a descent of 8000m in total, with over 1600 turns across those days. I skied on piste, including some mogul segments. I didn’t have the chance to test it in powder snow. All testing was conducted on a trip paid for and provided by Carv. Carv did not have any say in the content of this article and did not see it before it was published.
If you're considering picking up the OneOdio Focus A5, it's probably for its fantastic battery life – it'll last for 75 hours of music if you let it, which is an excellent figure. That's over three days straight, and well over double the figure of most rivals.
The world of the best cheap headphones is a competitive one, but this will have certain users' eyes perking up. If you go on long-haul flights across the world, embark on journeys in the wilderness for days at a time, or religiously forget to charge your gadgets, that figure could prove game-changing.
And you're getting the Focus A5 for cheap at $69.99 / £59.99 (roughly AU$100)! Sounds like a must-buy, right?
Well, that'll depend on what you actually want to listen to for 75 hours, and if you're an audiophile – or anyone who values well-balanced audio – then the Focus A5 might not actually be what you're looking for.
The audio balance on these cans is more wonky than a famous Italian tower, offering an overwhelming amount of bass that drowns out important parts of a song. It's not even well-tuned bass, so people who just want 75 hours of ear-shaking tunes won't like it either.
Then there's the feature set – or lack thereof. The OneOdio's Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) is so light-touch that you can forget that it's turned on (and I'd recommend ignoring it, since turning on ANC cuts 30 hours off the battery life). There's no app either, and therefore no equalizer, so you can't try and fix the muddy sound quality.
You can't expect fantastic-sounding audio, an advanced feature set and a low price in the same set of headphones (even though some options do come close), but most of OneOdio's rivals tick at least two of those boxes. With the Focus A5 only hitting the last point, it's hard to recommend them beyond their long-lasting battery. The Earfun Wave Pro cost essentially the same price and have an even longer battery life, and work better in every way – those are ideal affordable option among the best noise cancelling headphones.
OneOdio Focus A5 review: Price and release date
(Image credit: Future)
Sells for $69.99 / £59.99 (roughly AU$100)
Cheaper alternative to Focus A10
You can pick up the OneOdio Focus A5 for $69.99 / £59.99 (roughly AU$100, but unlike other OneOdio headphones, I can’t find it on sale in Australia at the time of writing).
That price makes the Focus A5 one of the more affordable headphones you might be considering if you’re looking to save money, but the cheap headphone market is a very competitive one.
Our best-in class option costs only a little more: the Earfun Wave Pro sells for $79.99 / £79.99 (roughly AU$120) and we also highly rate the $60 / £60 / AU$99 Sony WH-CH520.
OneOdio itself has plenty of other options, if you’re keen to stick with the brand: there’s also a slightly-more-expensive A10 as well as several other families of studio, monitor and hybrid headphones.
OneOdio Focus A5 review: Specs
OneOdio Focus A5 review: Features
(Image credit: Future)
No phone app
Light-touch ANC
75 hours of battery life
The OneOdio Focus A5 doesn’t have a smartphone app to use, which makes writing this section easier, but using the headphones (or balancing its audio) a little bit harder. That means there's no equalizer, a big loss (as we'll get to).
You'll use the ‘ANC’ button on the right earcup to toggle between the three Active Noise Cancellation modes: on, off and ambient sound. The ANC on the A5 is very light touch, and I often didn’t know whether I had it turned on or not – it felt like the natural cushioning of the pads removed as much sound as the ANC.
From a poor feature, to a really handy one – the OneOdio Focus A5 has a battery life of 75 hours. You read that right – you could listen for over three days straight if you wanted to. That figure is for ANC turned off, and it reduces to about 45 hours with ANC turned on – given what I’ve said about how effective the noise cancellation is, you may want to opt for the longer lasting power.
The ability to listen to music for several days straight without having to juice it back up it is a win for the A5, as it means that people who are going on long trips or can’t reliably get to a power source could still enjoy using it.
