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DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro review: a seriously feature-packed action camera
4:00 pm | September 19, 2024
Author: admin | Category: Action Cameras Cameras Computers Gadgets | Tags: , | Comments: Off

DJI might be the market leader in consumer drones, but when it comes to action cameras the company remains leagues behind GoPro – at least in the public consciousness. That won’t be the case for long though if it keeps turning out products like the Osmo Action 5 Pro.

Even if nobody should get too excited about the ‘Pro’ moniker – this is currently the only model in the range, so there’s no ‘amateur’ model as yet – the Action 5 Pro is a very impressive action camera, and I had a lot of fun reviewing it. Not only is its image quality superb (in daylight, at least – and even at night it’s still better than a GoPro), but it has long-lasting battery life, effective image stabilization, a rugged lightweight build, two beautifully color-rich OLED screens, and genuinely brilliant compatibility with the DJI Mic 2.

DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro

(Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)

And while it isn’t as mod-friendly as the recent GoPro Hero 13 Black, the Action 5 Pro’s quick-release magnetic mounting system works with all manner of accessories, from helmet and bike mounts to extendable selfie sticks and mini tripods. It can even be used as a webcam.

This versatility means it’ll suit everyone from food vloggers to divers to mountain climbers, and the sheer range of improvements over the Osmo Action 4 suggests that DJI is deadly serious about surpassing the likes of GoPro and Insta360 to establish itself as the leading action camera brand. There’s still a long way to go if that’s going to happen, but if we keep getting cameras like this, it’s a clear possibility.

DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro: release date and price

  • Priced at $349 / £329 / AU$599 for the Combo bundle
  • Available from September 19 2024

The DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro is available to order now, priced at $349 / £329 / AU$599 for the Standard Combo bundle, which includes the camera, one battery, one protective frame, one quick-release adapter mount, one curved adhesive base, one locking screw, one rubber lens protecter, one glass lens cover, one anti-slip pad and one USB-C to USB-C cable). There's also an Adventure Combo bundle, which is priced at $449 / £409 / AU$769 and includes all of the above plus a mini quick-release adapter mount, one battery case and one 1.5m extension rod.

DJI has priced the Action 5 Pro aggressively: it’s $50 cheaper than the GoPro Hero 13 Black and Insta360 Ace Pro. Given the specs and performance, which I’ll get into below, that’s impressive. (You can read more about how the Action Pro 5 compares to GoPro's latest in our GoPro Hero 13 Black vs DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro article.)

Additionally, a wide range of optional accessories, each sold separately, is available alongside the Action 5 Pro, including mounts, extension rods, GPS units and microphones.

  • Price score: 4.5/5
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DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro

(Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)
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DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro battery charger

(Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)
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DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro

(Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)

DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro: design and handling

  • Small, lightweight and sturdy build
  • Quick-release magnetic mounting system
  • Waterproof to 20m without a case
  • Front and rear OLED touchscreens

When it comes to rugged reliability, the Osmo Action 5 Pro feels reassuringly well made. The camera itself is small, lightweight (145g) and sturdy, with few protruding parts and a removable, replaceable cover to help prevent damage to the surface of the lens.

It also comes with a frame to further protect the camera body from impact and, while use of this is optional, it adds little to the weight or size of the setup, and leaves buttons and the USB-C chamber fully accessible. In other words, you might as well leave it on all the time. The frame also features mounting points for horizontal and vertical mounting options, allowing you to quickly detach and reattach the camera to magnetic mounts and change orientation for 16:9 or 9:16 shooting as required.

DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro key specs

Sensor: 1/1.3” CMOS
Video: Up to 4K/120fps
Photo: 40MP
Screens: 2 x OLED touchscreens
Video modes: Standard, Slo-Mo, SuperNight, Hyperlapse, Subject Tracking
Connectivity: USB-C 3.0, Wi-Fi 6.0, Bluetooth
Weight: 145g

The Action 5 Pro supports the same ‘fingers’ mounting method as GoPro (which means it should be compatible with hundreds of third-party and GoPro-made mounts) while maintaining the magnet-and grip-based quick-release system that previous DJI action cams have used. This setup meant I could unclip the Action 5 from one mount and attach it to another in seconds, rather than having to fuss around with screws and the like. During my review I used a few different mounting systems, including DJI’s own extendable selfie stick and a trio of bike-friendly mounts the company sells. Being able to quickly switch between them all is a godsend.

DJI has buffed the camera’s case-free water resistance even beyond the Osmo Action 4’s impressive 18m depth. The company says the Action 5 can go to 20m (or 65 feet) without a dive case, and 60m with one. That’s double the case-free depth of a GoPro Hero or Insta360 Ace Pro. I wasn’t able to fully test this out myself, but can confirm that it'll take a dunk in the ocean without any ill effects.

The Action 5 Pro also supports a wider range of operating temperatures than its close rivals too, working all the way from -4F / -20C to 113F / 45C. If you’re looking for an all-weather, all-environment consumer camera, this is about as hardy as they come. DJI’s Care Refresh protection plan is available for the camera too, which ensures that you can get a repair or replacement (up to two on a one-year plan, or four on a two-year plan) if the camera suffers accidental damage.

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DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro

(Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)
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DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro

(Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)

The controls are simple, with only two physical buttons on the camera: a power/mode button on the side and a large shutter/video button on the top. Other settings are accessed either through the touchscreen menus, which are accessible on both the front and rear screens, or via the DJI Mimo mobile app and a paired smartphone. Having tried both methods, I don’t have a preference; both work well and suit different shooting situations, although those with larger fingers might prefer the app due to the small size of the Action 5’s touchscreens.

The screens are in general excellent, though. Now upgraded to OLED, they’re sharp, clear and colorful, and having one on each side of the camera means that properly framing and composing images and videos never feels like a chore; no matter whether you’re self-shooting or filming something in front of you, there’s a screen right there.

  • Design score: 4.5/5

DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro: features and performance

  • 1950mAh battery
  • 47GB of on-board storage plus microSD slot
  • RockSteady, RockSteady+ and HorizonSteady image stabilization
  • 48kHz Bluetooth recording via DJI Mic 2

DJI makes some bold claims about the Osmo Action 5 Pro’s battery life, saying that a single fully charged 1950mAh battery allows the camera to record up to four hours of video. That’s a 50% improvement over the Osmo Action 4, and DJI says it’s managed this due to the more power-efficient 4nm processor, improvements to battery capacity, and a ‘new algorithm’ that optimizes energy use.

Keen to put these boasts to the test, I set the camera up to record continuously in two video modes: first, 4K at 60fps with RockSteady image stabilization on; then 1080p at 30fps with all stabilization turned off. With the former, a full battery lasted just under two hours – not bad given the relatively high-performance settings. With the latter, it lasted a shade under four hours, just as billed, which is really strong. I should also say that, while the camera was a bit warm to the touch after its two-hour 4K/60fps recording session, it never overheated to the point where it stopped recording.

The Action 5 Pro features a USB-C 3.0 port for in-camera battery charging and file transfer (it also allows the camera to be connected to a computer and used as a plug-and-play webcam). There’s Wi-Fi 6.0 for fast wireless file transfer of up to 80MB/s, which is a big improvement on the Wi-Fi 5.0 of the Action 4; it can also be used for livestreaming, in conjunction with the Mimo mobile app.

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DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro

(Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)

On the subject of the Mimo app, while I won’t get too much into it in this review for reasons of space, it’s the same app you may have used with older DJI cameras. It’s basically a great remote control for the Osmo Action 5 Pro, giving you not only access to all the settings and controls but the ability to compose and review your photos and videos on a much larger screen than the camera’s own display. It also lets you share your content quickly via social media and messaging apps.

The camera comes with 47GB of built-in storage (enough for about 80 minutes of 4K/60fps or three hours of 1080p/30fps video), as well as a microSD card slot for expansion. That’s a nice setup in my opinion, as users on the more casual side of things can rely on the internal storage, while the more demanding, heavier users can supplement that with extra cards to ensure they never run out of space.

There are three types of electronic image stabilization on board, as well as the option to turn it off (which, as I’ll get into, you may have good reason to do at times). RockSteady is the basic level; RockSteady+ ups the ante at the cost of a larger crop to the frame; and HorizonSteady keeps the video aligned horizontally (to a point) while applying an even larger crop. They’re all very effective at smoothing and/or levelling video, and I have no complaints about them – even with the crops applied, the field of view remains quite wide.

The camera also embeds non-stabilized videos with gyroscope data, allowing you to stabilize clips yourself in post-production (if you’re wondering why you might do this, it conserves battery life while giving you more control over how stabilization is applied). I tried this using the free GyroFlow plugin for DaVinci Resolve 18 and it works brilliantly (you can see the results in my sample videos). For some reason, you need to select the ‘Wide’ field of view when recording though – the stabilization won’t work if you’ve shot using other settings.

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DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro and DJI Mic 2

(Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)

A new feature that social media creators will love (but the rest of us probably won’t touch) is the ability to track and frame a subject (with a TikTok-friendly 9:16 frame) as it moves around in the camera’s field of view. This seems to work with humans only (my cat didn’t register a response), but it does a good job of recognizing someone and keeping them framed. The output 9:16 video then crops out the rest of the frame.

The final feature worth mentioning is the camera’s superb compatibility with the DJI Mic 2. You can wirelessly link up to two DJI Mic 2 transmitters with it via Bluetooth and have them record pristine 48kHz audio, which I found a great way to record clean, clear voiceover or vlog audio, even in windy conditions. It’s the only action camera that currently allows this – other cameras that support the Mic 2 will only support a 16kHz sampling rate, which won’t sound as clear.

  • Features and performance score: 5/5

DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro: image and video quality

  • Video up to 4K/120fps
  • 4K SuperNight mode for low-light shooting
  • 10-bit, D-Log M and HLG color profile options

The Action 5 Pro uses the same size 1/1.3-inch sensor as the Action 4, but I found its image quality is a clear step above, with strong dynamic range (DJI claims up to 13.5 stops), and beautifully clean colors and excellent detail in good daylight conditions. Rather than wax lyrical about the image quality, I’ll let you watch the embedded videos (below) and see for yourself. I shot most of the footage here in 4K/60fps using the ‘flat’ D-Log M color profile, color-correcting in post-production with Davinci Resolve 18.

The one exception is the 4K SuperNight sequence, which doesn’t allow D-Log M shooting and limits 4K clips to 30fps; I’ve left this footage untouched to demonstrate how it looks direct from the camera. I wasn’t blown away by SuperNight, and when shooting at night in future I’d be tempted to dial the resolution back to 1080p as the 4K footage doesn’t look particularly sharp. But it does a serviceable job of providing clearer images in low light – a situation where action cameras traditionally struggle.

The fact that the Action 5 Pro doesn’t shoot 5.3K or 8K footage doesn’t bother me much, as in my experience 4K is plenty of resolution for an action camera. That being said, those who like cropping their footage might find the extra detail offered by rival cameras like the GoPro Hero 13 Black or Insta360 Ace Pro handy.

Aside from low-light shooting, the one area where DJI could make improvements in the future is by implementing GoPro-style lens mods. The ability to shoot macro images or insert ND filters could add some extra flexibility to what’s already a very impressive action camera.

  • Image quality score: 4/5

DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro: testing scorecard

Should I buy the DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro?

Buy it if...

You want great reliability
Waterproof to 20m, freeze-proof to -25ºC and offering up to four hours of battery life, the Osmo Action 5 Pro is unlikely to let you down.

You own a DJI Mic 2
The pristine 48kHz recording compatibility between this tiny wireless mic and the Action 5 Pro is a game-changer for live voiceover recording. You can even link two mics.

Don't buy it if...

You want crystal-clear night-time footage
DJI’s SuperNight mode may produce better low-light video than most action cameras, but it’s still grainy and lacking in detail compared to video from a mirrorless camera.

You want super high-res footage
4K is fine for 90% of users, but those who need more should look at Insta360 and GoPro’s higher-resolution alternatives.

DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro: also consider

GoPro Hero 13 Black

GoPro’s flagship is a polished performer, recording excellent 5.3K video and supporting a wide range of accessories – including the auto-detected Lens Mods that dramatically widen its creative options. It also features built-in GPS, and finally supports the faster magnetic mounting system already used by rival action cam makers.

Read our GoPro Hero 13 Black review

Insta360 Ace Pro

The Ace Pro is something of a resolution master, offering 8K video (at 24fps) and 4K slow-mo at 120fps from a 1/1.3-inch sensor. Video enthusiasts won’t like the lack of log recording options, however. Design-wise, it sports a large 2.4-inch flip-up touchscreen, eschewing the dual-screen setup favored by GoPro and DJI.

Read our Insta360 Ace Pro

DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro

(Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)

How I tested the DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro

  • A week of vlogging and biking
  • Paired with DJI Mic 2
  • Footage edited using DaVinci Resolve Studio 18.6

I spent a week using a pre-release version of the DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro, capturing vlog-style videos using the including extendable selfie stick and, at times, a paired DJI Mic 2 lavalier microphone. I used DJI’s road cycling mount kit to attach the camera to various points on my bike. I also tested battery life by allowing the camera to continuously record until the battery died.

I recorded video at different resolutions and frame rates, using different color profiles and video modes, and with the various forms of stabilization on or off. Footage was later edited on my PC using DaVinci Resolve Studio 18.6 software, which I used to color-grade and stabilize some clips.

First reviewed September 2024

Philips Hue Twilight review: a beautiful, purpose-built smart wake-up light
2:02 pm |
Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Home Smart Home Smart Lights | Comments: Off

Two-minute review

Philips Hue Twilight smart lamp in sunset orange

(Image credit: Future)

I’ve been waiting a long time for a smart light brand to release a truly smart wake-up light, and it’s no surprise that Philips Hue is first with its beautiful new Twilight smart light. 

While most smart lights offer some form of wake-up or circadian functionality, and many smart home hubs also allow you to turn your regular smart lights into bona fide wake-up lights, the Philips Hue Twilight is first to thoughtfully incorporate wake-up functionality into the design and software from end-to-end, cementing it as one of the best smart lights I’ve ever tested.

Standing at 12.9-inches / 33cm tall, the Twilight lamp is an exercise in design mastery from Philips Hue. Available in either a black or white casing, the unit’s rounded stem is footed by a cork base, and tapers towards the head of the lamp, which is shaped like an upturned cup. It’s a slick and chic device that looks wonderful in either color – and while it might not be for everyone, it’s a major step up in aesthetics from Hue compared to some of its previous designs, such as the Philips Hue Go Table lamp and Hue Bloom.

On the top of the head are two programmable buttons that by default trigger automations and cycle through six different scenes, offering both “press” and “press and hold” controls. Through the Philips Hue app, you can change how the buttons and the lights behave, presenting a fantastic level of customizability. 

Behind the frosted-encased rear panel sit the LED lights. It isn’t the most attractive look, but since the rear of the light will in all likelihood be wall-facing, it isn’t a dealbreaker. The LEDs point slightly upwards, which enables them to spray a wonderful cone of light up walls – plus they also feature separate strips that can create gradient lights using Hue’s new Gradient ColorCast technology. The head also contains another set of independently controllable direct LED lights, and can be rotated 90 degrees to the left and right – a nice touch for those who enjoy reading in bed.

Screenshots of the Philips Hue Twilight app interface

(Image credit: Future)

The part of the design I wasn’t so impressed by is the 2.4 x 1.9 x 3.1-inches / 6 x 4.8 x 8cm (h x w x d) power supply. If your plug socket is directly behind your bedside table, you’ll likely need your table to be sitting further away from the wall to account for the Twilight’s very proud plug.

However, when it comes to the light itself, I’d go as far as to say this is the best I’ve seen from Hue – and given the bar is pretty high, I’m very much impressed. Hue claims it can be dimmed to 0.5% brightness, and while I couldn’t easily measure that, what I can say is that dimming proved incredibly smooth, with a near-imperceptible transition between the light's lowest brightness and fading out completely.

According to Hue, there’s more than just some buttons and software that make Twilight well-suited for use as a wake-up light. The night-time scenes that come included as defaults for both manual and in-app control omit blue light, which suppresses melatonin, while its wake-up scenes are attuned to emulate sunrise.

In addition to its natural light settings, the Philips Hue Twilight smart light is also able to reproduce the full range of colors you’d expect from a Hue device, meaning you can also set the mood with some beautifully vibrant scenes. In addition, the rear light is fully programmable, so you can also create custom gradients to match other gradient lights such as the Hue Signe.

The Twilight integrates easily into the Hue app, with both Bluetooth and Hue Bridge connectivity on offer – but here lies one of the biggest issues I have with the product: its limited functionality when paired via Bluetooth. For some reason, the two light sources can’t be controlled in conjunction with one another in this configuration, and many of the automations aren’t available.

Price and availability

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Philips Hue Twilight smart lamp in fuchsia pink

(Image credit: Future)
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Philips Hue Twilight smart lamp in teal

(Image credit: Future)
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Philips Hue Twilight

(Image credit: Future)
  • List price: $279 / £249 

The Philips Hue Twilight smart light will set you back $279 / £249, and is available in both black and white colorways. Compared even to Philips Hue’s own alternatives, such as the Hue Go portable table lamp (list price: $159.99 / £139.99), that’s one frighteningly expensive lamp.

It’s a running issue with Philips Hue. While its smart lighting is arguably some of the best – if not the best – on the market, such a lofty price tag is tough to swallow. In Twilight’s defense, both its design and performance are top-tier – with the exception of my gripes with its plastic casing, limited Bluetooth functionality and large power supply. I have the same opinion about the Hue Go portable table lamp. Given that there are a wealth of more affordable smart lights on the market, some competitive pricing from Philips Hue feels in order.

Specs table

Score card

How I tested

  • I used the Philips Hue Twilight lamp as my main wake-up light and bedroom lamp for two weeks 
  • I tried all of its various presets and features 
  • I used it both with and without a Hue Bridge 

Philips Hue Twilight

(Image credit: Future)

I used the Philips Hue Twilight for two weeks as my main bedroom light, testing all of its wake-up and wind-down presets, morning and night, to see how effectively they helped to regulate my sleep schedule.

I paired it both via Bluetooth and also through my Philips Hue Bridge to compare its feature set and functionality in various connectivity modes. I controlled it through my smart home speakers to see how responsive it was, and tested the various color options to see how vibrant of a payoff the lights delivered.

I’ve been testing smart home technology for over two years, filling my home with abundant smart lighting and devices from the likes of not only Philips Hue, but some of the biggest competition across smart lighting. 

Origin EON17-X v2 review: powerful, big, hot, and loud
11:46 pm | September 18, 2024
Author: admin | Category: Computers Computing Gadgets Gaming Computers Gaming Laptops | Tags: , | Comments: Off

Origin EON17-X v2: Two-minute review

Origin EON17-X v2 gaming laptop resting on desk

(Image credit: Future / James Holland)

Gaming laptops typically come in two different flavors: the lighter variant that requires some performance compromises, and the desktop variant that is about as mobile as a large turtle. The Origin EON17-X v2 is the latter.

For many, these desktop replacements are the best gaming laptops for them. While heavy, they’re still much easier to fold up and transport than an actual desktop. You just wouldn’t want to carry it around on your back all day. Yet, they still have the bona fide internals to allow playing AAA games on higher settings with ray tracing and all that jazz. Unfortunately, it shares some of the drawbacks of these types of computers with its loud fans and issues with thermal efficiency, not to mention it blows hot air out its sides around where one would most likely have their hand when using an external mouse.

On the bright side, it comes with a large, sharp, and vibrant screen like the best 17-inch laptops. And like some of those bigger models, the Origin EON17-X v2 gets up there in price. Depending on what you’re looking for – especially if you’re looking for a powerful gaming laptop with an HD UV printed lid – the Origin EON17-X v2 might be the gaming laptop for you.

Origin EON17-X v2: Price and availability

Origin EON17-X v2 gaming laptop with its lid closed

(Image credit: Future / James Holland)
  •  How much does it cost? Starting at $3,400.00 (about £2,610.00 / AU$5,120.00)
  •  When is it available? Available now 
  •  Where can you get it? Available in the US 

Though the basic configuration listed on the Origin site for the EON17-X v2 is discounted down to $2,480 at the time of writing, it generally starts at $3,400.00 (about £2,610.00 / AU$5,120.00). Even if that’s one of those deals where it’s constantly discounted so most are never paying that price, this is still an expensive computer. That said, $2,400 is a much more accessible price and an easier one to swallow.

Even that basic configuration is plenty powerful as well. It comes with an Intel Core i9 CPU, Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080 GPU, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD, and a 1440p screen with a 240Hz refresh rate.

If you want to max out the configuration, which has that same i9 CPU, an RTX 4090 GPU, 64GB RAM, 8TB SSD with an additional 8TB SSD and a 4K screen with a 144Hz refresh rate along with one of the preconfigured UV printed lids, the price is going to be $5,681 (about £4,360 / AU$8,550). Now, those massive SSDs both add on a lot price-wise, specifically $824 for the main 8GB SSD and an additional $930 for the additional 8TB SSD.

The review configuration here is a happy medium as it keeps the Intel Core i9, RTX 4090, and 4K screen, and pairs that all with a more modest but still very robust 32GB RAM as well as a 2TB SSD and an additional 2TB SSD. That will set you back $3,913 (about £3,000 / AU$5,890) give or take (there are multiple options for the same configuration of hard drives at slightly different price points). Of course, it’s discounted at the time of writing to $3,098.

Origin is not the only game in town for these sorts of desktop replacement laptops that are more than likely to be very powerful, very loud, and very stationary. The MSI Titan 18 HX is another such computer. It starts at an even pricier $4,999.99 / £4,379.98 / AU$6,999 and comes with an Intel Core i9, RTX 4080, 64GB RAM, and 2TB SSD, along with an 18-inch screen with a 2400p resolution and 120Hz refresh rate. The one thing it does have over the Origin is that that screen has HDR1000 on hand. Still, it starts at an even higher price point for a similar package.

If you’re willing to compromise, particularly on screen resolution, the Acer Predator Helios 18 starts at a much more palatable $1,699.99 (about £1,339 / AU$2,576). Of course, the specs are more modest as you get an Intel Core i7, 4060 GPU, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD, and an 18-inch 1200p screen with a 165Hz refresh rate. 

  • Value: 4 / 5

Origin EON17-X v2: Specs

All models come with an Intel Core i9-14900HX CPU, but you do have a few ways to customize (and a whole bunch when it comes to the SSDs). The GPU and screen are tied together, so if you get the cheaper Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080 GPU, the PC will come with the 17.3-inch 1440p screen with the faster 240Hz refresh rate. If you get the 4090 GPU, it will come with a 17.3-inch 4K screen with a still blazing fast 144Hz refresh rate.

As far as RAM goes, you can select from 16, 32, or 64GB. When it comes to SSDs, the options are too numerous to mention here. I’ll only say that you have options ranging from 1 to 8TB for both the main and the additional hard drive. For some sizes, there are multiple options.

Besides the two different screens, there’s one other way to customize the Origin EON17-X v2 externally, and that’s with the HD UV printed lid. For a small upcharge, you can choose from 19 different prints. Or, for a bigger upcharge, you can upload your own design to be printed on the lid. 

Origin EON17-X v2: Design

Origin EON17-X v2 gaming laptop in use on a desk

(Image credit: Future / James Holland)
  •  Massive in every way, including weight
  •  Port selection is great
  •  HD UV printed lid is unique

The Origin EON17-X v2 is massive. Yes, that’s to be expected of any computer with a 17-inch display not named LG Gram, but this PC is 16 pounds (despite the fact that a lot of the verbiage online says 7.25 pounds). It’s clearly not meant to be routinely lugged around. It just happens to be more portable than an actual desktop setup. That said – as I’ll get into below – the battery life is good enough that, if you’re actually comfortable carrying around an extra 16 pounds, you can use this on the go.

