Most of the backup software we review are paid products – at best, they offer a free version with fewer features – but that’s not the case with UrBackup.
UrBackup is free backup software, open-source and with a client/server backup system, that works in the background while your PC is motoring through other tasks, so you won’t even notice it.
It has a very minimal footprint on your PC because much of the management is handled by a web interface, and it works on a host of alternative platforms too.
Urbackup is open source, meaning that it’s functionally free as long as you adhere to its terms and conditions in both personal and commercial settings, so it could be a viable option if you want basic small business backup without having to pay.
It’s not just for Windows, either. The client application works on MacOS and a variety of Linux systems, and on the server side, it supports Windows, Debian, Ubuntu, RedHat, several other Linux versions and systems like FreeNAS, QNAP NAS and other NAS systems.
(Image credit: Urbackup)
Features
UrBackup uses image and file backups to deliver fast, unintrusive, complete file preservation in the background while your system runs. It also keeps a continuous watch on folders and systems to ensure faster incremental backups, so you don’t have to make a fresh start each time you want to preserve files or folders.
File backup, management, and restoration are possible through the web interface, and backups can be configured, started, restored and logged using the small client installed on your home system.
Because this app largely uses a web interface, it’s mostly designed for web and NAS-based backups rather than local backups.
Restoration is also possible if you download a version of UrBackup that can be used to create a bootable USB stick – handy if you need to restore a system that has encountered technical difficulties and so won’t boot.
Backups can be made to the standard Microsoft VHD format or as a file-by-file replication, and the same files on different computers are only saved once – a handy move to preserve space.
The app’s logging and reporting options are extensive, and you can send backups anywhere, from local destinations and external hard disks to network and NAS-connected locations.
It’s certainly ideal if you want a simple and lightweight app to send backups to network and NAS locations, and UrBackup’s open-source status is a boon for people on a budget or those who want to use Linux distributions.
Delve into the options in the web interface and plenty of customisation is available. You can restrict the maximum number of backups and how much bandwidth is used, tweak permissions, back up mail servers, view extensive logs and monitor the status of your various backup locations.
This free app is missing many features compared to commercial backup apps, though. You’ll find more encryption and scheduling options elsewhere and a more comprehensive range of cloud options on many other tools. Many other backup apps also have additional modules for verifying backups, cleaning up and wiping files and other sundry computing tasks.
(Image credit: Urbackup)
Interface and use
UrBackup is a free and focused app with a narrow remit, which is fine if you just need core backup functionality without an intrusive app.
It’s pretty quick to get started, too. Download the Server app, configure the network location where your backup will be stored, specify what you want to back up and let the app work.
Anyone who uses this tool, though, does need to have plenty of computing experience to get the most out of it. The tiny downloadable client is easily navigable for experienced users, but it makes nothing easy for beginners and is quite basic.
The web interface is similarly complicated, but it is packed with options – dozens, if not hundreds, that allow you to tweak virtually every aspect of your backup regime.
As before, though, you’ll need to be a pretty experienced PC or Linux user to get the most out of this app, even if there’s loads of potential here for creating unintrusive and personalised backup schedules and regimes.
UrBackup is certainly not the only app out there with this level of customization, and if you opt for systems from Macrium or EaseUS, or enterprise systems from Veeam or Acronis, you’ll find those options crammed into a far more accessible and understandable interface.
And because UrBackup is primarily an online tool, its performance will largely depend on your internet connection.
It took just over ten minutes to preserve our document and Excel folders and nearly twenty to handle our media and mixed file folders. Those are results that put it into the mid-table in our latest selection of backup tools, which is undoubtedly a decent result for a free piece of software.
Support
(Image credit: UrBackup)
You won’t get the support system here that you will with commercial apps that have dedicated teams.
The best option for support with UrBackup is to head to the forums – UrBackup has an active and helpful community that can help with most issues. It’s also worth checking out the developer blog to see if extra features or fixes are coming in future updates to the app.
Elsewhere, there’s an issue tracker, FAQ, online manuals, and server support, but that’s all.
Competition
Any of the big commercial options will outmatch UrBackup in te, so we’d advise you to look to faster tools from big names like Acronis Cyber Protect, EaseUS Todo Backup, and Macrium if you need any level of backup.
If you want a free product, then Uranium, FBackup, Hasleo and Cobian tools do the job without asking you to spend a penny. And if you don’t like those, even more free versions are available elsewhere.
Be aware, though, that many of those free versions – while more accessible and competent – include adverts that try to upsell you to paid products. You won’t find that in UrBackup.
Verdict
This free, open-source app is a very niche and particular bit of software – an ideal backup option for anyone experienced with networks, interfaces and navigating tricky apps or anyone who wants to support open-source software or backup on Linux.
Beyond that, though, it’s tricky to recommend this tool unless you really know what you’re doing and have security measures incorporated into your systems elsewhere. Other apps are easier to use, faster, or have more support options. There’s also no encryption built-in to UrBackup, which is a huge risk to any home or business user.
UrBackup is an admirably open-source option that will sate some people who want a low-key, low-resource “send and forget” backup tool, but it’s hard to recommend for most people beyond those technically-minded few who will be comfortable with this kind of software.
Uranium Backup is a broad and effective backup software solution for small businesses, and it combines well with another product called Supremo Console to offer backup and management for larger enterprises – and there’s even a free version, too.
On paper, then, Uranium Backup tries to be all things to all people – even to those who don’t want to pay for their backup products. But can it compete with similarly versatile rivals, like EaseUS Todo Backup or Acronis Cyber Protect?
The first Uranium tier after the free version is the Base product, which adds features like drive image and FTP support alongside backup synchronization.
Nanosystems, the company behind Uranium, is based in Italy and only offers pricing in Euros, so we’ve converted here.
The Base version of Uranium costs €80, which converts to $90, and that’s for a lifetime licence – the same price as EaseUS ToDo Backup Home.
(Image credit: Nanosystems)
The Pro version is available in a few variations depending on what you need: there are specific options for tape backup, SQL and Exchange support and Shadow Copy (VSS) support. It’s €150 or $168 for a lifetime licence.
The Pro Virtual edition costs €229 or $256 and adds all of the aforementioned features alongside Hyper-V and VMWare support.
If you need all that functionality alongside the ability to manage and monitor endpoints from a single interface, there’s a Professional product that costs €216 or $241 – and that one is also available on a subscription for €18 or $20 per month.
At the top of the tree is Uranium Backup Gold, which includes every possible feature for €290 or $324. If you want more management options for backup across a business, then Supremo Console is a web management interface that’s available on a monthly subscription with pricing that varies based on how many devices you need to monitor.
There’s lots going on with the different options, but the pricing is reasonable. At the lower end, Uranium’s costs tally well with rival products from companies like EaseUS, and at the top end Uranium is more affordable than many enterprise options from rivals such as Acronis.
Features
The free version of Uranium is relatively basic, but it’s fine if you want to preserve files and folders.
Using the free product you can back up to local or network destinations. You can specify how many copies you want to keep – handy if you don’t want your backups to overwhelm your disk space – and you get basic scheduling options, too.
There are plenty of options for tweaking your backups, too, if you want to tweak exactly what files and folders are in your backups.
It’s an entry-level array of features for a free product, and it’s well-suited to sole traders who need to preserve files and folders – but the lack of encryption and synchronization in the free version means that the Base product is more suitable for any kind of professional backup, even in the smallest organizations.
Step up to the Base product, and you do get synchronization and 256-bit encryption alongside password protection and loads of extra features, like the option to backup Exchange mailboxes.
You can run Uranium as a Windows service, employ differential or incremental backups, send files to FTP destinations and use Backup Drive Images and cloud backups, with loads of different cloud services supported.
Step up to one of the Pro products and you add Backup to Tape functionality alongside the SQL and Shadow Copy options if you’ve picked that product, and at the top level there’s Hyper-V and VMWare support. And then the Gold version gets everything – you don’t have to pick a Pro product that suits you.
It’s a good range of features, although having a web console locked away behind the Supremo Console product is a bit restrictive. If you want an enterprise-level offering like that, backup options from companies like Veeam and Acronis include web consoles as part of the offering.
(Image credit: Nanosystems)
Interface & Use
Uranium’s interface is straightforward, if a bit busy. Open the app, and you’re greeted with a list of your existing backup sets on the left-hand side, and in the main window, there’s a list of common tasks, like starting a new backup to a litany of potential destinations or configuring a new destination.
It can look a bit confusing at first, but the interface is saved by a row of larger icons at the top of the window. These open wizards for common tasks like creating a new backup or restoring an existing backup, and one of them allows you to run a pre-configured backup. These buttons are large and well-labelled, and they’re the easiest way to get to your backup jobs quickly.
Handily, one of the large buttons at the top of the window opens the options menu, and another loads Uranium’s web console if your version includes that module.
We tested our latest slate of backup apps with a 42GB document folder, a 2.5GB spreadsheet folder, a 162GB folder of media and an 82GB file that mixes all of those file types. We backed them up to three different SSDs to weed out any inconsistency.
Uranium’s best results came when working with documents and our folder of media files. When working with both tests, it returned averages just above fourteen minutes – times that just crept into the top half of our results tables.
