Keeping your pearly whites both pearly and white is far easier than it used to be – but it remains a messy and time-consuming affair. Between the build-up of toothpaste and the need to deep clean your dental tools to ensure they remain hygienic, dental care can be a time-consuming affair.
While I don’t use dentures, retainers or the like, I do use an electric toothbrush, and maintaining my toothbrush head alone is a real pain. As such, I was excited to hear about the Sonic Spa Pro with Steribrite, an ultrasonic and UV-C dental appliance cleaner. And, having tried it for a few weeks, I can definitely say it didn’t disappoint.
(Image credit: Future)
Using UV-C light in tandem with 43,000Hz ultrasonic cleaning, the Sonic Spa Pro can destroy 99.9% of bacteria, viruses and pathogens in just three minutes, according to the manufacturer, Sonic Dental; but there’s also a five-minute cycle for deep cleaning.
It’s priced at $99.95 / £89.95 / AU$179, which covers the device itself and six cleaning tablets, but you can opt for a bundle with 36 cleaning tablets for $119.95 / £99.95 / AU$199; and there’s also an Onyx Black color option. That does make it a pretty pricey purchase, with similar devices listed on Amazon for roughly $50 / £ 45 / AU$90. However, the Sonic Spa Pro is made using premium materials and genuinely feels solid enough to last a long time – although note that a few customers across Reddit and Trustpilot seemed to have issues with units when the device first launched, as well as customer service delays for both delivery and replacement.
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
Neat and compact at 4.8 x 4.8 x 3.94 inches / 122mm × 122mm × 100mm (L x D x H), the simple pod-shaped Sonic Spa Pro device teeters on clinical with its basic design and matte coating; but it feels premium.
On top of the hinged lid you’ll find an “S” logo, serving as the primary touch control for the Sonic Spa Pro, with the lid opening to reveal the 3.1 x 1.77in / 80mm x 45mm basin. You fill this with cold water (up to 165ml) before submerging your dental appliance of choice. The basin is perfectly sized for dentures, but fits a variety of dental tools – plus, it’s also suitable to clean items such as nail clippers, tweezers, and even jewellery.
(Image credit: Future)
I’ve been using the Sonic Spa Pro for a couple of weeks now, and I must say I’ve been impressed. Having watched countless TikToks of dubious-looking “purifying” cleaners, I was excited to try something that came with clinical backing and sported a more premium feel – and the Sonic Spa Pro delivered.
Simply fill the tank to the Max water line, with your dental appliance inside, close the lid and hold down the touch-sensitive button to start the cleaning cycle; press again to begin the five-minute cycle. When it’s done, open the lid, drain and remove the contents and rinse off the item you’ve just cleaned – voilà!
The first time I cleaned my toothbrush head in the basin, I was surprised by just how much muck came off my fairly new toothbrush head, turning the water into a milky, chalky soup in just one three-minute cycle. To see how effective it had been, I repeated the cleaning cycle again straight away, and the water in the basin at the end of that cycle was almost clear – that’s using simply the power of water, UV-C light and ultrasonic cleaning. When you’re tackling retainers or other dental items that require more maintenance, you can pop in one of the included cleaning tabs.
(Image credit: Future)
I didn’t often find the need to stretch to the 5-minute cycle, although I did attempt it for cleaning some older jewellery, which Sonic Dental claims the Sonic Spa Pro can also handle. I didn't notice much of a difference, barring a few flecks of black grub that were disturbed from the medallion, so I wouldn't reach to buy the Sonic Spa Pro exclusively for its jewellery cleaning chops.
The Sonic Spa Pro isn’t perfect; the power supply situation, in particular, leaves room for improvement. In the UK at least, it comes with a UK 13-amp socket, which most bathroom’s don’t include for safety reasons. You can, of course, opt for a two-pin shaver adapter to three-pin UK 13-amp arrangement, but do so at your own risk.
However, this plug issue isn’t just problematic when it comes to placing and using your Sonic Spa Pro; it’s annoying because the basin in the device isn’t removable, meaning every time you need to refill or empty the water, you have to take the entire unit to the sink. The scratchy, high-pitched sound it emits is also a bit irritating – although it isn’t too loud, meaning you can survive the few minutes it needs to run its cleaning cycle.
There’s bad news, too, for those who are unsure about the Sonic Spa Pro’s UV-C technology – you can’t opt to use the device exclusively as a supersonic bath.
Nevertheless, even taking all of the negatives into account, overall I was impressed with the Sonic Spa Pro – and my teeth have never felt cleaner. Not only this, but it’s also helping to make my toothbrush heads last longer, removing as much of the residual toothpaste and calcification as possible before it can build up to damage the toothbrush.
(Image credit: Future)
Should I buy the Sonic Spa Pro?
Buy it if...
You and/or your household have a number of dental appliances
For households with multiple electric toothbrushes, retainers and the like, the Sonic Spa Pro is a great investment.
You're sick and tired of cleaning retainers and mouthguards
The Sonic Spa Pro does a great job at quickly cleaning your dental appliances, and seems to be effective at doing so - though it's hard to measure
Don't buy it if...
You're on a budget
If you aren't in dire need, the Sonic Spa Pro is likely to be a little too much of an investment.
You want to clean jewellery
I tried cleaning a medallion and a few necklaces in the Sonic Spa Pro, and they came out looking basically the same
You're nervous about UV technology
The Sonic Spa Pro's UV lighting is non-negotiable, so not something well-suited to those avoiding it.
The Flexispot E7L is an electric standing desk by the popular Flexispot Standing Desk and accessories company. As standing desks are becoming increasingly more popular among professionals due to their ergonomic benefits, Flexispot has made a stamp in the field as one of the more prominent and high-quality offerings available.
The Flexispot E7L Pro L-Shaped Standing Desk is designed to make the most of the available space, offering impressive workspace and forming an L-shape with two desktops merged to create one desk. Having tested the best standing desks, this large workspace feels perfect for those looking to make the most of a corner or those who need a lot of desk space. With its three powerful motors, the desk provides smooth and quiet height adjustments, giving users the flexibility to switch between sitting and standing effortlessly. It also boasts a high weight capacity of 330.7lb/150kg, making it suitable for multiple monitors, gaming peripherals, or heavy desktop setups. All around, this desk is impressive. And if you require an L-shaped standing desk, there isn't much better than this.
(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)
Flexispot E7L: Pricing & availability
Flexispot positions the FlexiSpot E7L Standing Desk as a premium offering in the standing desk market. It is a modified version of their flagship E7L desk to make the L-shape. Priced around $640/£570, it offers excellent value considering its spacious design, advanced features, and high build quality. Those who prefer a custom desktop can opt to purchase the frame alone for $550/£370.
The desk is available directly from FlexiSpot’s official website, as well as through select online retailers. FlexiSpot frequently runs promotional discounts, with prices often reduced during seasonal sales. So, if you can hold off and don't need to buy a desk today, it will be well worth waiting for a deal or promotional discount.
(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)
Flexispot E7L: Unboxing & first impressions
Unboxing the Flexispot E7L is nearly identical to unboxing the Flexispot E7 and E7 Pro, with just an extra box for the extra desktop. There are three boxes in total, one with the frame and legs and then one box for each desktop piece. The assembly was super straightforward, and it only took my team and me about 40 minutes. As I do with all desks, I used my Hoto Tools Electric screwdriver to assemble the desk, though you can use a drill or manual screwdriver if that's what you already have.
I immediately recognized the premium quality I was familiar with from Flexispot. Their frame and legs are incredibly sturdy, and since there is a 90-degree desk, this desk is even more stable than my E7 Pro; it is just about as stable as my E7 Plus.
The Flexispot E7L L-shaped desk is designed with space and durability in mind. It has excellent build materials, high-quality desktops, and solid lifting capacity, especially for this size desk. The frame is constructed from carbon steel, ensuring long-term durability and fantastic stability thanks partially to the frame materials and partially to the frame shape. Because of the height adjustability, this desk is perfect for nearly any size person, and the size makes it great for holding any volume of gear.
(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)
Flexispot E7L: In use
Once we got this desk set up, the Flexispot E7L impressed us with the smooth height adjustment, especially with the three-motor system. Everything was synced up nicely, with no studders or uneven lifting. The dual-desktop system offers more space than we expected when preparing for the desk, which was a welcomed surprise. The ample space allows for multiple monitors or plenty of flexible workspace.
As always, with the Flexispot desks, four height presets can be assigned for ease of use, and a USB-A port can be built into the controller. It's a little thing, but having a button, you can press and know that the desk will go to the perfect custom height every time is marvelous. I have some desks that need the presets, and while it's also super easy to press and hold a button, there's something about pressing a button and forgetting about it that takes the whole experience to the next level.
Lastly, as all of these Flexispot controllers have, a child lock button will help prevent accidental height changes, especially if you have the desktop covered in a project that can't be disturbed.
(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)
I got this desk placed in a real-world example with some of my team. As you can see in the pictures, this desk works perfectly in a home office setting and even in a classroom setting, speaking to its shocking versatility regardless of its massive footprint. This desk has performed wonderfully over the last several weeks, making it an easy recommendation for anyone looking for a gigantic L-shaped desktop.
(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)
Flexispot E7L: Final verdict
The FlexiSpot E7L Pro L-Shaped Standing Desk is a top choice for those who need a spacious, versatile, and customizable desk. While the setup requires effort and tools, the result is a highly functional and ergonomic workspace. Its sturdy build, high load capacity, and flexible desktop options make it well worth the investment for both home offices, traditional offices, gaming setups, and even classroom or co-working setups. If you’re after a premium standing desk that grants you plenty of room for activities that won't break down, you should check out the Flexispot E7L.
For more workspace essentials, our office furniture experts have tested the best office chairs.
The FlexiSpot G7 is another attempt for the company to corner the standing desk market, with a premium monster of a gaming desk. It comes in with a host of features that you'd expect from a mid-range desk and even a couple that I'd associate with a more premium price. The question is, do those features actually justify a $700 price tag for this US-only desk?
The version I was sent was the 55 x 28-inch (139.7 x 71cm) desktop, with a FPS finish. Slightly textured, and with a glitter look, it not only feels great under my hands but it means I don't have to use a mousepad with it. It's also curved inward and chamfered at the edge, which along with the vast adjustability of the stand I was sent, puts this particular model pretty high on the ergonomics scale.
