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This cordless upright vacuum blends power and portability – it’s perfect for small homes

9:00 am | November 8, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Home Small Appliances Vacuums | Tags: AU, UK, US | Comments: Off

Shark Freestyle Max: two-minute review

Product info

This model has slightly different names and product codes in different territories:

US: Freestyle Max SV2002
UK: Freestyle Pro / Freestyle Max SV2000UK
AU: Freestyle Max SV2000NV

For this review, I tested the US version. The UK version has also been tested by the TechRadar homes team. The only notable discrepancy between the different versions is that the US version has headlamps, and the UK and AU versions do not.

The Shark Freestyle Max is not your average upright vacuum. It's far lighter and more streamlined, and it's cordless too. After its launch in October 2025, I tested it out to see how it compares to both the best upright vacuums on the market and the best cordless vacuums.

In terms of suction power, I was very impressed. I used this vacuum in my 1600-square-foot home and it did a great job at cleaning fine materials and large debris from both hard floors and carpet-like rugs. It picked up everything in a single pass and got right up close to the edges of rooms, too.

The design is very basic but effective – you use your foot to press down on a big button on the floorhead to turn the machine on and off and switch modes. Charging happens via a dock, but this is about as compact as you can imagine – smaller than even the footprint of the vacuum itself. It's also incredibly affordable – pricing is lower than some of the best cheap vacuums on the market, but the suction power is up there with far pricier stick vacuums.

There are a couple of significant potential drawbacks. Firstly: battery life. The battery doesn't last longer than 20 minutes in hard floor mode and less than 12 minutes in carpet mode. That wasn't enough for me to clean my house in a single go without stopping to recharge (at least recharge is relatively quick at three hours). Secondly: the Freestyle Max is for use on floors only. There are no detail tools, and nor is there a flexible hose that enables you to use the vacuum to clean furniture, stairs, or up high.

If you can handle those drawbacks and are looking for a simple vacuum that packs the power of an upright but without the weight and bulk, the Freestyle Max is a great choice. Keep reading to get deeper insight into its pros and cons.

Shark Freestyle Pro cordless upright vacuum standing in front of its dock — (Image credit: Future)

Shark Freestyle Max review: price & availability

List price: $199.99 / £149 / AU$249.99
Launched: October 2025
Available: US, UK, AU

The Shark Freestyle Max launched in October 2025, and at list price in the US it costs $199.99, though it's often on sale – at time of writing, it was down to $149.99.

There's an almost-identical model in the UK, minus the headlamps, which costs £149.99 but was discounted to £99 at time of writing. Shark doesn't seem to have decided whether to call it the Freestyle Pro or Freestyle Max, so look at the product code (SV2000UK) to make sure you're getting the right one. The AU model doesn't have headlamps either, and costs AU$249.99 at list price.

It's a budget buy on the wider market, and with the typical discount, it's well priced, considering the strong suction power and the shorter battery life.

Value for money score: 4.5 out of 5

Value for money score: 4.5 out of 5

Shark Freestyle Max specs

Product code:	SV2002 (US) / SV2000UK (UK) / SV2000NV (AU)
Weight:	6.6 lbs / 3 kg
Bin size:	0.7qt / 0.7L
Max runtime:	21 mins
Charge time:	3 hrs 20
Size (H x W x L):	44.9 x 10.2 x 9.8in / 114 x 26 x 25cm
Modes:	Hard floor mode, Carpet mode
Cleaning path:	10.3in / 26.2cm
Headlamps:	Yes (US) / No (UK and AU)

Shark Freestyle Max review: design

Extremely lightweight for an upright, and cordless
Generous dust cup, foot-press button operation, and two suction modes
Basic but effective in design

Shark set out with the intent to create a more compact and lightweight upright vacuum, and it did just that with the Shark Freestyle Max. Aesthetics wise, the vacuum is white and gray with a modern sleek design.

The vacuum is very lightweight, clocking in 6.6 lbs / 3kg, which would be fairly light for a stick vacuum, let alone an upright. Unlike other vacuums, the button to change between the two suction modes is found on top of the vacuum head.

Tester pressing down the On button on the Shark Freestyle Pro cordless upright vacuum with her foot — (Image credit: Future)

To shift between the two modes, you press the button with your foot, and a blue or green light indicates which mode you're in. Look extremely closely and you'll see an icon to indicate that the more powerful 'green' should be used on carpet, whereas the lower-powered 'blue' is for hard flooring.

Tester removing the bin from the Shark Freestyle Pro cordless upright vacuum — (Image credit: Future)

The vacuum locks in place so it can stand up on its own. Although the vacuum can't lean back 180 degrees, it comes very close. If I had to guess, I'd say the vacuum leans to about 160 degrees, which is not quite as nimble as a stick vacuum, but still very decent. The US version also has a headlight on the front of the vacuum head to help users see in dim spaces. This isn't included on the UK or Australian versions.

The 0.7-quart / 0.7L dust cup can be removed from the vacuum pod and emptied with a lid release button. A debris screen and filter are located inside the dustbin. There are no additional accessories, nor a flexible tube that would allow you to break down the vacuum and use it to clean windowsills or in the corners of ceilings, à la something like the Shark Stratos Upright.

Dock for the Shark Freestyle Pro cordless upright vacuum — (Image credit: Future)

Rather unusually, there's a dock for charging. This is smaller than even the footprint of the vacuum, but a simple plug-in setup would probably be more convenient.

Setup took only a few minutes. I just had to click the wand into the vacuum pod, and the vacuum pod onto the floor nozzle. From there, I charged the vacuum, and it was ready to go.

Design score: 3.5 out of 5

Shark Freestyle Max review: performance

Very powerful hard floor and carpet suction, with excellent edge cleaning
Picks up fine materials in a single pass
Maneuverable for an upright but not as nimble as a stick vacuum

From the get-go, I was impressed with the Shark Freestyle Max Cordless Upright Vacuum, especially in terms of suction power. It may be a simple vacuum without smart features or app integration, but it did a great job cleaning fine material – like flour – and larger items – like crumbs and leaves. In fact, no matter if I used the bare floor or the carpet mode, it only took a single pass on rugs and hard floors for the vacuum to pick up all material, be it dirt or hair.

I tested both the front edge and edge cleaning of the vacuum and was very happy with the results. It cleans right to the edge. Unfortunately, if I tried to vacuum in reverse, larger debris like coffee grinds got stuck behind the wheels. It was better to do a forward pass over a mess for quick and efficient cleaning.

I've tested many vacuums over the years, and the Shark Freestyle Max Cordless Upright Vacuum feels a lot more powerful than others. With some vacuums, I need to use a Max or a Turbo mode to pick up large debris. The Freestyle Max isn't outfitted with those types of modes, but thankfully, you don't need them. The suction power of this vacuum outshone many cordless stick vacuums that I've tested in the past.

While not as powerful as bulkier, corded uprights, it's right up there with the priciest cordless stick vacuums when it comes to power. TechRadar's Home Editor Ruth tested the UK version side-by-side with the Dyson Gen5detect and found the cleaning power comparable with that model – all the more impressive considering that vacuum costs five times the price.

Tester using the Shark Freestyle Max cordless upright vacuum in her home — (Image credit: Future)

The compromise here is that because of the higher suction power, the battery on this vacuum doesn't last very long. I discuss more about the battery in the battery section, but for reference, I wasn't able to clean my entire house switching between bare floor and carpet modes.

I love that the Shark Freestyle Max Cordless Upright Vacuum is outfitted with a headlight, as it made it easier to see dust and dirt in low lit areas. If only the vacuum paused when locked upright. In terms of sound, the hard floor mode has a dB rating of 79. I measured an 83 dB rating during carpet mode. In my opinion, the vacuum isn't any louder than most.

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Tester using the Shark Freestyle Max cordless upright vacuum to clear flour from a hard floor — (Image credit: Future)

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Tester using the Shark Freestyle Max cordless upright vacuum to clear dry tea from a hard floor — (Image credit: Future)

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Tester using the Shark Freestyle Max cordless upright vacuum to clear flour from a carpet rug — (Image credit: Future)

The only other thing I should note is that the vacuum felt a little stiff in terms of maneuverability. Turning the vacuum left or right was not as smooth as I would have liked. While it's nimbler than your average upright vacuum, it's not as maneuverable as most stick vacuums I've used. At least it's lightweight, the vacuum head fits in relatively tight spaces, and it can lean back to about 160 degrees, making it easy to reach under my bed and low furniture.

Tester using the Shark Freestyle Max cordless upright vacuum to clean under a cabinet — (Image credit: Future)

Maintenance doesn't take long to complete. When the dust cup was full, I removed it from the vacuum pod and placed it over a trash can. Then I pressed the 'lid release' catch and the dust and dirt emptied. I was able to keep my hands clean. The debris screen and the filter – both located in the dust cup – need to be occasionally removed and washed with water, before air drying for 24 hours.