That’s a reasonable pace, but lots of other apps were much faster. Acronis, Macrium, and EaseUS were notable speedsters when backing up files and folders, and were several times faster than Uranium in those tests. It’s no disaster, though – other apps, like those from Cobian, Genie and Retrospect, were much slower too.
When working with our spreadsheets folder, Uranium’s average of thirty-five minutes was poor – only two other apps in our slate of nearly twenty were slower. And that result cascaded into a near hour-long backup average when working with our folder of mixed files. That, again, is one of the slowest results in our tests.
It’s a bit of a mixed bag when it comes to speed. If you need to preserve documents or media files, then Uranium is reasonable, but it struggled with more complex tasks.
Support
(Image credit: Nanosystems)
Uranium has the usual offering of a knowledge base, video tutorials and manuals online, but technical support is restricted to a web form with no indication of how long you’ll have to wait for a response.
Some rivals offer phone support and there’s no sign of a forum on Uranium’s website, either, so it’s quite a barebone offering. If you’re protecting mission-critical data and may need fast support, this may not quite cut it.
Competition
Indeed, you’ll get more support from EaseUS, Acronis and many other products, especially if you pay for one of the higher-tier versions.
Elsewhere, Uranium competes reasonably well with rivals in terms of features, especially if you upgrade to one of the enterprise-level products, and we like the fact you can choose which version you need for your business.
The only real downside is that Uranium can’t compete on speed. As we’ve seen, it’s a reasonably sluggish and inconsistent product in this area, and many of its rivals are much faster.
Verdict
Uranium may not be the fastest, but it does compete well in other areas. It has a good range of features, including cloud support and lots of versatility when it comes to backup sources and destinations. It also has flexible options for buying products and subscriptions.
Value is important with Uranium, too, and it either competes with its rivals or undercuts them, with the differences becoming more stark as you scale up through the products.
As a good value business and enterprise option, then, there’s plenty to like about Uranium, but look elsewhere if you need speed or extensive support.
ESR Qi2 3-in-1 Travel Wireless Charging Set review
I was a big fan of the ESR Qi2 3-in-1 Travel Wireless Charging Set from the first charge. This isn’t a cheap travel set, with a list price of $99.99 / £89.99 / AU$149.99 making it a costly travel companion. However, I would wager that you’d be happy to use this as your everyday charging device, rather than confining it to outings only. I certainly was. Its reliable design and fast iPhone charging make it one of the best iPhone chargers and best wireless chargers, and it'd certainly make a good companion for the best iPhones, too.
While the Mous MagSafe Compatible 3-in-1 Portable Charger may have it beat when it comes to being lightweight and effortless to pack up and carry, this Qi2 charging set is noticeably more premium, with better quality materials and a strong hinge making it possible to continue using the phone as it charges. The MagSafe-style wireless iPhone charging pad made it easy to switch up the orientation of the iPhone while it charged too.
The main body that holds the charging pads for the iPhone and AirPods case is sturdy and well-designed. Other 3-in-1 travel chargers can prove a little flimsy, so it’s nice that the Qi2 Travel Wireless Charging Set feels robust. However – where many travel chargers incorporate the Apple Watch charging pad into the main body for convenience, ESR has opted to include it as a separate component with this set, meaning there’s an extra piece to remember.
It’s great that there’s a travel case included in the price (and you can opt to purchase it without the case for a lower price) but the extra space for the Apple Watch pad, the plug, and the padding surrounding them makes it a bit bulky to be travel-friendly, in my opinion.
I was majorly impressed with the speed at which this wireless charger was able to charge up an iPhone 13 Pro, taking just under two hours to charge it from 0 – 100%, making it the quickest charger I’ve tested so far. In addition to this, the Qi2 travel set took around two hours to charge my Apple Watch Series 9, and the rear wireless charging pad had no issues charging up my compatible wireless earbuds case.
So, while this ESR 3-in-1 charger may seem to be expensive for a travel charging set, I would say that it is worth the investment for an Apple device charger that could easily replace your everyday charger, with the added benefit of being able to fold it down and pack away for travel. The satisfyingly fast Qi2 charging is a nice bonus.
Should I buy the ESR Qi2 3-in-1 Travel Wireless Charging Set?
Buy it if…
You want a premium travel charger This ESR charger is far from a cheap and flimsy option. It feels sturdy and well made, and could easily be used as your everyday charger.
You want fast charging I was impressed with how quickly this charger juiced up an iPhone 13 Pro, taking just under two hours for a full charge, faster than older wireless chargers I've tested.
Don't buy it if…
You want a cheap travel charger If you’re just looking for something cheap to keep in your away bag for occasional use, then this charger’s likely going to prove too expensive for your needs.
You want something compact This charger is on the large side for traveling light, and the separate Apple Watch pad increases the chances of losing parts.
ESR Qi2 3-in-1 Travel Wireless Charging Set review: Also consider
Mous MagSafe Compatible 3-in-1 Portable Charger If the ESR charger sounds too big, this portable Mous charger is a great alternative. It's an a 3-in-1 charger with a footprint of barely more than a credit card, and it weighs just 3oz / 87g.View Deal
Platform reviewed: PlayStation 5 Available on: PS5 and PC Release date: October 8, 2024
It’s been years since I first played the horror gameSilent Hill 2, and yet, in my restless dreams, I see that town. The liminal streets, chunky grotesque monsters, and cursed bric-a-brac have all taken up residency in my head, and with so much history, I’ll be the first to admit I was skeptical at the thought of a remake.
For those unfamiliar with the beloved original, Silent Hill 2 centers around a grieving James Sunderland who receives a letter from his deceased wife, Mary, beckoning him to the eponymous Silent Hill. Bewildered at the letter, James heads into the town, looking for any signs of his spouse. A small cast of tormented souls ferry James through his journey, and through a series of cryptic conversations and a smattering of environmental clues, the truth of the town and James’ past slowly comes into focus.
My time with developer Bloober Team’s Silent Hill 2 remake began with James wandering towards the local graveyard, and I was immediately struck by how stark but strangely alluring the world felt. In the way New York is a character in Friends, so is the fog in Silent Hill 2, and I was relieved to see how disorienting it still was to navigate its streets, apartment buildings, and prison complexes.
While there isn’t quite as much Comic Sans font used here as in the original, the unmistakable ambiance is much the same, permeating through the dilapidated buildings and the eerie soundscape. As James, you’ll explore the town, one area at a time, finding maps, solving think-y puzzles, and defending yourself against grotesque creatures with household items and firearms as you inch closer to finding your wife.
Soured flesh
(Image credit: Team Bloober/Konami)
Fleshy and wet, the vaguely human-shaped intruders wield freaky movement and body horror aesthetics to significant effect, and this combination frequently caught me off guard. Notably, the way the mannequins lurk dormant under tables and behind doors just out of view was a source of constant terror (and delight). Despite the small pool of enemy variants throughout the game, their reactive scuttering and slithering garnered more than a few screams throughout.
This sense of appropriate discomfort extends throughout the game, with the Brookhaven Hospital (and its nightmare mirror realm) being a particular stand out, managing to blend the sterility of medical spaces with the moldy stagnation of abandoned buildings. It’s clear that care has been taken to fine-tune the details throughout, with so many unsightly stains and muck coating the otherworld.
One major deviation from the original game is the shift from a fixed perspective to an over-the-shoulder one, akin to Capcom’s Resident Evil remakes. Unfortunately, this active camera approach dulls the anxiety and claustrophobia that come naturally with the old CCTV-esque viewpoint. It’s safe to say that James Sunderland is not Leon Kennedy, nor is he supposed to be, and as a result, this change doesn’t quite meld with the more plot-centric storytelling that makes Silent Hill 2 so engaging. Eventually, I became steeled to the fight and started entering rooms with the rugged bravado of an action hero, which meant I wasn’t feeling so immersed in James’ fragile, vulnerable characterization.
It’s not all blood and guts, though, as an array of puzzles constantly interrupt your search and the creature encounters it brings. Ranging from bite-sized to full-on head-scratchers, the problems carefully walk the line between frustrating and rewarding. The Brookhaven Hospital section featured one of my favorites. It involved embodying a morbid Sherlock Holmes, investigating patients, and solving riddles related to their tragic end for the prize of a medical wristband, whose numbers had to be aligned carefully to access the next area. For those who've played the original game, the puzzles are primarily faithful but have been updated and tweaked slightly, so you shouldn’t be able to barrel through.
Messing with The Order
(Image credit: Team Bloober/Konami)
Storytelling changes from the original don’t feel quite as successful or necessary for a remake, though, and ultimately harm the pacing and subtlety of Silent Hill 2’s complex psychological themes. The addition of new areas, scenes, and extended boss fights are hit and miss throughout, with some augmenting the ambience and others detracting from the delicate subtext surrounding James’ desperate search for Mary. This is felt most in the Abstract Daddy encounter that centres around the character Angela’s traumatic backstory. In the original, it all takes place in one claustrophobic room, whereas in the remake, it manifests as a much longer, multi-stage chase-based boss fight, which dulled the circumstances surrounding the battle.
Elsewhere, I can’t help but feel that the remake loses something by stripping out the ability to interact with random clutter in the environment to read James’ contextual reactions. You can pick up and study all the most important artefacts you come across, but you can’t prompt James to respond to his surroundings often, a process that brought extra worldbuilding and nuance to the original game. It’s not entirely gone, as the voice actor sometimes steps in with a natural reaction, but it’s few and far between and makes Silent Hill 2 feel empty and lonely in a different, less effective way than its 2001 counterpart.