Included in the top-end price, I was sent the most expensive stand and keypad combo which is what really pushes this model into the region of $700. There are some cheaper options, though pairing it with the cheaper stand means foregoing the ridiculous weight capacity and Premier keypad, which I'll get into later. For now, we'll concentrate on this version explicitly, and so far I've been thoroughly impressed.
(Image credit: Future/Katie Wickens)
From fantastic ergonomics to adjustable collision detection, and a ridiculous weight capacity that would seat the most monstrous of gaming rigs, there's really a lot to like about the G7. There are a couple of minor drawbacks, such as a slightly noisy motor and a minor wobble when extended to a standing position, the only real issue I have is the added price of the E7 Pro stand.
The biggest competition for the G7 right now is the FlexiSpot E7, an impressive desk from the same company that's currently sitting atop our best standing desk guide and actually makes use of the alternative (and far cheaper) E7 stand. The E7 desk you can get for around the same price as the G7, though there are often discounts to be found on the E7 today.
I wouldn't necessarily pay the difference for the G7 with the top-end and frankly unnecessary E7 Pro stand – unless I had a supremely heavy setup – but I would potentially stretch another $50 dollars for the fantastic ergonomics and gorgeous finish of the G7 desktop. If I had a wireless charging phone, however, the Flexispot E7 with wireless charging is still likely to win out. However, if you wanted to cheat the system, you can just configure the often discounted E7 with the E7 frame and the G7 Gaming Series desktop to get the exact same desk for less.
FlexiSpot G7: Price and availability
List price of $704.98
Only available in the US
Price difference between stands is silly
At time of writing, the FlexiSpot G7 is only available in the US, where the smaller version with the most premium legs will set you back just over $700. That's without any cable management included since the optional cable tray doesn't fit the 55-inch (139 cm) desktop unless you drill it yourself. This version is only really necessary if you've got an overly heavy setup since the major difference – other than the price – is the weight capacity.
This version of the G7 goes up against some of the top standing desks around. Even when paired with the E5-A stand, it's not going to come in as our favorite budget standing desk when the FlexiSpot E5 exists. And while it's not as impressive (nor as expensive) as something like the Beflo Tenon Premium, it sits pretty much right in the middle at that pricing sweet spot for gaming desks. I would have liked to see compatibility with all the FlexiSpot greebles for the price, though.
If your PC setup doesn't weigh in at more than 355 lbs (161 kg), I'd recommend saving a few bucks by pairing the fantastic G7 desktop with the standard E7 frame and Premium keypad instead, as there's just not enough impressive features to warrant the extra cost of the E7 Pro.
FlexiSpot G7: Specs
The FlexiSpot G7 specifications when using the three different compatible stands:
(Image credit: Future/Katie Wickens)
FlexiSpot G7: Assembly
Super simple 50 min setup
Easy-to-understand instructions
Lots of non-recyclable packaging
Out of the box, I was impressed with the weight of the FlexiSpot G7. It came in two separate packages, which makes sense for a fully configurable mix-and-match desk. Thankfully I had two helpers to move it upstairs, and would recommend getting another person to help you move it for the sake of your spine.
I was able to get the desk and legs out of the box and set up in less than 50 minutes with two people unpacking and screwing. Granted I'm well versed in desk assembly and my helper is a Physicist, but it was mostly thanks to FlexiSpot's superbly laid out instructions and simple fixture solutions.
A setup time like that makes it a great option for the time-poor, though that doesn't include the time spent clearing up all the non-recyclable plastic packaging, which we had to put in the trash. The G7 was packed safely, with easy-to-remove packaging, but I do wish companies would start using more sustainable packing materials. Just a thought.
Getting it up once the legs were on was not so bad, since I was able to position it so I could just flip it into place, though I wish the instructions told me to attach the keypad after turning it over as I had to lift one edge so it didn't snap off. It's also worth mentioning that I managed to put it together in a spare bedroom in a UK terraced house, which is a pretty small space. So although the G7 might come across as monstrous it's not so bad as long as you don't have too many breakables in the vicinity.
(Image credit: Future/Katie Wickens)
FlexiSpot G7: Design and features
Curved front with chamfered edge
Cable cutout at the back
Gorgeous finish on the tabletop
The surface of the FlexiSpot G7 desktop is a bit strange to the touch, but not bad, just not smooth like your standard desktop. It's textured, which isn't generally something people look for in a desk but bear with me. It's got a good sparkle to the finish and, while that won't be for everyone, there's something really satisfying to me about catching the G7 glittering out the corner of my eye as I move around it. Importantly, the textured finish doesn't seem to worsen my aim when I use it without a mousepad, although I've not noticed any improved precision or quicker reflexes in games, as the site suggests I might. There's no need to use a mousepad, but I appreciate most people will be using it with one. I would still recommend it if you're flinging your mouse around a lot as the textured surface – while beautiful – has the potential to graze soft hands.
Size-wise, you have the option of a slightly deeper desktop of 55 x 28 inches (139.7 x 71.1cm), or the wider but more shallow 60 x 27 inches (152.4 x 68.5cm) for an extra $30. I went for the smaller one and still managed to fit a standard setup PC on it, complete with a 1080p monitor, tower, standing mic, and two small speakers. There's even space left over for another monitor tacked on with a bracket if I fancied it. And with all the cables neatly tucked through a recess in the back of the desktop, and deftly run through the magnetic cable manager included it looks super neat.
The problem I encountered was that, while you can purchase the proper cable management tray to go underneath, there are no holes to accommodate it. You'd have to drill your own holes for the privilege, which is sad as the magnetic cable 'tray' has trouble with masses of heavy cables.
With a front edge that's curved inward, you get a pretty immersive feel sitting in front of the G7. More desks should be this shape, honestly, because I feel like I'm sitting at the desk as opposed to just in front of it. And with a chamfered edge on the front as opposed to a sharp edge like a lot of standing desks are still using today, I can happily rest my wrists on it without them jabbing into me.
(Image credit: Future/Katie Wickens)
FlexiSpot G7: Performance
Collision detection is welcome
Noisy mechanism
Wobbles when tall
The E7 Pro stand I got is made for a monster setup of a 440 lb (199.5 kg) max weight. That's far more weight capacity than your average gamer will ever need. The only real difference aesthetically from the cheaper ones is that the legs are pushed back with tapered brackets and feet. Other than that, you can only choose the Premier keypad to go with it.
That said, the Premier keypad is nicely rounded and has both adjustable collision prevention and four memory functions for height. It took mere seconds to get everything programmed, and you can even adjust the sensitivity of the collision detection, in case you have more easily breakable stuff to worry about, such as children. The Premier keypad, like the Premium before it, also has a USB-A port on the side, which is pretty darn handy.
It's worth noting that it can be a little unstable on the carpet when tall, even after settling into it for a good couple of weeks. Granted it's a pretty thick carpet, but there's a noticeable wobble when extended to a standing position, making team meetings a bit shaky. The motor, while smooth, is also a little noisy. Not the kind of thing you could operate silently while a loved one was asleep nearby.
Should you buy the FlexiSpot G7?
Buy it if...
Your setup is super heavy This model specifically I can only recommend for people with really heavy equipment (up to 440 lbs / 199.5 kg). For your average gamer, there's otherwise not enough difference in the stands and keypads to warrant the extra cost unless you're packing some monster hardware.
You don't like mouse pads and wrist rests The surface of the G7 desk means you don't need a mousepad and the chamfered edge is much nicer than your average desk with a sharp edge.
Don't buy it if...
You need lots of cable management Sadly the smaller desktop of the G7 is incompatible with the FlexiSpot cable tray, so you'll either have to drill your own holes or make do with the magnetic one which isn't exactly robust.
You're on a budget There are plenty of cheaper gaming desks out there with just as many features. This is not a cheap desk when paired with the E7 Pro stand.
Also consider
There's much to like about the FlexiSpot G7, though there are a couple of major alternatives I would recommend. Especially for those on a budget, or anyone looking for a more robust cable management solution.
Also consider the FlexiSpot E7 The FlexiSpot E7 is a great alternative as it uses one of the cheaper-but-still-good stand alternatives, and can still be configured with the gaming desktop.
For more information, check out our full FlexiSpot E7 review.
Also consider the Secretlab Magnus Pro The Secretlab Magnus Pro is a great alternative because of its versatility and integrated cable management solution. It's perfect for gamers if you can warrant spending a little extra cash.
Worked at the desk several hours a day for a few weeks
Programmed the buttons, and checked the collision detection
I put the desk together myself, taking care to time the endeavor. I spent a few weeks working at the desk, first making time to familiarise myself with the controls. After programming it, and checking out the collision detection by whacking the bottom while it was in motion, I would spend some time each day working in different positions and listening to the motor intently as it moved.
The Iniu PD 22.5w 20000mAh isn’t the most capacious power bank on the market. But for its price, it will give you a whole lot of charges for not much money.
The Iniu PD 22.5w 20000mAh doesn’t rock a ridiculous number of features, but what’s there is impressive, especially for the price. First of all it has a whopping 20,000mAh Lithium Polymer cell inside, which accounts for its bulk, which means it should keep charging your devices day after day. Additionally, with a USB-C and two standard USB ports, you’re able to charge three devices at once.
To really put the Iniu PD 22.5w 20000mAh through its paces, I took it away to a music festival and used it to charge my iPhone 12 Pro over the course of a long weekend. Charging my phone up to 100% once a day on the Saturday, Sunday, and Monday only depleted the battery down to 54%, meaning you may well get almost a week’s worth of charge out of it if you aren’t fully draining your phone every day. That’s more than many of the best power banks can deliver.
On top of this, the Iniu PD 22.5w 20000mAh offers 22.5W charging, which is fine for the max charging the best iPhones require, although falls quite a way short of the 100W that the best Android phones like the OnePlus Nord 4 are capable of drawing, and means you won’t be charging a MacBook off it. In practice though, during a separate test, this meant it took 128 minutes to charge the iPhone 13 Pro’s 3,095mAh battery, which could be much worse.
Looks-wise, the Iniu PD 22.5w 20000mAh is a nice-looking battery, while not being so stunning that you’re going to be terrified of damaging it. It comes with a pleasing matte finish in either black or white. An LCD screen on the front of the device tells you exactly how much charge is left – far more useful than the series of LEDs some power banks employ.
