Secretlab Ergonomic Recliner: One-minute review

It should be very easy to work out whether the Secretlab Ergonomic Recliner is the add-on for you. If the idea of additional leg support when you kick back in your Secretlab gaming chair to watch a movie or even sneak in a quick nap in between competitive games isn’t appealing enough to justify the hefty $199 / £159 price tag, then stop reading now because I doubt that there’s anything that I can say to change your mind.

If that prospect does sound up your street, though, then the Secretlab Ergonomic Recliner is well worth your consideration. This useful accessory adds dedicated leg support to any Secretlab Titan Evo or Secretlab Classics Series chair, many of which rank among some of the best gaming chairs, bringing all the comfort of a traditional recliner to a considerably more compact format that would fit under any of the best gaming desks. It’s incredibly easy to install too, securely locking to the bottom of your chair in a matter of minutes.

The overall build quality and design are also up to the high standards that you would expect from a Secretlab product. Its plush exterior is soft and cozy and the company’s excellent PlushCell Memory Foam is used to good effect, providing the perfect level of support without ever feeling overly firm or stiff. The recliner can be freely adjusted to a range of angles via a conveniently placed lever, making it well-suited to a number of sitting positions, and can be smartly tucked away underneath the bottom of the chair when not in use.

The many metal elements of its construction do make the accessory very heavy, though, which makes it considerably more difficult to roll your chair around when it’s fitted. This seems like an almost unavoidable limitation given the choice of material and is definitely preferable to a more flimsy plastic design, but is still worth bearing in mind if you need to frequently move your chair from place to place. Otherwise, the experience of using the Secretlab Ergonomic Recliner is hard to fault if you have the cash to splash and want to invest in some serious comfort.

Secretlab Ergonomic Recliner: Price and availability

• $199 / £159 version coming soon
• Limited Founder’s Edition costs $249 / £199
• Available via Secretlab

The Secretlab Ergonomic Recliner that I tested will be available in early 2025 and will cost $199 / £159. If you don’t want to wait, you can pick up the limited Founder’s Edition which is on sale right now via the Secretlab website. This costs $249 / £199 and features an added layer of cooling gel in addition to a special quilted pattern and Founder’s Edition metal tag.

The idea of a limited edition for die-hard Secretlab fans is quite appealing, but it’s frustrating that it comes in at a higher price when the other model isn’t available yet. Rather than being a cool bonus for early adopters, this seems designed to push these upgrades on shoppers who might not want to spring out for them given the choice.

Launching both at the same time, with the Founder’s Edition offered as a pricier limited edition alternative, would have been a much more consumer-friendly move.

Specs

Secretlab Ergonomic Recliner: Design and aesthetics

• Sleek black look
• Matches most colorways
• Durable materials

The Secretlab Ergonomic Recliner comes in a sleek black design that compliments many of the existing Secretlab Titan Evo colorways. I tested the accessory with the already fantastic looking bright Plush Pink Secretlab Titan Evo and found that it fitted the overall design perfectly, matching the black accents of the side of the chair and the black magnetic neck pillow.

There are two gold details on the recliner: a Secretlab logo and a tag that’s labeled with the product name. They’re just small enough not to be intrusive and the gold color adds to the premium look. The same is true of the subtle pattern on the recliner’s cushion, which features two stitched grooves for some added texture.

Cushion aside, the majority of the rest of the recliner, which hangs just underneath the seat of the chair, is constructed from a durable feeling metal. For movement, it has a pneumatic gas spring that provides up to 80 degrees of motion. This is controlled via an easy-to-reach plastic lever that neatly slots next to the chair’s existing height adjustment controls.

Secretlab Ergonomic Recliner: Comfort and adjustability

• Very spacious and pleasantly soft
• Range of supported seating positions
• Can withstand lots of force

It’s hard to fault the Secretlab Ergonomic Recliner in terms of raw comfort. It’s spacious, soft, and provides a good level of support for your legs. Images of a number of suggested positions are included alongside the instruction manual, each geared towards different activities.

For everyday work or playing in an upright position, the cushion can be positioned at a slight angle. I found the sensation of having something pressed up against the back of my legs a little disconcerting for the first few hours, but it was easy to appreciate the added support once I got used to it. If you’d rather sit upright with nothing touching your legs at all, you can always lock the recliner out of reach by pushing it backward with the adjustment lever raised - a very convenient feature.

As you begin to recline the backrest you should set the recliner to increasingly greater angles, taking pressure away from your lower back and leading to a more natural body position. It’s great if you want to kick back and watch a movie on your PC display or just need to change up the feel of your seat while you take a break and browse social media on your phone.