The upside of the EON17-X v2 being so big is that it comes with a large 17.3-inch display with either a super sharp resolution (4K at 144Hz) or blazing fast refresh rate (1440p at 240Hz). The only thing really missing with the display is any kind of HDR.

Origin EON17-X v2 gaming laptop's RGB keyboard

(Image credit: Future / James Holland)

It also has a full-sized keyboard layout thanks to its larger size, which can be customized with Macros and per-key RGB lighting. The touchpad is likewise sizable. Both work well, though the keyboard has enough stiffness that I prefer typing on my MacBook or using an external keyboard. 

The touchpad, however, is very responsive and accurate. Almost enough to use during gaming, though it’s held back by the fact that if you’re pressing down to simulate a right click, you won’t be able to left click. This is a combination of actions needed in games where you would aim before shooting. Otherwise, I was very impressed by the touchpad.

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Origin EON17-X v2 gaming laptop back port selection

Backside port selection on the Origin EON17-X v2 (Image credit: Future / James Holland)
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Origin EON17-X v2 gaming laptop's left side port selection

EON17-X v2 left side ports (Image credit: Future / James Holland)
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Origin EON17-X v2 right side ports

Origin EON17-X v2 right side ports (Image credit: Future / James Holland)

The port selection on here is pretty great. Though I don’t like having ports on the back, there are so many that it makes sense. Anything outside of a SD card reader is here. It even has an optical style audio jack to go along with a regular 3.5mm one. And, of course, two thunderbolt 4 ports are on hand as well.

Taking a step back and looking at the whole package, the Origin EON17-X v2 is mostly matte black with an aluminum chassis, and, when open, only really looks like a gaming laptop thanks to its size and the RGB lighting on the keyboard. However, the lid with its HD UV printed design is going to give it away. Regardless of the design, it’s not a look I would personally go for (you can choose a standard black lid), but it’s certainly unique and something that someone would appreciate.

  • Design: 4.5 / 5

Origin EON17-X v2: Performance

Origin EON17-X v2 Control Center software

(Image credit: Future / James Holland)
  • Powerful performance
  • Loud fan
  • Gets hot under stress

It’s no surprise that Origin bills the EON17-X v2 as “[its] most powerful laptop ever designed.” Its specs are impressive. It has a top-of-the-line CPU in its Intel Core i9 as well as the most powerful consumer-grade GPU with the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090 (even if you get the 4080, it’s incredibly powerful).

It’s a testament to how ambitious Origin got that you can still run games like Cyberpunk 2077, Red Dead Redemption 2 and Hellblade 2:Senua’s Saga and really push the laptop, ending up with 20-30 fps. But, that’s with maxed settings and ray tracing on full blast. Singling out Cyberpunk 2077 for a second, I get 20 fps with everything maxed out at 4K including ray tracing. With ray tracing off, it’s 29 fps. At 1080p with ray tracing off but all the other settings still maxed out, I get 89 fps.

That’s actually pretty impressive. And, with a lot of AAA games, you can get up to 150 - 160 fps in 1080p but still with the settings all the way up.

Also remember that the Origin EON17-X v2 is powering a 4K display (or 1440p one if you go the cheaper-ish route) with a high refresh rate even if you’re not fully utilizing it. And it’s a wonderful display. Its Delta E > 0.25 is incredibly accurate and the color coverage is very wide, specifically insofar that it has an sRGB of 153.5% and DCI-P3 of 108.7%. With those numbers and the powerful internals, I could imagine doing quite a bit of video editing on this machine.

Origin EON17-X v2: Benchmarks

3DMark: Fire Strike: 31284; Time Spy: 17838; Port Royal: 11950

GeekBench 6.3 2979 (single-core); 17014 (multi-core)

25GB File Copy: 11.43

Handbrake 1.8.1: 3:52

CrossMark: Overall: 2217 Productivity: 2085 Creativity: 2407 Responsiveness: 2084

Assassin’s Creed Mirage: (1080p) 131 fps, (4K) 75 fps

Dirt 5: (1080p) 167.5 fps, (4K) 87.83 fps

Web Surfing (Battery Informant): 7:17:36 

Where the Origin EON17-X v2 is not quite amazing is in the fact that its fans are very loud, though you can adjust that in Origin’s Control Center app. I literally could barely hear the maxed out audio of games over it. Strangely, the laptop still got very hot under duress, measuring 122 degrees Fahrenheit (50 degrees Celsius) right above the F10 / webcam key in the middle of the keyboard. 

More distressingly is the fact that while there’s venting on the back and the sides of the computer, a lot of the hot air is getting blown out the sides. Unless you’re using an external keyboard, you probably will have your mouse and therefore your hand right next to one of the side vents.

On the bright side, if you choose to use the speakers instead of external headphones, the audio sounds decent. Not a lot of low-end, but it’s full enough. More importantly for a gaming computer, it actually has a decent soundstage so you can hear what’s supposed to be on the left or the right.

  • Performance: 4 / 5

Origin EON17-X v2: Battery life

  • Solid battery life for a gaming laptop
  • No fast charging

I always say this when I review gaming laptops, but it’s worth repeating. They’re notorious for having, at best, mediocre battery life. So, to test a 17-inch model with very robust specs and have it last a little more than seven and a quarter hours in our web surfing battery informant test is very impressive. Typically, I expect to see two to three hours of battery life in these kinds of machines.

Also worth noting is that the Origin EON17-X v2 does not have fast charging on hand. However, that’s more the purview of Ultrabooks. On the bright side, you do have some customization over how the laptop charges in the Control Center app so you can set it to charge when it’s under 70% and stop at 80. You can also select your own personal parameters. That’s a nice feature if you care about the longevity of the physical battery.

  •  Battery life: 4.5 / 5

Should I buy the Origin EON17-X v2?

 Buy it if…

You want an incredibly powerful gaming laptop

The only way to get something more powerful is to go the actual desktop route. Otherwise, the Origin EON17-X v2 is about as performance-heavy as you’ll find in laptop form.

You want to customize your PC

With the ability to choose from an assortment of HD UV printed lids or upload your own design, this laptop can be customized beyond the competition. And, that’s before considering the different options available with the different internal components.

You want good battery life in a large gaming laptop

If you want good battery life in a 17-inch gaming laptop, this machine has the goods. It might not compare to an Ultrabook or even smaller gaming laptops like an Asus ROG Zephyrus, but you’ll be hard pressed to get seven hours out of most mid- to large-sized gaming portables.

Don't buy it if...

You’re on a budget of any kind

Unless you can spend $2,500 on a laptop (and that’s when it’s on sale), you’re better off finding some other pre-built laptop with slightly less robust internal components.

You care about a laptop getting too hot

The heat this thing produces is a pain to deal with, especially when it’s blowing right on your mouse hand. If this is a dealbreaker, there are gaming laptops that handle thermals a little better or at least don’t blow the hot air out the side vents.

Also Consider

If our Origin EON17-X v2 review has you looking for other options, here are two laptops to consider...  

MSI Titan 18 HX

The MSI Titan 18 HX does a lot of what the Origin EON17-X v2 does and adds in HDR1000. It’s powerful with a great display and plenty of ports. It’s, however, even more expensive and you can’t add your own design on the lid.

Read our full MSI Titan 18 HX review 

Acer Predator Helios 18

The Acer Predator Helios 18 proves that, if you’re willing to compromise on some settings, you can get some great gaming done for a much cheaper price. It’s much cheaper while still offering up a very large display. While that display as at a lower resolution, it’s still blazing fast.

Read our full Acer Predator Helios 18 review 

How I tested the Origin EON17-X v2

  •  Tested for two weeks
  •  Used it for work, gaming, and streaming 
  •  Pushed it as hard as possible with demanding games

I used the Origin EON17-X v2 for two weeks, gaming on it primarily, but also typing up most of this review and watching / listening to streaming. I pushed it as hard as possible, running AAA games at various settings including at their max to see how it would respond.

The Origin EON17-X v2 is an interesting machine as it’s for a very select group of people who want as much performance as possible, but still want a single laptop instead of all the individual parts of a desktop setup.

I’ve spent the last few years reviewing tech gear for gaming and otherwise, where I’ve gotten a feel for what to look for and how to put a piece of kit through its paces to see whether it’s worth the recommendation.

  •  First reviewed September 2024
SuperOps review
6:16 pm |
Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Pro | Comments: Off

SuperOps is a diverse RMM and PSA tool that allows businesses and MSPs to manage endpoints, patch them, and also solve ticketing queries. It comes with several project management tools that help you streamline day-to-day work, and it has also recently introduced network monitoring and IT documentation functions.

Founded in 2020, SuperOps is relatively new in the industry. However, it has quickly caught everyone’s eye, owing to its unique technician-based pricing and intelligent AI alerting features. It's also quite easy to set up and has won 17 awards at the recently concluded G2’s Winter 2023 announcement, including badges such as Best Support (small business), High Performer, and Easiest Setup.

In this in-depth SuperOps review, we'll discuss some of its best features, support options, ease of use, security, and, of course, its value for money.

SuperOps: Plans and pricing

Superops pricing

(Image credit: Superops)

What we liked the most about SuperOps’ pricing is that there’s a plan for distinct needs – PSA and RMM. So, if you only need RMM functions, you can choose the Standard plan at $99/license/month. On the other hand, if you only need PSA functions, you can choose to pay for just that: $79/license/month.

Each license covers 150 endpoints. So, the RMM cost boils down to $0.66/endpoint/month, which is very affordable, making it ideal for large teams with lots of endpoints. Plus, if you have more than 150 endpoints, you can buy an additional endpoints pack at $75 for 150 endpoints per month. 

However, if you’re a small business and have only 20-30 systems, you’d still have to pay $99/month, since there’s no option to add an individual endpoint – you have to purchase the entire lot. So, SuperOps can quickly become expensive for startups and small businesses.

If you’re looking for both PSA and RMM functions, you can get SuperOps’ Pro or Super plan, costing $129/license/month and $159/license/month, respectively.

Even better, there’s also a 14-day free trial, which will allow you to test the tool's various features risk-free before committing.

SuperOps: Features

We'll now discuss the most notable SuperOps features.

Automation

One of the best features of SuperOps is the degree of automation you get with its policy management functions. This lets you set up policies that help you define a framework to monitor all the assets you manage. There are two types of policies: hierarchal and group-based.

A hierarchal policy allows you to create a policy set for an asset on the global level, which can be overridden at a client, site, or device level. You can configure both alerts and patch management for Windows and Mac assets. 

Alerts

SuperOps lets you set up rule-based alerts for events on the client’s device and even configure auto-remediation actions. For example, you can create an alert when the free disk space on a device goes below a specific level. 

SuperOps alert management feature

(Image credit: SuperOps)

What's more, you can also define the action that needs to be taken: deleting temp files, creating a ticket, or sending an email to a technician. Similarly, you can automate patch management by pre-defining approval configurations and deployment schedules with various conditions.

Schedule actions

We also liked the scheduled actions feature under SuperOps’ policy management. You can schedule scripts to be executed at specific times (once a day, week, or month). While SuperOps offers a handful of default scripts, you can also build a custom script from scratch, either for all your clients, a specific client, or even a particular asset.

Antivirus integrations

Taking security a notch higher, SuperOps lets you connect antivirus solutions with the platform. Currently, there are four antivirus integrations available: Webroot, Bitdefender, SentinelOne, and Emsisoft. 

Once you’ve successfully integrated the two platforms, you can create a policy to manage the antivirus software on the device. Each alert from the antivirus gets created as a ticket so that no security issues fall through the cracks.

Intelligent Alerting

Another feature that deserves special mention is Intelligent Alerting, which is an AI-powered alert mechanism that increases technicians’ efficiency and productivity. When toggled on, Intelligent Alerting deeply understands your client’s device – behaviors, schedules, and routines. 

It then builds patterns and identifies deviations from these patterns. These deviations or anomalies are then flagged as threats, based on their severity and priority. Intelligent Alerting goes a step ahead of traditional alert management. 