Performance score: 4 out of 5

Shark Freestyle Max review: battery life

11 mins in Carpet mode; 21 mins in Hard floor mode
Takes about 3 hours and 20 mins for the battery to fully recharge
Battery not removable or replaceable

The battery life of the Shark Freestyle Max Cordless Upright Vacuum depends on which mode is being used. In higher-powered carpet mode, the battery lasted almost 11 and a half minutes, and in hard floor mode, 21 minutes.

Since I have both hard floors and rugs in my 1,600-square-foot house, I tested how long the battery lasted when switching between modes. I was able to clean my bare floors in 15 minutes. Then I switched to carpet mode to vacuum my rugs. The battery lasted only three more minutes, which was not enough time to fully vacuum one of my large rugs. The battery took about three hours and 20 minutes to fully charge. I let it charge for an hour, which gave it enough juice to finish vacuuming my rugs.

The Shark Freestyle Max Cordless Upright Vacuum's battery life is far shorter than most cordless stick vacuums – many models can last up to a full hour in their lowest-powered mode these days, and it's rare to see a maximum runtime shorter than 40 minutes. This model won't fit the bill for those with bigger homes or lots of carpet. However, I see it as a strong choice for apartments, small homes, or anyone who just like having a vacuum to do short bursts of cleaning.

One final black mark against Shark here is that the battery isn't removable or swappable, as is the case with most good modern cordless vacuums. That means once the batteries wears out, you'll have to throw the whole machine away.

Battery life score: 2 out of 5

Should you buy the Shark Freestyle Max?

Attribute	Notes	Rating
Value	Very affordably priced, with performance up there with far more expensive cordless models. The compromise is short battery.	4.5 / 5
Design	Very basic in terms of features, but perfectly functional and well-built. Cordless uprights are very rare, so it fills that niche.	3.5 / 5
Performance	Very lightweight and maneuverable for an upright. Picks up fine and large materials in a single pass and offers impeccable edge cleaning.	4 / 5
Battery life	The battery doesn't last longer than 20 minutes, which is very short.	2 / 5

Buy it if...

You want a powerful vacuum for quick cleanups

The suction power of this vacuum is powerful, so much so that you can pick up small and large debris in one forward pass. It's not as sucky as the bulkiest corded uprights, but packs a real punch for a cordless.

You're on a budget

This vacuum has an extremely wallet-friendly price tag, and it's often discounted further. For the cleaning power on offer, it's a steal.

You have more limited mobility

Upright vacuums are typically heavy and bulky, but the Shark Freestyle Max Cordless Upright Vacuum is far more compact, lighter and easier to maneuver, but it still stands up on its own, making it a strong choice for those with limited mobility.

Don't buy it if...

You have a medium / large house or lots of carpet

The limited battery life – which is even shorter in the higher-powered mode – makes this vacuum a poor choice for larger homes or those with lots of carpet, unless you're only planning to use it for a room or two at a time.

You want to clean stairs or furniture

There's no configuration that lets you clean anything that's not flat floor. Most uprights have a flexible hose and detail tools for cleaning above the ground, but that's not included here.

You can handle a cord or a heavier upright

If you can deal with the extra weight and the inconvenience of a cord, there are uprights that deliver even more oomph, can be used for detail cleaning, and won't run out of juice mid-clean.

How I tested the Shark Freestyle Max

I tested the Shark Freestyle Max Cordless Upright Vacuum for a week in my 1,600-square-foot home, using it to vacuum my hardwood and laminate floors and two large rugs. Everything from how well it suctioned debris to the length of battery life and ease of movement was tested and considered when writing this review.

The UK version was also tested on-team in the TechRadar offices, where it was used on hard floor, mid-pile carpet and deep-pile carpet, and the suction power was compared to that of a premium Dyson stick vacuum.

Read more about how we test vacuum cleaners

First reviewed November 2025

This phenomenal smart lamp is giving serious aurora borealis vibes, and I can’t get enough of it

12:00 am |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Home Smart Home Smart Lights | Comments: Off

Govee Uplighter Floor Lamp review

The Govee Uplighter Floor Lamp is a feature-packed smart light that combines practical lighting with vivid and eye-catching visual effects through preset scenes and custom settings.

Since its launch in June 2025, the Govee Uplighter Floor Lamp has been available to buy direct from Govee, as well as Amazon and other retailers. It has a list price of $179.99 / £179.99, which is great value for money considering how convenient and versatile it is.

Better still, at the time of writing, Govee is offering a discount of $30 / £30, taking the cost down to just $149.99 / £149.99, which is a fantastic price considering this is one of the best smart lights I’ve tested. There’s a similar deal at Amazon, lowering the cost to £149.99 in the UK, but it's just $20 off in the US, so it’s worth purchasing from Govee if you’re buying from across the pond.

The process of assembling the Uplighter was straightforward, although I suggest having someone assist with attaching the lamp section to the pole if you have limited shoulder mobility. Alternatively, if you have the floorspace, you can do what I did and prop up the pole with boxes so you can build the lamp on its side, but it’s much more of a faff than assembling it standing up.

While the Uplighter is pretty lanky at 66.9 inches / 170cm, it’s reassuringly stable thanks to its weighted base. It has a simple aesthetic when it’s not in use. The majority of its outer surfaces are plastic apart from the aluminium stand, which appears to have a powder-coated finish.

I can’t help but find the lampshade somewhat uninspiring when not lit up, but that’s simply because I’m obsessed with how pretty it is when the colors are flowing. Nonetheless, it has a nice finish, featuring a combination of clear and smoky black translucent plastics separated by a black band with a matte finish.

The downlight of the Govee Uplighter is casting light onto a bed. — (Image credit: Cesci Angell)

A little word of warning: the clear dome of the lampshade is easy to scuff. I accidentally scuffed mine when it gently knocked against the sloped section of my living room ceiling as I was testing the lamp’s stability. It’s not noticeable when the sidelamp is turned on, but I still recommend taking extra care when shifting the Uplighter about.

The Govee Uplighter Floor Lamp had me hooked in seconds with the bright and colorful effects that were projected from its ripple light. The color-shifting sidelight is a satisfying element too, especially for someone as addicted to color as I am. The downlighter proved satisfyingly practical, too, especially with its easy-to-adjust color temperature and brightness settings.

Govee states this lamp can emit up to 1000lm of brightness, and I can confirm that the downlighter makes for convenient task lighting. The uplighter’s brightness means that the ripple effects are beautifully vivid, even during the daytime, and it looks utterly fantastic when ramped up to 100 percent at night.

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The Govee Uplighter is projecting multicolored ripples of light onto the ceiling. — (Image credit: Cesci Angell)

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The Govee Uplighter is projecting ripples of blue and pink onto the ceiling. — (Image credit: Cesci Angell)

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At the time of writing, only two of the lamp’s elements can be used simultaneously, though I’ve heard murmurings that we may be able to enable all three in the future. This limitation isn’t really an issue, and I’m sure some may consider using all three lights as overkill; however, I’d love it if I didn’t have to sacrifice one of the colorful elements when using the downlighter.

In terms of onboard controls, there are two buttons located on the front of the pole, one for power and the other for switching between scenes and color temperatures. They work just fine, but I primarily use the Govee Home app or my Echo Dot (5th Gen) to control my Uplighter.

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Three screenshots show some of the features within the Govee Home app. — (Image credit: Cesci Angell)

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A close-up of the two buttons on the pole of the Govee Uplighter Floor Lamp. — (Image credit: Cesci Angell)

The Govee Home app is the best app for smart lights I’ve used to date – and I’ve tested a bunch of them. After taking a few moments to sync with the Uplighter, the app gave me access to a range of device settings, including preset features, smart home assistant, and Matter syncing.

More excitingly, there’s a boatload of preset scenes to explore, from multi-colored aurora effects to floating mists from the ripple light, to themed side and downlighter combos. There’s plenty of opportunity to finetune the effects, too, with DIY and AI creation sections, along with adjustable speed settings on many of the existing scenes.

There’s also a super convenient auto-run feature, which is great to have, especially if you don’t own a smart home assistant – it allows you to assign different scenes and settings to specific times of the day.

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The Govee Uplighter Floor Lamp is projecting an aurora borealis effect onto a bedroom ceiling. — (Image credit: Cesci Angell)

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In summary, this is a fantastic, multi-functional lamp that makes an eye-catching feature, while also providing adjustable and convenient task lighting. So, if you love the sound of the Govee Uplighter Floor Lamp, I highly recommend purchasing one to experience its mesmerizing and colorful displays for yourself.