With the recliner set all the way out to the full 80 degrees and the backrest fully reclined, your Secretlab chair becomes the perfect vehicle for relaxation. It’s comfortable enough for a nap and is perfect if you really want to stretch out and give yourself a bit of a rest after a long day or particularly intense gaming sessions.

That being said, users who frequently recline their chairs to this position are the ones who will notice the biggest benefits here. I do it quite often, so I really appreciated the addition of the Secretlab Ergonomic Recliner. If that’s not you, then it’s safe to say that you’re better off just sticking to your existing chair on its own.

On a final note, there’s no need to be concerned about any potential issues if you use an XL chair. The accessory is fully compatible with them and should provide more than enough space for most legs. The mechanism it uses is also extremely high quality and durable. Throughout my testing, I repeatedly pushed down on it with as much force as I could muster and it didn’t budge an inch.

Secretlab Ergonomic Recliner: Assembly

• No tools required
• Incredibly quick setup
• Impressively easy

No tools are required to install the Secretlab Ergonomic Recliner. A large and clear set of instructions is included in the box, which have you fitting some small rubber clips to underside of your chair and then sliding the recliner on to them and pulling a lever to fasten it all in place.

The manufacturer states that everything can be installed in just three minutes, so I timed myself to see how this claim would stack up. Although I expected to exceed that estimate, I actually managed to complete the process in just 65 seconds. This didn’t include getting the product out of the box, which I had done a few hours earlier, but I can’t imagine that taking more than about a minute to accomplish.

It’s incredible to see such a substantial and mechanically complex addition installed so quickly and easily, so hats off to Secretlab. The process was so smooth that I would even go so far as to say that it partly justifies the high price tag.

Although it’s not required in any way, a spare chair assembly toolkit with an allen key and magnetic screwdriver tool is still included too, which could be handy if you want to adjust the armrests or tighten up any screws before getting the add-on in place. Top marks across the board.

Should I buy the Secretlab Ergonomic Recliner?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Also consider...

For some other ways to customize your Secretlab chair, take a look at these two official accessories.

How I tested the Secretlab Ergonomic Recliner

• Tested with a Secretlab Titan Evo 2022
• Tested for over two weeks
• Compared to other hands-on testing

I tested the Secretlab Ergonomic Recliner for over two weeks with a Secretlab Titan Evo 2022 provided by the manufacturer. During that time I made sure to use the chair and accessory daily, assessing its overall performance and the level of comfort that it provided.

I carefully compared my experience to my hands-on testing with some of the most comfortable gaming chairs plus other models including the Razer Iskur V2 and Herman Miller Sayl Gaming Chair in addition to the feeling of sitting on the Secretlab Titan Evo 2022 on its own.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed October 2024.

One-minute review

The Razer Iskur V2 is an excellent seat, with many compelling features that put it right up there with some of the best gaming chairs and most comfortable gaming chairs today. Its flagship innovation is its 6D lumbar support, offering six directions of adjustment which the manufacturer claims is a world first.  

This is effectively an in-built lumbar pillow, with an adjustable height and depth that can be easily tweaked via knobs on each side of the backrest. It’s a similar system to that found with the Secretlab Titan Evo 2022 and the original Razer Iskur model but has the unique ability to swivel and pivot alongside your body rather than just being a static part of the chair.

If you’re like me and frequently shift around while you sit, the additional comfort that this brings will be immediately noticeable. The 6D lumbar support system keeps the lumbar pillow pressed up against your back as you lean, ensuring that you always maintain the correct posture. The feeling definitely took some getting used to at first and might be a poor fit for those who prefer a more relaxed sitting position, but I found that it offered some of the best support that I have ever experienced in a chair at this price.

The 4D armrests are also a standout inclusion. They’re constructed with plenty of durable metal elements and feel completely stable and solid while still offering all of the adjustability that you could feasibly need. That’s not to say that the rest of the chair isn’t uniformly high-quality though. I tested the stylish Black / Green colorway and the upholstery was flawless across the board. The casters are also superb, as is the thick metal chair base.

My only complaint is more of a nit-pick than anything else and relates to the included head pillow. It’s a nice bonus and is very comfortable and soft, but I found that it was quite difficult to keep attached to the chair. It uses a rather unwieldy strap which, despite my best efforts, sometimes allowed it to slide right off the top of the backrest and onto the floor. 

This is not a complete dealbreaker of course, as many prefer to avoid head pillows entirely, but it is the one area where the Secretlab Titan Evo 2022 takes a clear lead. That chair’s magnetic neck pillow is simply better and would make it my choice if you know that you really need one.