Here, you do not need to set up any conditions or criteria. All you have to do is toggle a button and choose the category where you want to enable AI alerts: CPU usage, memory usage, or disk usage. However, a caveat is that the system can take up to 25 days to fully analyze the target system and produce accurate alerts.

SuperOps: Interface and performance

SuperOps features a relatively clean, modern, and customizable home screen. It gives you a snapshot of various performance metrics, such as open alerts, patches, tickets due today, and all pending approvals. 

We also liked the ‘mentions’ widget, which lets you know if any client or team member has mentioned you in a ticket or internal note.

SuperOps interface snapshot

(Image credit: SuperOps)

The best part is that these widgets are completely customizable, and you can view the widget library from the top-right corner of the home screen and choose widgets that are of utmost importance to your role.

Since SuperOps is a multi-dimensional tool, there’s a separate ‘Modules’ tab on a sleek left panel. From here, you can select the function you want to work on: Asset management, client management, tickets, tasks, or projects.

Overall, it can admittedly take a bit of time to get a hang of SuperOps’ interface, especially if you haven’t worked with RMM software before. However, once you learn the ropes, the platform is fairly easy to use.

SuperOps: Security

SuperOps complies with SOC II Type 2, HIPAA, and GDPR to ensure that sensitive business data is handled as per set regulations. 

Plus, the platform is hosted on a dedicated Virtual Private Cloud (VPC) on Amazon Web Services (AWS), which complies with several assurance programs, such as SOC 1/ISAE 3402, SOC 2, SOC 3, PCI DSS Level 1, FISMA, and DIACAP. 

Furthermore, all the data on the website is secured in private subnets and virtual firewalls that allow only pre-established transactions. Plus, SuperOps uses industry-standard AES 256-bit encryption to secure your data.

There are also a lot of security control options you get as a user. For instance, you can enable two-factor authentication to prevent unauthorized access. You can also set up role-based access rules to ensure users can access only those parts of SuperOps that are necessary for their respective functions.

SuperOps: Support

SuperOps has a very detailed ‘Help Center’ page with numerous articles on various topics, such as client management, policy management, automation, reporting, etc. You’ll also see a live chat option at the bottom of your screen, where you can connect to a human representative instead of a bot – super handy since live chat is often the most effective port of call for troubled users.

There are also a lot of blogs, pre-recorded webinars, guides, community hubs, and podcasts, which give you a comprehensive insight into SuperOps’ functions. 

Moreover, in the unlikely event that you do not find a solution to your queries, you can reach out to the customer support team through a phone call or email address. The customer service team is responsive and will promptly resolve any queries you might have.

SuperOps: Final verdict

SuperOps is an excellent RMM software with extensive automation capabilities at just $0.66/endpoint/month, making it one of the most affordable options out there, especially for medium-sized and large businesses with lots of endpoints. 

Its Intelligent Alerting feature sets it apart from the rest. This feature learns the behavior of the endpoints and sends alerts if it finds any deviation from patterned behaviors, saving a lot of time for technicians. You can also automate patch management, build custom alerts, and set up hierarchical and group policies for asset management.

If you’re looking for a multi-dimensional tool that goes beyond RMM, SuperOps is a perfect pick. You get a dedicated PSA module, where you can manage service tickets, invoicing, quotes, and even manage your ongoing projects. Alternatively, if you want both RMM and PSA features, there are specific plans for that too.

That said, SuperOps can be expensive for startups and small businesses with less than 30 endpoints due to its step-up pricing module – but you can leverage its 14-day risk-free trial to test it out for yourself.

SuperOps: FAQs

How much does SuperOps cost?

SuperOps offers dedicated plans for PSA and RMM functions, costing $79 and $99/license/month, respectively. You can manage up to 150 endpoints with each license and even purchase an additional 150 endpoints for $75/month. If you need both PSA and RMM functions, you can go for its Pro or Super plan, costing $129 and $159/license/month, respectively. 

For what purposes can I use SuperOps?

SuperOps is a multi-dimensional business tool that supports various functions such as remote asset management, project management, PSA services, and IT documentation. We liked the platform’s extensive automation function, using which you can streamline functions such as patching, ticketing, scheduling, and more.  

Atera review
6:02 pm |
Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Pro | Comments: Off

Atera is RMM and PSA software that allows businesses and Managed Service Providers (MSPs) to manage endpoints for various clients. Unlike other RMM platforms, Atera charges you on the basis of the number of technicians you have, rather than the endpoints. 

It also offers an AI assistant that helps you automate tasks and solve tickets, setting it apart from others in the industry. At the time of writing, over 12,000 customers, including Domino’s, Sodexo, and Grant Thornton, use Atera to manage around 5 million devices.

In this in-depth Atera review, we'll discuss its primary features, pricing, and overall performance. We’ll also compare it with the competition to help you find out if it's the right choice for your business

Atera: Plans and pricing

Atera’s pricing structure is different from other RMM software on the market. It bills users on the basis of the number of technicians — instead of the number of endpoint systems managed. 

This is beneficial for small businesses or MSPs where only a few technicians handle the entire endpoint management. There are two types of plans with Atera: one for IT departments and the other for MSPs.

For instance, let's say you’re an MSP handling 50 systems. If you choose an endpoint-based pricing structure, you can expect to pay anywhere between $150-500 per month ($2-10 per endpoint). However, with Atera, you’d only pay $258 for 50 endpoints (considering two technicians).

Plus, Atera goes beyond traditional RMM functions and offers features like remote access, helpdesk and ticketing, network discovery, and patch management. This makes it a good value-for-money business tool for system monitoring.

There’s also a 30-day free trial, which you can avail of without entering your credit card details. This will allow you to try it out without risking a single penny.

A downside of Atera is that its Action AI doesn't come included with any of the subscriptions – you’ll have to contact the sales team to get a custom quote for this add-on.

Atera: Features

Atera features

(Image credit: Atera)

Atera lets you monitor system activities in real time and also offers automated alerts. You can get live data on metrics like system resources, logged-in users, network and IP health, and active directories, among others. 

Action AI

A feature that truly sets Atera apart from the competition is its Action AI, available for both technicians (Copilot) and end users (Autopilot). 

Let’s say you’re an end user and facing issues with your printer. All you have to do is open Autopilot on your device and describe your problem using a simple text. The AI assistant will then run a check and suggest solutions. Next, you can click on the solution option to fix the issue. 

This saves a lot of time for technicians and end users, saving them the ordeal of raising a ticket, establishing a remote connection, and then fixing the issue. With Atera, the entire problem can be solved by the end-point user himself.

The Copilot for technicians also works similarly. It can look for issues on the system and help you resolve the problem with just a click. However, since this is a paid add-on, it can increase the overall cost of system management. 

Automation

Besides this, you can also automate a lot of redundant tasks, so your team can focus on more critical functions. For instance, routine tasks like deleting temp files, rebooting systems, running full system scans, and checking new updates can be handled automatically by Atera with the help of Scripts.

Scripts are simple commands that help IT teams automate various processes. With Atera, you can either upload a custom script or choose one from its vast Shared Script Library. These readymade scripts can be further customized to suit your task. 

Even better, these are routinely checked for malware by Atera, making them safe to use. The platform supports formats such as MSI, Bash files, CMD files, and PowerShell.

All connected devices get their own Customer Portal, which can be used to raise service tickets. These tickets are automatically synced with the Atera UI. The platform has also introduced AI ticker tagging, which recognizes support tickets based on keywords and auto-assigns them to the right technician for quicker response.

You can even pull automated reports from Atera, which shows you metrics like total tickets resolved and average time taken to resolve issues. This helps gauge overall customer satisfaction and technician performance.

Patch management

Another area where Atera does an excellent job is patch management, which allows you to ensure that the software, hardware, and OS on your connected devices (Windows, MacOS, and Linux) are up to date. You can even automate patching and set schedules to regularly check for updates. Tasks such as disk defrag, scheduled reset, and cleanups can also be automated. 

The Patch Status Summary report shows you a summary of all patches and updates for servers as well as desktops. This way, you can quickly find out if any patches are missing.

Network Discovery

Atera also offers robust Network Discovery features that allow you to identify all the devices within a given network and simplify onboarding. This also gives you a detailed view of the network topology and efficient network management.

You can even set up custom alerts for unmonitored servers, workstations, and SNMPs, and keep an eye on new devices and IP address changes.

Integrations

Last but not least, we were also impressed by the sheer number of integration options Atera offers. You can connect with Splashtop, AnyDesk, or TeamViewer to access systems remotely. Several accounting integrations such as QuickBooks and Xero and Calendar integrations like Google Calendar and Microsoft 365 Calendar are also available.

Atera: Interface and performance

Atera’s dashboard serves as a single source of truth for technicians, with various widgets providing critical information on connected endpoints. For instance, you can check the live status of tickets: open, pending, due today, or overdue. 

Similarly, you can also see the number of alerts per customer, divided into three categories:  'Information', 'Warning', and 'Critical'. There’s a widget showing you the number of online and offline devices and a map widget with the exact location of all managed devices.

Atera interface

(Image credit: Atera)

We also found a couple of bar charts showing the number of tickets opened and resolved over the past 7 days. The best part is that you can fully customize your dashboard: add, delete, or resize widgets as per your preference.

Plus, there’s a panel on the left-hand side with detailed information on tickets, customers, devices, and alerts. Overall, the interface is clean and easy to navigate, with no performance lags.

Atera: Security

Atera is a secure RMM and PSA platform, as it complies with ISO/IEC 27001, 27017, 27018, and 27032, SOC 2 Type 2, GDPR, and HIPAA. Although Atera is not subject to PCI-DSS compliances, it still complies with them to protect its customers’ card details.

Additionally, the platform maintains detailed audit logs for account establishment and modifications, and you can also add multi-factor authentication to your accounts for increased security. What's more, managers can choose to impose role-based access control (RBAC) across devices. 

All your data on Atera is encrypted using industry-standard and rock-solid AES-256 encryption. It's also worth noting that although Atera uses third-party tech for its AI functions, it doesn’t share any customer data nor does it use that data for training its own systems.

Atera: Support

Atera has a rich collection of training videos and articles and its web knowledgebase has several FAQs on topics like RMM, ticketing, billing, and reporting. Plus, Atera’s YouTube channel has 50+ useful videos that will familiarize you with the product.  

Atera also offers 24/7 email and live chat support, and there’s also an online form you can fill out for pre-purchase queries. Overall, there’s no dearth of support options on Atera.

Atera: The competition

Atera is ideal for small businesses and Managed Service Providers (MSPs) since it offers a per-technician pricing model instead of a per-end point, which reduces the overall cost of management. However, large businesses involving complex infrastructures may find Atera expensive.

In that case, you can consider alternatives like NinjaOne. Although you’ll have to contact their sales team for an exact quote, you can expect to pay $2-4 per endpoint. You also get 100+ monitoring templates with NinjaOne, which is the number one patch management tool as of the G2 Spring 2024 report.

On the other hand, if you’re a small business looking for a really affordable RMM product, consider TeamViewer. It offers a free plan, where you can connect unlimited non-work devices. Plus, it’s easy to set up and use, making it ideal for beginners. 

Atera: Final verdict

Atera is certainly among the best RMM software out there, thanks to its AI assistant and easy-to-use and customizable dashboard. Atera’s Action AI (Copilot and Autopilot) helps solve redundant and frequent system queries quickly so that technicians can focus on the complex issues at hand. Its per-technician pricing model makes it affordable for small businesses and MSPs. 

The best part is that Atera extends its functions beyond just remote system management and allows full-fledged helpdesk, billing, and reporting functions, besides robust patch management, and network discovery. We also like that it also offers ample integrations with existing business tools. 

That said, Atera can quickly become expensive for large businesses, where specialized technicians handle only a few complex systems. In that case, an endpoint-based pricing structure would be ideal.

Atera: FAQs

How much does Atera RMM cost?

Atera’s offers two sets of plans: one for IT departments and the other for MSPs. The cheapest plan costs $129/technician/month. Instead of charging users on the basis of the number of endpoints managed, Atera charges them per technician managing endpoints. 

This means that even if you have 50 endpoints managed by a single technician, you only have to pay $129/month. This makes Atera affordable for small businesses and MSPs.