One aspect I found extra puzzling was the introduction of ‘glimpses of the past’, where the player can encounter homages to scenes and puzzles that haven’t been brought forward for the remake. It’s a playful touch for series veterans, but it creates a confusing situation for newcomers, who can’t easily access the original game on a modern system and may not understand what is being referenced.
Best bit
(Image credit: Bloober Team/Konami)
No matter how many times I had wandered around the dilapidated hallways of the Brookhaven Hospital or in the open-air streets outside, I found myself running in circles, often returning to the map to try to remember where I had and hadn’t been. Despite no changes to my trajectory, it was easy to feel disoriented by the hazy ambience permeating the entire town of Silent Hill. If you are curious to see how many times you did recheck the map, the end credits come with a statistical round-up where you can check your tally (mine was very high).
Bloober Team’s remake is a fun and interesting reinterpretation for those who have played the original. Still, it’s hard to recommend this version of Silent Hill 2 to players who might want to experience the James Sunderland story at its definitive best. All the modern trappings do well to enhance the experience visually, but other decisions alter the spirit of the original game, and not always for the better.
Regardless, an area where the remake shines is in its vocal performances, and Luke Roberts carefully embodies the very difficult role of James Sunderland - particularly in cutscenes, where the quivering, motion-capped physicality and considered delivery of iconic lines brought new nuance to the character. I was always thrilled to hear Akira Yamaoka’s reimagined soundtrack too, with masterful iterative takes on legendary tracks like Null Moon exacerbating the already-unnerving atmosphere, often just when it needed a shot in the arm.
(Image credit: Bloober Team/Konami)
Accessibility
Silent Hill 2 has a variety of settings to tweak combat and puzzle difficulty. For combat, you can shift between difficulties freely as you play; however, for puzzles, your difficulty choice must be set before taking on the playthrough. There are multiple interface presets, too, which tweak aspects like tutorial prompts and ammo display while playing. Where combat is concerned, you can customize crosshair visibility, thickness, color, and opacity. You can also toggle on and off Low health and splatter vignettes to suit your preference. In the Controls menu, there’s an option to switch on aim assist, with the choice of how strong you’d like the magnetism to be.
If you’re looking for alternate visual cues for items, you can also choose between options for visibility and size. This system is the same for traversal cues that make intractable obstacles more clear. Silent Hill 2 also features three color-blind modes (deuteranope, protanope, tritanope) and a color-blind mode severity slider, in addition to a high-contrast setting that highlights characters, items, and non-player characters (NPCs) in bright colors. You can select the color they appear in alongside this switch in the Display and Graphics submenu.
Regarding audio, there are sliders to tweak Music, Effects, and Voiceover. Plus, for those who prefer a visual cue, the Radio State Indicator creates a pop-up on the screen that shows when the radio emits sound. Additionally, there’s a great selection of subtitle settings, like the ability to toggle nonverbal captions, as well as a variety of sizes, backgrounds, and fonts. In the same menu, you also can alter the transcription text, too. These options are all available through individual submenus like Gameplay and Audio. However, there is a submenu that collects specific Accessibility settings and lists them for easy access in the broader Settings menu.
Should I play Silent Hill 2 remake?
(Image credit: Team Bloober/Konami)
Play it if...
You want to explore the town of Silent Hill in high-definition While there have been subtle changes, the locations in Silent Hill 2 are faithfully recreated, and they look incredibly upsetting and eerie in this form. While there are some changes to the source material, the updates are, for the most part, tastefully done and still feel just as atmospheric.
You're a glutton for punishment… James Sunderland is a tortured soul. As such, you’ll be tormented with vague puzzles, anxiety-inducing chases, and, naturally, a lot of challenging themes. As you wade into James’ psyche, even more darkness can be found, like a puzzle wrapped in a melancholic enigma.
Don't play it if...
You’re squeamish Bloody grotesque monsters and intense imagery are part and parcel with Silent Hill 2, and the use of Unreal Engine 5 only juices up the already upsetting style. Undulating monstrosities twist into tormented shapes in front of you, and it takes some heavy bludgeoning or choice bullet wounds to take them out.
You haven’t played the original and want the full Silent Hill 2 experience… While much of Silent Hill 2 looks great, the original 2001 edition is still the definitive version, and, courtesy of the Enhanced Edition add-on still feels like the best way to play the story.
How I reviewed Silent Hill 2 remake
I played through Silent Hill 2 on PlayStation 5 and finished it three times over approximately 25 hours, achieving five unique endings. Throughout these playthroughs, I chose the moderate difficulty for puzzles and switched between the combat difficulty from basic to advanced between playthroughs. For my screen, I used an AOC CQ27G2 27-inch QHD VA 144Hz gaming monitor, and for audio, I used my external Creative Pebble V2 computer speakers.
I played Silent Hill 2 in performance and quality modes, jumping between 60 frames per second (fps) and 30fps. Overall, I preferred playing in performance mode, despite the quality mode (predictably) looking much nicer, as the improved fluidity aided in this more combat-focused remake.
NymVPN is a distributed privacy solution that seeks to address the trust limitations of traditional VPNs. By leveraging blockchain technology, Nym aims to decentralize control over privacy, shifting it away from VPN providers and into the hands of individual users.
This new model does away with the need to trust any of the VPN server providers in your network – and the innovative approach to privacy uses a Mixnet, which routes traffic through distributed nodes to obfuscate its origin.
While NymVPN promises cutting-edge privacy, it's still in beta (though this also means that it's free). Compared to our best VPNs, however, it's missing several core features. To see whether it's worth checking out, I'll take a look at NymVPN in more detail, evaluating its speed, feature set, privacy options, and how it measures up in the current VPN landscape.
Features
This is a weird one. There's plenty to talk about if you're interested in how NymVPN works, but as the client is still in beta it's pretty bare-bones.
There isn’t even a kill switch built into the app. Both a kill-switch and split tunneling are reportedly "on the way" but, in the meantime, you're left with a VPN that's little more than a connect button and a list of countries to choose from.
So, what does NymVPN promise? Unparalleled anonymity, eventually. The whole VPN is based on the concept of a "Mixnet".
Instead of a normal VPN, which routes your traffic through a single VPN server, NymVPN uses a distributed set of "nodes" that all route your traffic back and forth. If you're thinking that this sounds pretty similar to Tor, you'd be correct. The difference is that NymVPN bakes all of this functionality into a crypto-currency ecosystem that allows node operators to be rewarded for providing high-quality networking to the Mixnet. Bandwidth isn't free, after all.
NymVPN promises the ability to distribute its own Nym token to node operators based on how well they provide quality of service (less dropped packets, more traffic mixed, you get the idea). They call this "proof of mixing", which guarantees an objective, crypto-backed way to see which nodes are serving your traffic in an anonymous way.
The actual NymVPN blockchain also promises to integrate with current blockchains while scrubbing the metadata that many of these protocols leak – reducing the overall privacy of blockchain transactions.
There aren't a lot of extras in NymVPN's roadmap. It's focused solely on improving privacy and expanding the existing blockchain to integrate with other products, so even when NymVPN finally reaches release, if you're looking for a VPN that's part of an integrated security suite, then this one probably isn't for you.
Features score: 5/10
Server network
Most VPN providers either rent out networking servers hosted by a third party or use their own managed servers at locations they control. For example, ProtonVPN hosts one of its Secure Core network clusters in a disused military base in Iceland.
NymVPN takes a different approach, using entirely distributed servers provided by volunteers in what it calls a "Mixnet". You can actually see every server that provides either routing or endpoint services to the Mixnet through its own dedicated server explorer, but unless you're interested in how individual nodes are performing, you're probably better off sticking to the location selector inside the app itself.
Currently, there are only 29 countries to choose from across Europe and Asia. You also can't choose between specific locations in the app, although I suspect this may change with time. You can, however, choose both your entry node and your exit node to optimize your connection.
Server network score: 6/10
Apps
There are beta clients of NymVPN available for Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. They're all more of a "proof of concept" at the moment, so each app works more or less how you'd expect a normal VPN to work.
The actual app design is pretty pleasing. It's all minimalist greys and whites with orange highlights, which is easy on the eyes. If you prefer a less funky aesthetic, the available dark mode swaps white to black.
While there are relatively few options to choose from, they all come with helpful tooltips that explain more about the functionality, and in-depth explainers link out to the support pages if you fancy doing some heavier reading.
One issue I've got with the layout is that there's relatively little information available about your connection on the main connection page. You can't see your IP address at a glance or, more importantly, how long your current subscription is going to last.
You also need to enable the ability to choose your entry hop from the settings menu. This feels like something you'd always want to be able to change, and it's not like it clutters the connect page when you enable it.
Overall, the NymVPN clients are all functional and pleasing to look at. The biggest complaint I have is that occasionally the app fails to connect, but this is to be expected in a beta.
Apps score: 5/10
Ease of use
NymVPN is very easy to use once you get past the initial login. Much like ExpressVPN, NymVPN asks you for login credentials that are mailed to you when you sign up.