Price and availability

• $649.99 / £599.99 
• Available via Razer and Amazon 
• EPU leather and fabric options 

The Razer Iskur V2 costs $649.99 / £599.99. This is about $130 / £185 more than the Secretlab Titan Evo 2022, which is going to be its biggest competition in this price range. Although I think the build quality and features of the Razer Iskur V2 are great even when factoring in the cost, the question of which you should choose is going to come down to your usage habits.

If you often use a dedicated lumbar pillow, the Razer Iskur V2 is the clear winner. A lumbar pillow is not included with the Secretlab Titan Evo 2022 and the Secretlab Lumbar Pillow Pro is sold separately for $79 / £69, taking a decent chunk out of that price difference. I also found the 6D lumbar support system to be superior to a conventional pillow, which definitely justifies the added expense.

The Razer Iskur V2 comes in two finishes: EPU leather and fabric. EPU leather is available in both a striking Black / Green and a more plain Black, while the fabric only comes in a dark gray. All of these options should pair nicely with many of the best gaming desks, which tend to come in darker colors.

Specs

Design and aesthetics

• Very attractive design
• Lovely EPU leather finish
• Feature-rich 6D lumbar support system

The Razer Iskur V2 follows quite a conventional gaming chair design, with that recognizable racing seat look. Although it's nothing revolutionary, the overall aesthetic is elevated by some excellent little details. My Black / Green model features some bright green stitching which adds some pleasant contrast to the chair’s silhouette. There’s also quite a subtle carbon-fiber-like texture on its trim, adding another visual element to keep things interesting.

It's a little different on the seat itself, though, which has an almost scaly look. This extends to the 6D lumbar support system, which sits at the bottom of the backrest where you would normally position a traditional lumbar pillow.

On the right-hand side of the backrest, you’ll find an adjustment knob, which increases or decreases the depth of the 6D lumbar support system. It offers a fantastic range of adjustability, increasing the support system’s curvature by quite a large degree. As someone who has always preferred quite a firm lumbar pillow, I was able to find the absolutely perfect setting in a matter of minutes. There is an adjustment knob on the other side of the backrest too, designed to raise or lower the 6D lumbar support system. The effects of this knob are much less pronounced, but it does let you raise or lower its position on your back by a few centimeters.

The armrests are generously sized and topped with quite a soft rubber material. Plenty of metal is used across the chair’s construction, from the armrests to the chair base, and everything feels impressively durable.

While the 6D lumbar support is built-in to the chair and can't be removed, a separate head pillow is included in the box. It’s very soft with a plush exterior and an adjustable strap that attaches it to the top of the backrest. 

Comfort and adjustability

• Very spacious
• Brilliant levels of comfort
• Head pillow is a bit annoying

The Razer Iskur V2 is fantastic in terms of comfort. It has a generously sized seat, with much more space than the Secretlab Titan Evo 2022 but doesn’t feel overly large. The same is true of the backrest, which I found almost perfectly followed the overall curve of my back and shoulders without ever seeming too tight or cramped. The 6D lumbar support system is seriously comfortable, especially after you spend a few moments finding your ideal settings. I sat on the chair for hours at a time throughout my testing period and never found it to cause any kind of stiffness or discomfort.

The included headrest is also pleasant but, unfortunately, no matter how much I tightened the strap I found that it would end up all over the place. It would loosen itself and slide further down my back over the course of a few hours or even end up on the floor as I repositioned my shoulders to sit upright. It’s a bit of a shame, as this one setback stops the Razer Iskur V2 from offering a simply perfect level of comfort.

When it comes to adjustability, you have the option to tweak the depth and position of the 6D lumbar support system on top of everything that you would expect from a premium gaming chair. This includes gas lift height adjustment up to 90mm, a backrest recline up to 152 degrees (which can be locked at your desired angle), the ability to enable a seat title and determine its tension, plus 4D armrests.

Each of these armrests is controlled via three buttons, one allows you to twist it or move it inwards and outwards, another lets you twist or move it from front to back, while the last lets you adjust its height. All of the adjustments are intuitive to use and detailed extensively on the Razer support website.

Assembly

The assembly of the Razer Iskur V2 is absolutely flawless and is easily among the smoothest that I’ve experienced with a gaming chair. All the required tools are included in the box, alongside a nifty pair of gloves to protect your hands. Every important screw is already in the right position when the chair arrives, making the process extremely straightforward. You simply have to take each set of screws out, slot the chair together, and then put them back in.