Features score: 3/5
OneOdio Focus A5 review: Sound quality
(Image credit: Future)
Too much bass
Too little anything else
High max volume
When I first started listening to the OneOdio Focus A5, I said to myself “wow, bass fans are going to love these headphones” but as the testing process went on, I had to amend that thought: “or they might hate them”.
Bass is certainly the emphasis of the Focus A5’s audio balance. The mix isn’t so much ‘warm’ as it is ‘blistering to the touch’, for how loud bass is compared to other parts of the sound profile. My first impression, to assume bass fans would love this, was proven wrong the more I listened.
The bass blows out other aspects of the sound mix. Vocals fade into the background like the roadies forgot to plug the mic in, guitars sometimes get a cut in but more often than not (especially with higher-pitched notes and hooks) fall to the same fate as the singing. Some other mid-frequency aspects of songs, like keyboards and rhythm guitars, have as much chance of being heard as you do of finding your phone if you drop it off a boat.
Fans of bassy headphones may simply accuse me of saying that simply to dig out my dusty creative writing degree, but there are more reasons to malign the bass tilt: even that aspect of the audio has a problem.
(Image credit: Future)
The bass is quite muddy, so it’s less ‘thumping’ and more ‘patting gently’ – it lacks energy or urgency, loudly saying nothing at all. According to Amazon, the Focus A5 has a custom-made 40mm dynamic driver (this information was conspicuously absent from OneOdio’s own site), and judging by other reviews of OneOdio products, this sound profile is a recurring feature in its headphones.
I can’t completely rule out the Focus A5’s audio chops – some people may really like this kind of hiccupping bass. I don’t think I’ve ever met these people, and I’ve no evidence to suggest they actually exist, but I can’t rule it out.
OneOdio has added support for LDAC codec and Hi-Res Audio certification to the headphones, but I’m not sure that the cans need more detailed bass – they need less of it.
I want to say a nice thing now: the OneOdio Focus A5 goes really, really loud. I could hear music perfectly well at max volume when the headphones were around my neck – no-one can complain about them being too quiet!
Sound quality: 2/5
OneOdio Focus A5 review: Design
(Image credit: Future)
Svelte look
Single color option: black
Feels a little fragile
OneOdio hasn't re-invented the wheel with the Focus A5 but I liked how svelte they look between the metal pivot, textured cups and gold-silver color scheme.
Don't get me wrong, these are incredibly similar to the vast majority of cheap headphones, but with a few augments here and there. They come in a single color option: black.
The right cup has all of the Focus A5's controls: there's the ANC button which you press to toggle between the three modes, a power button and a volume rocker. Nice and simple. The USB-C port for charging is on this side too.
The headphones weigh 265g which is a little less than some rivals I've tested, however they felt quite fragile. The cups rattle and rotate a little bit when you're not wearing the A5, there's no included carry case and if the cans have an IP rating, I can't find any mention of it in OneOdio's fact sheets. I was quite careful with the headphones during testing as a result, although they were never damaged in a way that would justify my caution; it's likely that they feel flimsy, but are perfectly robust. Still, I'd have liked to have felt more confidence in that.
Design score: 3.5/5
OneOdio Focus A5 review: value
(Image credit: Future)
I'm all for 'cheap and cheery' headphones, and the OneOdio Focus A5 are ostensibly that: you don't have to pay much and you're getting one great feature along with a few less-great aspects.
However its iffy audio and troubled feature-set might lose the A5 some of those 'cheery points' – especially when similar-price rivals simply don't have the same issues.
These aren't inherently bad value at this price, but there's much better value out there.
Value: 2.5/5
Should I buy the OneOdio Focus A5?
Buy them if…
You don't like charging The 75-hour battery life will be a blessing to certain kinds of users who can't reliably access a charging point.
You're on a budget Don't want to spend loads on top-price or even mid-range headphones? These will fit into your budget.