What sets Atera apart from other RMMs?

Atera incorporates AI assistants for technicians and endpoint users, which saves a lot of time for both parties. Users can use Autopilot to identify and solve regular queries at the system level itself, without raising any support ticket. 

Similarly, technicians can use Copilot to identify issues with a given ticket and resolve them with just a click of a button. Furthermore, the AI assistant can also help auto-assign tickets to the right agent based on keywords, which ensures faster resolutions.

What aspects can I monitor with Atera?

Some of the many metrics you can track with the Atera agent on your Windows, Mac, and Linux systems include RAM, motherboard and hard disk usage, overheating issues, current load on CPU and temperature, and Windows services, events, and processes. 

iRobot Roomba Combo J5 Plus review
5:13 pm |
Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Home Robot Vacuums Smart Home | Comments: Off

iRobot Roomba Combo J5 Plus two-minute review

The Roomba Combo J5+ is a combination robot vacuum and mop launched in summer/fall 2023. It is cheaper than many of the best robot vacuums, officially priced around $650 / £479 / AU$1,299, but often found on sale. The packaging is mostly cardboard, making components easy to identify. Setting it up involves unboxing, downloading the iRobot app, and mapping your home.

Its sleek design measures 13.8 by 3.6 inches and includes additional parts such as mopping cloths. The unit has bright green rubber brushes and a single-side sweeper, and the dustbin can be swapped for a mopping unit. It features an integrated light and camera for navigation. It is user-friendly but noisy, and you can control it via the iRobot app and integrate it into a smart home system if you use one.

iRobot Roomba Combo j5+ in its docking station

(Image credit: Future)

Due to its single-brush design, it performs well on rugs but less so on hardwood floors. So, while it'll keep things generally clean on a day-to-day basis, you'll still need one of the best vacuum cleaners on hand to give your home a proper deep clean. 

The mopping function requires swapping the vacuum bin for the mopping one and, unfortunately, doesn't match traditional mopping in thoroughness. The vacuum also struggled with larger particles during our tests. While the vacuum navigates obstacles well, it may struggle with smaller objects and isn't flawless at obstacle avoidance. One helpful feature is its ability to return to its charging dock when the battery is low and resume cleaning afterward.

iRobot Roomba Combo J5 Plus review: price & availability

  • List price: US$649.99 / £479 / AU$1,299 
  • Launch date: September 2023
  • Availability: UK / US / AU / worldwide

The Roomba Combo J5+ is available from most online stores, including Amazon, Best Buy, and iRobot's site. It is also available in the United States, Australia, the UK, and other regions where iRobot products are available. 

Because it's no longer the most recent model in iRobot's Roomba range, you can grab it slightly cheaper than the most up-to-date products that would set you back. In the US, the vacuum is just under $650, but you'll find it on sale periodically and during large sales events like Black Friday.

The J5+'s relative age doesn't diminish its features, as it still boasts all of the pros inherent in the Roomba range. It sits in TechRadar's mid-range price bracket for the wider robot vacuum, and is decent value for a self-empty robot vacuum from a well-known and highly respected brand.

  •  Value for money score: 4 out of 5 

iRobot Roomba Combo J5 Plus specs

iRobot Roomba Combo J5 Plus review: design

  • Not particularly lightweight
  • Easy to set up
  • Vacuum and mop bins need to be swapped for different functions

The Roomba Combo J5+'s packaging is mostly cardboard, with only the unit in a plastic bag. Smaller boxes neatly contain additional parts, including mopping cloths. This makes it easy to identify each component, which is particularly helpful for robot vacuum beginners. 

Setting up the Roomba Combo J5+ is a straightforward process that involves unboxing the vacuum, downloading the iRobot app, creating an account to link the device, and mapping your home for future navigation. The iRobot app controls the vacuum, letting you start cleaning sessions, view and edit your home map, and set specific room-based cleaning tasks. It can also be integrated with any smart home system, allowing automated routines.

iRobot Roomba Combo j5+ parts in boxes, accompanied by a cat

(Image credit: Future)

The Roomba Combo J5+ looks great, with a sleek, contemporary design that mirrors the signature shape and style of other vacuums from the brand. Measuring 13.8 inches across by 3.6 inches high, it's the right height to navigate under sofas and cabinets. The top panel features a single clear button to avoid confusion. The black finish with a stocky dustbin adds to the premium appeal, even if the unit is quite large.

The underside features bright green rubber brushes and a single-side sweeper. Whenever you need to change modes, you can swap the bin for the mopping unit (included in the box).

There's also an integrated light and camera that help the vacuum intelligently navigate and avoid obstacles. The overall setup is user-friendly and intuitive, though the relatively compact size of the vacuum unit does not automatically mean this is an ideal choice for small spaces. The dustbin accounts for much of the footprint, but the unit is also heavy. The weight contributes to noise levels as the vacuum moves across rooms, particularly in homes like mine. These homes have lots of furniture, corners, and raised wooden dividers between rooms.

If you plan to use the mop function, you must first swap out the vacuum bin for the mopping one. Fill the tank with your chosen solution and attach the mopping cloth. This is a key difference between the J5+ and Roomba Combo J7+, which can vacuum and mop simultaneously without swapping out any parts. If you don't want the hassle of switching bins during your cleaning routine, you may want to opt for the newer model.

The Roomba was tested in the household of a black cat who sheds hair absolutely everywhere. The vacuum doesn't disappoint in this regard, as it successfully picked up the abundance of pet hair from my floors. There was no issue with pet hair clogging the mechanisms, but I found that my longer human hair did wrap around the brushes, and they needed manual de-hairing after a while. I'd consider this one of the best robot vacuums for pet hair.

  • Design score: 4.5 out of 5 

iRobot Roomba Combo J5 Plus review: performance

  • Good at picking up larger particles but struggles with dust
  • Obstacle avoidance feature only works for some items
  • Mopping functionality has limitations

The Roomba Combo J5+ performed well during general use and specific tests, living up to the promise of its feature set. Dual multi-surface rubber brushes adjust to maintain constant contact with carpets and hard floors, and it promises to pick up everything from tiny dust particles to large debris, courtesy of a 3-stage cleaning system.

The device features a navigation system that maps your home, allowing it to transition smoothly between different floor types and navigate obstacles. The Roomba also boasts cliff-detection sensors that prevent falls down stairs or ledges, though I couldn't test this in my ground-floor apartment. Notably, it can return to its charging dock automatically when its battery is low and resume cleaning afterward.

One useful feature of Roomba vacuums is the audio error messages. These messages suggest why your vacuum stopped operating in the middle of the hallway instead of leaving you to guess. So, if you find your vacuum stuck in a corner, you can hit the button and have it tell you what the problem is.

It's worth mentioning that the Roomba Combo J5+ can be noisy during operation, especially when emptying the bin. It operates at an average noise level of 48dB, which is not overly loud but becomes significantly noisier during docking and emptying its tank.

iRobot Roomba Combo j5+ picking up rice

(Image credit: Future)

Interestingly, the vacuum works more consistently on rugs than hardwood floors. This is mainly because robot vacuum brushes sometimes scatter loose dirt around the room, potentially missing some debris. However, rug cleaning performance remains stellar. Just note that the Combo J5+ might struggle with edges due to its single brush design, limiting its ability to reach corners and crevices.

Its obstacle avoidance feature is generally successful but not flawless. While it successfully avoids clothing, shoes, and pet droppings, it struggles with smaller objects like curtains and small toys. To be safe, you'll still need to pick up various items before letting the Roomba loose.

The Roomba Combo J5+'s mopping functionality is adequate for surface-level dirt cleaning of hard floors. However, it doesn't match traditional mopping thoroughness, especially for more stubborn or ingrained dirt.

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Flour on a kitchen floor to be cleaned by the iRobot Roomba Combo j5+

Flour and crushed biscuits on a kitchen floor to be cleaned by the iRobot Roomba Combo j5+ (Image credit: Future)
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iRobot Roomba Combo j5+ cleaning flour off a kitchen floor

iRobot Roomba Combo j5+ cleaning flour and crushed biscuits off a kitchen floor (Image credit: Future)
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Results of the iRobot Roomba Combo j5+ cleaning up flour

Results of the iRobot Roomba Combo j5+ cleaning up flour and crushed biscuits (Image credit: Future)

In testing, the Roomba Combo J5+ struggled with fine dust while performing well with larger debris. For instance, it picked up biscuit particles easily but struggled with finer particles like flour. It also needed to empty itself multiple times when dealing with large amounts of debris, like rice spread across the floor.

After extended use, though, the Roomba Combo J5+ needs minimal maintenance. This included removing the main rubber brushes to clear them of hair and ensuring the side brush was obstructed. Occasionally, it should also be wiped down to keep its sensors clean. 

  • Performance score: 3.5 out of 5

iRobot Roomba Combo J5 Plus review: app

  • Easy-to-use interface
  • Accurate and customizable mapping feature
  • Real-time updates on the vacuum's progress

The iRobot app, available on iOS and Android, significantly enhances the Roomba Combo J5+ user experience with its various controls and features. Users can schedule cleaning sessions, view their cleaning history, and customize cleaning preferences in one place. It also offers access to Clean Map reports, where you can track the areas cleaned after each session.

The J5+ is compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, offering voice-activated control for hands-free operation. The mapping feature accurately rendered the layout of my home. I regularly played with features like customizable room dividers and real-time updates on the vacuum's progress. The app also allows for specific room cleaning and virtual barriers.

The app works remarkably well, providing an estimated time frame for task completion. Once everything is set up, you can select which rooms you want and don't want to be cleaned. For example, if you command it to clean the kitchen, it will complete the task swiftly. It will send a push notification to your device and then return to its charging base.

  • App score: 5 out of 5 

Should you buy the Roomba Combo J5 Plus?

 Buy it if… 

 You really want a robot mop with your vacuum

The vacuum is great for cleaning most dirt from carpets and hard floors with just a switch of a bin.

You appreciate a great app

Smart technology integration with the iRobot app and compatibility with smart home systems allow for convenient control and scheduling.

You have pets

I have a black cat that sheds everywhere, and the J5+ was great at removing this from both hard floors and carpet.

Don't buy it if…

You have mostly hard floors

The vacuum works perfectly on carpet, but can run into problems with fine dust and debris on hard floors.

You want the cleaning completely taken care of

If you're adamant you don't want to go over corners and edges after the vacuum has been round, then it might not be for you.

You want something quiet

General noise while cleaning is average, but the noisy operation during tank emptying could potentially cause disruption.

How I tested the iRobot Roomba Combo J5 Plus

I sprinkled crushed digestive biscuits and flour on my kitchen floor to test the Roomba Combo J5+ on different surfaces in my one-bedroom apartment. The vacuum successfully picked up the biscuit particles but struggled with the flour, leaving some behind. I also spread rice on hard floors and carpets to simulate larger debris.

I observed how the vacuum and its accompanying app performed over several weeks, and thankfully, it only required occasional major cleaning interventions at this time.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed August 2024

OnePlus Buds Pro 3 review: a huge sonic upgrade from OnePlus’ not-to-pricey buds
1:00 pm |
Author: admin | Category: Audio Computers Earbuds & Airpods Gadgets Headphones | Tags: , | Comments: Off

OnePlus Buds Pro 3: Two-minute review

Earlier this year, the OnePlus Buds 3 made their debut with an updated design language and a more balanced sound than anything we'd heard from the company to date. Now, with the arrival of the OnePlus Buds Pro 3, that same approach has been kicked into overdrive; resulting in OnePlus' best noise-cancelling earbuds yet, and by quite a stretch.

Although on paper, the OnePlus Buds Pro 3 sport a similar spec sheet to their predecessors, the company has enhanced things at a component level; meaning the familiar dual driver design is now also backed by dual DACs in each earbud, plus a few other hardware tweaks. Pair that with revised tuning from Dynaudio and, while the Buds Pro 3 retain their forebears penchant for bass, there's far more dynamism in that lower frequency range, joined by more balanced mids and crisp highs; right through the volume range.