The armrests come pre-attached, though you might want to tweak their position out of the box, and an exceptionally clear instruction sheet is included too. The process took me just under 20 minutes and, while I am very experienced with putting chairs together, I would have no qualms recommending this to someone who has never built a gaming chair before.

Should I buy the Razer Iskur V2?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Also consider...

If you’re not completely on board with the Razer Iskur V2, then these two alternatives are worth considering.

How I tested the Razer Iskur V2

• Tested for a month
• Used for work and gaming
• Compared against other gaming chairs

I tested the Razer Iskur V2 for over a month, using it every day in our London office. During that time I sat on the chair for extended periods and tested it with a mix of productivity tasks and gaming via cloud streaming services such as Amazon Luna.

In my time with the chair, I endeavored to test all of its available features and carefully compared the experience with my hands-on testing of other chair models including the Secretlab Titan Evo 2022, AndaSeat Phantom 3, Herman Miller Sayl, and more.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed October 2024.

Two-minute review

As the name would suggest, the Backbone One 2nd Gen is the second version of the Backbone One mobile controller. It’s available in two distinct flavors, a plain Black and the white PlayStation Edition. Which of these you choose will ultimately boil down to your personal aesthetic preferences, though I think the PlayStation Edition edges ahead thanks to the smooth DualSense Wireless Controller style clear plastic used for its buttons, which feels slightly more premium than the rougher plastic of the Black and is reminiscent of some of the best PC controllers.

Both the Black and PlayStation Editions can be purchased with either a USB-C, which will work with most Android phones and the iPhone 15 series, or a Lightning connector for older iPhone models. While it may be tempting to pick up the Lightning model if it's the connector found on your phone, I would suggest that you hold off on your purchase until you have upgraded to a more recent iPhone if you already have any plans to do so. As USB-C is now the dominant standard across iOS and Android, you run the risk of splashing out on a Lightning controller that you can't use with your next device.

The Backbone One 2nd Gen offers all of the same features as the original Backbone One, which is to say that it’s a capable mobile controller. There have been some choice upgrades this time around, though, including improvements to its d-pad and buttons. The buttons are just as tactile as the original, but feel a little firmer and less fragile to the touch. Although it looks largely unchanged, the d-pad is also a vast improvement. It’s much less stiff and is absolutely butter-smooth in its motion. It allows for much faster, more accurate inputs that are absolutely perfect for fast-paced mobile games like Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile or Dead Cells.

There have also been improvements to how the controller fits around your phone. The Backbone One 2nd Gen can extend a little further, letting it comfortably clasp my iPhone 15 Plus. The fiddly rubber adapters that were included with the original Backbone One have been replaced with slick magnetic ones that are remarkably quick to change once you get the hang of it. The included large adapters even allow the controller to be used with most phone cases - completely eliminating one of my biggest complaints with the original model.

The only problem with the Backbone One 2nd Gen is less the fault of the controller and more reflects changes in the mobile controller market. There wasn’t much competition when the Backbone One first launched in 2020. Now, however, there are loads of compelling alternatives to choose from, some of which offer comparable features at a fraction of the price. Even within its price range, it’s still facing stiff competition from similarly designed Bluetooth alternatives such as the Scuf Nomad. While the Backbone One 2nd Gen still comes out ahead thanks to its quality build, a small price cut would have made this revision much more competitive

Backbone One 2nd Gen: Price and availability

•  $99.99 / £99.99 / AU$179.99 
• Black and PlayStation Edition available 
• Discount for original owners 

Every model of the Backbone One 2nd Gen costs $99.99 / £99.99 / AU$179.99 and is easy to find at retailers like Amazon. This includes the licensed PlayStation Edition, not to mention the Lightning and USB-C variants of each. Existing Backbone One owners with an active Backbone+ subscription, which costs $3.99 / £3.99 a month, can claim a 30% discount from the official store when they upgrade to the 2nd Gen model without needing to trade in their controller.

Even without that offer, the controller is frequently available on sale. You can often find it for $69.99 / £69.99, which is an absolutely killer price for what you’re getting. Given the rise of cheaper alternatives like the GameSir X2s Type-C, which costs only $45.99 / £49 / AU$69, it’s a shame that this discounted rate is not the standard rate.

Backbone One 2nd Gen: Specs

Backbone One 2nd Gen: Design and features

• Same great design as the Backbone One
• Improved d-pad and buttons 
• Now fits a phone case 

On the surface, very little has changed between the Backbone One and the Backbone One 2nd Gen. The Backbone One 2nd Gen maintains the same overall design, with two halves of a regular controller separated by an extending mechanism where your phone rests. The biggest changes here are in the buttons which are extremely tactile and have a pleasant, audible click. The same was true of the original model, but they are now a little firmer and more consistent.