Don’t buy them if…
You don't like bassy audio The audio is heavily skewed towards bassy sounds, so if you don't like this kind of sound, you're really not going to like the A5.
You're listening somewhere loud The Focus A5's tender noise cancellation means you won't be able to hear music if you often listen in loud environments.
OneOdio Focus A5 review: Also consider
Earfun Wave Pro Here at TechRadar we're big fans of the Earfun Wave Pro, and they beat the OneOdio in most areas while only costing a tiny amount more, so read our full Earfun Wave Pro review.
JBL Tune 670NC We didn't rate the JBL Tune 670NC in the audio department, but elsewhere it has a great feature set and a decent battery life too. Here our full JBL Tune 670NC review.
How I tested the OneOdio Focus A5
(Image credit: Future)
Tested for three weeks
Tested at home, in the office, on public transport and on walks
I used the OneOdio Focus A5 for three weeks before writing this review, and that involved listening to music, watching streamed TV or playing games basically daily.
For the entire testing period I used the Focus A5 alongside my Android smartphone, via Bluetooth. Streaming was done via Spotify, Netflix and a range of games and I listened mainly at home or on my city's various public transport options, with some listening time also conducted in an office or on walks.
I've been testing gadgets at TechRadar for just shy of six years now, including many pairs of cheap headphones and other OneOdio offerings.
The Beyerdynamic Aventho 300 are a fantastic pair of wireless headphones. Using the same drivers as the company’s studio-oriented DT 700 Pro X and DT 900 Pro X, the sound quality will make you feel like you’ve taken a blanket off your music, especially if you’re upgrading from a cheaper, lesser model. And they’re as feature-filled as any other model at this price point.
I believe that, since their release this year, they belong in the conversation for the best wireless headphones. They do fall slightly short of the active noise cancellation (ANC) you find with the likes of Bose and Sony flagships. But, they still fare very well. And again, they sound fantastic. On top of that, the battery life is very, very good.
There are a couple aspects that hold the Beyerdynamic Aventho 300 from being perfect. For instance, the ear pads are tough to remove – an issue if you’re worried about potential wear and tear. And, the main way to control audio on the headphones is a touchpad on the right ear. It’s innovative, but slow to respond and comes with a bit of a learning curve. Since I generally use my phone or computer for adjusting things like volume and forwarding / rewinding, it’s not a dealbreaker. Still, it’s annoying.
At the end of the day, however, the pros vastly outweigh the cons.
(Image credit: Future)
Beyerdynamic Aventho 300: Price and release date
Announced September 9 2024, available from November 2024
Costs $399.99 / £359.00 (about AU$640)
No doubt about it, the Beyerdynamic Aventho 300 are among the more premium options out there when it comes to wireless headphones. They go for $399.99 / £359.00 (about AU$640), which is more than the Sony WH-1000XM5 and their price of £380 / $399 / AU$649. Both are fantastic sounding headphones. Of course, the Aventho 300 fold up and have faster Bluetooth connectivity, but the WH-1000XM5 have class-leading ANC.
There are even more expensive options out there such as the $899 / £599-priced Dali IO-8 or the $549 / £549 / AU$899-priced Apple AirPods Max where you’re paying for the name or premium materials as much as anything else. The Beyerdynamic Aventho 300, therefore, are well-priced for what they are and offer good value, but are not a steal.
Beyerdynamic Aventho 300 review: Specs
Beyerdynamic Aventho 300 review: Features
(Image credit: Future)
Very useable EQ and presets
Plenty of accessibility in the app
Has multipoint connectivity and lossless codecs
As far as features go, the only thing missing from the Beyerdynamic Aventho 300 is some kind of personalised, augmented sound profile. That said, there is more than enough flexibility available in the app to adjust the EQ. Not only are there six different presets to choose from, including “neutral” interestingly (more on why that’s necessary for some later), but there’s also a five-band graphic EQ with the ability to boost or cut up to six dB where you can save your preferred EQ curve.