The Pro 3 are also brimming with features and most of them aren't solely tied to OnePlus devices anymore. You now get decent spatial audio support (with head tracking) that works on a far greater range of Android devices than before (as well as non-Android iPhones). Seamless dual device switching, a low latency game mode and five excellent EQ presets, along with a frankly outlandish bass boost feature and the ability to tune your own profiles too.

OnePlus Buds Pro 3 review case closed OnePlus Pad 2 OnePlus Nord 4

(Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)

Any downsides? One. As much as the sonic profile has come on – enough to make these true rivals for notable buds from audio-first brands such as Bose and Technics – and despite packing what OnePlus bills as its best noise cancelling yet, ANC (active noise cancellation) is good but not class-leading. Microphone performance is fine too, with acceptable background noise suppression, but the transparency mode does little to differentiate itself from being switched off entirely.

You'll also have to reconcile yourself to the absence of features from similarly-priced rivals, namely conversation-awareness and voice command support. Are these deal-breakers? (I'd suggest they're not, but it's worth noting that they're not here.)

Speaking of deals, despite all the advantages and upgrades over its last few buds, OnePlus hasn't upped the price of the Buds Pro 3 in most markets, including the US, where they cost $179 (with an early bird reduction at the time of writing, to $149). UK buyers will have to swallow a £20 price bump versus the Buds Pro 2, but they too can be had with an early bird offer that knocks them back down to £179. Not bad, eh? 

OnePlus Buds Pro 3 review: Price and release date

OnePlus Buds Pro 3 review settings

(Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)
  • Launched on August 20, 2024
  • Priced at $179.99 / £199 / Australian pricing TBC
  • Early bird pricing includes a $20 / £20 discount

The standard OnePlus Buds 3 arrived on the market in February 2024 and six months later (in which time they leaked extensively), the OnePlus Buds Pro 3 launched, on August 20, 2024.

In most markets, OnePlus has set the Buds Pro 3 at the same asking price as the previous OnePlus Buds Pro 2: $179.99 in the US, €179 in Europe and ₹13,999 in India. The exception to that is the UK, where the Buds Pro 3 see a £20 increase to £199, which reframes their standing in the market as a slightly more premium offering, comparatively.

The silver lining is that, at the time of writing, OnePlus is still offering the Buds Pro 3 up with an early bird discount; a $20 reduction to $149.99 Stateside; making them something of a steal, considering the sound quality on offer. That same reduction also carries over to the UK too, so the price drops back down to its predecessor's RRP of £179, for the time being.

Australian pricing and availability hasn't yet been revealed, but as the Buds Pro 3 are already listed on OnePlus' regional website, the implication is that they'll be on sale sometime soon.

OnePlus Buds Pro 3 review: Specs

OnePlus Buds Pro 3 review: Features

OnePlus Buds Pro 3 review EQ

(Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)
  • Check out 'neck vertebrae health' tool
  • Broader compatibility than predecessor
  • No voice command or conversation awareness

Pairing the OnePlus Buds Pro 3 is as easy as opening up the case near a Google Fast Pair-compatible Android phone. So long as Bluetooth is turned on, all you have to do is choose to connect via the card that pops up on-screen, and that's it. iPhones unsurprisingly don't feature Google Fast Pair but connection is still painless, with a long-press on the pairing button on the side of the case, after which you just have to select the buds from the Bluetooth menu, like usual.

If you're rocking any of the best OnePlus phones, unlocking the full feature set of the OnePlus Buds Pro 3 is as easy as pairing; with access to everything direct from the Bluetooth devices menu. For any other Android phone or iPhone, control falls to the HeyMelody app (which serves up an identical UI).

OnePlus Buds Pro 3 review ANC

(Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)

From top to bottom, you're presented with a battery readout, Noise Control (which lets you toggle on ANC, Transparency or turn off both). There's then a noise cancellation sub-menu, where you can select the degree of background noise suppression; that includes three levels, as well as a dynamic 'auto' mode.

The Sound Master EQ sub-menu plays home to the hard work the Danish engineers at Dynaudio contributed to the Buds Pro 3, with five presets (Balanced, Bold, Serenade, Bass and Dynaudio featured), along with an additional BassWave toggle that can be paired with any of the EQ profiles and itself includes a -/+ 5 slider. Rounding out this menu is where you can build your own custom EQ profiles, split into six frequency sliders.

OnePlus Buds Pro 3 review EQ presets

(Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)

Hi-Res mode is next, with the OnePlus Buds Pro 3 opting for LHDC 5.0 as its codec of choice here (alongside SBC and AAC). As for devices that support it, in the smartphone space recent OnePlus, Oppo & Realme phones, as well as the top entries amongst the best Xiaomi phones, and Nothing Phone 1 and 2, are all confirmed to support LHDC 5.0, but there are other offerings from brands like Motorola that play nice with older iterations of the codec too.

I preferred the default 'Balanced' EQ profile, with BassWave disabled for general listening, but collectively augmented that configuration with the Golden Sound feature. It takes you through a frequency test for each bud, before building an audio profile unique to your ears; a feature I'd highly recommend you spend the time to set up to get the most out of the listening experience here.

OnePlus Buds Pro 3 review spatial audio

(Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)

Next-up is spatial audio, which was available on the OnePlus Buds Pro 2 but only worked with flagship OnePlus phones at launch. Now, support is hugely expanded, available across popular music and streaming apps on all sorts of Android phones, and even iPhones (although iOS isn't using Google's Spatial Audio profile). Optional head tracking is on the table too, which works well in practice.

There are three Buds Pro 3 features exclusively available to OnePlus smartphone/tablet users, but in the grand scheme of things, don't feel like damaging omissions if you're on another platform.

OnePlus Buds Pro 3 review neck mobility

(Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)

The most interesting is the 'neck vertebrae health' tool, which can use the sensors in the buds to assess your neck mobility and even notify you of bad neck posture while you're wearing them. Zen Mode Air serves up relaxing white noise sounds (like 'Summer Waves' or 'Forest Rain' in wonderful high fidelity. Lastly, the Buds Pro 3 supports camera control on OnePlus devices, letting you snap a picture with their on-stem controls, or supply your videos with the microphone feed from the buds, if desired.

Game Mode reduces latency between the buds and your device, turning on automatically on OnePlus devices when they detect you're running a game, while it appears as a toggle in the HeyMelody app for other Android and iOS users.

Multipoint connectivity (branded 'Dual connection' here) is a great inclusion on the Buds Pro 3 that, once setup, lets you seamlessly pause audio on one device and move to another without needing to re-pair to keep listening. This works without issue in practice, tested across OnePlus, Android and iOS devices.

OnePlus Buds Pro 3 review Zen Mode Air

The soundscapes available in Zen Mode Air (Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)

The last two features at the OnePlus Buds Pro 3's disposal are a fit test – to ensure you have a good seal when wearing them, and a Find My option, which emits a loud tone from the buds when activated, and on Android devices also plugs into Google's Find My Device system; noting the last location they were used.

In short, an absolute mountain of functionality that makes the Buds Pro 3 incredibly versatile for a variety of listening conditions. All that's missing is conversation-aware ANC (which quietens or pauses music when the buds detect someone speaking to you or vice versa) and voice commands; for hands-free playback control or interaction with your device's smart assistant.

  • Features score: 4.5 / 5

OnePlus Buds Pro 3 review: Design

OnePlus Buds Pro 3 review case open plus buds near

(Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)
  • Stemmed buds w/ chromed outer face
  • New top-loading case is better, but wireless charging is backwards
  • IP55 rated buds, IPX4 case

OnePlus' Buds Pro line has always sported a stem-style design, originally accented with a chrome-dipped tip aesthetic, while the driver housing has typically been finished in lightly textured plastic. With the Buds Pro 3, however, that chrome finish has crept up to cover the stem and housing completely, which I think is a shame.

While eye-catching, the 'dipped' look of previous entries made for a more distinctive appearance, even at a distance. Many levied criticism at Samsung for the design similarities of its new angular stemmed Galaxy Buds 3 and Galaxy Buds 3 Pro, but the more rounded stems and, now consistent, surface finish of OnePlus' latest buds renders them far more like chrome-clad AirPods Pro 2 doppelgangers, in my opinion.

OnePlus Buds Pro 3 review bud in hand

Look closely and you can see the touch sensitive area on the inside of the stem (Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)

That said, while the finish more readily holds onto fingerprints than previous iterations, ergonomically, it sits far more comfortably in the ear than any true wireless buds I've worn of late, and that's with the pre-fitted medium silicone ear tips. OnePlus also includes extra small, small and large-size oval-shaped alternatives in the box (along with a charging cable).

Despite the fact that they've gained a little weight, I found the Buds Pro 3 to be more comfortable and secure when worn (over the older Buds Pro 2), even when working out or for extended periods. In-ear detection proved reliable too, pausing and resuming music when you remove or insert either bud, and it works on iOS as well as Android.

The Buds Pro 3 boasts a completely redesigned case that has caused some discord among fans on platforms like Reddit. In place of the squared makeup compact-style case of previous generations – which opened to reveal the buds in their entirety – the Pro 3's buds reside within a new top-loading oval enclosure, that features smooth edges, contrasted against a leather-like textured surface finish.

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OnePlus Buds Pro 3 review case closed near

(Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)
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OnePlus Buds Pro 3 review case open handheld

(Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)

I think the new case makes the Pro 3 more pocketable and more likely to retain the buds inside, should you drop it, but some people don't seem to appreciate the change. The USB-C port on the case's underside allows for a quick 10-minute charge to deliver 13 hours of playback (for comparison AirPods Pro 2 deliver just 1 hour of playback from a 5-minute recharge), while a full 100% refill takes approximately 70 minutes.

The OnePlus Buds Pro 3 also, conveniently, include wireless charging too (a full recharge this way takes about 2.5 hours), but for some unknown reason, unlike every other pair of wireless charging-capable buds out there, OnePlus' new case design demands that you place it face down, instead of face up when recharging without cables. It's an unintuitive design move that just takes some getting used to. At least with up to 43 hours of use per charge, you won't have to worry about fiddling with the case on a wireless charger all too often.

OnePlus Buds Pro 3 review earbud controls

(Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)

Along with the existing repertoire of stem-based press or press-and-hold controls that previous Buds Pro have sported, the Buds Pro 3 carry across the new swipe gesture added to the OnePlus Buds 3; letting you adjust volume (or switch track) on-ear, by swiping up or down on the front of the stem. Even now, I still sometimes struggle to find the touch-sensitive area consistently, but controls otherwise work reliably.

For added peace of mind, the case is IPX4-rated, while the buds themselves are IP55-rated against dust and water ingress; collectively meaning you should have no issues wearing these when working up a sweat or getting caught in the rain.

  • Design score: 4 / 5

OnePlus Buds Pro 3 review: Sound quality

OnePlus Buds Pro 3 review in ear side

(Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)
  • Excellent, well-balanced sound profile
  • Huge upgrade on predecessor that's comparable to pricier rivals
  • Still behind the curve on mic voice isolation and ANC

Perhaps the most divisive aspect of the OnePlus Buds Pro 3 is the audio performance. In a nutshell, this product outputs exceptional sound, with a great default profile, outlandishly lavish bass (without making things muddy), and significantly-improved response in the mids and highs (compared to the Buds Pro 2), that punches above its weight.

The flip side is that, despite the promise of strides made in ANC, microphone performance and transparency mode, the improvements feel significantly more pedestrian.

If you didn't tell me the buds' noise cancellation was dynamic, I wouldn't readily know. ANC performance is good at slightly softening mids, while also trimming low drones and high hisses, but speech and the like still slip through, as do sudden changes in volume in your surroundings. Of course, that's to be expected to a degree, but still, the performance here when massaging away constant, low-level sounds was fine rather than fantastic. 

On calls and when recording your voice, the Buds Pro 3 boast a three-microphone setup, supported by a VPU (voice pick up bone) sensor, however, the results are again just 'fine'. They're more full-bodied than the mics on some other buds around this price point, but plosives in speech tend to get lost when the Buds Pro 3 are trying to iron out background noise at the same time.