The app doesn't work until these details are entered, so it's a little confusing not being given a login page first. That said, the actual connection process is straightforward and simple. You choose between "Anonymous" or "Fast" connections, both of which are clearly explained, and then hit connect.
However, I can foresee NymVPN being harder to use in the future if you're not informed about how cryptocurrencies work. I don't know how it's going to work just from trying out the beta, but you're going to need to top up your VPN with crypto continually to keep it working once the full rollout is here.
Ease of use score: 8/10
Speed and performance
There's good and bad here. For clarity, I use a 100 Mbps line with Ookla Speedtest to get a reading on the average speeds a VPN provider offers. Anyway, reading through NymVPN's white paper, the first objection I had was: "Wouldn’t a mixnet make this VPN incredibly slow?"
The answer is: Yes. Yes it does.
It's been a long time since I've used a VPN where I felt the lag made it nigh-unusable, but NymVPN's Anonymous mode took me there.
I'm not sure whether this is going to change as the network scales upwards, but connecting to Germany gave me speeds of 0.87 Mbps. Yes, you did read that correctly. I thought this might be a fluke, so I tried out the UK servers, too. No dice. Reading into it, the "Anonymous" setting pushes my traffic through five different servers.
The "Fast" setting, on the other hand, only uses two mixnet servers, so maybe it's a little better, right? Turns out, it's a lot better. I saw an average of 59.91 Mbps download and 16.85 Mbps upload, which is more than enough to stream video. The latency isn't that bad either.
While I'm sure the Anonymous settings make NymVPN absolutely bulletproof, the browsing experience is worse than going through the Tor network, which is saying something. I really hope that NymVPN gives you the ability to choose how many mixnet servers you want to use in the full release. as it stands, there's basically no point in using anything other than the Fast setting.
Speed and performance score: 3/10
Unblocking
This isn't a self-styled streaming VPN, but NymVPN does fairly well for a product that focuses on anonymity over other VPN use cases.
To figure out how well a VPN provider unblocks streaming content, we test against Netflix across the US, UK, Japan, Canada, and Australia, as well as Disney+ and Amazon Prime. There are also some regional providers we test, such as BBC iPlayer, ITV, 9Now, and 10Play.
I could access Netflix in the US, UK, and Japan, but it wouldn't let me access any content in either Japan or Australia. Disney+ and Amazon Prime worked, as well as BBC iPlayer, but I couldn't get ITV, 9Now, or 10Play to let me in despite connecting several times and bouncing between Fast and Anonymous settings.
This isn't terribly surprising, as the service relies on a mixnet of several different node providers to route your traffic.
There's no port forwarding option, but torrenting works as long as you're not looking for the absolute best speeds from the fastest VPN. Choosing the "Anonymous" option won't make a massive amount of difference to your unblocking capabilities for streaming, either, as your endpoint node will be the same regardless.
I'd say it might be worth it using the "Anonymous" feature for torrenting, but in practice the speeds you get are so abysmally slow that it actually causes connection issues with torrent clients. Even if you can maintain a connection with a peer, it'll take days to download even a few GB – so it's really not a good idea.
Unblocking score: 4/10
Privacy and security
NymVPN is being developed as a privacy-first network, drawing inspiration from the decentralized design of the Tor network as well as distributed VPN projects like Orchid. The way NymVPN works is quite complex, so I'll break down the basics of how the network functions and what it aims to achieve.
Nym operates using a protocol similar to onion routing, where traffic travels through multiple nodes between the entry and exit points. Each node encrypts the data differently, making it difficult for an adversary to track individual packets or streams of traffic.
The key difference between NymVPN and Tor is in their threat models: NymVPN is built on the assumption that a sufficiently large adversary, such as a government, could correlate traffic across both entry and exit nodes on the network. We're talking about powerful entities with access to vast amounts of data, and potentially even the ability to control a significant portion of the network's traffic.
To combat this, NymVPN sends traffic to multiple nodes on the network, mixing several traffic streams together from different users to obfuscate where and when traffic is being sent.
NymVPN also generates fake traffic and mixes it with real data to obscure traffic patterns, making correlation attacks far more difficult. However, this comes with a significant overhead cost compared to traditional VPNs, which impacts your overall speeds more as you use more Mixnet nodes.
The technology behind NymVPN is impressive, but since it's still in beta, it's not yet fully equipped to handle all of your privacy needs
As I've already mentioned, I noticed the absence of a kill switch feature. Without a kill switch, you are vulnerable to attacks where an adversary could force you to disconnect from the NymVPN network, causing your device to fall back on an unencrypted connection.
I've also noticed DNS and IPv6 leaks while using the client, which undermines the privacy of the app. DNS is a somewhat separate challenge from encrypting internet traffic, so I have to assume that NymVPN is going to solve this one by eventually supporting DNS servers inside the Mixnet as well. Time will tell.
Privacy and security score: 5/10
Track record
NymVPN doesn't have much of a track record as a VPN provider as it's still in beta and not yet an established player in the VPN market.
However, Nym itself is an established blockchain vendor with a strong commitment to building privacy solutions. The Nym blockchain has been in development since 2018, with its public mainnet being deployed in 2021. Since then, it has partnered with Google, Brave, and Signal amongst other notable partners.
It's not just all big-name tech companies, either. Nym has gained significant support from privacy advocates and academics across the industry, including notable figures like Chelsea Manning, a well-known data privacy advocate.
That said, it's difficult to recommend NymVPN based solely on its VPN track record. If you're looking for a more experienced, commercial VPN provider with a proven history, you may want to consider other options.
Track record score: 4/10
Customer support
Don't expect to find a 24/7 support team here. Sending an email ticket through the support page is the best chance you have of getting in touch with a NymVPN developer directly, although it does have Telegram and Discord accounts where you can chat with other users.
There's plenty of literature on how Nym's blockchain works and how the design enhances your privacy, but the actual support pages are a little lacking. Admittedly, NymVPN itself is still in beta and doesn't have a lot of extra knobs to turn, but it does feel like the support section is an afterthought.
Customer support score: 2/10
Pricing and plans
NymVPN is currently in beta testing – which means it's free to use for now. The VPN will eventually adopt a fast, crypto-based payment system using the Nym blockchain. Essentially, it acts as an anonymous bridge for onboarding and offboarding cryptocurrencies.
In simple terms, you'll be able to use various cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Monero, that can be converted into Nym's proprietary token. This token is then used to pay for your VPN connection on the network.
In practice, this means there's no traditional subscription model. Instead, you fund your account with cryptocurrency and your usage is billed based on bandwidth consumption, making it quite different from other VPN providers.
I always approach crypto projects that use proprietary tokens with a healthy dose of skepticism. Paying DVPN server operators sounds great in practice, but if the token you're paying them with is worthless, then you're doomed to failure.
However, the underlying technology here appears sound. Nym has the ability to easily onboard and offboard multiple cryptocurrencies from different blockchains which means you won't be stuck with an unusable token. That said, it remains to be seen how stable the economics of this model will be in practice when NymVPN is monetized.
Pricing and plans score: 5/10
Should you use NymVPN?
Right now, NymVPN is an interesting experiment in crypto-driven anonymity. It's not a VPN I would recommend for day-to-day usage, however, as it's still missing some critical privacy features that make it useful as a secure VPN.
It's also somewhat slower than other VPNs that use WireGuard, but this is to be expected given the unique Mixnet setup.
However, it's definitely one to watch when it comes out of beta. I've seen plenty of decentralized VPNs that claim to revolutionize the market, but NymVPN looks like it has a real shot at doing so.
Time will tell whether it can make the monetization work and incentivize its node operators properly but, in the meantime, you should look to a traditional VPN provider for best-in-class privacy and security.
NymVPN alternatives
1. NordVPN – from $3.09 per month The best VPN overall NordVPN is a provider with over a decade of experience. It offers VPN servers in over 140 locations, along with a "Double VPN" feature, which routes your traffic through two separate servers. This makes it more difficult to correlate your VPN traffic. NordVPN also provides obfuscated servers, which wrap your VPN connection in an HTTP layer, helping to bypass VPN blocks in countries with strict censorship, such as China. On top of that, NordVPN excels at unblocking streaming content. View Deal
2.ExpressVPN – from $6.67 per month The best VPN for beginners and the most secure ExpressVPN offers lightning-fast speeds across the globe and has one of the best server networks of any VPN we’ve reviewed. This is due in part to its custom Lightway protocol, which delivers faster speeds compared to traditional VPNs while also reducing battery usage, particularly on mobile devices. View Deal
NymVPN FAQs
What is NymVPN?
NymVPN is a decentralized privacy solution built on blockchain technology. It uses a Mixnet architecture to route traffic through multiple nodes, enhancing your anonymity compared to traditional VPNs.
How does NymVPN differ from traditional VPNs?
Unlike centralized VPNs, NymVPN routes traffic through a network of independent nodes operated by volunteers. This decentralized approach ensures that no single entity has full control of the network, providing additional privacy.
Is NymVPN free to use?
During the beta phase, NymVPN is indeed free to use. However, once the full version is released, it will adopt a pay-per-use model based on cryptocurrency transactions.
How secure is NymVPN?
NymVPN offers strong privacy protections through its Mixnet architecture but is still in beta and lacks essential features like a kill switch. DNS and IPv6 leaks were observed during testing, so it's not yet fully reliable for privacy-sensitive tasks.