The d-pad has also received an overhaul and is vastly improved. It’s less stiff and has quite a bouncy feel to it. The closest point of comparison is the d-pad of the Nintendo 2DS, minus all of the sponginess. The little adapters, located on either side of the extending back, have been upgraded too. They are now attached magnetically, rather than weakly slotting in, and are therefore much easier to swap out. A pair of large adapters is included in the box, which fit perfectly around my iPhone 15 Plus in its official silicone case. You can even use the controller without any adapters fitted at all, which could come in handy for those with a particularly thick phone.

Like the original Backbone One, the Backbone One 2nd Gen features charging passthrough via a USB-C port on its right-hand grip. The left-hand grip has a 3.5mm headphone jack, which is perfect if you have a wired pair of any of the best gaming earbuds. 

The Backbone One 2nd Gen is also compatible with the Backbone app. It allows you to tweak your controller settings and can be accessed at any time by hitting the orange Backbone button on the controller. It’s a decent hub, but the optional Backbone+ subscription leaves a sour taste. It costs $3.99 / £3.99 a month and unlocks some additional features such as video capture, in-app voice chat, and some in-game perks. 

Thankfully, no integral features are paywalled but that just leaves this subscription feeling like a bit of a waste of money overall. Luckily, a free trial is available so you can at least see if it is for you before committing to a payment plan.

Backbone One 2nd Gen: Performance

• New d-pad and buttons are great
• Great for mobile games and game streaming 
• Compatible with lots of games and apps

If you’ve ever used the original Backbone One, then you’ll know pretty much exactly what to expect from the performance of the Backbone One 2nd Gen. The only real differences come from the improved buttons and d-pad, which do make games that require extensive use of the d-pad or rapid button inputs more satisfying and responsive. The controller is compatible with a wide range of games and apps, including some game streaming services such as Amazon Luna and GeForce Now, and offers a much more console-quality experience than relying on on-screen touch controls - though it’s still a little behind the incredible comfort offered by more premium alternatives like the Razer Kishi Ultra.

I tried a wide variety of games including Zenless Zone Zero, Genshin Impact, Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile, Minecraft, Diablo Immortal, and much more, and was very satisfied with the performance. While perfectly compact, the Backbone One 2nd Gen sits comfortably in the hands and never feels too cramped even over periods of extended use.

Being able to use the controller with a phone case attached is also a bit of a game changer. One of the biggest issues with the original Backbone One was the fact that you needed to constantly take off your phone case in order to use it - leaving your precious device unprotected and giving you one more thing to keep track of on the move. I would say that this difference alone makes the Backbone One 2nd Gen a worthwhile upgrade if you are a phone case user, especially if you have access to the 30% discount or find it on sale. If you don’t own a Backbone One but are currently shopping for one, then this is definitely the model to go for.

Should I buy the Backbone One 2nd Gen?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Also consider

If you’re not interested in what the Backbone One 2nd Gen brings to the table, then seriously consider these two other excellent mobile controllers. 

How I tested the Backbone One 2nd Gen

• Tested over a week
• Compared to other mobile controllers 
• Tested against the original Backbone One model 

I tested the Backbone One 2nd Gen mobile controller over the course of a week. During that time I played with both the regular Black version and the PlayStation Edition using my iPhone 15 Plus. I tried a wide variety of compatible mobile games, sourcing suggestions from the Backbone App. This included plenty of Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile and Zenless Zone Zero, in addition to a few hours in Dead Cells, Diablo Immortal, Minecraft, and some streamed games via Amazon Luna.

Throughout my time with the controller, I compared its performance to other mobile controllers such as the Razer Kishi Ultra, Scuf Nomad, GameSir X2s Type-C, Rog Tessen, and, of course, the original Backbone One. For my audio, I relied on the wired Final VR500 earbuds and a pair of Beats Solo 4 headphones.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed August 2024

Rode PodMic USB: One-minute review

You can see the rationale here: Rode’s XLR-based PodMic has been a staple of spoken-word recordings for half a decade now, delivering incredible value microphones for streaming for under $100 / £100. But not everyone has an audio interface capable of running XLR inputs, particularly not those with an eye for low-cost setups who might be drawn to the PodMic in the first place. So why not release a model with a USB-C input too?