Speaking of the app, there’s much more on tap, including playing around with different levels of ANC and ambient mode as well as turning Dolby Atmos and head tracking on. The ANC and ambient modes have five levels of sensitivity and work pretty well, either blocking out sound or letting you hear your surroundings. They’re not quite class-leading, but unless your neighbours or colleagues are especially raucous, you’ll probably be happy with them.
In the app, you can also turn on/off a voice assistant as well as adjust what the internal voice prompt announces. For example, I like hearing the battery level when I turn on the headphones, but I don’t want to hear which codec is being used during the first few seconds of the first song I listen to.
The app also allows toggling things like auto shutdown, sidetone, and LED brightness. There’s even a touch guide to show how to use the touchpad on the side of the headphones.
Though you won’t see it in the app, multipoint connectivity is available. It’s also worth noting that there’s AAC and aptX lossless (and adaptive) support.
(Image credit: Future)
Features score: 4.5/5
Beyerdynamic Aventho 300 review: Design
Aesthetically pleasing if a bit bulky
Touchpad has a learning curve and has inconsistent sensitivity
Has a very long battery life
The chunky design of the Beyerdynamic Aventho 300 is aesthetically pleasing while still looking very similar to the majority of over-ear headphones out there. Available in Black and Nordic Grey (reviewed here), the whole thing from the earcups to the head band and all the plush materials are the same color with the exception of the metal (presumably aluminum) yoke and the model name emblazoned on the left earcup – silver on the Nordic Grey model and Nordic Grey on the Black model.
The ergonomics are solid as the ear cups are angled to sit more naturally on the side of the face, though the amount the headband can extend seems like it might not be enough for big heads. The ear pads and headband are covered in a faux leather that’s not the most breathable, but is comfortable enough. I can definitely wear these for a while without feeling fatigued, but they’re not the cream of the crop when it comes to comfort. On top of that, the clamping force is a bit strong, so if you’re sensitive to that, you might need to stretch them out just a bit.
(Image credit: Future)
The controls consist of a power button that also pairs via Bluetooth, a button to cycle through ANC, ANC off, and transparency mode, and the touch pad I’ve mentioned which covers the entire flat portion of the right ear cup. This capacitive area allows an assortment of controls from volume control, skipping through songs, answering calls, and the like via tapping and gesturing in the appropriate directions. It’s a good idea, but takes a bit to learn. More importantly, the sensitivity seems inconsistent, so sometimes I have to gesture more than once to get the headphones to react to what I want to do. This is probably the area where these headphones could use the most fine tuning for successive models.
At least the battery life is long, as you can get 50 hours with ANC on – and ANC has a tendency to drain the battery. After about 10 hours of listening, I had 80% battery life left without charging back up. Considering they charge via USB-C, 10 minutes of charging gets about five hours of play.
Design score: 4.5/5
(Image credit: Future)
Beyerdynamic Aventho 300 review: Sound quality
Seemingly neutral but has prominent bass and slightly hyped high-end
Decently wide soundstage
Dolby Atmos and head tracking work well
If you don’t feel like reading the next 200ish words, just know that the Beyerdynamic Aventho 300 sound really good. Since these headphones share the same Stellar.45 drivers that the company introduced in its studio-focused DT 700 Pro X and DT 900 Pro X headphones, the frequency range leans towards a very clean, high-headroom experience that on first listen almost sounds neutral the way a pair of headphones meant for the studio sounds.
After spending a little time listening to all sorts of genres from Rock to Hip Hop and Folk, the nuances become a little more obvious. First of all, even though the sound comes across as clean and even, it’s actually quite bass heavy (note that the frequency range goes as low as 5Hz), especially nearing the sub-bass region. Any Rock or Alternative tracks I listen to become very bass prominent even though the genres are generally more mid-focused.
Of course, it’s a testament to the quality of the drivers that you get such prominent bass while still hearing everything else clearly.