The GoPro Hero is GoPro’s new entry-level action camera. At half the price of the company’s Hero 13 Black flagship, and about half the size, it’s a small, cheap and rugged mountable camera that keeps the price down by keeping things simple. Perhaps too simple.
While I genuinely appreciate how simple and easy this camera is to use, the fact that it offers little control over image quality, only three recording modes, no way to record audio except via the internal mic, and no way to swap out a battery meant that I butted up against limitations and disappointments all too frequently during my review shoots.
(Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)
Image quality isn’t terrible, but the 8-bit footage is a long way below what’s possible with the Hero 13 Black and other higher-end action cameras. The Hero also isn’t the smallest action camera around, with DJI and Insta360 offering even more compact, lightweight alternatives.
The bright spots here are the affordable price tag, reliable image stabilization and solid battery life, which make the Hero a camera that retains some appeal despite its weaknesses. If you’re looking for a cheap, simple action camera (one you could hand over to your kids, perhaps) that slots nicely into GoPro’s vast ecosystem of mounting accessories and apps, the Hero is that camera.
GoPro Hero: price and release date
$199.99 / £199.99 / AU$349.99
Available now
The GoPro Hero is available to buy now, priced from $199.99 / £199.99 / AU$349.99. That’s half the price of GoPro’s current flagship Hero 13 Black action camera, and quite a bit cheaper than the mini action cameras offered by competitors too: the aging DJI Action 2 costs $229 / £215 and the Insta360 Go 3 and Go 3S cost $319.99 / £319.99 and $399.99 / £349.99 respectively.
That makes the Hero one of the most affordable current action cameras around at launch, and you’ll probably only find something cheaper by buying secondhand or during sales.
Price score: 4/5
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GoPro Hero: design and handling
Small, lightweight and sturdy build
Quick-release magnetic mounting system
Waterproof to 20m without a case
Front and rear OLED touchscreens
Like all GoPro action cameras, the Hero is rugged and waterproof. The tough plastic casing feels like it could take a beating, and is sealed against water up to a depth of 16ft / 5m. The camera lens is given extra protection in the form of a toughened, water-repelling glass cover, which can be replaced in the event it gets damaged.
It comes with GoPro's fold-out mounting fingers on the bottom, allowing it to be attached to over 35 GoPro-made (and countless third-party) accessories like selfie sticks, helmet mounts, bicycle mounts and the like. In the box you get a single curved adhesive mount, one mounting buckle and one screw.
The Hero is very small and lightweight, especially by GoPro standards. It weighs just 3oz / 86g, and makes the other ‘tiny’ GoPro model I have to hand, the 2022-released Hero 11 Black Mini, feel quite bulky and awkward in comparison. There are smaller action cameras around, however; the excellent Insta360 Go 3S springs to mind, being half the Hero’s weight and size and able to record 4K video too.
GoPro Hero key specs
Sensor: 1/2.8-inch CMOS Video: Up to 4K/30fps, 2.7K/60fps Photo: 12MP Screens: 1.76-inch LCD touchscreen Video modes: Standard, Slo-Mo Connectivity: USB-C, Bluetooth LE 5.2, dual-band Wi-Fi Weight: 86g
Despite its small proportions, the Hero has room for a touchscreen on the back (the 11 Black Mini had no screen at all). There’s nothing outstanding about the screen’s quality – it’s LCD rather than OLED – but it does its job well, giving you just enough space to swipe though the shooting modes, adjust settings in the menu screens and review the shots stored on the camera.
Physical controls are nice and simple, with just two large, easy-to-press rubber buttons: one to start and stop image capture, and one to power the camera on and off and for switching quickly between the shooting modes. That, really, is it. There are status lights on the front and back of the camera too, so you’ll know when it’s recording or recharging.
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Storage comes courtesy of a microSD card slot, and without one in the box you’ll have to supply your own. It’ll need to have a V30 or faster UHS-3 rating too.
Alongside the card slot is a USB-C port, which can be used for charging the battery or transferring files; GoPro supplies a short USB-C to USB-C cable in the box. Annoyingly, I wasn’t able to use this to drag and drop files from the Hero onto my Mac, just from my PC. The GoPro Quik app running on a Mac recognized that the camera was connected, but instructed me to use a card reader to import the files. Adding unnecessary steps to the process isn’t a smart design choice in my opinion, especially if they require the user to own another piece of hardware.
The battery, incidentally, is built into the camera and is non-removable. Pricier GoPro models support battery swapping, but the Hero’s streamlined approach means you’re stuck with what's in there.
Design score: 4/5
GoPro Hero: features and performance
80-minute battery life
Voice controls
Image stabilization applied by Quik app
Battery life is solid, mind you. I set up my fully charged Hero review sample to record 4K/30p video continuously and it lasted an impressive 80 minutes. In the low-power battery-saver mode, recording at 1080/30p, it’ll record for over 2.5 hours. When recharging, the indicator light doesn’t change color or turn off to show that the battery is fully charged, so it was difficult for me to gauge how long it takes to go from empty to full – but from periodic checking of the battery levels it seems acceptably fast.
In keeping with GoPro’s bare-bones approach to the Hero, the feature set is limited. The Hero’s menu screen features only six options: voice control on/off; beeps on/off; screen saver on/off; orientation lock on/off; battery saver on/off; screen lock on/off. The voice controls work fine, allowing you to stop and start recordings, take a photo, and turn the power off by saying “GoPro…” followed by a command. It recognized my accent and responded accordingly almost every time.
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GoPro’s HyperSmooth electronic image stabilization is available, but it can't be applied in-camera, only externally via the GoPro Quik app. If you want stabilized videos you’ll need to export your videos to a mobile device or Mac computer (there’s currently no Quik app for Windows PCs; GoPro says it’s ‘coming soon’). The good news is that, once you’ve exported them, videos are automatically stabilized very effectively.
The Quik app itself is generally well designed and easy to use, although it did crash on my iPhone 13 several times while exporting large files to my photo roll, and I did bristle a little at the way it was constantly nudging me to buy a GoPro subscription.
The subscription, which costs $49.99 / £49.99 / AU$69.99 a year (or half that if you’re a new subscriber signing up for your first year) comes with some useful benefits, though: unlimited cloud storage and automatic uploading at full quality for all your photos and videos; automatically edited clip videos, ‘directed’ by AI; money off accessories purchased through the GoPro website and off your next GoPro camera; and up to two replacement cameras per year if your GoPro is lost or damaged. If you own more than one GoPro, I’d say it’s definitely worth it.
Features and performance score: 3.5/5
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GoPro Hero: image and video quality
12MP stills and 4K/30p video
8-bit color depth and 50Mbps maximum bitrate
Built-in microphones
When I say that GoPro has kept things simple with the Hero, I mean it. There are just three shooting modes available: Slo-Mo, Video and Photo. There’s no room for live streaming, time lapse, burst photos or any of the other modes you find on most action cameras.
And, within the modes you do get, there’s really no way to adjust the settings. The only way to change how image capture works is to flick the camera into battery-saver mode, which reduces video quality in the name of squeezing more juice out of the camera: 4K/30p video becomes 1080/30p and 2.7K/60p slow-motion video becomes 1080/60p; the 12MP still photos remain the same.
Video is captured at 8-bit quality with a maximum bitrate of 50Mbps. There are no options to shoot in a ‘flat’ log color profile for more post-production control; the Hero really is designed to keep things super-simple. As a result, the video quality is poor by GoPro’s standards, and if you’re used to the excellent colors and detail that come out of its flagship models, you’ll immediately notice that the Hero lags a long way behind.
The electronic stabilization may be impressive, but the image quality itself is dull and lifeless in 4K, and noticeably soft in 1080p. And that’s in good lighting. In low light, the quality takes a dive, with increased noise and decreased detail. I’ve edited together a short video to demonstrate the quality in daylight, so that you can see for yourselves what it’s like, and below I’ve posted a few 12MP still photos. I’ve tweaked these photos slightly with Adobe Lightroom to give them more pop, as they look flat straight from the camera.
The Hero limits video clip times. When I left it continuously recording 4K/30p until the battery died it split the resulting video into several files, each about 10 minutes long. You can edit these together to make a single video later, of course, but it does require more work.
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So overall, I found the image quality disappointing. Yes, the Hero is cheap by big-name action camera standards, but there are plenty of old models from Insta360, DJI and GoPro that you might be able to pick up at cheap prices and which offer more options and better performance.
I should also talk about audio recording, which really isn’t great. The Hero doesn’t support external microphones, even USB mics, so the only options for recording live audio for your videos is the 2-mic internal setup. It’s far from terrible in good conditions, but on a blustery day there’s nothing to reduce the interference from wind.
Image quality score: 3/5
GoPro Hero: testing scorecard
Should I buy the GoPro Hero?
Buy it if...
You’re invested in the GoPro ecosystem For those who already own GoPro cameras, use the Quik app and pay for a subscription, the Hero will slot neatly into their video creation workflow.
You want a cheap, simple camera With few options, few controls and no add-ons, this is as basic as decent 4K action cameras come. It's also affordable though, making it great for kids or in risky situations where losing a pricier camera would hurt.
Don't buy it if...