At an inch thick and weighing 12.8oz (323g), this power bank has got some serious chonk to it. It also doesn’t have any IP weatherproofing, meaning you really don’t want to drop it in any puddles. In spite of this, it still sat comfortably enough in my pocket as I wandered around and boogied at the festival, and it survived a full day of torrential rain in the pocket of my damp jeans without much worry.
For an affordable power bank, the Iniu PD 22.5w 20000mAh offers a serious amount of juice. While it doesn’t provide features like fast charging or wireless charging, it’s an obvious choice for anyone who wants to keep their phone topped up during a week away.
(Image credit: Future)
Iniu PD 22.5w 20000mAh review: Price & specs
(Image credit: Future)
Should I buy the Iniu PD 22.5w 20000mAh?
Buy it if…
You need a big-capacity battery that doesn’t cost the earth There are (slightly) bigger power banks out there, but few of them are this reasonably priced, costing a fair bit more for a modest increase in total charge.
You want to charge multiple gadgets at once With its USB-C and dual USB ports, the Iniu PD 22.5w 20000mAh Power Bank will happily charge your phone, smartwatch, and earbuds all at once.
Don't buy it if…
You want to charge your phone, fast The Iniu PD 22.5w 20000mAh Power Bank is only capable of 22.5W charging, which is much slower than many Android handsets are capable of these days.
You want a compact, lightweight power bank At 12.8oz (363g), the PD 22.5w 20000mAh Power Bank is a fairly weighty battery. It can still fit in a pocket, but if you want something you can just carry around until you need it, it might be worth looking elsewhere.
Iniu PD 22.5w 20000mAh review: Also consider
Anker Prime 27,650mAh Power Bank (250W) At $179.99 / £179.99 (roughly AU$261.35), affordable it ain’t. But if you want the perfect combo of ultra-high capacity and insanely fast charging, your best bet is the Anker Prime 27,650mAh Power Bank (250W). It can charge a MacBook Pro M2 to 50% in just 30 minutes or charge an iPhone 16 more than four times, which makes it a beast of a power bank.View Deal
The Nanoleaf EXPO is the latest clever home contraption from they company behind some of the best smart lights around: a modular smart case solution that will see your collections displayed in glorious technicolor.
If you are one of those people who collect things (I am one of those people) you will inevitably end up with more things than places to put them. Shelves are fine, but you’ll need to dust every week (I am not one of those people), and the situation can get really out of hand if you ever move house, as most of your collections remain in the attic for months/years while you figure out where it is all going to go. Nanoleaf comes to the rescue with its attractive modular smart illuminated display case system.
Nanoleaf collaborated with US company Meeni Inc on its Fantaqi product, which is sold by Nanoleaf as the Nanoleaf x Fantaqi EXPO. What this collaboration has produced is one of those rare things that is both eye-catching and useful, even if only to collectors and smart home nerds. Each case measures 38 x 29 x 22cm (W x D x H), but you’ll want to shave off roughly 3cm to account for the thickness of the walls. To give you some idea of its scale, a DVD case will stand perfectly inside, but will need to be inserted at a slight angle to get past the lip on the front of the box.
(Image credit: Les Watson)
I must admit to initially being skeptical about these boxy smart lights, but once I saw them in my house brimming with some of my favorite collectibles and objet d’art, I was sold. As with the iPad and the Apple Watch, I just didn’t 'get it' until I got one. I’ve enjoyed liberating my stored collections and being reminded of why I collected all this stuff in the first place. These are a quick and easy solution to my storage problem.
Yes, they are expensive and the petulant software drives me nuts, but alternative Perspex display cases are not cheap and the EXPO’s modular design allows you to try them out in different places easily. Add to that their smart capabilities; totally worth it.
(Image credit: Les Watson)
Nanoleaf x Fantaqi EXPO: price and availability
Starter kits from $299.99 / £299.99 (about AU$440)
Expansion kits from $69.99 / £69.99 (about AU$100)
There are two accessories for the EXPO if you need more of the inter-case connectors or are expanding to a stack of more than 8 cases. The 75W power supply can power up to 14 cases.
Display case pricing
EXPO Smart LED Display Case Starter Kit (4 Pack): $299.99 / £299.99 (about AU$440)
EXPO Smart LED Display Case Starter Kit (8 Pack) $536.45 / £549.99 (about AU$790)
EXPO Smart LED Display Case Expansion (1 Pack) $69.99 / £69.99 (about AU$100)
EXPO Smart LED Display Case Smarter Kit (12 Pack) $ 800.01 (US only)
EXPO Display Case 75W Power Supply: $39.99 / £34.99 (about AU$60)
Nanoleaf x Fantaqi EXPO: specs
Nanoleaf x Fantaqi EXPO: design
Quick and easy to assemble
Cases are connected electrically by push-fit Linker strips
Magnetic door latch
Top panel of the box contains the LEDs
Aesthetically, the Nanoleaf EXPO isn’t much to write home about; each white display cube is simply designed. The real magic begins when you flick the switch to light up your life.
The system has been designed so that only the top case containing the LEDs and back panel (which has the connector slots) is 'live'. As long as you follow the provided assembly diagram you should find it easy enough to connect properly.
(Image credit: Les Watson)
The rest of the cases are simply push-fit, but they do require a bit of force, so I would recommend that they are assembled on a non-slip surface. I worked along all of the seams with my thumbs just to make sure the seams were seated properly.
Each case has four feet, which fit into the recessed top of the case below to provide some vertical stability. Each case is electrically connected to the next one using the supplied linker strips which slot into holes midway along the sides of each case. It can be a bit tricky to get the Linker in the hole when coupling two cases but it’s a minor irritant.
(Image credit: Les Watson)
I was not convinced of the stability of the Nanoleaf Expo when configured in an 8-box vertical stack, but once loaded with your collectible contents, the whole thing became more and more stable. However, it might not survive the onslaught of a small child, but why would you let them near something so precious? Are you mad?
Each case has slots running up the sides to provide a channel for the power supply lead. A slight constriction somewhere along the channel to hold the lead in place would have been nice, but it is possible to put the lead under a bit of tension by curling it under the back of the bottom-most box of the stack.
Fortunately, the power lead is 2.5 meters long which gives you the option of placing them on a shelf, and as each case weighs in at around 2kg, the shelving need not be industrial strength like mine.
I was initially puzzled by the clear back panel until I switched them on and noticed it effectively creates a pleasing halo on the wall around the stack. I also love the magnetic front door latch, as all too often fixtures like interference-fit door latches can make a whole unit wobble wildly when you open a door, or there’s some form of mechanical push-in opener that invariably fails over time. The stack does still move a little when you open a door but all is forgiven when it closes with such a resounding ‘thunk’ noise. Yes, I am one of those people who enjoy the rich sound of a high-quality car door closing.
(Image credit: Les Watson)
My only gripe is with the power supply plug. It’s quite attractive and it’s very cool that it has three different snap-in plug converters, but the three-pin one is upside down.
Look, Nanoleaf, most of us have so many electrical appliances that we need to use electrical extension plugboards; a lot of them. We cannot lay them flush against the wall if someone has decided to provide a plug with a lump on top with the power lead coming out of it. It makes even less sense when plugged directly into the wall, as all the weight is above the socket.
Nanoleaf x Fantaqi EXPO: performance
Software proved temperamental
Rhythm Source feature works well
Having reviewed several Nanoleaf products in the past, I knew that reaching the point at which you can power the hardware up is usually the easy bit. In comparison, while the universe descends cyclically from order to chaos over billions of years, the Nanoleaf app will give you a sneak preview of that chaos in just a few hours. After six wasted hours of crashes and bugs (including the infamous 'Accessory already in another home' message from HomeKit) I decided to give up on the EXPO for the day.
(Image credit: Les Watson)
I am sure it will come to pass that it will start working but it’s frustrating that Nanoleaf specifies features that initially do not work. There is better news for the rhythm source feature of the Nanoleaf desktop application on Mac; it now works as it should, much to my delight. The Mac app still crashes regularly though.
I love this product and I want Nanoleaf to continue coming up with original, if somewhat niche, products, but I do hope the company begins to do a little more software quality assurance before products launch and not after. I am willing to accept that some of my problems may be PICNIC problems (problems in customer not in computer), but not the majority of them. What troubles me is that people will stop buying Nanoleaf products if they have the same experience.
Should you buy the Nanoleaf x Fantaqi EXPO?
Buy it if
You need a flexible storage system for your treasured possessions
They can be quickly tried out in different positions and configurations around the home.View Deal
You have other Nanoleaf devices
If you’re already pretty stocked up with some of Nanoleaf’s other brilliant bulbs, strips, and shapes, then the Nanoleaf EXPO makes for a perfect addition.View Deal
Don't buy it if
You're on a budget
These are entirely unique products, yes, but that comes at a price. Head to a flat-pack furniture store and stock up on smart light strips for a DIY solution. View Deal
You need a bookshelf
The Nanoleaf EXPO is not really strong enough or big enough for books.View Deal
Nanoleaf x Fantaqi EXPO: also consider
As was the case when I reviewed the Nanoleaf Skylight, there isn’t an equivalent product for the Nanoleaf x Fantaqi EXPO that I am aware of. However, if you want to create a DIY system using smart LED strip lights instead. there are a few options available.
Govee LED Light Strip M1
These super bright LED strip lights could be used to liven up an ordinary bookcase or display case. It's easy to install and a great option for beginners.
I tested the Nanoleaf applications for known existing problems
I tested its compatibility with Apple Homekit
I tested EXPO in conjunction with other Nanoleaf devices
I ensured that my test environment was up to date and working with the latest versions of firmware and software for all devices before even unpacking the Nanoleaf x Fantaqi EXPO. I visually checked the status of Apple Homekit every time the application crashed and visually checked the status of the application itself on restart and investigated any anomalies.
I investigated the phone application automation options and tried out the various in-app features and functionalities.
I’ve been using smart home devices for several years now, and have a whopping 30+ years (gulp) of tech enthusiasm and experience under my belt.
The Octopus Arcade Stick is a versatile fight stick that provides an excellent gaming experience for fighting game fans with exceptional compatibility across a range of platforms. The arcade-grade joystick and buttons from Sanwa benefit from a durable, aerospace-grade aluminum shell.