If you enjoy getting lost in captivating visuals to help you unwind, but you’re looking for something a little smaller, then I suggest checking out the Govee Table Lamp 2, which offers a huge range of stunning preset scenes, as well as a bunch of customizable settings. Better yet, if you happen to be looking for a smart speaker as well, the Govee Table Lamp 2 Pro comes with built-in JBL sound, and its larger size means there’s more space for all those calming colors to swirl about.

Govee Uplighter Floor Lamp review: Price and specs

Price	$179.99 / £179.99
Model	H60B0
Colors	RGBWW, RGBIC, WW
Lumens	1000lm
Color temperature	2700K-6500K
Dimensions	12.2 x 12.2 x 66.9 inches / 310 x 310 x 170cm
Connectivity	2.4GHz Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
App	Yes
Control methods	App, voice control, pushbutton controls
Additional features	3-in-1 lighting effects, dynamic ripple effect

Should I buy the Govee Uplighter Floor Lamp?

Buy it if...

If you love colorful lighting
Whether you’re a color addict like me, or you love unwinding by losing yourself in colorful, sensory-calming visuals, this uplighter will be right up your street.

You want a lamp that’s pretty and practical
With the downlighter’s adjustable temperature and brightness, Govee has struck the perfect balance between attractive lighting effects and practical task lighting with this floor lamp.

Don't buy it if...

You want a subtle floor lamp
While it works well as a task lamp, and the color-changing shade makes for a great feature, the standout feature of this uplighter is its vivid aurora-like projections.

You want a lamp that looks pretty when it’s off
I’ll be honest, I’m scraping the bottom of the barrel a bit here, as I don’t have many negative points on the Uplighter. However, if you’re not into simple, modern lamps, then you might not appreciate the look of this floor lamp when it’s not in action.

Govee Uplighter Floor Lamp review: Also consider

Nanoleaf Smart Multicolor Floor Lamp
If you’d prefer to wash your walls with color instead, and would rather be kinder to your budget, then this colorful column is the perfect choice. This easy-to-assemble wall washer was considered pleasingly sturdy by our reviewer, and its slim design makes it a more discreet option. Like the uplighter, there’s a range of scenes and DIY settings to explore, and it’s easy to control via its app and voice control via your smart home system. If you’d like to learn more, check out our full Nanoleaf Smart Multicolor Floor Lamp review.

How I tested the Govee Uplighter Floor Lamp

I used the Govee Uplighter Floor Lamp regularly over a few weeks
I tested the different features and customizable settings
I observed the brightness and visibility of the scenes in light and dark environments

I used the Govee Uplighter Floor Lamp to light up my bedroom and living room ceilings with colorful loveliness for a few weeks. I also used the downlighter as a gentle source of light in the evening, as well as task lighting whenever required.

I explored all of the Uplighter’s features, trying out the different preset scenes, creating my own, and experimenting with various lamp combinations.

I used the app regularly for customization, but I mostly used voice control to power it on and off, via my Amazon Echo Dot.

I used the Govee Uplighter Floor Lamp in my living room most days, and moved it to my bedroom so that I could enjoy the calming ripple effect lighting while lying in bed. I used it on sunny days and at night, so that I could assess how visible the effects were with various levels of ambient light.

First reviewed: November 2025
Read more about how we test

I’m a big fan of the new Dyson Hot+Cool HF1 – but there are a couple of drawbacks you should consider before buying

11:16 am | November 5, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Air Quality Computers Gadgets Home Small Appliances | Tags: UK | Comments: Off

Dyson Hot+Cool HF1: two-minute review

The Dyson Hot+Cool HF1 is a sleek and smart fan heater with the bladeless and aesthetically pleasing design we expect to see from the brand.

Availability in other regions

At the time of publishing, the Dyson Hot+Cool HF1 has only been released in the UK, and we’ve had no response regarding when it will be released elsewhere as yet.

In the meantime, I recommend taking a look at the previous model, the Dyson Hot+Cool Fan Heater AM09, or the purifying Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool Gen1 HP10.

With a premium list price of £399.99, the Dyson Hot+Cool HF1 can be found at Dyson and a few other retailers. Sadly, it’s only available in the UK at the time of publishing, but I’ll provide an update if it ever makes its way off the island.

The HF1 offers ten fan speeds, three oscillation options of up to 70 degrees, a heater that can kick out up to 90ºF / 32ºC, and, most excitingly, some desirable smart features.

During testing, I found the HF1 to be very efficient in both Cool and Hot modes. The lowest setting delivered a delicately cooling breeze to me as I sat on my couch six feet away.

There are plenty of ways to control the HF1, with a few onboard controls, a remote, and the MyDyson app, which gave me access to the whole suite of settings and features.

I could perform most actions with the remote, but its communication with the HF1 was a bit patchy at times. The MyDyson app made controlling the HF1 delightfully easy and offered me a wider range of timer options, as well as scheduling, historical ambient temperature data, and, pleasingly, the option to turn on heat mode remotely so I could return to a warm living room.

The remote control is placed on top of the Dyson Hot and Cool HF1. — (Image credit: Future)

The fan’s volume was perfectly acceptable and on par with most of the similar fans I’ve tested. Sleeping with the HF1 a few feet from the bed was a smooth ride, for the most part. However, when it came to using Hot mode, I found that it would go through a period of being particularly noisy for a few moments as it got up to temperature, which it would do whenever the ambient temperature dropped below the target I’d set.

This wasn’t so bad in the daytime, but as one of its selling points is that you can use it in your bedroom overnight to keep the temperature at a desirable level, it’s worth bearing in mind if you’re a light sleeper.

Someone is using the dial to adjust the temperature of the Dyson Hot and Cool HF1. — (Image credit: Future)

If you have children or inquisitive pets, it’s also worth noting that the metallic edging at the front of the air purifier can get very hot very quickly, and that the child lock only applies to the onboard controls. So if you have a rampaging toddler or a clumsy cat, this could potentially prove inconvenient.

Overall, though, the Hot+Cool HF1 is a satisfyingly efficient fan heater. While it has a high price tag, it’s worth it for the performance and convenience, especially with those clever smart features.

If you’d like to explore more options, our guide to the best fans has our top recommendations.

Dyson Hot+Cool HF1 review: price & availability

List price: £399.99
Launch date: October 2025 (UK)
Availability: UK only at time of publishing

The HF1 is a premium option packed with some fantastic features, but as is often the case with Dyson, it has a premium price tag to match, costing £399.99.

The Dyson Hot+Cool HF1 is currently only available in the UK, and can be purchased from Dyson, Currys, and a few other retailers.

There’s a price difference of £150 between the HF1 and the Dyson Cool CF1, which is actually pretty reasonable considering the addition of Hot mode and the fantastic smart features.

Overall, with its good performance and a number of convenient features, the Dyson Hot+Cool HF1 won't disappoint if you have the money to spare. However, it’s worth considering the drawbacks I’ve covered in my review to ensure they won’t pose an inconvenience before you stretch your budget.

Value for money score: 4 / 5

Dyson Hot+Cool HF1 review: specs

Type	Fan heater
Speeds	10
Oscillation	15, 40, 70 degrees
Dimensions	8 x 8 x 23 inches / 20.4 x 20.4 x 58.5cm
Weight	5.12 1bs / 2.6kg
Control	Onboard buttons, remote, app
Timer	Yes
Additional modes	Sleep mode

Dyson Hot+Cool HF1 review: design and features

Small and lightweight design, which can be tilted
The HF1 has 10 fan speeds and outputs temperatures up to 90ºF / 32ºC
MyDyson app offers extra settings and features, including a pre-heat function

Setting up the Dyson Hot+Cool HF1 was a quick and simple process of attaching the plastic base plate and connecting the HF1 to the MyDyson app.

The Dyson Hot+Cool HF1 is conveniently sized, with a max diameter of 8 inches / 20.4cm once the base is attached; however, at 23 inches / 58.5cm, it might feel a smidge tall for desktop use.

Though it feels a little wrong, as I’m used to using larger-scale formats like the Dyson HP10, it worked perfectly well on the floor. Whether you place it on a tabletop or the floor, the vertical angle of the airflow can be adjusted slightly by shifting the fan’s body backwards or forward to tilt it.

The Dyson Hot and Cool HF1 tilted back. — (Image credit: Future)

Predictably, the Dyson Hot+Cool HF1 fan features a bladeless design, making it easier to clean and a safer option to bladed fans for those who happen to have curious offspring or pets.

In addition to its 10 fan speeds, the HF1 can oscillate 15, 40, or 70 degrees. Both of these functions can be adjusted via the onboard controls, with a power button/dial combo that can be turned to increase or decrease the fan speed, a button to cycle through oscillation angles, and another button that enables Hot mode.