On paper that sounds great. It means you can connect the PodMic USB directly to your PC or Mac and just start recording into a DAW. No fuss, no added audio interface expense. And don’t get me wrong, the setup really is that easy here. 

It sounds pretty good right out of the box too, through either connection type. The sound characteristics seem to favor the mid-range more than the highs, and while I personally prefer a more whispery, pronounced high end for spoken word recordings, ultimately that comes down to personal preference. 

However, what's less subjective is the topic of price. Manufacturing a USB microphone with two connections has pushed the price up to $199.99 / £199.99, double that of the original XLR-only PodMic. And that’s a problem, because a big part of the reason everyone loved the PodMic was its price, and how favorably it compared to rival mics in that same range. 

There’s a flaw in this proposition, then, but it doesn’t mean you won’t still enjoy its considerable benefits if you buy one. The construction quality is absolutely fantastic, typical of a storied studio mainstay like Rode, and the mic monitoring input is a great nice-to-have. Throwing in a stand might have sweetened the deal a little though, and considering the price it’s disappointing that this mic can’t be used to record USB and XLR tracks simultaneously.

Rode PodMic USB: Price and availability

• List price: $199.99 / £199.99 / AU$329.99
• Double the price of the XLR-only model
• Tough competition like the Shure MV7 at this price point

Price is the only major downside of the PodMic USB, but it’s a considerable one. Retailing for $200 / £200 means it’s going up against spoken word mic royalty like the Shure MV7, and it doesn’t offer a standout feature or discernibly better audio quality to draw you away from the latter. The fact that the extra outlay is due to an added connection type which can’t be recorded in series means it’s unlikely that most users will feel a real sense of added value here. 

Rode PodMic USB: Specs

Rode PodMic USB: Design and features

• Professional, sleek appearance 
• Straightforward setup 
• Direct mic monitoring input 

One of the best things about this mic is its look and feel. You get the sense you’re holding studio equipment as soon as you take the capsule out of its packaging and feel its 1.9lb/900g weight. While that might not be ideal for travel, it certainly conveys a sturdiness and premium construction which remains consistent under deeper scrutiny. 

Pulling away the rubber guard to reveal the XLR connection is like opening the briefcase from Pulp Fiction, so pristine and glowing are the pins and shielding. And while some mics in this space make a more explicit play for streamers by adding RGB lighting, Rode retains a sophisticated, professional studio gear aesthetic throughout. 

The supplied pop shield fits snugly over the capsule and does its job well. If you’re thinking of using this as an instrument mic it’s best used without the shield, and it’s nice to see the mic’s versatility accounted for by the easy shield fixing. 

Rather than a cradle, the mic capsule mounts to an arm or stang directly via a characteristically solid hinged metal bracket. It’s easy to get the angle you need from this design, and while a supplied stand would certainly have sweetened the deal at this high pricing, one can have no qualms about how it fixes to a boom arm. 

Setup via the USB-C connection couldn’t be much simpler. You run the cable directly from the USB-C connector at the base of the mic into your PC or Mac’s USB-C port via the cable provided. If you’re short on USB-C connections on your motherboard you could use a USB-C to USB-A cable instead, but that isn’t supplied with this mic. 

Via XLR it’s only slightly more involved, requiring an audio interface to convert that analog XLR input into a digital signal. Connecting that way does mean you forgo the use of Rode’s Unify, Connect and Central software programs for this mic, but if fidelity must be maintained at all costs, the option’s there.

This model is particularly light on physical, on-mic controls. A scroll wheel for mic monitoring gain is the one and only control here, in fact, which shouldn’t be a dealbreaker for the vast majority of use cases but when compared to the MV7’s gain/monitoring slider and mute control, it looks a little bit barebones. 

Mic monitoring sounds great, though. It’s common for these live mic monitoring signals to run hot and distort much more easily than the recording signal, but that isn’t the case here - you get a usable, representative tone. 

On the software side, there are three different programs that can be used specifically with the PodMic USB when you connect via USB: Rode Central, Rode Connect, and Rode Unify. Central is the top-level companion app that gives you all your basic controls, while Connect and Unify work more like mixers. After an initial foray, I found that I didn’t end up using any of them, preferring to just work in Ableton and add plugins to sculpt the sound. I can see the value of all three, but streamers, podcasters, and producers will all probably have their preferred software without the need to dip into these.

Rode PodMic USB: Performance

• Warm, full and a bit mid-focused
• Decent guitar amp recording
• Deals with ambient noise and knocks well

Rode’s name is hallowed in pro audio, so the fundamental sound of this mic was never going to be called into question. With the original PodMic having done the rounds for over five years now too, this is a known quantity for sound quality. 