While I already touched on a lack of awareness to Transparency mode, any benefit over just disabling it altogether went as far as adding more high frequency sounds back into the buds' passive isolation.

OnePlus Buds Pro 3 review Dynaudio logo

(Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)

Microphone-bashing out of the way, the OnePlus Buds Pro 3's excellent sound improvements likely come as a result of the move to dual DACs per driver, per bud; one for the 11mm woofer and one for the 6mm tweeter. Dual DACs, two magnets and a fancy new ceramic-metal composite diaphragm on the woofer, alongside a "small but mighty" 35-micrometer flat voice coil for the high frequencies (likely the biggest contributor the this generation's more balanced sound profile) collectively elevate the standard of OnePlus' audio quality to new heights.

The result is a cleaner, more dynamic sound, with great separation, less crowding in the lower frequencies and more definition in the mids and highs.

  • Sound quality score: 4 / 5

OnePlus Buds Pro 3 review: Value

OnePlus Buds Pro 3 review case closed OnePlus Pad 2

(Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)
  • Superb sound for the price
  • You'll need to pay more for buds with superior ANC
  • Discounts bring strong rivals down to a similar price point

If you spend the majority of your time listening on your headphones, rather than talking, the OnePlus Buds Pro 3 impress with just how much they improve over the Buds Pro 2, while also serving up excellent sound outright, that belies their $179 / £199 asking price.

With the transitional pricing space they reside in, the OnePlus Buds Pro 3 serve as worthwhile alternatives to the likes of more established premium entries, like the Sony WF-1000XM5 (originally $300 / £260 but available today in the UK, at least, for as low as £190) or Technics EAH-AZ80 (available today for around $300 / £240), as well as more budget focused options, like the Bose-certified Moto Buds Plus (approximately $150 / £130).

Headphones today aren't just about listening, however, and so even with their comparatively paltry battery life, if microphone quality, ANC and Transparency mode are major factors for you, you'll likely want to cough up a little extra and go for a known quantity, like Apple's AirPods Pro 2 ($250 / £230) or the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2 (about $180 / £250 today).

  • Value score: 4 / 5

Should I buy the OnePlus Buds Pro 3?

Buy them if…

Don’t buy them if…

OnePlus Buds Pro 3 review: Also consider

How I tested the OnePlus Buds Pro 3

OnePlus Buds Pro 3 review in pocket

(Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)
  • Review test period: 1.5 weeks
  • Testing included streaming from different audio sources, including spatial audio supported videos 
  • Switched between OnePlus, (other) Android, iPhone and PC devices

I used the OnePlus Buds Pro 3 every day for the duration of the review period, giving them an initial 10-hour burn-in before assessing sound characteristics.

I paired the Buds Pro 3 with all manner of devices, from Android phones made by OnePlus and other manufacturers, as well as iPhones and a Windows laptop. This was partially to test the likes of multipoint, as well as checking which feature, if any, were exclusive to certain device types or operating systems.

I used every feature that the Pro 3's software experience had to offer and tried the buds themselves in all manner of environments, with varying degrees of ambient noise to test features like ANC and microphone quality against.

As a reviewer with 13 years experience, and having reviewed numerous audio products – from Bluetooth speakers to a myriad of true wireless buds at a full range of price points  – I felt confident assessing and scoring the OnePlus Buds Pro 3 in the context of the wider TWS earphones market in which it competes.

Read more about how we test

  • First reviewed September 2024
Bitdefender Antivirus Free review
11:24 am |
Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Pro | Comments: Off

Bitdefender Antivirus Free may be the lowest and most basic free antivirus software product in the Bitdefender range, but don’t let that put you off. Sure, there’s no VPN, password manager or parental controls, but Bitdefender Antivirus Free does include precisely the same leading-edge antivirus protection as Bitdefender’s big suites, all at zero cost, and that works for us.

We’re less impressed by the platform support: Bitdefender Antivirus Free is strictly Windows only, a problem when Avast and Avira have free products for Windows, Mac, Android and iOS. But if the focus on Microsoft isn’t a problem, could Bitdefender Antivirus Free be the best malware removal and protection suite for you? We put the app through some very in-depth tests to find out.

Bitdefender Antivirus Free license activated.

Getting your Antivirus Free license can take a little work. (Image credit: Future)

Bitdefender Antivirus Free: Getting started

You can’t install Bitdefender Antivirus Free without setting up an account. That’s quick, easy and free, but it does mean handing over your email address. Avast Free Antivirus and Avira Free Security can be installed and used without registration or handing over any personal details.

This isn’t just about privacy; there are practical issues, too. Because Bitdefender requires you to log into an account, it knows the number of devices you’re protecting, and currently limits you to a maximum of three. Avast and Avira don’t know who you are, and you can install their apps wherever you like.

We noticed another complication. Bitdefender Free Antivirus is only available if you have a new Bitdefender account with no subscription. If you’re currently protecting three laptops with a Bitdefender Total Security license, for instance, there’s no way to add a free license to give another laptop basic protection. There’s a workaround - create a new Bitdefender account with a different email - but we’d much rather the problem didn’t exist at all.

On the plus side, signing up for a Bitdefender account does get you access to live support, not something we see with other free antivirus. That’s potentially very important, because antivirus issues can be complex. If you run into technical troubles, having access to live expert help could make all the difference.

Bitdefender Antivirus Free UI

(Image credit: Future)

Bitdefender Antivirus Free: Features

The Bitdefender Antivirus Free dashboard gives easy access to the app’s core antivirus features. Quick Scan speedily checks the most commonly-infected areas of your device; System Scan takes its time to inspect absolutely everything; the Scheduler allows you to set up scans to run automatically when you’re not around, and you can manage Exceptions (files you tell Bitdefender to ignore because it flags them incorrectly) and Quarantine (where Bitdefender securely locks away blocked files.)

The app is missing some of Bitdefender’s more advanced antivirus features. There’s no Rescue Environment, unfortunately, to remove stealthy threats which can’t be touched when Windows is running. That’s bad news if you’re suffering a serious infection, and not a problem we had with Avast Free Antivirus, which supports creating a bootable rescue scanner and has many other scan types.

The app doesn’t have Bitdefender’s ransomware remediation, either, a valuable extra layer which can restore encrypted files after a ransomware attack. 

Bitdefender Antivirus Free doesn’t include any of Bitdefender’s bonus privacy or security tools. There are buttons for the firewall, antispam, parental controls, anti-theft, the performance optimizer and more, but they all display a padlock icon which means they’re not accessible unless you pay to upgrade.

The VPN is one of the few without a padlock, but not because there’s a free version: you just get an option to install a 7-day trial of Bitdefender’s free VPN. That’s still welcome, but if you’re looking for an antivirus suite with a free VPN, Avast One Essential is a better option. Its VPN has major restrictions - can’t change location, no kill switch - but the 5GB a week data allowance is generous, and it might work for simple tasks.

Bitdefender Antivirus Free is best described as ‘basic’, then, but that’s not necessarily bad news. Avira Free Security includes extras like a password manager and software updater to check for missing software patches, but they’re limited, and we suspect most people won’t use them more than once. If you only want quality antivirus, Bitdefender’s stripped-back design may appeal more than the ‘here, have loads of features you don’t need’ approach used by many competitors.

Bitdefender Antivirus Free AV test.

Bitdefender consistently gets great results in independent testing. (Image credit: Future)

Bitdefender Antivirus Free: Protection

We begin checking antivirus effectiveness by monitoring results of nine regular tests from top labs including AV-Comparatives, AV-Test, SE Labs and MRG Effitas. The tests measure protection, performance, usability and more, and we combine their scores into a single aggregate figure to give us an overall measure of antivirus effectiveness.

Bitdefender is currently equal first with Avast and McAfee, an excellent result. ESET, F-Secure and Norton are equal fourth, while Avira trails a little in seventh place.

We ran further tests of our own, attempting to access 50 brand new phishing URLs on a Bitdefender-protected system. The results were a little below average, with Bitdefender blocking 64% of threats. (Avast blocked 86% in its own tests, and Avira reached an excellent 90%.)

Bitdefender Antivirus Free phishing alert.

(Image credit: Future)

Phishing results can vary hugely depending on the test URLs, though, and Bitdefender scored much better on our malware tests. We gave Chrome 50 links to malicious files, and Bitdefender blocked 92% at the domain access or download level, and the remaining 8% as they were saved to our hard drive, for a perfect 100% protection rate. Other free antivirus apps got close - Avira managed 90%, Avast 94% - but Bitdefender is the only provider in recent testing to score 100%. Even most paid apps can’t manage that.

Bitdefender Antivirus Free scanning.

(Image credit: Future)

Bitdefender Antivirus Free: Final verdict

Bitdefender Antivirus Free is a great malware-hunting performer, but is still fractionally behind Avast in independent testing. As Bitdefender also leaves out tools which Avast includes, such as a bootable scanning, it means you’re a little less likely to be able to remove an infection if something does penetrate your defenses. 

The difference is fractional, though, and not enough to outweigh your personal preferences in other areas. If you only need Windows antivirus, and you trust Bitdefender more, don’t like Avast’s more pushy marketing or need its stack of extras, Bitdefender Antivirus Free is still one of the very best zero-cost malware hunters around.

We list the best cloud antivirus.

Bitdefender Antivirus Free review
11:24 am |
Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Pro | Comments: Off

Bitdefender Antivirus Free may be the lowest and most basic free antivirus software product in the Bitdefender range, but don’t let that put you off. Sure, there’s no VPN, password manager or parental controls, but Bitdefender Antivirus Free does include precisely the same leading-edge antivirus protection as Bitdefender’s big suites, all at zero cost, and that works for us.

We’re less impressed by the platform support: Bitdefender Antivirus Free is strictly Windows only, a problem when Avast and Avira have free products for Windows, Mac, Android and iOS. But if the focus on Microsoft isn’t a problem, could Bitdefender Antivirus Free be the best malware removal and protection suite for you? We put the app through some very in-depth tests to find out.

Bitdefender Antivirus Free license activated.

Getting your Antivirus Free license can take a little work. (Image credit: Future)

Bitdefender Antivirus Free: Getting started

You can’t install Bitdefender Antivirus Free without setting up an account. That’s quick, easy and free, but it does mean handing over your email address. Avast Free Antivirus and Avira Free Security can be installed and used without registration or handing over any personal details.

This isn’t just about privacy; there are practical issues, too. Because Bitdefender requires you to log into an account, it knows the number of devices you’re protecting, and currently limits you to a maximum of three. Avast and Avira don’t know who you are, and you can install their apps wherever you like.

We noticed another complication. Bitdefender Free Antivirus is only available if you have a new Bitdefender account with no subscription. If you’re currently protecting three laptops with a Bitdefender Total Security license, for instance, there’s no way to add a free license to give another laptop basic protection. There’s a workaround - create a new Bitdefender account with a different email - but we’d much rather the problem didn’t exist at all.

On the plus side, signing up for a Bitdefender account does get you access to live support, not something we see with other free antivirus. That’s potentially very important, because antivirus issues can be complex. If you run into technical troubles, having access to live expert help could make all the difference.

Bitdefender Antivirus Free UI

(Image credit: Future)

Bitdefender Antivirus Free: Features

The Bitdefender Antivirus Free dashboard gives easy access to the app’s core antivirus features. Quick Scan speedily checks the most commonly-infected areas of your device; System Scan takes its time to inspect absolutely everything; the Scheduler allows you to set up scans to run automatically when you’re not around, and you can manage Exceptions (files you tell Bitdefender to ignore because it flags them incorrectly) and Quarantine (where Bitdefender securely locks away blocked files.)

The app is missing some of Bitdefender’s more advanced antivirus features. There’s no Rescue Environment, unfortunately, to remove stealthy threats which can’t be touched when Windows is running. That’s bad news if you’re suffering a serious infection, and not a problem we had with Avast Free Antivirus, which supports creating a bootable rescue scanner and has many other scan types.

The app doesn’t have Bitdefender’s ransomware remediation, either, a valuable extra layer which can restore encrypted files after a ransomware attack. 