Indeed, in practice, using it does feel exactly like stepping into the ring on a brawler at your local arcade (minus the beer-soaked cabinets of course). Buttons are responsive and the joystick reliably moves with precision and purpose as you’d expect from a Sanwa stick, always snapping back correctly ready for the next combo, block, or evasion. If Sanwa doesn’t fit your playstyle, then the supplied stick and buttons are easily swapped out for alternatives.
It’s the sheer number of supported consoles and platforms that truly impresses here. Where other contenders for best fight stick can tie players into a single or limited ecosystem, the Octopus Arcade Stick is compatible with over twenty platforms out of the box. Everything from the Mega Drive and SNES, to the entire PlayStation home console family, to PC and even several niche consoles play nicely with TR Fight Stick’s debut behemoth.
Achieving this versatility does require additional cables though, with an array of 2m leads available directly from TR Fight Stick to suit consoles that feature proprietary controller connections that predate the USB standards of today. The included USB-C cable will still provide ample platform coverage across PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, Nintendo Switch, Xbox 360, PlayStation Classic, MegaDrive Mini, NeoGeo Mini, Astro City Mini, MiSTer FPGA, RetroPie, and other Raspberry Pi apps, plus X-Input devices.
(Image credit: Future/Theo Litston)
While the Octopus Arcade Stick is happy to throw down on a range of systems, it’s clear that it was designed with Sega’s Dreamcast as its champion. The Octopus’ secret weapon is one strictly for fans of Sega’s final home console, and appears as a built-in virtual VMU (Visual Memory Unit) switcher, with a capacity for ten individual VMUs, providing easy access to more save data slots than even the most prolific Dreamcast player will ever need.
The Octopus Arcade Stick even includes an LCD screen at the top of the unit, allowing you to see at a glance which VMU they’re using and enjoy the little animations, mimicking their appearance on the original Dreamcast VMUs. Soul Calibur fans rejoice as tiny, pixelated Ivy is alive and well.
Serious players also tend to be serious about their fight stick aesthetics, and the Octopus doesn’t disappoint here either with customization options for faceplate designs and layouts, including options to switch from the standard Sega 2P layout to Viewlix, Noir, or HitBox faceplates. Accessing the innards of the Octopus is straightforward, with the rear aluminum plate easily removed by loosening the seven Phillips head screws.
Octopus Arcade Stick: Price and availability
List price: $399.00 / £297.24 / AU$576.06
Premium pricing…
…but early adopters can bag one of the first batch of units for $299
The Octopus Arcade Stick is currently only available from TR Fight Stick’s official store page. The list price of $399.00, roughly £297.24 or AU$576.06 in the UK and Australia respectively, means that the Octopus Arcade Stick comes in as one of the pricier arcade sticks on the market today, costing more than an Xbox Series S or a Nintendo Switch OLED.
While that ticket price may cause some to flinch, remember that the Octopus Arcade Stick’s wide array of compatible consoles and platforms could remove the need for additional peripherals and provide additional value to players wishing to use fight sticks on multiple systems. Even those looking for a fight stick for a single platform should feel confident in their purchase as the quality on display in the Octopus is stellar.
Mercifully, those aforementioned additional cables carry a reasonable $14.99 price tag so won’t break the bank for players looking to wield the Octopus on older systems.
The Octopus Arcade Stick is scheduled to launch sometime in October, and early adopters can snap up a unit in either black or white for $299 while TR Fight Stick’s initial stocks last.
(Image credit: Future/Theo Litston)
Octopus Arcade Stick: Specs
(Image credit: Future/Theo Litston)
Octopus Arcade Stick: Design and features
Striking visuals with a range of changeable faceplates
Fantastic build quality with high-end materials
Bulky and heavy
Probably the first thing that’ll catch your eye on the Octopus Fight Stick is the artwork. TR Fight Stick has produced a series of faceplates, dubbed ‘OctoPlates’, allowing users to change the appearance of their arcade sticks. The majority of the OctoPlates include artwork featuring the titular cephalopod in a number of graphic styles, with designs inspired by everything from street graffiti to Grecian mosaics. If tentacles aren’t your thing, however, there is also a transparent OctoPlate which shows off the units’ inner workings, and even a limited edition plate featuring Ryo Hazuki from Dreamcast classic Shenmue.
There’s no avoiding the octopus in the room though, no matter how it's dressed, the Octopus Fight Stick is a hefty unit. The chassis size is a significant increase over the prototype I tested back at the start of the year, measuring almost 17.7in / 45cm across its width and 10.2 / 26cm deep. After opening the back of the unit to inspect modification options, I gleamed that there exists plenty of free space internally, meaning that TR Fight Stick could potentially slim this design down without greatly impacting its overall visage.
It's not just the size of the Octopus either, but the weight, that may dissuade some would-be buyers. Tipping the scales at around 7.7lbs / 3.5kg, the Octopus Arcade Stick definitely falls into the heavyweight category alongside other sticks such as the Nacon Daija and the Victrix Pro FS. Personally, I don’t mind the weight resting on my lap during a gaming session, as it feels secure and unlikely to move around during play, however, its weight may be off-putting to some.
(Image credit: Future/Theo Litston)
Octopus Arcade Stick: Performance
Exceptionally responsive buttons and stick
Switching between platforms is a little fiddly yet forgivable
Fantastic for arcade games and retro titles as well including a well-implemented turbo function
When you’re in the heat of battle the last thing you want to worry about is an unresponsive controller, and the Octopus Arcade Stick uppercuts those concerns into oblivion. The sturdy metal case eliminates any flex you might experience with a plastic shell, with the buttons and stick feeling purposeful and reliable during heated online exchanges.
A far cry from ‘the claw’ I often use when playing the best fighting games with something like one of the best PC controllers, the Octopus’ size affords a comfortable space for players to rest their wrists during gameplay, with the ergonomic layout putting every button at my fingertips, ready to engage at a moment’s notice. I found using the Octopus left me feeling less fatigued following a long play session, no doubt thanks to not needing to unnaturally wrap my digits around a pad.
The joystick offers similarly high levels of responsiveness, with dashes, blocks, and circle movements all feeling immediate while delivering that satisfying clicky feedback one only gets with an arcade stick. Special moves quickly become second nature and the experience of inputting button and directional sequences truly captures that arcade machine feeling.
(Image credit: Future/Theo Litston)
The majority of my review time was spent online in Tekken 8 on PS5, however, I was pleasantly surprised to see how easy it was to move between the various platforms the Octopus Arcade Stick supports.
TR Fight Stick provided me with a range of cables, allowing me to connect to all manner of systems. Plugging the fight stick into each one for the first time does require a bit of dexterity though. The first step is to connect the cable to the console or PC, before holding either a single-button or a two-button combo while inserting the other end of the cable into the Octopus Arcade Stick. It’s not the most elegant of methods for connecting, but with so many platforms supported it feels like TR Fight Stick has achieved a relatively painless process.
Similarly, the VMU switching on Dreamcast is vastly improved from the prototype model I’ve tested previously. Flicking between memory cards on Dreamcast now requires you to hold a single, dedicated button labeled ‘VMU’ before flicking the joystick left or right, whereas the prototype required me to contort my fingers unnaturally and enter a sequence of prompts to achieve the same thing.
(Image credit: Future/Theo Litston)
All initialization fumbling is quickly forgotten however once you’ve booted up your game of choice. A handy rocker switch on the unit's far side allows you to quickly toggle the joystick function between left and right analog sticks or a d-pad input, making navigating menus a breeze. Whether playing on PlayStation, PC, Mega Drive, Dreamcast, or Switch, the button and stick inputs remained sharp and responsive, with no noticeable lag present at all.
As a big retro-head, I was keen to take the Octopus Arcade Stick out of its natural brawler habitat and throw some stone-cold classics its way. Far from a one-genre master, the Octopus delivered a fantastic gaming experience across puzzle games like Dr. Robotnik’s Mean Bean Machine on the Mega Drive and even excelled on the challenging platforming of Disney’s Aladdin. The Octopus’ performance in the latter even led to me reaching the penultimate level of the game in a single life, something I’ve never achieved on a control pad.
Should you buy the Octopus Arcade Stick?
Buy it if...
You’re serious about fighting games The premium parts and materials warrant the premium price tag. This a serious piece of kit for hardcore beat ‘em enthusiasts and even features a tournament lock switch to avoid accidental disqualification during competitions.
You play on a variety of platforms, both old and new Looking for a stick to play Super Smash Bros. Ultimate on the Switch, Mortal Kombat 1 on the PS5, Killer Instinct on PC, Soul Calibur on the Dreamcast, and Street Fighter 2 on the SNES? The Octopus supports over twenty gaming platforms.
You love customization With a range of OctoPlates available, a variety of button layout options, and the ability to swap out buttons and joysticks, you can make their fight stick a truly unique peripheral.
Don't buy it if...
You’re looking for a lightweight fight stick If you’re anticipating long play sessions or having to regularly move your fight stick around the house, then the Octopus’ 7.7lbs / 3.5kg weight and large form factor may make it a little too cumbersome.
You plan to play on Xbox Series consoles If you primarily play on Xbox Series X or S then you’ll need an alternative fight stick, as despite the Octopus’ long list of supported platforms, Microsoft’s latest consoles didn’t make the cut.
Also consider...
If you’re in the market for a premium fight stick but not completely sold on the Octopus then here are two other similar arcade sticks for your consideration. It’s worth highlighting however the list of compatible platforms on these alternatives is much smaller than the Octopus Arcade Stick, however, that may not be an issue if you’re only looking to play on modern PlayStation or PC hardware.
Victrix Pro FS
This is a great alternative because just like the Octopus Fight Stick, the Victrix Pro FS comes with Sanwa parts as standard. While it doesn’t feature customizable faceplates like the Octopus, it is available in a variety of stylish colorways across its stunning design.
Nacon Daija This is a great alternative because of its premium build quality and highly responsive inputs. Officially licenced from PlayStation, this stick was designed in collaboration with eSports legend Kayane and features profile support in addition to customisation options.