You need crystal clear audio With no way to hook up an external microphone, you’re stuck using the Hero’s built-in mic for all audio recording. Not ideal if you’re using the camera for vlogging.
You want butter-smooth 4K video The Hero limits 4K video to 30fps, and requires a drop down to 2.7K quality for a slicker 60fps frame rate. Maximum bit rate is 50Mbps too
You want the smallest action cam around There are several lighter, more compact options on the market – albeit at a higher asking price than the Hero.
DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro: also consider
Insta360 Go 3S
Tiny and flexible, this camera can go to places other action cams can’t. With easy magnetic mounting and a weight and size that makes the GoPro Hero look positively porky, the Go 3S a great way to grab 4K footage from unconventional angles. It does have limited battery life though, requiring frequent recharges.
There have been three generations of DJI Action camera released since the Action 2 arrived in 2020, but it remains part of the company’s current range. A modular camera made up of one of two cube-shaped elements, it can be very small and light if required, and records stabilised video at up to 4K resolution.
I spent a few days using the DJI Hero at home and in my neighborhood, testing out its video and photo performance in a variety of locations and conditions and mounting the camera on selfie sticks, mini tripods and my bike.
I also tried out GoPro's Quik app on both my iPhone 13 and MacBook Air, and edited footage both using the app and later with DaVinci Resolve Studio 19.
BetterRoaming is a global eSIM provider that offers affordable prepaid data plans for travelers in over 160 countries. The company aims to provide reliable connectivity at local rates without the hassle of physical SIM cards or expensive roaming fees.
With a free eSIM that can be easily installed on compatible iOS and Android devices, BetterRoaming offers coverage across a wide range of destinations, including popular travel spots like Switzerland, Mexico, and India.
In our experience, BetterRoaming delivers on its promise of easy setup, transparent pricing, and solid network performance in most locations. However, some users have reported slow speeds and connection dropouts, as well as difficulties reaching customer support. We think that BetterRoaming is a competitive option for budget-conscious travelers seeking flexible eSIM data plans, but service quality may vary depending on the destination.
BetterRoaming offers affordable prepaid eSIM data plans for travelers in over 160 countries. The company provides a variety of flexible plans to suit different needs and budgets, with prices starting as low as $1.99.
BetterRoaming's pricing structure is designed to be cost-effective and transparent, with no hidden fees or roaming charges. For budget-conscious travelers, this just might be the provider you’re looking for.
Here are a few of BetterRoaming’s features that stood out to us:
Dual eSIM Functionality
BetterRoaming supports dual eSIM functionality, allowing users to keep their primary SIM card active while using the BetterRoaming eSIM for data. This feature is particularly useful for travelers who want to maintain access to their home number for calls and texts while using local data services abroad.
Affordable and Flexible Plans
BetterRoaming offers a variety of affordable and flexible data plans to suit different travel needs and budgets. Users can choose from short-term plans for quick trips or longer-term plans for extended stays. The company also provides the option to top up data or extend plans directly through the app, giving users greater control over their mobile data expenses.
24/7 customer support
BetterRoaming provides 24/7 customer support to assist users with any questions or issues they may encounter. The support team is available via live chat, email, and phone, ensuring that users can get help whenever they need it, regardless of their location or time zone.
Installing and activating a BetterRoaming eSIM is a straightforward process designed for ease of use. To get started, simply download the BetterRoaming app on your eSIM-compatible device and follow the step-by-step instructions provided.
The app guides users through the eSIM installation process using a QR code. Once the eSIM profile is downloaded, users can select their desired data plan based on their travel destination and data needs.
After purchasing a plan, eSIMs automatically activate upon arrival at the destination, ensuring a seamless transition to local data services. BetterRoaming provides ample resources for new users, including a comprehensive FAQ section, installation guides, and 24/7 customer support. The app also allows users to easily manage their accounts, track data usage, and top up their plans as needed.
BetterRoaming: Coverage and speed
BetterRoaming offers eSIM data plans with 4G/5G connectivity in over 160 countries worldwide. The company partners with local network providers to ensure reliable coverage and competitive speeds in each destination.
BetterRoaming is available in many popular travel destinations, including:
USA
UK
Germany
France
Japan
Australia
While BetterRoaming generally provides solid network performance, some users have reported slow speeds and connection dropouts in certain locations. The actual speed and coverage quality may vary depending on the local network infrastructure and congestion levels in each country. However, BetterRoaming claims to work with reputable local providers to maintain a consistent user experience.
Compared to other eSIM providers, BetterRoaming offers competitive coverage and pricing. However, some competitors like Airalo may provide more data at lower costs in specific regions. Ultimately, the best provider depends on the user's specific travel destinations, data needs, and budget.
BetterRoaming offers 24/7 customer support to assist users with any questions or issues they may encounter. Support channels include live chat, email, and phone, ensuring help is available whenever needed, regardless of location or time zone.
However, some customer reviews suggest that the quality of BetterRoaming's customer service may be inconsistent. While the company claims to provide round-the-clock assistance, a few users have reported difficulties reaching a support representative and slow response times.
For minor issues that can be resolved without personalized assistance, BetterRoaming also offers self-help resources in the form of a knowledge base, installation guides, and FAQs.
BetterRoaming: Final verdict
BetterRoaming is a good eSIM provider under most conditions. It offers decent performance, affordable plans, and responsive support for travelers across 160+ locations worldwide. However, there are a few situations where it falters when compared to established players like Flexiroam, Ubigi, or Airhub.
Online reviews report occasional issues with customer support, especially with the delay associated with reaching the right representative to get your issues resolved. While the plans are affordable, BetterRoaming’s network of telecom providers can be a bit of a hit-and-miss when it comes to coverage and speed. While you shouldn’t have to worry about it in most locations, remote areas in particular may see coverage suffering.
BetterRoaming: FAQs
Who owns BetterRoaming eSIM?
BetterRoaming is owned by serial entrepreneur Hakan Koç, who previously founded AUTO1 Group. Koç launched BetterRoaming in 2023 to provide affordable eSIM data plans for international travelers.
How does BetterRoaming work?
BetterRoaming provides eSIM data plans that work in over 160 countries. Here's how it works:
Download the BetterRoaming app and install the free eSIM on your compatible device. This can be done in under a minute by following the in-app instructions.
Purchase a prepaid data plan for your destination through the app. You can do this anytime, even without an internet connection.
When you arrive at your destination, your data plan will automatically activate and connect you to a local mobile network.
BetterRoaming's eSIM works alongside your existing SIM card, allowing you to keep your original number while using affordable data abroad. The service provides 4G/5G connectivity through partnerships with local carriers in each country.
What is the cost of a BetterRoaming eSIM?
BetterRoaming offers a variety of affordable prepaid data plans, with prices starting as low as $1.99. Specific prices vary by country and data allowance. For example:
In Brazil, a 1GB/7-day plan costs $4.99
In India, a 1GB plan costs $2.99
In the USA or China, a 1GB plan costs $3.99
The eSIM itself is free to install. You only pay for the data packages you purchase, with no additional fees or charges. BetterRoaming aims to provide transparent pricing with no hidden costs.
Anker Prime Charger 6-Port Desktop Charging Station 250W review
When I say charging station how do you feel? Are you filled with great excitement and enthusiasm? If not, the Anker Prime Charger 6-Port Desktop Charging Station 250W, will almost certainly change that.
This charging station has six charging ports – four USB-C and two USB-A. You can monitor the electricity output levels for each port via the station’s onboard screen to ensure each device is getting the appropriate levels of power.
However, let’s say you’re charging six devices, but you want to ensure your phone gets back to 100% quickly. Fear not – with the Port Priority option, you can ensure your phone charges without delay. That’s not to say this station can’t handle six devices at once, of course. With a maximum output of 250W, you’ll likely have more than enough power to go around your phones, laptops, tablets and more.
I used the default charging configuration during testing, AI Power Mode. This uses artificial intelligence to optimize power allocation across the station. However, there are also three other modes – Port Priority, Dual-Laptop and Low Current mode. Most will find that the default is perfectly capable of performing their charging chores.
What I really like about this station is how many neat features it offers, making it easily one of the best Android chargers and best iPhone chargers. If you download the Anker app, you can connect to the charging station via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. You can add a clock screensaver to the station, with a number of different designs to choose from. The Anker app also lets you view real-time data on power output, schedule power on/off, and adjust the station's screen brightness.
One odd but welcome nugget is Secret Features, which includes a collection of fun animations for the station’s screen if you complete hidden tasks (such as switching Port Priority on and off 10 times).
So what’s the catch? Well, this station has a list price of $169.99 / £169.99, a lot to invest in what is, at the end of the day, just a multi-port charger. However, if you want a feature-rich, speedy station that’s perfect for your work desk, it’s not going to get much better than this. Ultimately, Anker has delivered a top-quality product here, but it's going to be a lot more than most people need.
(Image credit: Future)
Anker Prime Charger 6-Port Desktop Charging Station 250W review: Price & specs
(Image credit: Future)
Should I buy the Anker Prime Charger 6-Port Desktop Charging Station 250W?
Buy it if…
There are a lot of devices at your desk With six available charging ports, you’re unlikely to be left wanting more. Four ports are USB-C, two are USB-A – so you’ll be ready to charge all of your devices.