However, sound quality is a blend of science and perception. There are specs involved, like the 48KHz sample rate via USB-C which can’t be debated, but there’s also the way its sound reproduction hits your ear. I found the PodMic USB lacks a little of the sparkle I look for from a vocal mic, at least out of the box. 

With some EQ and low pass, I can dial in that whispery, grainy high-end that makes podcasts, streams, and voiceover tracks sound glossy and broadcast-ready, so it’s not that the mic lacks fidelity. Far from it. It captures a lot of warmth and detail from a vocal source. It’s just that its natural tuning seems to emphasize midrange more than I’m used to, so I feel like dialing it back at the DAW level. That’s true when connecting via an XLR cable, or by USB-C. 

It’s the same sound characteristic story when you put this mic in front of a guitar amp speaker, although I found in this scenario the mid-emphasis works better. It’s particularly well-suited to my Mesa 2X12 closed-back cabinet - it seems to reproduce that tight, dry sound particularly well. 

A decade ago, vocals and instrument recordings at this fidelity for $200 / $200 - via USB, no less - would have been dreamland. How far we’ve come…

In a less studio-y environment like Discord or Twitch streaming where mechanical keyboards are clacking away and desk knocks are commonplace, the PodMic USB stands up well to audio intrusions. Its cardioid polar pattern tunes out keyboard noise if it’s placed so that the keyboard’s behind it, and using the supplied shock mount it suppresses knocks admirably.

Should I buy the Rode Podmic USB?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Also consider...

Still not fully sold on the Rode PodMic USB? Here are two other strong gaming microphones to consider. 

How I tested the Rode PodMic USB

• Two weeks of professional and personal use
• Used for in-game comms, Discord chat, and as an instrument mic
• Both inputs tested

The PodMic has been my daily driver in online games, Discord chitchat, and recording voiceover tracks for YouTube for two straight weeks. In addition, I set it up on a stand in front of my guitar amp’s speaker cone and recorded some instrument audio. For both vocal and instrumental recordings, I ran an XLR signal through a Focusrite audio interface into Ableton. 

Read more about how we test

First reviewed August 2024.

One-minute review

The Scuf Nomad is a good mobile controller. If you’re looking for a portable gamepad that boasts similar features to the Backbone One but makes use of Bluetooth rather than a physical connection, then this is the product for you. Having to keep its battery topped up is a little less convenient than the plug-and-play nature of wired controllers, especially as the Scuf Nomad does seem to lose charge rather quickly while not in use, but still has some advantages - namely reducing the impact on your phone’s battery life as your play.

When it comes to build quality, the Scuf Nomad ticks all of the right boxes. Like many of the best PC controllers, it feels reassuringly robust in the hands, with a good weight. It also has a very smooth extension mechanism that helps it fit snugly around your iOS phone. Its smooth plastic exterior looks good and features some pleasant tactile elements, like the slightly softer textured rear grips, too. Although not mechanical, the face buttons and d-pad are comfortable to use and responsive despite their relatively small size. 

Its Hall effect thumbsticks are also decent, though feel extremely loose compared to much of the competition. I personally didn’t mind this and found it to be a good fit for fast-paced titles like Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile and Zenless Zone Zero, but it could be a dealbreaker for those who want something to play slower role-playing games (RPGs) like Stardew Valley.

While the thumbsticks are concave by default, two alternate convex thumbstick shapes are also included in the box. This is a great inclusion on paper, but the method of swapping between them is incredibly fiddly and not something that you would realistically want to do more than once - if at all. It’s a shame, as these minor frustrations are what holds the Scuf Nomad back from greatness.

Scuf Nomad: Price and availability

• $99.99 / £89.99 / around AU$179.99 
• Available via Scuf and Amazon 
• No Android edition for now 

The Scuf Nomad is available for $99.99 / £89.99 / around AU$179.99 either directly from Scuf or at online retailers like Amazon. This price point puts it roughly on par with the cost of a Backbone One, which is clearly the product that Scuf intends this controller to compete with. 

Although a Bluetooth device, the Scuf Nomad is not compatible with Android devices - a fact that is clearly stated on the box and store listings. I found that the controller does actually pair with an Android device, though it does not function correctly in most games, for example by failing to register certain inputs. 

While the sample provided for review came in black, the Scuf Nomad is also available in a rather striking white and gray colorway. 

Scuf Nomad: Specs

Scuf Nomad: Design and features

The design of the Scuf Nomad has clearly taken plenty of cues from the overall form factor of the Backbone One. It features a similar extending back mechanism, though it feels considerably smoother and higher quality on the Scuf Nomad which is definitely a welcome upgrade. 