Tested for a week on PS1, PS2, PS3, PS4, PS5, PC, Mega Drive, Dreamcast, and Nintendo Switch
Tested with multiple beat ‘em ups, arcade and retro titles
Competed in online tournaments
As somebody who indulges in online battles of Tekken 8 daily, I replaced my PS5 DualSense Wireless Controller with the Octopus Arcade Stick for the duration of my week-long review period, clocking in roughly ten hours of ranked, online gameplay in Namco Bandai’s seminal beat ‘em up. I’ve also become accustomed to entering PS5 tournaments in Tekken 8 so again used the Octopus Fight Stick for my daily humbling with some of the best players on the platform.
I also explored Tekken’s history on PlayStation using the Octopus, connecting the unit to my PS1, PS2, PS3, and PS4. I also took this opportunity to play an hour or so of the wonderful Street Fighter 30th Anniversary Collection, fighting through various arcade modes and in the online lobbies.
Moving away from PlayStation, I took several of my favorite Mega Drive classics for a spin during my regular retro game day. In addition to the aforementioned Mean Bean Machine and Aladdin, I used the Octopus Arcade Stick to play through the first half of Sonic 2 and hopped my way through to Pizza Planet in Toy Story.
I tested Nintendo’s platforming pedigree next, firing up several classic titles from the Mario series on Switch before diving headlong into Super Smash Bros. Ultimate for some competitive local multiplayer with my partner and friends.
Those same friends kindly provided me with a Dreamcast and some games, including a copy of Soul Calibur, so I could put the Octopus’ VMU features through its paces.
Lastly, on the PC side of things, I enjoyed bouts of Killer Instinct and Multiversus, before throwing myself back into Cuphead and making generous use of the Octopus’ turbo functions.
For this review, I tested the US model with the NeverTouch Pro base. There may be minor differences between different countries' models.
The Shark PowerDetect 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum and Mop with NeverTouch Pro Base isn’t the first robot vacuum on the market that can mop and vacuum at the same time, but the fact that it’s outfitted with lots of smart technologies makes it stand out. In fact, it has wide range of detection capabilities, some of which are borrowed from today's best Shark vacuums, including the ability to detect what kind of floor it's on and how dirty it is, as well as being able to spot wet or dry spillages and stains, and automatically adjust its cleaning behavior to suit.
In my testing, I found the PowerDetect robot vacuum did a great job with different types of stains and debris of varying sizes, and the detection features worked as advertised. Expect the best clean when the vacuum and mop work together. Unfortunately, the suction wasn’t strong enough to completely pull up super-fine materials like flour from hard floor or a thick rug, and you'll almost certainly need to supplement it with a manual vacuum for occasional deep cleaning – but that's not unusual, even with the very best robot vacuums.
The mopping is effective, but left my wood floors wetter than I would have liked. Unfortunately, you cannot opt out of the automatic cleaning and instead manually choose vacuum or mopping settings, which is frustrating in situations like this.
One standout feature is this robovac's ability to roam over high thresholds; I've never seen a robovac that can lift itself as high as the PowerDetect can. It also has a novel approach to edge cleaning: when it gets near an edge, the robot blasts air to move debris into the cleaning path. Unfortunately, over-sensitive object avoidance means that it doesn't always get close enough to the edges of rooms to make this feature as effective as it could be. On the plus side, the companion app is easy to use and very accurate.
Shark launched its PowerDetect robot vacuum in summer/fall 2024. The combination robot vacuum-and-mop is available with a NeverTouch Pro base, which self-empties, cleans its own mop pads, and refills its own water tanks. That's the priciest option and the one I tested for this review, and I appreciated how it took care of so many maintenance tasks for me. However, if you're on a budget, you can opt for a model with a NeverTouch base (no 'Pro'). It's the exact same robot vacuum, but the dock doesn't self-clean and it doesn't have an anti-odor puck.
(Also in the PowerDetect range is an even cheaper robovac that doesn't have mopping capabilities at all, and various manual vacuums – head to TechRadar's Shark PowerDetect Cordless Stick Vacuum review to see how we got on with one of those.)
Read on for my full Shark PowerDetect Robot Vacuum and Mop review.
(Image credit: Future)
Shark PowerDetect Robot Vacuum and Mop review: price & availability
Price with NeverTouch Pro Base: $999.99 / £799
Price with NeverTouch Base: $899.99 / £699
Launch date: September 2024
Availability: US and UK
The Shark PowerDetect 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum and Mop launched in the US and UK in September 2024. It's available to buy direct from Shark, as well as via third party retailers like Amazon.
For this review, I tested the most expensive option: the PowerDetect robot vacuum and mop with NeverTouch Pro base. This has a list price of $999.99 / £799.
Alternatively, you can pick up the same robovac but with a slightly less advanced base (the NeverTouch base – no 'Pro'). This one doesn't self-clean its mop pads, and there's no anti-odor puck. This is currently available in the US for $899.99 and the UK (although, weirdly, not currently on the Shark UK website) for £699.
There's also a basic version, which still self-empties but doesn't mop. In the US this costs $599.99 (product code RV2820AE). It's also available in the UK for £499.99 (RV2820VEUK).
On my review model, an extra mop pad, odor neutralizer cartridge, and multi-surface cleaning solution were included. Further replacements are available direct from Shark.
At TechRadar, a robot vacuum that costs more than $800 / £650 is considered a premium model, so the 2-in-1 PowerDetect falls into that band. Generally, self-empty robovacs, and combination vac-mops do sit at the upper end of the market, although it is possible to pick them up for as little as $350.
Overall, this robot does a great job in a lot of areas, especially in terms of mapping and ease of use. Do I think the model I tested is worth $999? I’d say a fairer price might be $799, as I’ve tested other robot vacuums with more features, such as live camera, voice control and so on.
Even though it's very new, you might still be able to snag a discount. The Black Friday deals often deliver particularly good robot vacuum deals, and until then it's worth keeping an eye on TechRadar’s Shark coupon codes for other ways to shave a few dollars off.
Value for money score: 3.5 out of 5
Shark PowerDetect Robot Vacuum and Mop review: design
Circular robovac with vacuuming and mopping abilities
Base charges, self empties and (if Pro version chosen) self-cleans
Robot controlled via companion app
The Shark PowerDetect 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum and Mop with NeverTouch Pro Base is a black circular robot vacuum that’s 13 inches in diameter and has a cleaning path width of 5.69 inches. At 2.7 inches tall, it can fit under most cabinets.
My review model came with the NeverTouch Pro base, which is has a dark gray – almost black – in color. It stands 17.5 inches tall, 18.8 inches wide, and 14.33 inches deep. This dock charges the robovac, cleans its mop pads, empties its onboard dust cup and dirty water, and refills the onboard water tank. It also has an anti-odor puck to prevent bad smells building up.
The Pro base is pretty compact compared to other robovac-mops I've tested, but if you'd prefer something smaller, take a look at the regular NeverTouch base (RV2820YE). It lacks self-cleaning capabilities and doesn't have the anti-odor puck, and it looks a little different in that the water tank on the base is visible.
(Image credit: Future)
The robot itself has a side brush (an extra is included in the box) for gathering dirt and debris, as well as a half-circular mopping pad and a dust cup with a capacity of 0.33 quarts. It’s also outfitted with LED lights and has NeverStuck Technology which means the robot is designed to be able to lift itself over obstacles, thresholds, and thick carpets; I’ve never seen a robot vacuum lift itself as high as this one can.
When mopping, the robot also lifts the pad when moving over rugs. To assist with edge cleaning, the PowerDetect robovac blasts air to pushes debris from the edges of rooms and into its cleaning path. It can also extend the mopping pad up to an inch out from its sides for better edge mopping.
The base itself has a bin designed to last 60-days (no actual capacity is provided), while the water tank is capable of filling the robot with water for 30 days (again, no specifics from Shark). Thanks to felt and washable foam filters, as well as a HEPA filter, you can rest assured that the vacuum contains the dust and allergens it picks up.
The NeverTouch Pro base houses water tanks and a larger dust cup (Image credit: Future)
Setting up the robot was fairly easy. It doesn’t take more than connecting the ramp to the base, filling the tank with water, attaching the side brush to the bottom of the robot, inserting the odor cartridge on the top of the base, and leaving everything to charge. I downloaded the app and connected the robot vacuum to my Wi-Fi. It took a few tries but not so many that I was concerned or frustrated. This is pretty typical for me during the testing of products with Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity.
Although it's far from basic, this Shark robot vacuum lacks some features I'd expect in the premium price bracket – for example, voice control (it will emit voice commands to let you know when it needs to charge or if it gets caught on something, but you can't issue instructions back), the ability to move the robot vacuum with controls in the app, and live camera footage.
Design score: 4 out of 5
Shark PowerDetect Robot Vacuum and Mop review: performance
Great at object avoidance and climbing thresholds
Decent job at vacuuming and mopping
NeverTouch Pro base takes care of most maintenance
After connecting the Shark robot vacuum to the app, it mapped my house. I was very surprised by how quickly it mapped the house and how accurate the map was. I think it’s the most accurate initial map that I’ve seen from a robot vacuum, especially considering that the robot didn’t go to every room in my house. While I’ll go more into detail about the app in the following section, I found it really easy to control the Shark robot vacuum in the app.
To begin my testing, I set the Shark robot to vacuum and mop my entire house so I could get a good sense for how it would work on a regular basis. I noticed a few things during this process. For one, the robot does a great job of object avoidance. I never saw it hit a wall or any of my furniture. This was impressive. I think the only drawback to this aspect is that it may impact the edge cleaning.
The robovac didn't get quite as close to the edges of rooms as I'd like (Image credit: Future)
The robot seemed intent on not hitting a wall or an object, and because of that, it didn’t get as close as I would have liked it to get for superior edge cleaning. Yes, with EdgeDetect technology, the robot vacuum blasts air to move debris near the edges into the cleaning path. However, it needs to get closer to an edge to even effectively use such technology.
EdgeDetect is just one of a range of detection capabilities offered by this robovac. Another key one is 'DirtDetect', which essentially means the vacuum can sense how dirty a floor is and automatically adjust suction in response. However, on Shark's manual vacuums, you also have the option to manually set a suction level, whereas there's no manual control option here.
As someone who has a house with a lot of tall thresholds, I was curious to see how well the robot would be able to climb over them. It easily lifted itself over all my thresholds except for one, which I’ve never seen a robot able to do (it’s about two inches tall, so that's understandable).