You want a feature-rich charging solution This station has an impressively long list of features, including port prioritization, power modes, screensavers and more. There's even a companion app.
Don't buy it if…
You’re on a tight budget You’re gonna have to pay a pretty penny for this one. At $169.99 / £169.99 (about AU$250), if you want a six-port charger, Anker also offers a screenless 200W alternative at half this price.
You only need to charge one or two devices simultaneously If you only need to charge one or two other devices, this isn’t for you. An Anker Prime 100W GaN Wall Charger can also charge your devices for much less.
Anker Prime Charger 6-Port Desktop Charging Station 250W: Also consider
Anker Prime Charger (200W, 6 ports, GaN) Anker's Prime Charger delivers excellent quality and rapid charging. It has similar capabilities, with four USB-C and two USB-A ports, but a lower maximum power output of 200W. It costs $84.99 / £79.99 (about AU$120).View Deal
Mous MagSafe Compatible 3 In 1 Portable Charger review
The Mous 3 In 1 MagSafe Charger is a light and compact charger and one of the best iPhone chargers I've reviewed. It charges all AirPods and Apple Watch models, as well as third-party Qi-compatible earbud cases. It's compatible with any iPhone 12 to iPhone 16 model, so it will charge all of the best iPhones.
The Mous 3 In 1 costs $44.99 / £39.99 / (around AU $75). It’s worth noting purchases made from Australia are shipped from the US, so I’d recommend checking your local shipping fees and taxes before setting your heart on this charger.
If you’re partial to a cheap-and-cheerful travel charger, the Mous 3-in-1 Portable Charger is a good choice. It weighs just 3oz / 87g and has a footprint not far from the size of a credit card, with a depth of around half an inch / 13mm when folded, making it ideal for sliding into bags and pockets as you go off on your travels. Its 3-in-1 design comes in really handy, as there are no extra parts to keep track of. The charger is strongly held together magnetically, so it shouldn’t open up accidentally.
The charger is powered by a USB-C cable, which is included in the price. Unfortunately, a power adapter must be purchased separately. This is important: you'll need to put more thought into the power output of your wall charger. The Mous 3-in-1 Portable Charger requires one that can charge at 30W or higher. Mous sells 30W adapters for $29.99 / £24.99 / around AU$50, but this feels particularly steep at around two-thirds the cost of the device itself. Other 30W adapters can be sourced for less from Amazon, so don’t let that put you off.
I tested the Mous 3-in-1 Portable Charger on my iPhone and it didn’t exactly provide speedy results: it took three hours to fully charge my iPhone 13 Pro. This is a massive difference compared to a premium portable charger like the ESR Qi2 3-in-1 Travel Wireless Charging Set, which fully charged the same iPhone 13 Pro in just under two hours.
Despite taking longer to juice up the iPhone, it charged my Series 9 Apple Watch in the same amount of time as its competitor, two hours and ten minutes, which is pretty good going considering the $55 / £50 / AU$75 price difference. Mous claims on its website that you can charge more than just AirPods on this compact charger, and I can confirm that I had no problems charging my off-brand earbuds.
Although the space-saving design is useful for traveling, it means that you don’t get the benefit of a stand, so it's difficult to use your phone as it charges. With its flexible faux-leather hinge, I was tempted to fold the charger back on itself, but I found my phone began to overheat very quickly when I tried this. Another downside - this charger's lack of anti-slip areas means that it’s susceptible to movement, but this shouldn’t pose a problem if it’s charging somewhere out of the way.
If you’re looking for a lower-cost travel charger that’s perfectly portable, then the Mous MagSafe Compatible 3-in-1 Portable Charger is the way to go. If you want something a little more premium and faster charging for your travels, we recommend the ESR Qi2 3-in-1 Travel Wireless Charging Set instead. Alternatively, we have several other charger varieties to peruse in our pick of the best wireless chargers.
Should I buy the Mous MagSafe Compatible 3 In 1 Portable Charger?
Buy it if…
You want a compact travel companion The Mous 3-in-1 Portable Charger is super convenient. With a footprint just bigger than a credit card and around half an inch / 13mm when folded, it’ll have no problem fitting in pockets or bags.
You want to charge multiple chargers without compromising on space With an iPhone charging pad on one side and an AirPods charging pad on the other, along with a nifty pop-up Apple Watch charger, good things really do come in small packages.
Don't buy it if…
You need something that will stay put While its light weight makes it perfectly portable, if you accidentally catch the cable or knock it there are no anti-slip aids to stop the charger from whizzing off the surface it’s sitting on.
You want to continue using your phone as it charges Due to its design, phones lay flat as they charge, meaning you can’t easily carry on watching YouTube or playing games.
Mous MagSafe Compatible 3 In 1 Portable Charger review: Also consider
ESR Qi2 3-in-1 Travel Wireless Charging Set For faster iPhone charging with a sturdier build, this premium 3-in-1 wireless charging set is a great choice. It's nowhere near as portable as the Mous charger, but it comes with a handy travel bag that holds all the components, plus the included 30W plug.View Deal
Let’s be polite in our choice of word, shall we, and describe an asking price of $39,999 / £29,999 / AU$59,999 for a pair of wireless active speakers as ‘punchy’? Focal has leveraged both its own long-established expertise (and that of its sister company Naim) and spent five years developing what the asking price insists must be the most accomplished, least compromised wireless music streaming system you can buy.
Certainly it looks the part, as long as you consider ‘the part’ to mean ‘striking and dramatic’. The quality of construction is unarguable, and the finish is currently unique in the world of loudspeakers. There are numerous control options, all of them expertly implemented. And it’s specified without apparent compromise, to the point that it’s ready to do unashamedly high-performance things to all your favourite music no matter where it’s stored.
(Image credit: Future)
When it comes to performance, there’s virtually nothing to take issue with. As long as your room is large enough for the Diva Utopia to stretch out and properly express itself, it will reward you with a sound that combines muscularity, insight, scale and attack with the sort of deft manoeuvrability and rhythmic positivity that makes every listen an event. It’s a staggeringly accomplished system with a list of talents as long as your arm – which, in the context of the asking price, is exactly as it should be.
Will they enter our best stereo speakers roundup very soon? That's hardly fair since most products within our guide are a mere fraction of the Diva Utopia's asking fee. That said, if you've got this kind of money, they're well worth it, and we never make such statements glibly.
(Image credit: Future)
Focal Diva Utopia review: Price & release date
Released October 2, 2024
Priced $39,999 / £29,999 / AU$59,999
The Focal Diva Utopia launched on 2nd October 2024, and in the United Kingdom they cost a not-inconsiderable £29,999 while in the United States they will set you back an equally significant $39,999. The price in Australia is AU$59,999.
Need I say with undue emphasis that this is an awful lot of money for a wireless audio system in a pair of loudspeakers? That expectations in every respect – design, build, finish, specification, performance, you name it – are, inevitably, sky-high? That anything less than across-the-board excellence must count as a failure? No pressure then, Focal…
(Image credit: Focal)
Focal Diva Utopia review: Features
800 watts of Class AB power in total
32bit/384kHz native DAC resolution
Numerous analog and digital input options
Apparently Focal has, in conjunction with sister company Naim, been working on the Diva Utopia for the past five years. Obviously that’s quite a chunk of time for a product to be in development – but it’s sufficient time for a product’s feature-set to be specified without apparent compromise, too.
Each Diva Utopia is a three-way bass-reflex speaker. Near the top of the front baffle there’s a 27mm pure beryllium ‘M’-shaped inverted dome tweeter – it sits behind a red/black ‘double’ grille that appears to change colour and brightness as you move around the speaker. Beneath it there’s a 165mm ‘W’ mid/bass driver with tuned mass damper surround and a ‘neutral inductance circuit’ motor of the type Focal has been refining for quite some time.
On each of the speaker’s side panels there are a pair of 165mm ‘W’ bass drivers arranged in a push/push configuration. The output of this quartet is augmented by a downward-firing bass reflex port that vents against the fixed boundary of the speaker’s integrated aluminium plinth.
There’s a total of 400 watts of Naim Audio-designed Class AB amplification on board each speaker to power this driver array. The tweeter and the mid/bass driver get 75 watts each, and the remaining 250 watts is divided between the four bass drivers. Focal reckons this is an arrangement that’s good for a frequency response of 27Hz - 40kHz.
(Image credit: Future)
As is the way with the majority of products of this type, one speaker does all the heavy lifting where connectivity is concerned. So one of the Utopia Diva has just a mains power socket and an RJ45 socket for making a hard-wired connection to its partner on its rear panel, the other is taking care of business. It features the same mains power input and RJ45 system link, and also has the same substantial heat-dissipating radiator arrangement that’s more than a little reminiscent of Naim’s statement Statement amplification. But it also incorporates an RJ45 for Ethernet, a Type 2.0 USB-A slot, a digital optical input, a line-level stereo RCA input, and an HDMI eARC socket. With the possible exception of a phono input for use with an unamplified turntable, it’s difficult to know what else Focal might have included where physical connectivity is concerned.