(Image credit: Future)
The high-end is also a little hyped, which adds a bit to the clarity. But, it’s not so prominent to be in-your-face or painful. In the EQ modes I mentioned earlier, the neutral setting actually boosts the mid-range just a tad while bringing the low-end down quite a bit and the high-end a dB or two.
The soundstage is just as stellar. It feels wide enough to make me feel like I’m sitting on stage with the musicians. Far off elements are well-placed so that I get a really immersive sense of space. Now, they’re not the widest sounding headphones ever, but they sit at a sweet spot between intimate and concert hall.
Since there’s Dolby Atmos support, I should mention that it’s a nice touch. However, it is a virtual spatial audio so everything just sounds like there’s just a bit more reverb. While more dimensional, it doesn’t really add much to the experience unless watching a movie or show. I feel the same way about the headtracking that can be enabled. It works well if that matters to you.
Sound quality: 5/5
(Image credit: Beyerdynamic)
Beyerdynamic Aventho 300 review: Value
Pricing is about what one would expect for flagship wireless headphones
Paying for consistency
Comes with a hard shell and softshell case
As a value proposition, the Beyerdynamic Aventho 300 are good but not great. As previously mentioned, they're not that much more than the Sony WH-1000XM5 and are comparable in a lot of ways, with some aspects being slightly better and others slightly worse. You can spend much more for models that aren’t really any better. But you can spend much less and still get very good-sounding headphones.
However, Beyerdynamic headphones are consistently great, so you’re paying for that to a degree the way you do with Apple when it comes to phones or laptops. At least, you get a nice hard shell case and drawstring bag out of the deal.
Value: 4/5
Should I buy the Beyerdynamic Aventho 300?
Buy them if…
You want excellent, polished sound quality Not only do the Beyerdynamic Aventho 300 sound great, but they sound polished like they’re meant for the studio. Somehow, they still have a large bass response.
You want something a little different but just as good If you want to get something a little different than everyone else without sacrificing quality, these headphones have it all from sound quality to feature set.
Don’t buy them if…
You’re looking for a best-value buy While they’re priced appropriately, the Beyerdynamic Aventho 300 are not cheap. So, if you’re looking to get the bang for your buck, there are other options to consider.
You want easy controls Though the capacitive touchpad on the right earcup is a good idea, it could be executed just a little bit better (it’s not bad, just inconsistent).
Beyerdynamic Aventho 300 review: Also consider
Cambridge Audio Melomania P100 The Cambridge Audio Melomania P100 don’t have the best ANC and lose the proprietary spatial audio. However, they’re great value and not just because they’re a bit cheaper. Since they come at a lower price point, they focus on what matters most – and that’s excellent sound quality. Also, the battery life is excellent Read our full Cambridge Audio Melomania P100 review
Sony WH-1000XM5 The Sony WH-1000XM5 are still considered one of the best, if not the best, over-ear wireless headphones. The sound quality is excellent, the app is easy to use, and, most importantly, the ANC and ambient features are still virtually unparalleled. Only thing is they’re minimally better than their lower-priced and still available predecessor. Read our full Sony WH-1000XM5 review
(Image credit: Future)
How I tested the Beyerdynamic Aventho 300
Tested over two weeks
Tested with different music as well as video streaming
Tested every feature meticulously
I spent a few weeks using the Beyerdynamic Aventho 300 as my daily headphones. While using them, I listened to all sorts of genres from electronic and hip-hop to rock and acoustic music to compare the frequency range and soundstage. I also tested them with streaming video and used the various settings such as ANC, ambient mode, and EQ.
After testing, it seems that the Beyerdynamic Aventho 300 are best suited for those wanting a mostly neutral audiophile-like experience in a set of wireless headphones without sacrificing on features.
I’ve spent the last few years reviewing audio equipment and have spent even longer using my critical ear as a listener and musician to understand what does and doesn’t sound good.