(Image credit: Future)
The base took more time than I expected to fill the robovac's onboard water tanks. Since it’s a hands-free process, it’s not the biggest concern but something I wanted to note. I didn’t think I’d be impressed by the Shark’s robot’s mopping capabilities, because I am not a fan of the type of mop pad this robot uses. It’s a half circle pad that sticks to the bottom with Velcro. I prefer rotating circular pads as I think they clean better.
That said, I was pleasantly surprised with the Shark PowerDetect robovacs mopping abilities. This is due in part to the fact that the robot can move the mop pad from side to side offering enough friction to pull up dirt and stains from the ground. Thankfully, the robot lifted the mop pad significantly when it went over the rugs.
One of the biggest drawbacks of this robot vacuum is that it left behind too much water on my floors. Because I have historic wood floors, I have to be especially careful when it comes to mopping (water can damage wood floors). I was disappointed that I could not adjust the water level of this robot vacuum in the app.
The Shark PowerDetect Robot Vacuum and Mop leaves a lot of water on the floor (Image credit: Future)
Because the robovac is able to vacuum and mop simultaneously, it can clean your entire house in half the time it would normally take (for instance, if you had to vacuum first and the mop after). In most cases, it's actually better to instruct the robovac to mop and vacuum at the same time, because vacuuming doesn't always completely remove fine dust, and the mop can deal with any remnants.
Cleaning tests
To accurately gauge the Shark's cleaning prowess I ran some standardized tests. I placed a ground coffee and flour mix on my laminate floor and the same mixture on a rug and used the spot cleaning feature of the robot to send it to both spots to see how well it vacuumed the area. I like that there is a spot cleaning option, but unfortunately, you can’t adjust the size of the spot in the app.
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The Shark PowerDetect Robot Vacuum and Mop about to clean up flour and coffee on a hard floor (Image credit: Future)
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Results of the Shark PowerDetect Robot Vacuum and Mop cleaning a hard floor (Image credit: Future)
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The Shark PowerDetect Robot Vacuum and Mop cleaning up flour and coffee (Image credit: Future)
On the laminate flooring, the robot had a sound rating of 69dB. It picked up the coffee with ease. When it came to the flour, it did a pretty good job, though it wasn’t completely perfect. Rather, it left behind a small dusting of flour, which leads me to say that, if you drop fine materials on hard flooring, such as flour, you should probably use the vacuum and the mop function in conjunction to clean it completely.
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The Shark PowerDetect Robot Vacuum and Mop about to clean flour and coffee on a rug (Image credit: Future)
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The Shark PowerDetect Robot Vacuum and Mop cleaning up flour and coffee (Image credit: Future)
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Results of the Shark PowerDetect Robot Vacuum and Mop cleaning a rug (Image credit: Future)
When I sent the robot to the rug, the noise level increased to 70dB. It actually did a better job of vacuuming the rug than I thought it would. Like on hard floor, the robot picked up all of the coffee, but it left a round patch of flour. The brush also flung some of the flour out of the spot-cleaning zone, and thus it was not vacuumed.
Next, I tested the mopping capability by placing a puddle of water and some dried syrup on the floor. With a sound rating of 69dB, the robot picked up the liquids easily. I couldn’t tell if the robot pushed the water around as it leaves a good amount of water behind anyway, but it seemed to clean the syrup well. After the floor dried, I noticed a very slight (and I mean very slight) stickiness to the floor, and just to be safe, I had the robot mop the spot once again.
This Shark robot takes about 3.5 hours to fully charge and then runs for about 2 hours and 20 minutes before it needs to recharge again. If it runs low on power in the middle of a cleaning job, it just recharges enough to finish cleaning your house. The robot isn’t able to clean my 1,600-square-foot home completely on a single charge. This is not really a concern for me since the robot vacuum takes itself to the base, recharges, and then finishes the cleaning job when it’s ready. I don’t have to do anything but sit back and let it clean on its own time.
The robovac is shallow enough to be able to clean underneath furniture (Image credit: Future)
My favorite aspect of this Shark vacuum is the hands-free cleaning. The NeverTouch Pro base lived up to its name. It not only pulls the dirt and debris from the vacuum and stores it in a sealed 60-day capacity bin, but it washes and dries the mopping pad after every clean. I should also add that the water tank holds 30 days’ worth of water, which is impressive considering how small the base appears from the outside.
Maintenance
As for other elements of maintenance, the vacuum and base need to be cleaned about every 30 days. You’ll have to use a dry dust rag to clean the sensors and charging contacts on the robot and in the base. The base can be cleaned with a wet rag and then dried with a cloth. The brushroll and side brush need to be cleared of hair, string, or debris. The mop pad should be washed and/or replaced every three months. The base’s dustbin should be emptied once a month.
The filter in the robot and the filter at the top of the base should be cleaned once a month, by shaking them free of dust and debris over a trashcan and then rinsing the foam filters with cold water and allowing them to air dry for 48 hours. On the bottom side of the base there is another filter, the post-motor filter, that can be cleaned every 6 months. You’ll also want to clean the water container with soap and water before refilling it.
Performance score: 4 out of 5
Shark PowerDetect Robot Vacuum and Mop review: app
Easy-to-use app with great mapping and instructional tips
Whole house clean, room clean, or spot clean options
App contains schedule and cleaning history
I love a simple and easy-to-use app, and the Shark app is just that. The map that was created of my house is quite accurate. Take note that it’s only 2D; there are no 3D mapping options. The map shows the different rooms in my house and even has some shadow areas that indicate furniture or things like a bathtub.
I can easily adjust the map – which I did by merging two rooms together that the robot separated and then splitting two rooms that the robot determined as one. I can also label my rooms and create no-go zones. Unfortunately, you can’t customize a no-go zone. For instance, I would like to create a no-go mopping zone for a specific area of my house, but the app doesn’t allow that.
The app is where you can see the battery life and instruct the robot to return to the dock, pause, or set it to vacuum, mop, or vacuum and mop at the same time. I can choose to have the Shark robot clean the entire house, one room, or to spot clean in a certain area. Unfortunately, with the spot clean feature, I can’t adjust the spot cleaning box to be smaller or larger. It seems to be a set size that I have to move on the map to the area I want cleaned.
Not only can I schedule the robot to clean and look at the cleaning history, but there is a support section that answers all of my questions related to the use and care of the robot vacuum. I also like the little notifications found on the main page as they can be helpful in knowing if there was an issue while cleaning or if the robot used some particular function to improve the cleaning experience.
This app would benefit with a few additions, such as the ability to adjust the water flow and vacuum suction power. As it is, the vacuum adjusts the suction and mopping functions based on its ability to detect dirt on the ground. While this is impressive, it would be nice to have some more control in some situations.
App score: 4 out of 5
Shark PowerDetect Robot Vacuum and Mop specs
Should you buy the Shark PowerDetect Robot Vacuum and Mop?
Buy it if…
You like to keep your house clean between deep cleanings
This robot vacuum is the ideal partner in keeping your house clean on a daily basis, whether it’s picking up dirt brought in from the kids or sucking up a spill in the kitchen. You may need other tools for a deeper clean, but it can handle the daily dirt and wear in a home.
You prefer a hands-free vacuum and mopping experience
This robot’s charging station pulls the dirt and debris from the vacuum, inserts the water into the vacuum, and even cleans the mop pad. You’ll do very little maintenance and cleaning of this vacuum.
You want a robot that won’t bump into your furniture
Some robot vacuums knock things down, run into walls, or get stuck on furniture. This Shark does a great job avoiding obstacles and preventing any mishaps as it cleans.
Don't buy it if…
Your home has a lot of carpets
While this Shark robot does a decent job with large rugs, it’s not the best choice for someone with a lot of carpets, as it doesn’t have the suction capability to clean deep pile carpets.
You have historic hardwood floors
As someone who has historic hardwood floors, I was cautious in using this robot on them as it tends to leave behind far more water than I would like.
You like a lot of customization options in an app
Unfortunately, there aren’t as many customizable features in the app as you might expect. For instance, you can’t adjust the spot cleaning size or create no-go zones in your house for vacuuming or mopping specifically. Water flow and suction power can’t be adjusted either.
How I tested the Shark PowerDetect Robot Vacuum and Mop
I tested the Shark PowerDetect 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum and Mop with NeverTouch Pro Base for over a week in my historic home. My house is outfitted with laminate and historic wood flooring, and some large thick rugs. To adequately rate and review the vacuuming and mopping capabilities of this robot, I ran the robot vacuum throughout my home and used various features like spot cleaning. I also conducted controlled tests where I had the robot vacuum flour and coffee from hard floors and rugs, as well as mop flour, water, and sticky materials from the laminate floor.
The UGreen Nexode Mini 30W is a brilliantly compact USB-C charging plug ideal for those looking for a fast phone charger.
The plug comes in two different color variants: Silver Grey (more of a dark gray color) and Blue (which has a white tint to it). Both look and feel decent quality-wise, but perhaps the best aspect of their design is their size and shape.
That’s because the UGreen Nexode Mini 30W is only 2 x 1.8 x 1.5 inches / 50 x 46 x 39 mm, making it considerably smaller than the plug you used to get with a new Samsung phone, for example. For those looking for a charger that’s super easy to carry around in a pocket, this is an excellent option – it’s also pretty lightweight, meaning it scores very well on overall portability.
The only real limitation of the UGreen Nexode Mini 30W’s design is that you’re only getting a single USB-C port. So, if you’re hoping to charge multiple devices from a single port, this won’t serve you too well. There are a number of UGreen chargers, such as the UGreen USB-C 40W, that counteract this, so check your options.
How fast is the UGreen Nexode Mini 30W at charging? Pretty fast! Thanks to its 30W power output, Android phones with Super-Fast Charging – including my personal phone, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 – can fill up very quickly. It took my phone just under 80 minutes to fully recharge when using the Nexode Mini 30W – the sort of speed I'd expect from the best Android phone chargers. If your device can handle faster charging, you’re guaranteed a very swift charge with this plug.
Although the UGreen Nexode Mini 30W is limited to one port, it’s able to charge your devices very quickly and it’s super compact, making it an excellent option if all you need is a new phone charger – especially given its very reasonable price of just $16.99 / £17.99.