Wireless stuff is handled by Bluetooth 5.3 with aptX Adaptive codec compatibility, and dual-band wi-fi. Wi-fi (or Ethernet, if you prefer) brings Apple AirPlay 2, Google Cast, Spotify Connect and TIDAL Connect into play – the Diva Utopia is UPnP-compatible, too, although it’s not Roon Ready. Internet radio is available, and both Qobuz, and QQMusic via QPlay (for Chinese customers) are also accessible via the dedicated control app. All incoming digital signals, whether wired or wirelessly received, are dealt with by a 32bit/384kHz DAC that’s also compatible with DSD128.
Focal has deployed UWB (ultra wide band) technology to ensure latency between the two speakers is negligible. When the speakers are connected wirelessly, resolution tops out at 24bit/96kHz - but use the supplied RJ45 cable to make a physical connection between the two and 24bit/192kHz can be yours.
Features score: 4.5/5
Focal Diva Utopia review: Sound quality
Deftly dynamic presentation
Scale and muscularity combined with detail and insight
Requires a fair bit of breathing space
Just imagine what a story it would be if the Focal Diva Utopia, with its remarkable looks, extensive specification and terrifying price-tag, didn’t actually sound all that good? What a story that would be…
But it’s a story that will have to wait for another day – because in the simplest terms, the Diva Utopia sounds bloody marvellous. It’s a profoundly accomplished, endlessly engaging and thoroughly enjoyable listen, a system that revels in any and every type of music, and that is seemingly capable of wringing the last drop of detail from a recording.
No matter if it’s decoding, amplifying and delivering an Amazon Prime Video stream of Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds’ Distant Sky via its HDMI eARC socket, dealing with a (pre-amplified) vinyl copy of Mary Lattimore’s And Then He Wrapped His Wings Around Me or giving the treatment to a TIDAL Connect stream of a 24bit/96kHz FLAC file of What Goes On by The Velvet Underground, the Focal system is is complete command of the material. It combines iron-fisted low-frequency behaviour, unarguable dynamic potency and a forensic level of insight that ensures you always feel like you’re getting a complete account of a recording - and at considerable scale.
Low-frequency presence is, unsurprisingly, significant. The system digs deep and hits hard, but loads bass information with an absolute stack of detail concerning tone and texture, and is so positive and straight-edged in its control that rhythmic expression is never a concern. It’s deft enough to skip through a complex double-bass part, muscular enough to attack a hip-hop drum pattern, dynamic enough to make the harmonic variations in a timpani obvious.
Above there, the midrange communicates in an absolutely explicit, torrential manner. No transient detail is too minor or too fleeting to escape it, and no singer has yet made a recording that can’t have the nuance of emotion, attitude and character of their performance teased out of it. At the top of the frequency range, the Focal is more than substantial enough to give treble sounds proper presence, detailed enough to make the gauge of, say, a cymbal obvious, and attacking enough to really sink its teeth into the brightest and/or splashiest high-end stuff.
(Image credit: Future)
The tonal balance is carefully and convincingly neutral, and the crossover between the drivers is imperceptible. The entire frequency range hangs together as if it was being produced by a single driver, and there’s no understatement or overplaying of any particular area. The Diva Utopia is a naturalistic as they come where this sort of thing is concerned.
Dynamic headroom is superabundant, as seems only reasonable when you consider the sheer amount of power that’s on tap here. When Michael Tilson Thomas shifts the Cleveland Symphony Orchestra and Chorus into top gear during Orff’s Carmina Burana the sheer amount of drive and attack that the system can summon is almost shocking. But all of this barn-burning intensity is not at the expense of subtlety – when the going gets mild and contemplative, the Focal can cosset with the best of them. And no matter the specific circumstances, the soundstage the Diva Utopia creates is large, three-dimensional and entirely convincing. Even a full-scale orchestra with massed chorus enjoys sufficient elbow room.
Everything the system does, it does without seeming to make all that much of an effort. There’s an almost casual authority about the way it goes about things, a suggestion that ‘there’s plenty more where that came from’. I’m not sure if the Diva Utopia can be provoked into sounding in any way stressed or otherwise uncomfortable – all I know is I haven’t been able to do so. And believe me, I have tried.
It follows that downsides are few. In fact, it’s really only the amount of breathing space the system needs that is noteworthy. I’m going to go ahead and assume that anyone with 30 grand to spend on a couple of speakers has a fair amount of space in which to position them – but in a room that’s anything less than ‘really quite large’ the Diva Utopia can overwhelm. And that, really, is about the only note of caution I can sound.
Sound quality score: 5/5
(Image credit: Future)
Focal Diva Utopia review: Design
High-density moulded polymer cabinet
Gray felt finish (with other colors to follow)
Floor-spikes or castors
Each Diva Utopia loudspeaker is 121 x 42 x 56cm (HxWxD) and 64kg – and consequently is quite imposing. But while Focal has obviously designed this system for optimum performance, it hasn’t allowed the opportunity to inject a little visual drama into the ownership experience to pass it by.
The cabinets here are made from high-density moulded polymer, and are structurally reinforced to produce a rigid structure that rejects vibrations almost entirely. Each one stands on an injected aluminium base that is pre-fitted with castors – these can be swapped for chunky, high quality floor-spikes that are also supplied, along with discs they can stand in to protect your floor’s finish. The angularity of the cabinet, especially the top section that houses the tweeter, is a) recognisable to anyone who’s familiar with the Utopia range, b) dictated by sound acoustic principles, and c) more than a little reminiscent of an H.R. Giger creation.
Focal has finished these cabinets with a robust, tactile grey felt cloth – it combines, says the manufacturer, elegance and minimal environmental impact. Other colors are likely to be available in the future.
It’s certainly a point of difference from high-gloss colors or wood finishes, and it gives the speakers a slightly ethereal look. The division between the side panels (which also include contrasting grille covers for the side-firing bass drivers), where the obligatory illuminated ‘Focal’ logo sits proudly, is brilliantly consistent – Tesla could learn a thing or two about panel gaps from Focal, that’s for sure. The overall quality of the finish is basically flawless and, even if it’s not your cup of tea, you can’t deny that it makes the Diva Utopia look distinctive.
Design score: 5/5
(Image credit: Future)
Focal Diva Utopia review: Setup and usability
Focal & Naim control app
Voice assistant-compatible
Zigbee remote control handset
Obviously these are large, heavy loudspeakers. But Focal has gone to reasonable lengths to make installation and set-up as straightforward as possible.
The speakers arrive with the castors pre-fitted, and it’s actually quite straightforward to wheel them out of their necessarily large boxes using the little wooden ramp that’s inside. After that, it’s easy enough to get them positioned as you’d like (although if you decide to put them on the supplied floor-spikes, as you really should, you’ll need the help of at least one additional volunteer).
The system also ships with a ‘Zigbee’ remote control that will be familiar to anyone with experience of Naim electronics over the last decade or so. The Diva Utopia is also compatible with your preferred voice assistant – but it’s the Focal & Naim app where the real action is. As well as the usual stuff like saving some favourites and assigning presets, checking for firmware updates and what-have-you, it also features a comprehensive room correction routine into which the end user gets an unusual amount of input (although Focal’s assertion that it is ‘fun’ is, I am prepared to say here and now, a false alarm). It allows you to enable or disable specific inputs to keep the homepage nice and clean, trim the output level of specific inputs, and plenty more besides. The app was in ‘beta’ at the time of testing, but even in less-than-perfect shape it proves clean, logical, reliable and stable.
Setup and usability score: 5/5
Focal Diva Utopia review: Value
You might argue that $39,999 / £29,999 for a wireless music streaming system can’t possibly represent value for money, and to be honest you won’t get much of an argument from me.
But what I would point out is that it’s possible to build a high-end music system of the more traditional type and spend way more money than this, that the Diva Utopia is an architectural talking-point as well as a superbly adaptable music system, and that quality like this where both industrial design and sonic performance are concerned seldom comes cheap.
On a pound-for-pound basis it’s difficult to make the case that you’re getting notable value here – but if you can afford it, I say go right ahead. I know I will if my numbers ever come up…
Should you buy the Focal Diva Utopia?
(Image credit: Future)
Buy it if...
You want what is definitely the best wireless streaming system costing less than six figures
It doesn’t have a huge amount of competition at the price, it’s true - but nevertheless the Focal Diva Utopia is a tremendously accomplished product
You have a fairly large room in which to put it
These are big speakers that are capable of big sound – and they will prove altogether too much of a good thing in smaller spaces…
You enjoy muscular, poised and endlessly communicative sound
If there’s an aspect of music reproduction that the Diva Utopia isn’t in complete command of, I’ve yet to identify it
Don't buy it if...
You think this sort of money should buy amplification for a turntable
If a system is really going to be all-in-one (or even all-in-two) then a phono stage for use with a record player really needs to be on the menu
You’re a Roon subscriber
Focal has its reasons for shunning Roon, but well-off music streaming aficionados tend to have music on a number of different platforms that it’s nice to aggregate…
You have a badly behaved cat That felt finish is a visual and tactile delight – but if I owned the Utopia Diva, I’d be concerned that I wasn’t the only one who thought so…
Of course, it’s possible to build a system that does much of what the Diva Utopia can do by checking out amplification, passive loudspeakers and a music streamer at around ten grand a pop - but that’s not going to have the same sort of visual impact or ergonomic tidiness of the Focal. The Diva Utopia, then, currently seems to be number one in a field of one…