The area where your phone rests is also home to a really lovely grippy texture that features a subtle hexagonal design that looks a little bit like camouflage from a distance - a brilliant little nod to the Scuf brand’s roots in first-person shooters (FPS) accessories and a practical addition that helps keep your phone firmly in place. There is also a small slot for a rubber adapter, which you can slide in easily and helps create a little more room for larger phones. 

The two grips are both a little thicker than those on the Backbone One, making them noticeably more comfortable for those with larger hands. They are also a more ergonomic shape, plus each features a customizable rear input in addition to the usual face buttons, thumbsticks, shoulder buttons, and triggers. While the thumbsticks are Hall effect, the buttons and d-pad are not mechanical which is a little disappointing given the clear focus on premium-feeling components elsewhere.

I was also unimpressed by the two included alternate thumbstick tips, which are a more convex design. The process of swapping between these tips is incredibly fiddly and annoying, involving plenty of pushing and pulling with an uncomfortable degree of force that had me convinced that I was about to break the controller. It’s not a process that I would ever want to repeat.

On the bottom of the left grip, you can find a USB-C port, which is used to charge the controller with a high-quality braided USB-C cable that is included in the box. On the other side, there is a small Bluetooth pairing button, which puts the controller into pairing mode. The only other notable design element is the four LED lights positioned next to the Menu Button. These illuminate to denote the controller’s current battery level or pairing status.

The Scuf Nomad’s most significant features are all accessed through the aptly named Scuf Nomad Mobile Companion App. This includes the ability to quickly launch compatible games, update controller firmware, and save a wide range of customizable profiles. You can seriously tweak almost any aspect of the controller in these profiles from trigger dead zones to thumbstick sensitivity, and even assign new buttons to every single input.

There are also a range of presets available for the thumbsticks and triggers, which would be perfect for those just eager to dive right into games with the ideal setup. It’s also worth noting that the app does not require any subscription services to access all of its features, which is noteworthy in the face of the Backbone Plus membership offered with the Backbone app.

Scuf Nomad: Performance

I found the performance of the Scuf Nomad to be fairly impressive across the board. It sits comfortably in the hands and offers a good level of responsiveness, despite relying on only a Bluetooth connection. The small d-pad and buttons are easy to reach and well-suited for rapid presses. The thumbsticks are also a good size, but it is worth noting that they do feel particularly loose which might not be for everyone.

There was one notable occasion where the triggers and left thumbstick stopped working entirely halfway through a battle royale game. This was incredibly annoying but fixed by quickly rebooting the controller, so likely the result of a connection issue rather than any hardware problems. It was also not repeated again during my hands-on testing of the controller, so does not seem to be a persistent issue.

I played my usual gauntlet of Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile matches, plus some cloud gaming via Amazon Luna and plenty of time in Zenless Zone Zero, and found every part of the experience to be on par with the Backbone One and Razer Kishi Ultra V2 - which is to say more than acceptable for the price. 

The only real issue that I did notice was that, while the controller boasts up to 16 hours of battery life (which appeared to be accurate in my testing), it does seem to deplete charge quickly between uses. If I made sure to charge it up in the morning, things were okay but there were some occasions where I took it out of my bag after a few days of no use only to find the controller completely out of juice.

Whether the result of the controller turning itself on during my travels or a less-than-stellar battery, it’s pretty unfortunate. Luckily, it does charge quickly and can be played from dead after just 20 minutes - so this didn’t cause much of a problem in the times when I had access to a plug socket. 

Should I buy the Scuf Nomad?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Also consider

If you’re not keen on what the Scuf Nomad has to offer, then consider these two excellent alternatives. 

How I tested the Scuf Nomad

• Tested over the course of month 
• Used with an iPhone 15 Plus ts

I tested the Scuf Nomad over the course of a month, using it a few times a week as my primary mobile gaming controller. During that time I played plenty of mobile titles including the recently released Zenless Zone Zero and Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile in addition to some cloud gaming on Amazon Luna. I used the controller with an iPhone 15 Plus and was careful to experiment with all of its hardware and software features via the compatible Scuf Nomad Mobile Companion App.

Throughout the testing period, I compared my experience to my hands-on testing of other mobile controllers including the Backbone One, Razer Kishi Ultra, Razer Kishi V2, Turtle Beach Atom, ROG Tessen, GameSir X2s Type-C, GameSir X2 Pro, and much more. 

Read more about how we test

First reviewed August 2024