Bitdefender Antivirus Free doesn’t include any of Bitdefender’s bonus privacy or security tools. There are buttons for the firewall, antispam, parental controls, anti-theft, the performance optimizer and more, but they all display a padlock icon which means they’re not accessible unless you pay to upgrade.

The VPN is one of the few without a padlock, but not because there’s a free version: you just get an option to install a 7-day trial of Bitdefender’s free VPN. That’s still welcome, but if you’re looking for an antivirus suite with a free VPN, Avast One Essential is a better option. Its VPN has major restrictions - can’t change location, no kill switch - but the 5GB a week data allowance is generous, and it might work for simple tasks.

Bitdefender Antivirus Free is best described as ‘basic’, then, but that’s not necessarily bad news. Avira Free Security includes extras like a password manager and software updater to check for missing software patches, but they’re limited, and we suspect most people won’t use them more than once. If you only want quality antivirus, Bitdefender’s stripped-back design may appeal more than the ‘here, have loads of features you don’t need’ approach used by many competitors.

Bitdefender Antivirus Free AV test.

Bitdefender consistently gets great results in independent testing. (Image credit: Future)

Bitdefender Antivirus Free: Protection

We begin checking antivirus effectiveness by monitoring results of nine regular tests from top labs including AV-Comparatives, AV-Test, SE Labs and MRG Effitas. The tests measure protection, performance, usability and more, and we combine their scores into a single aggregate figure to give us an overall measure of antivirus effectiveness.

Bitdefender is currently equal first with Avast and McAfee, an excellent result. ESET, F-Secure and Norton are equal fourth, while Avira trails a little in seventh place.

We ran further tests of our own, attempting to access 50 brand new phishing URLs on a Bitdefender-protected system. The results were a little below average, with Bitdefender blocking 64% of threats. (Avast blocked 86% in its own tests, and Avira reached an excellent 90%.)

Bitdefender Antivirus Free phishing alert.

(Image credit: Future)

Phishing results can vary hugely depending on the test URLs, though, and Bitdefender scored much better on our malware tests. We gave Chrome 50 links to malicious files, and Bitdefender blocked 92% at the domain access or download level, and the remaining 8% as they were saved to our hard drive, for a perfect 100% protection rate. Other free antivirus apps got close - Avira managed 90%, Avast 94% - but Bitdefender is the only provider in recent testing to score 100%. Even most paid apps can’t manage that.

Bitdefender Antivirus Free scanning.

(Image credit: Future)

Bitdefender Antivirus Free: Final verdict

Bitdefender Antivirus Free is a great malware-hunting performer, but is still fractionally behind Avast in independent testing. As Bitdefender also leaves out tools which Avast includes, such as a bootable scanning, it means you’re a little less likely to be able to remove an infection if something does penetrate your defenses. 

The difference is fractional, though, and not enough to outweigh your personal preferences in other areas. If you only need Windows antivirus, and you trust Bitdefender more, don’t like Avast’s more pushy marketing or need its stack of extras, Bitdefender Antivirus Free is still one of the very best zero-cost malware hunters around.

We list the best cloud antivirus.

Netgear Nighthawk RS300 review: high-speed Wi-Fi 7 at a competitive price
8:30 pm | September 17, 2024
Author: admin | Category: Computers Computing Computing Components Gadgets Servers & Network Devices | Tags: | Comments: Off

Netgear Nighthawk RS300: One-minute review

Netgear’s range of Wi-Fi routers and mesh systems are always well-designed and offer high-end performance for business and home users who need a fast, reliable Wi-Fi connection. 

They do tend to be pretty expensive, though, as we saw with the recently launched Nighthawk RS700, which weighed in at a hefty £800/$700/AU$1499. That’s a lot of money for a single, standalone router – especially for home users who probably don’t need the blazing 19Gbps Wi-Fi speed offered by the RS700. 

The new Nighthawk RS300 is therefore designed to provide a high-speed Wi-Fi 7 upgrade with a more affordable price tag. As you might expect, the RS300 is slower, offering a top-speed of 9.3Gbps, but that’s still more than fast enough to handle gaming, streaming 4K video, and other demanding online tasks, and it costs just under half the price of the RS700.

Netgear Nighthawk RS300: Price and availability

Netgear Nighthawk RS300 router sitting on a table

(Image credit: Future)
  • How much does it cost? $329.99/£299.99/AU$1497
  •  When is it available? Now 
  •  Where can you get it? Available in the US, UK, and Australia 

Routers and mesh systems that support Wi-Fi 7 are still quite expensive, and Netgear in particular rarely troubles itself with the more affordable end of the market. That’s why we were pleased to see that the Nighthawk RS300 costs a relatively modest $330 in the US, £300 in the UK, and AU$1497 in Australia, which actually makes it the most affordable Wi-Fi 7 router that we’ve seen so far. 

There are, of course, faster Wi-Fi 7 routers, such as Netgear’s own RS700 or the gaming-oriented Rapture GT-BE98 from Asus, but the 9.3Gbps performance of the RS300 is still far faster than most home broadband services. In the US, Netgear states that the RS300 can connect to 100 devices simultaneously, and cover an area of up to 2,500 sq.ft. However, differences in national regulations mean that this area is quoted as 2,000 sq. ft in the UK and some other regions. 

The sting in the tail, as always with Netgear, is its persistent attempts to sell additional subscriptions, such as its Armor security services and Smart Parental Controls - especially when there are rival routers that provide solid parental controls at no extra cost.

  •  Value: 4 / 5 

Netgear Nighthawk RS300: Specs

Netgear Nighthawk RS300: Design

Netgear Nighthawk RS300 router sitting on a table

(Image credit: Future)
  •  Tower design provides 360-degree Wi-Fi
  •  4x Ethernet ports for wired connections
  •  USB for network storage

Unsurprisingly, the design of the RS300 is similar to that of the high-end RS700, with both models adopting a tall, obelisk shape and finished in matte-black. This is in contrast to the more low-profile, winged ‘shuttle-craft’ design that Netgear used for several years on earlier Nighthawk models. Netgear states that this taller design helps the router’s four internal antennae broadcast an “omni-directional” Wi-Fi signal that broadcasts through a full 360-degrees, and reaches right across your home or office. 

However, the lower price of the RS300 means that its plastic casing doesn’t feel quite as sturdy as its high-end counterpart, and I’d probably opt to keep it on a lower shelf or on a table where it’s not likely to get knocked over. 

Netgear Nighthawk RS300 backside ports

(Image credit: Future)

But, despite the lower price, the RS300 still provides a 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet port that can handle high-speed fibre Internet connections (WAN). There are two more 2.5 Gigabit ports to provide high-speed wired (LAN) connections for devices, such as a laptop or games console, that need the best performance for gaming or streaming 4K video. 

For more routine tasks, such as web browsing and email, the router also provides two conventional Gigabit Ethernet ports as well. And, unlike some less expensive routers, the RS300 also includes a USB port that will allow you to connect a USB storage device and share files with other people on your network. I also like the LED status lights on the front panel for all of these ports. These let you see that everything is working properly at a glance without having to check the Netgear app.

  •  Design: 4 / 5

Netgear Nighthawk RS300: Features

Netgear Nighthawk RS300 router sitting on a table

(Image credit: Future)
  •  App is easy to use
  •  Simple network set-up
  •  Limited parental controls

The RS300 supports tri-band Wi-Fi 7 with a top speed of 9.3Gbps. That’s actually a pretty modest speed for Wi-Fi 7, but it should be more than adequate for most home users and even quite a few small businesses too. 

It doesn’t take long to get up and running; the Nighthawk app allows you to simply scan a QR code to connect to the RS300. You do need to create a name and password in order to use the app itself, but you can then accept the default settings for the new network and connect straight away, or change those settings for extra security. That keeps things simple for home users who may not have much experience with networking and routers, but the Nighthawk app isn’t exactly overflowing with additional features. 

Image 1 of 2

Netgear app homepage

(Image credit: Future)
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Netgear app subscription page

(Image credit: Future)

It creates a single network that merges the three frequency bands – 2.4GHz, 5.0GHz and 6.0GHz – and automatically connects your devices to the fastest band that is available in that particular room or location. Some advanced users might prefer more detailed controls within the app, such as the ability to create separate networks using each frequency band (which is available with the high-end RS700).

There are also very few parental controls included in the app. You do have the ability to create profiles for your children, and use these to pause Internet access at bed-time or dinner-time. However, additional features, such as content filters that can block unsuitable websites and online content, require a subscription to Netgear’s Smart Parental Controls service.

The Nighthawk app does offer a 30-day free trial for this service, and also for Netgear’s Armory security service, but you then have to pay $7.99/month or $69.99/year for the Smart Parental Controls, and $99.99/year for Armor. There are routers from other manufacturers that provide better parental controls free of charge, so that’s an important factor for parents of young children to bear in mind.

  •  Features: 3.5 / 5 

Netgear Nighthawk RS300: Performance

  • Tri-band Wi-Fi 7
  • 2.5Gb Ethernet for broadband connection (WAN)
  • 2.5Gb Ethernet for wired connections (LAN) 
Netgear Nighthawk RS300 Benchmarks:

Ookla Speed Test – Single merged network (download/upload)

Within 5ft, no obstructions: 150Mbps/150Mbps

Within 30ft, three partition walls: 150Mbps/150Mbps

20GB Steam Download - Single merged network

Within 5ft, no obstructions:  150Mbps

Within 30ft, three partition walls: 150Mbps

Netgear’s attempts to “upsell” you with its subscription services are always irksome, but we can’t fault the performance of the RS300. Our office internet connection provides a top speed of 150Mbps, but our aging office router can only manage around 120Mbps for the Ookla Speedtest when connecting to devices that are close by in the same room, while game downloads from Steam struggle along at around 100Mbps. We also have an office at the back of our building where the Wi-Fi signal from our normal router can barely reach, forcing us to rely on a set of wired Powerline adaptors to provide a decent Internet connection.

The RS300 solved all our Wi-Fi problems straight away, immediately hitting 150Mbps for devices in the same room for both Steam downloads and the Ookla Speedtest. It had no trouble zapping its Wi-Fi signal along our L-shaped corridor to reach that back office, either. And, as I walked along the corridor with my laptop, I was pleased to find that the RS300 maintained that 150Mbps speed every step of the way for both Ookla and Steam. 

Larger homes or offices that cover 4,000 sq.ft or more might need one of the best mesh wi-fi systems to reach properly, but most home users and small businesses will find that the Nighthawk RS300 provides a high-speed Wi-Fi 7 upgrade with one of the most competitive prices we’ve seen so far. 

  •  Performance: 4 / 5 

Should you buy the Netgear Nighthawk RS300?

Buy it if...

 You want a high-speed Wi-Fi 7 upgrade

It’s taken a while, but Wi-Fi 7 routers are finally starting to become more affordable, and the RS300 can handle most domestic broadband services without ever working up a sweat. 

You just bought a new laptop or PC

Wi-Fi 7 is backwards-compatible with older computers, consoles, and mobile devices that only have Wi-Fi 5, 6, or 6E, but it will work best with the latest computers that now have Wi-Fi 7 as well. 

Don't buy it if...

You’re on a budget 

Most domestic broadband services run at well under 1Gb/s, so few of us really need Wi-Fi 7 right now. Plenty of the best Wi-Fi routers, many of which are more affordable, feature Wi-Fi 6 and 6E and will be just fine for the next couple of years.

You have lots of bedrooms

The RS300 has relatively modest range, so some larger homes and offices may need a mesh Wi-Fi system that uses two or more routers to create a mesh network with a greater range and net of coverage. 

Also consider

 Netgear Nighthawk RS700S

The elder sibling of the RS300 is twice as expensive, but it provides Wi-Fi 7 with a mind-boggling speed of 19Gbps, and even 10Gb Ethernet for high-speed broadband connections.

Read our full Nighthawk RS700S review here. 

TP-Link Deco BE63

Larger homes and offices may need greater range rather than raw speed, so a mesh system such as the Deco BE63 can provide Wi-Fi 7 coverage that reaches into every nook and cranny.

 Read our full TP-Link Deco BE63 review here.

  • First reviewed in August 2024
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