Hot mode offers a temperature range of up to 90ºF / 32ºC, and the combination of the ceramic heater plates and Air Multiplier technology can apparently increase whole-room temperature by one degree in as little as one hundred seconds.

Someone is holding the remote of the Dyson Hot and Cool HF1. — (Image credit: Future)

Like the Dyson Cool CF1, the Hot+Cool HF1 also comes with the standard Dyson-style magnetic remote control, which can be stored on top of the loop amplifier. It features power, oscillation, fan speed, and temperature control buttons, as well as ones to enable sleep mode, set the timer, and engage the child lock.

One advantage the HF1 has over the Cool CF1 is its app integration, which gives access to an advanced range of settings, historical temperature readings, outdoor air quality data, and easy remote control, whether you’re out and about or sitting on the couch. Plus, there’s the option to connect the HF1 to your smart home system, so it can be controlled without lifting a finger.

Perhaps the most exciting aspect of the HF1's smart capabilities is the ability to preheat a room to your desired temperature, ready for when you return home.

Design score: 4 / 5

Dyson Hot+Cool HF1 review: performance

Good performance for its size in both Cool and Hot modes
Very easy to control, thanks to the MyDyson app
Quiet overall, but noisy while getting up to temperature in Hot mode

The Dyson Hot+Cool HF1 was simple and straightforward to use, especially when using the app. I often used the remote, too, but there was a bit of a lag whenever I made an adjustment, and the HF1 didn’t register the command at all at times.

When testing from my couch, which was around 6ft / 1.8m away from where I’d placed the HF1, the breeze from speed one wasn’t really detectable when the fan was static, which isn’t really a surprise considering its size. However, when I set it to oscillate at 40 degrees, it was enough to give a gentle and surprisingly effective cooling breeze.

As you’d imagine, the breeze felt a little more prominent with each setting increase, until speed five, when the airflow felt noticeably amplified, and I could hear a quiet windrush past my ears.

Someone is using the dial to increase the fan speed of the Dyson Hot and Cool HF1. — (Image credit: Future)

The airflow was satisfyingly strong at top speed 10, though it was a little noisy at 45dB from 6 feet away, which was loud enough for me to need to turn the volume up on my TV.

When I measured the sound output of the HF1 in Cool mode from the usual 2ft distance, I found that it produced a similar volume to the Dyson Cool CF1 and the Levoit Circulair. However, its readings of 29dB at speed one, 36dB at speed five, and 50dB at speed ten, conveyed that the HF1 is a whole 10dB louder at its top speed than the Meacofan Sefte 8in.

These aren’t bad volumes, though, with the HF1 operating as quietly as a whisper, to as loud as moderate rainfall when in Cool mode. Some may find the oscillation sound mildly distracting because, as I discovered when reviewing the Cool CF1, it’s reminiscent of the droning of a document scanner. The oscillation itself is only around 28dB, however, and the whirring was subtle enough that I could fall asleep to it.

The Dyson Hot and Cool HF1 is sitting on a coffee table in a pink living room. — (Image credit: Future)

As it’s getting mighty chilly in the UK as I write this, I’ve been very grateful to have the opportunity to test out Hot mode.

I could easily find out the current room temperature by looking at the fan’s display or checking the app, and the temperature was very straightforward to adjust a degree at a time using the buttons or the slider in the app.

It’s important to note that, while Dyson states that the HF1 is safe for family and pets as there are no exposed heater elements, it would appear this doesn’t eliminate the chance of scalding, as I found that the metallic edging around the air outlets became too hot to touch within just a couple of minutes in Hot mode at 73ºF / 23ºC.

Hot mode starts off noticeably louder than Cool mode. The HF1 is fairly quiet for the first few moments, then quickly ramps up before settling down to a consistent volume. For example, when using Hot mode at fan speed five, the volume quickly rose to 42dB, then settled down to 37dB.

The display of the Dyson Hot and Cool HF1 shows a padlock to indicate the child lock has been engaged. — (Image credit: Future)

True to Dyson’s claim, the HF1 did increase the temperature by a degree in less than two minutes, though I’m not sure how accurate the temperature reading is when it comes to the ambient temperature across a large room.

As the ambient temperature is monitored for Hot mode, I would have liked to see Dyson use it for an auto function for Cool mode so that it could adjust the fan speed based on how hot the room is, as I loved this feature in the Meacofan Sefte 8in.

Another change I’d love to see is the extension of the child lock beyond the onboard controls, so the remote cannot be used either. Having access to the app should mean this wouldn't cause inconvenience for adults, but even if not, Dyson could take a leaf out of other brands’ books and assign a combination of buttons to unlock the remote.

A view of the back of the Dyson Hot and Cool HF1. — (Image credit: Future)

When I set the HF1 to sleep mode at bedtime, it turned off the display and reduced the fan speed to four, which has a volume of 29dB, though I could still adjust the speed if required.

Due to the weather in the UK right now, I mostly used the hot mode overnight. Aware that a key feature of the HF1 is that it will start up whenever the temperature drops, and having witnessed how noisy Hot mode can get, I set it to fan speed one to minimize disturbances.

The display of the Dyson Hot and Cool HF1 shows a crescent moon to indicate that it's in sleep mode. — (Image credit: Future)

I can recall it waking me up at one point in the early hours of the morning, but it wasn’t loud enough to shock me awake, and I fell back to sleep once it had settled down. It should hopefully be bearable enough for most people, but I definitely wouldn’t recommend it if you’re a particularly light sleeper.

While the hot mode might be good for speedy heating, it would be great if the sleep mode could increase the heat gradually, so there wouldn't be such a sudden volume increase. It’s also worth noting that the display doesn’t appear to turn off when in sleep mode if you’re using the heat function.

Overall, though, I quite like the Dyson Hot+Cool HF1. I appreciate how no fan speed felt redundant from six feet away, and that it was light enough to relocate without much effort. So, while the HF1 may not be the right fan heater for you if you’re a light sleeper who intends to use Hot mode overnight, for everyone else its smart features, effortless remote control, energy-saving Hot mode, and satisfying airflow make it a great choice.

Performance score: 4 / 5

Should I buy the Dyson Hot+Cool HF1?

Section	Notes	Score
Value for money	The HF1 is a premium-priced fan heater, but it’s worth it for the convenient smart features and well-performing functions.	4/5
Design	This bladeless fan heater is satisfyingly compact and easy to control, thanks mainly to the MyDyson app, which houses a host of settings and smart features.	4/5
Performance	The HF1 performed well during testing, delivering surprisingly strong airflow for its size. The smart features proved convenient, especially the pre-heating function. However, the heater’s louder volumes and the hot surface of the air outlet might be a cause for concern for some.	4/5

Buy it if...

You want to preheat a room ready for when you arrive home
Having the opportunity to set off Hot mode remotely is fantastic, as it ensures a toasty welcome once you’re in and ready to slump down on the couch.

You love smart appliances
With smart home integration, remote app control, and temperature data, the HF1 is a great choice for anyone who wants to get the most out of their devices.

Don't buy it if...

You’re a light sleeper
While I appreciated not waking up to a freezing cold room, I was woken by the noise of the fan starting up to maintain the target temperature.

You’re on a budget
While the HF1 is well-performing and convenient, its price tag is undeniably high. Therefore, it would be cheaper to buy a separate fan and heater from a more affordable brand.

Dyson Hot+Cool HF1 review: Also consider

	Dyson Hot+Cool HF1	Shark TurboBlade Cool + Heat	Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool Gen1 HP10
Type	Fan heater	Fan heater	Purifying fan heater
Price	£399.99	$399.99 / £349.99	$529.99 / £549.99
Speed settings	10	10	10
Oscillation	Up to 70 degrees	Up to 180 degrees	Up to 350 degrees
Timer	Up to 9 hours	Up to 8 hours	Up to 8 hours
Controls	Onboard buttons, remote, app	Touchscreen buttons, remote	Onboard buttons, remote
Companion app	Yes	No	No
Additional modes	Sleep mode	Natural Breeze, Sleep, BreezeBoost, Thermo IQ, Focus, and Comfort mode	Auto purifying, Sleep mode
Dimensions	8 x 8 x 23 inches / 20.4 x 20.4 x 58.5cm	13.8 x 11.8 x 45.9 in / 35.1 x 30 x 116.6cm	9.8 x 9.8 x 30.2 inches / 25 x 25 x 77cm
Weight	5.12 lbs / 2.6kg	19.8 lbs / 9kg	11.7 lbs / 5.3kg

Shark TurboBlade Cool + Heat
If you want something a little more powerful that can distribute the airflow over a larger space, it’s worth looking at this Shark fan heater. The fan’s arms can be positioned horizontally, vertically, and diagonally, and the vents can be adjusted so that they slant up, down, or straight forward, offering plenty of opportunity to perfect the airflow direction. It also has a broader range of oscillation than the HF1, as it can oscillate up to 180 degrees. If you’d like to learn more, check out our full Shark TurboBlade Cool + Heat review.

Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool Gen1 HP10
The HP10 is practically a larger version of the HF1 without the smart features and temperature sensor, but it has the added benefit of air purifying, which makes it a good choice if you’re trying to save space. It’s also a great choice if you’re concerned about the hot edging of the HF1, as I didn’t find the all-plastic casing of the loop amplifier to get anywhere near as toasty. It operates quietly for its size, and I’ve become particularly fond of its heat functions over the last few months. If you’re in the market for an air purifier alongside your fan heater, take a look at my full Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool Gen1 HP10 review.

How I tested the Dyson Hot+Cool HF1

I used the Dyson Hot+Cool HF1 in multiple locations
I explored the features and settings in the MyDyson app
I evaluated the strength of the airflow and the sound levels

I unboxed the Dyson Hot+Cool HF1, attached its base, and set it up on the MyDyson app. I tested it out on different surface heights, on the floor, and next to my bed. I did most of my testing with the HF1 where I usually place my table fans, about six feet away from my couch and near my bed at nighttime.

I adjusted the settings using the onboard controls, the remote control, and the MyDyson app. In the app, I went through the setup process before exploring the different settings and sections.

I used all the fan speeds in Hot and Cool mode, and measured the sound output. I used it in Hot mode on my bedroom windowsill when I went to bed at night, using the timer so that I didn’t get too toasty after I fell asleep.

First reviewed: October 2025
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The IQAir Atem X wouldn’t look out of place in the MoMA, but is one of the most efficient air purifiers I’ve tested

1:00 am | November 4, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Air Quality Computers Gadgets Home Small Appliances | Tags: US | Comments: Off

View or buy Atem X at iQAir or via Amazon

IQAir Atem X: two-minute review

I've had the IQAir Atem X Air Purifier since April 2024 – and it has never once disappointed me. The real standout is the design. This sleek, stylish Swedish air purifier looks like something you'd find in New York's Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). It's large, but the fact you can place it flush against the wall means it won't get in the way.

Underneath its fashionable exterior, the IQAir Atem X works harder than the most utilitarian of air purifiers. This is one of the very best air purifiers I've used, and I've tested over 50. The only model that I've been more impressed by is the Levoit EverestAir, and it's a narrow margin.

Since I have a smoking neighbor, I take air purifiers seriously, and often I've wished I had more than 3 or 4 speeds to choose from. The IQAir Atem X has 8 speeds, so I can always find the most effective speed that's not so loud enough that I need to wear ANC headphones. It also boasts much higher-than-average CADRs (clean air delivery rate), which make it suitable for use in large spaces.

The purification uses 'HyperHEPA' filters (ed's note: I'm confirming if this is true HEPA, but will assume not) and 'impactors' (equivalent to pre-filters). I have an open plan home, so there are no walls to separate the living room and kitchen, but the IQAir Atem X removes my neighbor's tobacco smoke, and my occasional kitchen odors, very efficiently. This is even more impressive considering there's no activated charcoal filter. It's really hard to believe that something so beautiful can work like a beast to remove odors so quickly.

You can control the Atem X using the touch controls that sit on the back side of the purifier but are still very easy to access, or via a useful companion app. However, there's no voice assistant support for those who prefer to go completely hands-free.

The main sticking point for many people will be the price. This is a very expensive purifier, and the replacement filters don't come cheap, either. However, if you want something functional and beautiful, and are happy to invest to get it, it's an excellent choice. So, that's the short version – keep reading for my full IQAir Atem X review.

IQAir Atem X with front cover removed — (Image credit: Future)

IQAir Atem X review: price & availability

List price: $1,399
Available: US online, various other countries via dealers

The IQAir Atem X is available to buy online in the US from the IQAir website or via Amazon. At list price it costs $1,3999. It's also available in various other countries, but typically via dealers.

The air purifier uses three HyperHEPA filters at a time, and the replacement pack is $199, which is among the most expensive filters I've ever encountered. Fortunately, the filter pack only needs to be replaced once a year if you're using the purifier regularly, or maybe less often if it's not being used as much.

In the air purifier market, the IQAir Atem X is considered a premium purchase. It's significantly more expensive than my favorite purifier, the Levoit EverestAir, which has a list price of $499.99 and is comparable in performance. Price-wise, the IQAir Atem X is comparable to the Dyson Purifier Big+Quiet Formaldehyde BP04, which retails for $1,199.99 at the time of publication.

The IQAir Atem X is an extremely good air purifier, and the various functions, user-friendly features, and quality build help justify the price. However, it is incredibly expensive – and especially if you factor in the ongoing cost of filters – and may not be in everyone's budget.

Value for money score: 3.5 out of 5

IQAir Atem X specs

CADR:	Dust 417; Tobacco smoke 422; Pollen 454
Size (W x H x D):	27.1 x 27.1 x 10in / 68.8 x 68.8 x 25.4cm
Control:	Touchscreen buttons, app
Filters:	Impactors (pre-filter), HyperHEPA
Modes:	1-8 fan speeds, Quiet, Balanced, Max, Smart
Contaminants detected:	PM 2.5, PM10, CO2

IQAir Atem X review: design

Stylish, minimalist design with recessed touch controls and smart controls
Pre-filters and 'HyperHEPA' filters, but no activated charcoal filter
Adjustable airflow

The AQAir Atem X Air Purifier is large, but it doesn't look bulky. That's because it has a slim, minimalist design. In fact, I think this air purifier looks like a work of art; something you'd see at New York's MoMA. I love appliances that aren't easily identifiable, and the Atem X definitely falls in this category. Guests always ask what it is – especially since there are no controls on the front.

IQAir is a Swiss company, and the air purifier is actually made in Germany. The Atem X reflects Swiss design sensibilities in the clean lines and uncluttered look. For example, the power cord is retractable, so any excess can be hidden. Also, the front of the air purifier is completely free of controls – they're located in the back, and also recessed, so even from a back view, they're unobtrusive.

IQAir Atem X air purifier in reviewer's lounge — (Image credit: Future)

The Atem X comes with a detachable wheel base, which makes it easy to transport, but is the only part of the air purifier that looks clunky. I'll be honest with you here: the wheel base is somewhere in my garage and I couldn't locate it for the review. Because I knew I would only use the air purifier in my living room/kitchen space (it would be overkill in one of the bedrooms), I never bothered installing it.

There's a leather handle on the back of the air purifier that makes it easy to move short distances. However, it weighs 28.7 lbs / 13kg, so if you need to move it frequently or transport more than a few feet, it would probably be a good idea to attach the wheel base.

Back of IQAir Atem X purifier, with stand and strap visible — (Image credit: Future)

Around the circumference of the Atem X, three-quarters of the grilles are for air inlet, and one quarter (at the top) is for air outlet. The direction of the airflow can be changed to flow towards the left or towards the right of the top of the purifier.

As well as being aesthetically pleasing, the air purifier is also quite functional and user-friendly. The recessed controls are on the back, directly underneath the outlet grille. I never encounter a problem trying to access them – and honestly, I think that placing them on the back contributes to the beauty of the air purifier and prevents it from looking utilitarian).

They include the power button, smart mode (to switch between the manual fan speed settings and automatic fan speed control), light button (to turn the control panel lighting on or off), Wi-Fi button, filter status, and Ethernet status. There are eight options on the fan speed slider, and this is also where the air quality index color is displayed (when not changing the fan speed).

Controls on IQAir Atem X air purifier — (Image credit: Future)

The air quality indicator colors are as follows: green for good, yellow for moderate, orange for unhealthy or sensitive groups, red for unhealthy, purple for very unhealthy, and flashing purple for hazardous.

The IQAir Atem X can also be controlled via a companion app. Attached to the back of the stand is an ID card that contains the QR code to scan and download the app, the Certification of Performance, and the serial number. In addition, the company recommends using the card to pry off the air purifier's front cover when it's time to replace the filters (and I can confirm the card works much better than a butter knife or flat-head screwdriver, which could damage the panel).

The filtration system includes three 'impactors' – equivalent to pre-filters – which are designed to trap large particles, lint, and fibers. Underneath the impactors are the main filters, called HyperHEPA (editor's note: I'm confirming with IQAir, but assume these are not true HEPA filters). These are designed to capture hair and dander, pollen, dust mites, airborne mold, viruses and bacteria.