(Image credit: Future)
UGreen Nexode Mini 30W review: Price & specs
(Image credit: Future)
Should I buy the UGreen Nexode Mini 30W?
Buy it if…
You’re looking for a compact charger The UGreen Nexode Mini 30W is considerably smaller than the charging plugs you used to get with a Samsung or Apple phone. If want a charger that will fit in your pocket, the Nexode Mini 30W is a strong option.
You only want to charge your phone If you’re only really looking to charge your phone, you can’t go wrong with the Nexode Mini 30W. It only has one port – a USB-C variant – so make sure you have a USB-C to USB-C cable if you want to charge your iPhone, Android, or other devices.
Don't buy it if…
You need to charge multiple devices (or one big device) So yeah, if you want to charge a tablet or laptop as well as your phone, look elsewhere. UGreen offers a number of chargers primed for juicing up multiple devices, such as the UGreen USB-C 40W, which has two USB-C ports.
You don’t want to buy a new USB-C cable If you have an older iPhone and a USB-A cable, this won’t be the cheapest option available to you. If you’re looking to save the most money possible and don’t fancy buying a new cable, look for an alternative.
UGreen Nexode Mini 30W: Also consider
Anker Nano USB-C Wall Charger (30W) If you want a stylish, small, equally speedy alternative, the Anker Nano USB-C Wall Charger (30W) is the perfect candidate. This charger has an attractive, textured exterior, beautiful color options and foldable prongs. It's only slightly more expensive than the UGreen Nexode Mini 30W, at $18.99 / £19.99 (about AU$30).View Deal
Asus TUF Gaming A16 Advantage Edition: Two-minute review
(Image credit: Future / Jeremy Laird)
Asus has gone with all-AMD hardware build for its new Asus TUF Gaming A16 Advantage Edition (FA617XS) gaming laptop. As an Asus TUF model, that probably makes sense. After all, TUF is Asus's more accessible gaming brand.
Despite that, the specs and hardware look good. You get AMD's excellent Phoenix APU with eight Zen 4 CPU cores, plus AMD's latest entry-level mobile GPU, the AMD Radeon RX 7600S.
Screen-wise, it's an expansive 16-inch IPS panel with 240Hz refresh and 2,560 by 1,600 pixels. It's a really punchy, crisp, and responsive display and definitely one of the highlights of this Asus lappie. Along with those headline features, there's 16GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD.
As for build quality, the base unit is all plastic but very sturdy with the exception of a whiff of flex just above the keyboard bed. Meanwhile the screen lid is alloy and lush to the touch. All told, it feels exactly like what it is, the slightly more affordable option from a premium brand.
The same goes for performance. For the most part, it's about on par with an RTX 4060 laptop in games. The proviso, of course, is that applies to conventional raster games. Enable ray tracing and the Nvidia GPU will have quite the edge. Nvidia graphics also offers superior scaling and frame generation technology.
It's worth noting that AMD's Smart Access Graphics tech which switches between the integrated and dedicated graphics can be slightly flakey. Still, the APU makes for fantastic battery life for web browsing and movies of well over 10 hours.
So, this is a pretty nice machine overall. But the more highly you value the gaming experience, the harder it is to ignore the obvious-for-a-reason Nvidia RTX 4060 options among our best gaming laptop options.
Asus TUF Gaming A16 Advantage Edition: Price and availability
(Image credit: Future)
How much does it cost? £949.99
When is it available? Available now
Where can you get it? Available in the UK (other configurations available in the US and Australia)
The Asus TUF A16 FA617XS is currently only being offered in the UK for just under £950, but you can find some of the other configurations in the US and Australia for around the $1,000 range (closer to $2,000 AUD).
It's not a bad price for the overall specifications, build and performance. The only problem is that you can get similar laptops with Nvidia RTX 4060 graphics for only slightly more money, such as the Acer Predator Helios 16 and HP Victus 16. That's probably where we'd spend our cash.
Value: 4 / 5
Asus TUF Gaming A16 Advantage Edition: Specs
The Asus TUF Gaming A16 Advantage Edition FA617XS comes in just one configuration (though the TUF A16 Gaming Advantage line has four configurations to choose from).
Asus TUF Gaming A16 Advantage Edition: Design
(Image credit: Future / Jeremy Laird)
Solid build
Decent materials
Slim bezels
Asus has gone with its signature TUF design language, which means fairly gamery without being overtly adolescent. The Asus TUF A16 FA617XS's screen lid is made from lush alloy, which is a nice touch, while the rest of the system is hewn from sturdy plastic, including a particularly tough textured bottom cover.
The keyboard is smooth and tactile with a nice solid bed. The only exception is a whiff of flex in the top cover, just above the keyboard. The trackpad is nice and big, too, with a super-slick surface - it's nice to use. Incidentally, the keyboard is limited to white backlighting. There's no programmable RGB, but that's reasonable at this price point.
(Image credit: Future / Jeremy Laird)
Asus has designed slim bezels for a 90% screen-to-body ratio. That's handy on a 16-inch laptop when it comes to maintaining portability. This isn't an excessively big or heavy system by gaming laptop standards.
Less successful is the port placement. The mix of USB4, USB-C and USB sockets, plus HDMI and LAN is fine. But they're all on the side of the chassis along with the barrel connector for the main power supply, which is located slap bang in the middle of the left side. Some ports of the rear of the chassis would be far preferable, albeit the TUF's screen hinge design precludes that.
Design: 3.5 / 5
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(Image credit: Future / Jeremy Laird)
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(Image credit: Future / Jeremy Laird)
Asus TUF Gaming A16 Advantage Edition: Performance
(Image credit: Future / Jeremy Laird)
Decent all-round performance
Great screen
An RTX 4060 would still be preferable
Let's deal with the obvious question right away. How does the AMD Radeon RX 7600S GPU stack up? It's basically a slightly cut down version of the desktop 7600 and it typically performs just below an Nvidia RTX 4060 mobile GPU in most games, though on occasion it can be a bit quicker.
The catch is that if you enable ray tracing in any game, such as Cyberpunk 2077 as an obvious example, the frame rates really do go south and much more so than with an RTX 4060.
Asus TUF Gaming A16 Advantage Edition: Benchmarks
Here's how the Asus TUF A16 FA617XS performed in our suite of benchmark tests:
3DMark: Night Raid: 56,533; Fire Strike: 22,648; Time Spy: 9,354; GeekBench 6: 2686 (single-core); 12281 (multi-core) Total War: Warhammer III (1080p, Ultra): 64 fps; (1080p, Low): 144 fps Cyberpunk 2077 (1080p, Ultra): 53 fps; (1080p, Ultra RT): 11; (1080p, Low): 78 fps Dirt 5 (1080p, Ultra): 75 fps; (1080p, Low): 150 fps TechRadar Movie Battery Life: 11h:03m
The Nvidia GPU also offers superior resolution scaling, plus better frame generation. So, for gaming, it's clear enough that a laptop with the RTX 4060 would be preferable. That said, the Asus TUF A16 FA617XS will handle pretty much any game at 1080p max settings (bar ray tracing) at a reasonable lick. For demanding titles, you're looking at about 60fps.
Of course, this laptop has a lovely 2,560 by 1,600 screen, and at that resolution you'll see the frame rates drop into the high 30s. You can, of course, use AMD's FSR scaling to improve that at a slight cost in terms of image quality. Arguably, that high-res screen is a bit more than the AMD GPU truly cope with. But it is a really gorgeous thing, super sharp thanks to all those pixels, fast in terms of both response and refresh, accurate and pretty bright. It's a clear cut above you're average budget gaming laptop screen, that's for sure.
Elsewhere, the AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS is all the CPU you're ever going to need, with eight powerful AMD Zen 4 cores and plenty of clockspeed with up to 5.2GHz boost speed. There's a quick 1TB SSD, too (though with SSD prices now so low, a 2TB drive would be nice), and 16GB of fast DDR5 RAM. Gaming aside, this thing has all the performance you could reasonably ask for.
Performance: 3.5 / 5
Asus TUF Gaming A16 Advantage Edition: Battery life
(Image credit: Future / Jeremy Laird)
Super-efficient AMD APU
Excellent battery life for a gaming laptop
Battery life obviously isn't normally a strong point for most gaming laptops. But this is where the Asus TUF Gaming A16 Advantage Edition (FA617XS)'s all-AMD technology really pays off. Thanks to the AMD APU's integrated graphics and Smart Access Graphics GPU-switching tech, which allows the TUF to automatically swap between the integrated GPU and the dedicated Radeon RX 7600S chip, this laptop is capable of well over 10 hours of light use and media consumption away from the mains. That's very impressive.
Battery life: 4.5 / 5
Should I buy the Asus TUF Gaming A16 Advantage Edition?
Buy it if...
You want decent battery life
This Asus's all-AMD hardware makes for great battery life of well over 10 hours, much better than your average gaming laptop.
You appreciate a decent screen
There's no OLED panel, no mini-LED backlight, just a really nice 1600p IPS panel running at 240Hz for a rather lovely gaming experience.
Don't buy it if...
You want the best gaming features
Laptops with Nvidia's RTX 4060 GPU have better overall features, including superior upscaling and better ray-tracing performance.
You want future-proof performance
The AMD Radeon RX 7600S GPU has reasonable performance today, but there's not much spare for future more demanding games.
Also consider
If our Asus TUF A16 FA617XS review has you thinking about other options, here are two laptops to consider...
Acer Predator Helios Neo 16
Acer's afforable 'Neo' gaming laptops are a good match for Asus's TUF models, with sensible pricing and good performance. This laptop also offers a nice display and good thermal performance - just be prepared for the fans to get noisy when you're gaming on it.
The new HP Omen 16 is a great choice for people looking to game on a budget. The slight snag is that it suffers from a variety of hardware and software quirks that may rub some people the wrong way.
How I tested the Asus TUF Gaming A16 Advantage Edition
I gave the Asus TUF Gaming A16 Advantage Edition (FA617XS) a solid workout for a full week of gaming and general computing. It took over all duties from basic web browsing to loading up my full Steam library and watching movies.
Games-wise, I ran all my favorites from Counter-Strike 2 to Cyberpunk 2077. It was interesting to get a feel for how this AMD GPU compares to the familiar RTX 4060 from Nvidia. Mostly, it's good news, but in the end, all those extra Nvidia features are hard to argue against.