IQAir Atem X air purifier with cover removed and one grille taken off to show a filter — (Image credit: Future)

Rather surprisingly at this price point, there's no activated charcoal filter. As a general rule, I'm inclined to dislike air purifiers that don't contain activated charcoal, because that tends to be the 'secret sauce' that removes the odors. For example, my Alen BreathSmart 75i has a big, heavy odor filter and I can actually shake it and hear the activated charcoal inside. However, this doesn't seem to impact the Atem X's ability to clear odors, as I'll get into in the Performance section.

IQAir Atem X with all three filters removed and laid out in front of the purifier — (Image credit: Future)

Fortunately, this isn't one of those air purifiers that needs to be turned upside-down to remove the filters. However, the process is more involved than some competitors. After prying the cover off, you need to unlock the locking levers and rotate the air purifier to remove the grilles and the three filters.

The impactors are on the other side of the grilles, and they should be vacuumed with a brush attachment whenever the air filters are changed. However, I vacuum both the air filters and impactors at least monthly. Depending on how dirty the impactors get, they should be rinsed under running water and then thoroughly dried before reinserting.

Design score: 4.5 out of 5

IQAir Atem X review: performance

App provides a lot of helpful information
8 speeds and three special modes provide plenty of control
Cleans air quickly and is quiet in use

As a general rule, I'm perfectly content to control the IQAir Atem X using the onboard controls – especially since I can easily reach it while sitting at my desk. However, for testing purposes, I downloaded the app to my smartphone and spent some time controlling it from there.

The app is chock-full of helpful information. For example, it shows both the daily and the hourly weather forecast in my area, as well as the humidity level. The app also provides health recommendations based on the local air quality, such as "enjoy outdoor activities", and "open your windows to bring clean, fresh air indoors".

Screenshots from companion app — (Image credit: IQAir)

With the air purifier, the app measures such pollutants as PM2.5 (fine particles), PM10 (larger particles), and carbon dioxide levels, as well as humidity levels, and the temperature in the room.

Inside the app, I can turn the air purifier on and off, and adjust the fan speed, brightness levels, lock the control panel, view remaining filter life, and use smart mode. There are actually three smart modes I can select from in the app – and they're not available on the onboard controls.

Quiet mode ensures the fan speed does not exceed level 5. Balanced mode ensures the max fan speed does not go higher than level 7. During periods of high pollution, Max mode changes the fan speed accordingly, with no limit on fan speed. In Smart mode, the air purifier's fan will automatically adjust based on pollutants detected.

I love having 8 fan speeds, so I can set the purifier precisely to fit my comfort level. I tend to use level 4 or 5, as this removes polluted air quite well, while still being relatively quiet. (For example, the noise level is around 44dB on the 4th speed, compared to 65dB when it's set on 8).

There's a reason why I can set it at a lower rate and still clean the air. That's because the average air purifier that's considered good (not to be confused with just the average air purifier) has a CADR in the 200 range. However, the IQAir Atem X has CADRs of 417 for dust, 422 for tobacco smoke, and 454 for pollen. This means that it cleans air at a much faster rate. (It's more normal for a purifier to just have one CADR, which would usually either be an average of the rates for dust, tobacco smoke and pollen or the highest of those three.)

For example, when I walk into the living room and my neighbor has been smoking – I set the air purifier fan on 8, it removes the smoke and odors in less than 10 minutes (usually only 7 or 8 minutes). And then I set it back to 4 or 5 to maintain the clean air.

Performance score: 5 out of 5

Should you buy the IQAir Atem X?

Attribute	Notes	Rating
Value	One of the two most expensive air purifiers I've ever tested, but one of the very best (and best-looking) as well.	3.5 / 5
Design	Stylish, with recessed controls on back and retractable cable. Has both touch and smart controls, and airflow is adjustable.	4.5 / 5
Performance	High CADR means it cleans air super-fast. Eight fan speeds provide precise control.	5 / 5

Buy it if...

You like customization options

Most air purifiers give you 3 to 5 speeds, but the IQAir Atem X provides 8, and you can also adjust several other settings as well.

You want to clean a large space quickly

With some of the highest CADRs on the market, the IQAir Atem X is great for use in large spaces.

You want an air purifier that looks good

Some air purifiers look like something you'd find in a hospital, and although the IQAir Atem X is white, it does not have that sterile, clinical look. The Swiss-design is actually quite beautiful.

Don't buy it if...

You want a quick and easy filter replacement process

It's not hard, but there are several steps involved in disassembling the IQAir Atem X, including prying the cover off, unlocking the locking levers, rotating the air purifier to remove the three filters, and pressing down to remove the impactors. Compare this to some air purifiers that only require pulling the magnetic cover forward, and then pulling out only one filter pack.

You're on a budget

You're getting into an arm-and-a-leg territory (possibly a kidney) to purchase the IQAir Atem X Air Purifier. There are certainly less expensive options on the market to choose from, and if you're only cleaning a small space, it's overkill.

You want to use voice assistants

Although there's an app, which is quite easy to use, if you want to be totally hands-free, you may prefer an air purifier that is compatible with Alexa or Google Assistant.

How I tested the IQAir Atem X

I used the IQ Air Atem X in my condo-style apartment (open living room/kitchen, 2 bedrooms, built in 2016, HVAC) for a year and a half. During this time, I used it primarily in the living room/kitchen area, to clear cooking smells and second-hand smoke from my neighbor. I don't need that much power in my bedrooms – and I don't want to push it from room to room.

For this review, I noted how it responds to various pollutants and how quickly it removes them. Since I work from home and sit at my desk at least 8 hours a day – usually more – and my desk is close to the kitchen, I've had plenty of opportunities to test it with various cooking odors, especially when I'm writing and not paying attention to what I'm cooking. As a consumer tech journalist, I've reviewed over 50 different air purifiers, and I drew upon my experience to get a feel for how the IQAir Atem X compares to the wider market and if it is a good value for the money.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed October 2025

I tested the Aqara Camera G100, and it’s an extremely versatile security camera for indoors or out

9:00 pm | November 2, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Home Home Security Smart Home | Tags: Australia, UK, US | Comments: Off

Aqara Camera G100: two-minute review

Security cameras now come in many different varieties, including those meant solely for indoor use and those meant mainly for outdoors. However, what the Aqara G100 offers is, on the face of it, the best of both worlds

Weatherproof with an IP65 rating, it can be used indoors (to keep an eye on pets and children), or outdoors (to see who is at the front door or in the backyard). It’s small too, perfect for placing on a bookshelf or mounting upside down in a porch using the screw and wall plug provided.

However, what really differentiates the Aqara G100 from many of its competitors is its comprehensive smart home compatibility. Whereas many of the best home security cameras are now compatible with Amazon’s Alexa (including the Amazon-owned Ring and Blink, of course), the Aqara G100 is also compatible with Google Home, Samsung SmartThings and – crucially for those invested in the Apple ecosystem – Apple HomeKit including Home KitSecureVideo (HSV).

Not only can the camera’s built-in motion sensor and spotlight be used within home automation routines, it’s also possible to stream a live feed from the Aqara G100 on Apple TV. The only technical limitation here is that Apple caps the video resolution at 1080p for some reason, despite the camera being capable of a more impressive 2K resolution (2,304 x 1,296 pixels). It’s even possible to hook up your Apple Photos library to the Aqara camera to recognize faces it captures via the motion sensor.

Nor is smart home compatibility the only trick up the Aqara’s sleeve either. It works perfectly well as a standalone security camera too. Indeed that’s how most buyers will probably use it. Mains powered via a USB-C cable, it usefully boasts a MicroSD card slot for storing up to 512Gb of footage. This means you don’t have to pay a monthly fee to store video in the cloud as you do with many cameras, especially some of the cheaper models (Apple users can also use their iCloud storage via HomeKit Secure Video).

Close-up of Aqara Camera G100 — (Image credit: Chris Price)

You don’t even have to pay a monthly subscription fee for basic AI functionality. However, if you want the full shebang, including pet and parcel detection, then you will need to pay for Aqara’s HomeGuardian subscription service (see details below).

If you have multiple Aqara cameras, the HomeGuardian Unlimited package also includes an innovative Fire Detection feature based on a flame recognition function. However, this isn’t intended to replace conventional fire-detection systems such as smoke alarms and heat sensors

Finally, the camera offers two-way audio so you can reassure your pets if they seem distressed, or tell your family members when you’ll be home.

Aqara Camera G100: subscription options

HomeGuardian Single Camera: £3.99 (about $5 / AU$8) per month, or £39.99 (about $50 / AU$80) per year for a single device. Includes: 90 days of video event history, person, animal, vehicle, package, fire detection.

HomeGuardian Unlimited: £7.99 (about $10 / AU$16) per month, or £79.99 (about $100 / AU$160) per year. Supports unlimited cameras in one home, 90 days of video event history, person, face, animal, vehicle, package, fire detection, Premium AI Event Detection, AI Video Summary, AI Video Search.

Aqara Camera G100: price and availability

Costs £34.99, $34.99, AU$89
Available since July 2025
Sold in the US, UK, and Australia

Generally, security cameras are not expensive to buy. Even the most advanced models offering solar power and mobile phone (4G/5G) connectivity tend to cost less than £200. However, many are priced quite cheaply because you need to pay a monthly fee to store video clips in the cloud.

The Aqara G100 is unusual in that not only is it very cheap, it also comes with a built in MicroSD card slot for video storage. Yes, you will have to buy a MicroSD card, but these only cost around $15 / £10 / AU$20 so you soon make your money back from not having to fork out the cost of a subscription. That said, you can pay a monthly fee for storage if you want (Aqara’s HomeGuardian costs from £3.99 (about $5 / AU$8) a month) if you want advanced AI functionality, such as the ability to differentiate between different people and objects.

Given its low price tag, it’s also worth noting just how well equipped the Aqara G100 is for the money. One of my criticisms of Aqara’s recently-launched G410 Video Doorbell is that, despite costing over £100, it didn’t incorporate waterproofing – unbelievably remiss for a product that’s going to sit on the outside of your house all year round.

Yet this G100 camera – which is intended for indoor and outdoor use – does feature decent IP65 water resistance. Not only that, but it also comes with other useful features that make it a very versatile piece of kit. These include compatibility with a number of smart home platforms as well as AI functionality.

Value score: 5/5

Aqara Camera G100: design

Versatile indoor/outdoor mounting
Available in black or white
Waterproof connectivity

Again, one of my criticisms of the recently reviewed Aqara G410 video doorbell was its design which was extremely big and bulky. In fairness, that’s partly because it is powered by four AA batteries, whereas the G100 only uses mains power. Nevertheless, it’s true to say that its stablemate, the G100, is a much more compact and better-looking piece of kit – similar in looks to a Nest camera, but not quite so sturdy.

Available in black or white (we tested the black), it comes with a simple mount for standing on top of a cupboard or bookshelf. Alternatively, you can do what I did and install it inside a cabinet using the wall plug and screw provided (remembering to change the viewing setting to upside down in the Aqara app). Usefully, the camera can be rotated 360 degrees within the mount to get the perfect angle, while the field of view is a decent 140 degrees.

Side view of Aqara Camera G100 — (Image credit: Chris Price)

While most people will probably choose to use the camera indoors, there is the option for mounting it outdoors providing you have access to mains power (it doesn’t have a built-in rechargeable lithium battery). Unusually, the USB-C cable provided connects to the camera via a waterproof sleeve below the camera. This can easily be swapped over to a much longer USB cable if you're running the cable from an indoor power source.

A waterproof cover is also provided for the MicroSD card slot and reset buttons while at the back of the camera is a small speaker. On the front of the camera is the lens itself plus a surprisingly powerful spotlight, blue power light button and a microphone.

Design score: 4.5/5

Aqara Camera G100: performance

2K image quality
Good night vision
Slightly complex menus

When it comes to performance it’s fair to say that the Aqara Camera G100 is solid, rather than spectacular. Certainly, the 2K camera won’t win any awards and the field of view isn’t the widest either. However, for the super-low price tag we didn’t have any major complaints – it simply does the job.

Night vision is actually quite good thanks to dual night vision modes that gives you a choice between color night vision (with the built-in spotlight) or black and white night vision which is the default mode. The camera isn’t overly sensitive either which is a good thing as sometimes they are triggered by the slightest movement.

Live video in Aqara Camera G100 app — (Image credit: Chris Price)

Less impressive is the two-way audio through the tinny speaker, but again this isn’t unusual and in reality you probably won’t use it that often (unless you want to have a chat with your dog while you are out!). One unusual feature is the voice disguising option which can turn your voice into that of a robot or clown, or otherwise disguise it.

This feature is also provided on Aqara’s recently launched G410 video doorbell where it makes more sense, especially for women who may want to protect their identity from those ringing the doorbell. However, it probably isn’t that useful on a general camera which is probably going to be used mostly indoors.

Using Aqara Camera G100 to speak with people — (Image credit: Chris Price)

One small gripe is around the onscreen menus within the app which take a little bit of getting used to, partly because there are so many different options. For example, as well as being able to see a Live View from the camera, you can view a Video Event history divided into different categories (person, motion etc). You can also program different actions, such as turning on the lights in the house when the motion sensor is triggered or opening and closing the curtains.

Face-recognition in Aqara Camera G100 app — (Image credit: Chris Price)

For advanced users, these are all useful perhaps, but if you want a simple plug and play solution, then there are easier cameras to use. That said, it's not difficult to set the camera up in the first place thanks to voice-based instructions, and we didn’t have any issues with broadband connectivity between the camera and router despite the device only working on the 2.4GHz Wi-Fi frequency, not 5GHz. It was also straightforward adding the Aqara camera to Apple HomeKit, although as previously noted, picture resolution is restricted to 1080p.

Performance score: 3.5/5

Should you buy the Aqara Camera G100?

Attribute	Notes	Score
Value	Put simply, the Aqara is unbelievably good value for money. Featuring a MicroSD card slot you don’t even have to pay a monthly subscription for storing video clips.	5/5
Design	Available in black or white, the Aqara is a compact circular shaped camera with a versatile mount and waterproofing for installation either indoors or outdoors.	4.5/5
Performance	Offering 2K video quality, the Aqara Camera G100 provides reasonable quality images although sound quality from the built-in speaker isn’t the best.	3.5/5
Overall	An extremely versatile security camera with a very competitive price tag. Can be used indoors or outdoors and with multiple smart home platforms - including Apple Home.	4.5/5

Buy it if

You need a versatile home security solution

Undoubtedly this is one of the most versatile security cameras on the market, suitable for either an indoor or outdoor installation and compatible with multiple smart home platforms.

You have a limited budget

It’s difficult to imagine a security camera offering better value for money, especially when you consider you can store video clips on a MicroSD card rather than having to pay a monthly subscription.

Don't buy it if

You want to install outdoors but don’t have mains power nearby

The Aqara can certainly be used outdoors but will need to be connected to the mains as it doesn’t offer battery power. At the very least, you will probably need to invest in a new USB-C lead for outdoor use.

You want the highest sound and video quality available

Don’t get me wrong, the Aqara’s sound and video quality is OK, but there are much better performing security cameras around if you have a bigger budget.

Aqara Camera G100: also consider

Product	Aqara Camera G100	Blink Outdoor 4	Ring Spotlight Cam Pro (Battery)	Eufy 4K S330 Security Camera
Subscription price	From £3.99 a month	From £2.50 a month	From £4.99 a month	None
Viewing angle	140 degrees horizontal	143 degrees horizontal	140 degrees horizontal	360 degree view
Network connection	Wi-Fi (2.4GHz)	Wi-Fi (2.4GHz)	Wi-Fi (2.4G/5Hz)	Wi-Fi/4G
Audio	Two-way audio	Two-way audio	Two-way audio	Two-way audio
Video	2,304 x 1,296 pixels	1080p	1080p Full HD resolution	4K video resolution
Power	Mains	Battery	Battery	Battery, solar
Hardware price	£34.99	£69	£199 (battery model only)	£189 (with solar panel)

Ring Spotlight Cam Pro (battery)

Available in black or white, this outdoor security camera boasts two 3000°K spotlights. You can also buy a mains-powered version as well as a separate solar panel.

Read our full Ring Spotlight Cam Pro review

Eufy 4K S330 security camera

An extremely innovative battery and solar-powered camera, the Eufy 4K S330 can be used with the supplied 4G Sim card to capture recordings - ideal for those who live in areas with poor Wi-Fi/broadband.

Read our full Eufy 4K Security Camera review

How I tested the Aqara Camera G100

I used the camera indoors
I installed it myself
The camera was connected to Apple Home

As is clear from the review, the Aqara Camera is a very versatile piece of kit, so I installed it in several places around the home – including the kitchen and my home office. However, it wasn’t installed outside because I didn’t have a suitable mains power connection outdoors.

Using the wall plug and screw provided I mounted the camera inside a cabinet to focus on a small balcony. I also adjusted the mount to focus on the door and other areas of the room to see how sensitive the lens was to movement (it is quite sensitive).

The camera was used over a period of seven days mostly via the Aqara app. However, I also connected it to Apple Home, where I was also able to control the camera’s functionality including switching the spotlight on and off, testing two-way audio and viewing live footage.