Testing battery life was interesting, too. With most gaming laptops, you can almost see the remaining charge indicator shrink in real time. But this thing just kept on trucking. Seeing it show well over 90% after the first hour of movie playback was a revelation. Clearly, this laptop lasts longer than the vast majority of gaming portables.
The JMGO N1S Pro 4K ($1,999) is a portable projector that uses a triple laser DLP light engine and is rated for 2,400 ANSI lumens brightness. It has Google TV built-in for streaming, allowing for easy access to apps including Netflix, Disney Plus, and Prime Video. It’s pricier than some of the other best portable projectors, such as the LG CineBeam Q and BenQ X300G, but offers a good mix of performance and features.
The JMGO N1S Pro 4K’s effective auto keystone and focus features, plus 135 degree vertical and 360 degree horizontal adjustments, make it easy to set up anywhere. Its looks may be fairly standard, but it’s hard to argue against its versatility.
Picture quality on the N1S Pro 4K is pretty solid. Colors look vibrant and natural. Contrast is rich, albeit better in bright scenes, and details and textures are refined. But it’s the N1S Pro 4K’s built-in sound that pleasantly surprises, with punchy bass, clear dialogue, and good directional sound. The sound quality is perfect for casual viewing, and an HDMI eARC port also gives you the option to add one of the best soundbars.
While the N1S Pro 4K isn’t going to topple the best 4K projectors on the market, it’s still a very good projector that can cover many bases, from movies to games and more.
The JMGO N1S Pro 4K delivered strong picture quality across the board (Image credit: Future)
JMGO N1S Pro 4K: Prices & release date
Release date: 2024
Price: $1,999
The JMGO N1S Pro 4K is the mid-range model in JMGO’s N1S range, sitting above the JMGO N1S and below the JMGO N1S Ultimate 4K. It’s available in the US for $1,999, a similar price to other portable projectors such as the BenQ X300G ($1,799), but higher than the Anker Nebula Cosmos 4K SE and LG CineBeam Q, both priced at $1,299.
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(Image credit: Future)
The JMGO N1S Pro 4K has Google TV built-in
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(Image credit: Future)
JMGO N1S Pro 4K has two HDMI ports, including one with eARC
JMGO N1S Pro 4K: Design & features
Plain, but solid and sturdy design
Triple laser DLP light engine
Google TV
The JMGO N1S Pro 4K is a robust, solidly built portable with a hinged design that lets you aim it towards an adjacent wall or the ceiling. Its plain, matte gray appearance doesn’t have the same flair as other portable projectors such as the LG CineBeam Q, and measuring in at 8 x 9.3 x 9.5 inches (H x W x D), it isn’t as portable. But it’s still easy enough to tote around, with a styrofoam carry case provided. There is no battery power option for the N1S Pro 4K, which needs to be plugged in.
The JMGO N1S Pro 4K uses a triple laser DLP light engine and has a brightness rating of 2,400 ANSI Lumens. It fits screens ranging from 85-180 inches and has auto focus and auto keystone correction, which I found to be fairly effective. Moving the JMGO back and forth, it was able to easily correct itself on the 80-inch screen I used during testing. Manual keystone correction is also available.
The N1S Pro uses Google TV as its smart platform, providing access to Netflix, Prime Video, Disney Plus and more streaming apps. There are two HDMI ports, including one with eARC to connect a soundbar, a USB-A port and a 3.5mm headphone output. Bluetooth and Chromecast are also supported for wireless streaming from a phone or tablet.
Support is provided for the HDR10 high dynamic range format, but not Dolby Vision like the Anker Nebula Cosmos 4K. Standard Dolby and DTS soundtracks can be played through its 20W speakers, but Dolby Atmos and DTS:X are not supported.
Design & features score: 4/5
The JMGO N1S Pro 4K's picture is at its best with bright and colorful images (Image credit: Future)
JMGO N1S Pro 4K: Picture & sound quality
Natural looking color
Middling black levels and contrast
Solid built-in audio
For testing, I used an Optoma 80-inch, 1.0 gain matte white projection screen. Before doing any critical viewing, I made brightness measurements using a 10% HDR white window pattern. The N1S Pro 4K yielded 178 and 161 nits in Standard and Movie mode, respectively, with brightness set to maximum. This is a very good result that puts it above the likes of ultra short throw projectors such as the BenQ v5000i, which achieved 125 nits in Bright mode, and also above the LG CineBeam Q, which measured 60 nits in Filmmaker Mode.
Measuring the N1S Pro 4K’s UHDA-P3 and BT.2020 color gamut coverage in Movie mode, it achieved results of 99.1% and 97.4%, respectively. The latter falls short of the 110% claimed by JMGO, but is still an excellent result that beats the likes of the more premium Samsung Premiere 9 ultra short throw projector.
I next watched some reference 4K Blu-rays and streaming clips that I regularly use to analyze the best TVs. The N1S Pro 4K displayed natural, yet dynamic color throughout my testing. In the throne room fight from Star Wars: The Last Jedi, a scene filled with strong reds, the N1S Pro 4K did a great job displaying the vibrant color and also delivered a surprising level of punch in HDR highlights. Watching the opening scene of La La Land, the colors on show all looked bold without being oversaturated, and Mia’s yellow dress in the ‘A Lovely Night’ scene looked vivid against the dark blue and black background.
Details were accurate and refined with the N1S Pro 4K, primarily in brighter scenes. Textures had a more lifelike quality than I anticipated, with close-up shots of pilots in Top Gun: Maverick revealing facial hair and skin pores.
Darker scenes sometimes suffered from black crush with the The JMGO N1S Pro 4K (Image credit: Future)
Black levels and contrast were a mixed bag. Viewing The Batman, a visually challenging movie with limited brightness and a gloomy overall look, the N1S Pro 4K displayed good shadow detail and contrast in the few ‘well-lit’ scenes such as an aerial shot of Gotham. The balance between light and dark tones was also fairly accurate in the movie’s opening crime scene.
However, blacks looked more of a dark gray in The Batman’s more dimly lit sequences, even when viewed in a darkened room. Despite solid contrast, black crush in the opening crime scene resulted in a loss of detail, with darker shadows taking on a flat appearance.
The N1S Pro 4K also struggled with motion. Sports benefitted from the projector’s MEMC setting being turned on, but there was still some blur present. Movies looked better, but I did see some judder in the long panning shots in Top Gun: Maverick.
The projector’s built-in speakers were a pleasant surprise, delivering punchy bass and clear dialogue regardless of what I watched. In The Batman, the rumbling of car engines in the Batmobile chase scene sounded weighty and some surround effects such as crashes and tires could also be heard. Even in La La Land, musical numbers sounded well-balanced. The soundstage was unsurprisingly limited, but overall the N1S Pro 4K’s speakers were good for a portable projector.
Gaming is limited to 4K 60Hz on the JMGO, which has a measured input lag time of 35ms. While that’s significantly higher than other projectors such as the BenQ v5000i, which gave a result of 18ms, gaming was still an enjoyable experience, with Battlefield V on Xbox Series feeling smooth when I scanned the environment.
Picture and sound quality score: 4/5
(Image credit: Future)
JMGO N1S Pro 4K: Value
Good features and performance
Built-in Google TV
Pricey
Priced at $1,999, the N1S Pro 4K sits at the premium end of the portable projector market. It costs $500 less than its more premium sibling, the JMGO N1S Ultra 4K, but over $700 more than both the BenQ X300G and LG CineBeam Q. It’s undoubtedly a pricey portable.
For the money, however, you’re getting a versatile, smart 4K projector. Google TV allows for easy streaming and the auto keystone and focus settings make setup a breeze. When you combine that with its impressive overall performance, the JMGO N1S Pro 4K comes across as fairly priced.
Value score: 4/5
The JMGO N1S Pro 4K comes in a styrofoam carry case. Although portable, it is on the weightier side (Image credit: Future)
Should I buy the JMGO N1S Pro 4K?
Buy it if...
You want a great picture The N1S Pro 4K's picture has bold color and rich detail, especially with HDR sources. View Deal
You want solid built-in sound The N1S Pro 4K's speakers won't beat a soundbar, but they provide enough clarity and bass heft to please casual viewers. View Deal
You want versatility The N1S Pro 4K can be set up in a range of positions that make it good for not only watching movies but other uses as well.View Deal
Don't buy it if...
You want the best possible picture The N1S Pro 4K's black levels and contrast can be inconsistent and sometimes result in detail loss.View Deal
You're on a budget The N1S Pro 4K offers a lot for the money, but there's no getting around its high price tag. View Deal
You watch a lot of sports Motion can be a challenge for the N1S Pro 4K, with some judder and blur still present even after tweaking motion settings. View Deal
Also consider
BenQ X300G The BenQ X300G is a better 4K projector for gaming than the N1S Pro 4K and delivers similar brightness and solid picture quality, though the N1S Pro 4K has better built-in sound. They cost roughly the same, but the X300G takes the win by being priced at $200 less.
LG CineBeam Q 4K Projector The CineBeam Q offers better style, portability and value than the N1S Pro 4K, but doesn't have the same brightness or screen size options.
Anker Nebula Cosmos 4K projector The closest rival to the N1S Pro 4K, the Nebula Cosmos 4K offers similar smart features, brightness and performance. However, the Nebula Cosmos demonstrated some odd processing quirks, especially with HDR pictures, when we tested it. It is cheaper than the N1S Pro 4K if you're looking to save money.
Portrait Displays' Calman color calibration software used for measurements
I tested the JMGO N1S Pro 4K using an Optoma 80-inch, 1.0 gain matte white screen. I first did casual viewing to establish its most accurate picture mode – in this case Movie mode – before moving on to critical testing.
I used both standard-definition and high-definition content, as well as 4K streaming and Blu-rays to test the N1S Pro 4K's picture quality, focusing on brightness, color, black levels, contrast, motion, upscaling and detail. For 4K Blu-rays, I used the Panasonic DP-UB820 4K Blu-ray player.
I also tested the N1S Pro 4K's gaming capabilities using an Xbox Series X.
For objective testing I made measurements using a test pattern generator and colorimeter, recording the results with Portrait Displays' Calman color calibration software. I also measured the N1S Pro 4K's input lag using a Leo Bodnar 4K HDMI input lag tester.