First reviewed October 2025

This vacuum is ultra lightweight and comes with a useful auto-empty base – but it’s its impeccable edge cleaning that really impressed in my tests

11:00 pm | October 29, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Home Small Appliances Vacuums | Tags: US | Comments: Off

Levoit Aero: two-minute review

The Levoit Aero is a lightweight, nimble stick vacuum that comes with a convenient auto-empty charging base. It's one of the most lightweight vacuums I've used, and comes with a smaller-than-usual floorhead that tucks easily into tight spaces. I also appreciated the clear display, which tells you which suction level you're in and how much battery you have left.

While it's not the most outright powerful cordless vacuum I've used, it's great for everyday cleaning and especially good when it comes to edge cleaning. I found that even in the Minimum power mode it lifted most dirt from my floors, although I did need to bump up to Med or even Max mode to clear chunkier debris. The edge cleaning was outstanding, however.

Battery life is good but not great – while the Max mode lasts an impressive 15 minutes, in Min mode it only runs for 40 mins, which is short for a lowest-power option. I missed having a battery-maximizing Auto mode, where the power adjusts intelligently based on dirt levels or floor type.

The auto-empty base is a big effort-saver and works well, although there does seem to be a flaw that means the dustbin flap on the vacuum itself doesn't always close securely afterwards, which meant some cleaning sessions began rather messily.

Keep reading for a deeper dive into what the Levoit Aero vacuum cleaner has to offer, and how it compares to the rest of the best cordless vacuums on the market.

Reviewer using Levoit Aero vacuum to clean her living space — (Image credit: Future)

Levoit Aero review: price & availability

List price: $499
Available: October 2025
Availability: US

The Levoit Aero Vacuum Cleaner launched in October 2025, with a list price of $499. It's available in the US on the Levoit website. This price includes the self-standing stick vacuum, charging dock that doubles as an auto-empty base, four accessories, and an extra dust bag.

In the wider market, this vacuum sits on the cusp between mid-range and premium. I'd usually expect better battery life and some smart features for this price, although the inclusion of the auto-empty dock does help justify the higher price somewhat. It's perhaps worth keeping an eye out for any deals over Black Friday.

Other auto-empty vacuum options include the Shark PowerDetect Cordless Clean&Empty, which is cheaper and better value at $429.99, and the Roborock H60 Hub Ultra which is pricier and worse value at $599.99.

Value for money score: 3.5 out of 5

Levoit Aero specs

Weight:	4.4 lbs / 2kg
Bin size (vacuum):	Not stated
Bin size (dock):	3.5L
Max runtime:	40 mins
Charge time:	< 4hrs
Size (H x W x L):	43.3 x 9.8 x 7.7in / 110 x 25 x 19.5cm
Filter:	HEPA
Max suction:	180AW
Modes:	Min, Med, Max, Turbo

Levoit Aero review: design

A lightweight, streamlined stick vacuum that can stand up on its own
Display screen shows battery life and suction power
Auto-empty station that doubles as a charger

The Levoit Aero vacuum cleaner is a cordless stick vacuum that can stand on its own when the head and shaft are locked in place. At only 4.4 lbs / 2kg, it's incredibly lightweight, which makes it easy to maneuver on the floor or use to grab dust on high ceilings.

The vacuum cleaner is black and white, and looks sleek and modern. It differs from some other vacuums in that the 0.45L dust bin is positioned on the front of the vacuum, rather than the back. Above the dustbin is a small display screen and the power button.

Upon pressing the power button, the suction level and battery countdown timer appear on the display screen. If I want to move between the different suction level options, I have to hit the four-square button below the power button to scroll through them. My pre-launch test model had three suction modes: Min, Med and Max. Now the vacuum is on sale, there seems to have been a fourth mode added, called Turbo. The Max suction power hasn't changed, though – it's still 180AW.

Like pretty much every stick vacuum, the design is modular and can be reconfigured for use as a handheld by removing the main wand. Four accessories are provided, including a 2-in-1 crevice tool, 2-in-1 combination tool (for vacuuming hair and such from furniture), a mini motorized brush, and an extension hose. There's also an attachment clip that can be added to the vacuum wand for easy detail tool storage.

Levoit Aero vacuum in its charge / auto-empty dock, in reviewer's lounge — (Image credit: Future)

The charging station is slim with a round base and a hidden dust bag with a generous 3.5L capacity. When you dock the vacuum, the charging station pulls the dirt and debris from its dustbin into the larger dust bag, so you don't need to worry about emptying it manually.

In terms of noise, the vacuum cleaner has an average sound rating. When the Min suction level is being used, it emits a sound rating of 79 dB. On Med and Max suction level powers, the rating is 81 and 83 dB respectively.

Design score: 4 out of 5

Levoit Aero review: performance

Easy to maneuver with helpful accessories
Superb edge cleaning
Little maintenance required on a day-to-day basis

Upon powering on the Levoit Aero vacuum cleaner, it automatically begins running on the Med suction level. Most of the time when vacuuming my house, I used this suction level, no matter the floor type, as it resulted in top-notch cleaning. The vacuum is very lightweight, and the vacuum head swivels easily, allowing me to vacuum around furniture without having to move it. I also noticed that the vacuum head is smaller in width than some of the other vacuums I've tested, which allows me to vacuum in tighter spaces. Better yet, the vacuum can flatten to 180 degrees, so I'm able to reach further under furniture, as long as I squat down to the ground.

To see just how well the vacuum works, I ran the same test on two different floor types. I sprinkled dry tea and oats on my hard floor and on one of my thickest rugs, then I turned the vacuum on the lowest suction level – Min – to see how well it picked up the different materials.

I was really impressed by how well the Levoit Aero vacuumed both the tea and the oats from the rug on the lowest power level. It only took one pass, in a forward or reverse direction, for the vacuum to pick up the dried tea. Similarly, the vacuum picked up the oats perfectly when pushing the vacuum in a forward motion. When reverse cleaning over the oats, some pieces got stuck behind the wheels. This didn't surprise me as I've seen this happen with other vacuum cleaners I've tested.

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Levoit Aero vacuum being used to clean debris from a patterned rug — (Image credit: Future)

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The results were a bit different when running the same test on my hard floors. When vacuuming over the dry tea in a forward direction with Min suction power, all the tea was picked up. However, I was surprised when I vacuumed over the dried tea in reverse because a lot of tea got caught behind the wheels. I did not expect this.

Unfortunately, the Levoit Aero struggled with vacuuming the oats no matter if I was vacuuming forward or in reverse. Most of the time, the vacuum head pushed the oats away from the vacuum, unless I went very slowly over them. The Min suction level didn't seem to be powerful enough to suck up the oats, so I adjusted the power to Med and Max. It's perhaps no surprise that on the Max suction level, the oats were more easily suctioned into the vacuum.

Levoit Aero vacuum being used to clear debris from a wooden floor — (Image credit: Future)

To test the edge cleaning, I poured some dry tea along the edge of a wall. The vacuum only needs to rest against an edge for all the debris to be picked up in a single pass, no matter the suction level. You won't need a crevice or edge cleaning tool to clean along the bottom of walls, cabinets, or appliances.

Four accessories come with the purchase of this vacuum: a 2-in-1 crevice tool, 2-in-1 combination tool (for vacuuming hair from furniture), a mini motorized brush, and an extension hose.

I used the 2-in-1 crevice tool to vacuum windowsills, blinds, baseboards, and the corners of ceilings. It worked wonderfully, though I did notice that it worked best on the Med or Max suction level. My only complaint is that when I was using the tool as a brush, it would sometimes snap down to a crevice tool when I didn't want it to.

This is because the button that transforms the tool between a brush and a crevice tool is located on the top of the brush. If I barely hit the button or tapped the edge of the tool against the edge of a windowsill, it would transition to a crevice tool. I'd then have to stop cleaning and re-click the brush tool into place. This happened a lot, which makes me think the button needs to be placed along the sides of the tool instead, or that the mechanism that holds the brush in place needs to be stronger.

Levoit Aero vacuum in handheld mode lying on a sofa — (Image credit: Future)

The 2-in-1 combination tool did a pretty decent job suctioning hair from my furniture. I think this had to do with the fact that there is a little rough strip of material in the middle of the brush that catches hair and helps pull it up from the fabric. That said, I found that I had the best results when using this tool with max power.

The mini motorized brush is essentially a vacuum head that is about half the size of the regular vacuum head on the Levoit Aero. I used it to clean around my toilet and between my oven and the wall, spaces where I usually can't reach with a regular vacuum head. This was definitely my favorite accessory, and it did a fantastic job cleaning those tricky areas. I wish, however, that the mini motorized brush had the ability to swivel, to make it easier to vacuum in tight spaces. (I haven't come across a mini motorized tool that can swivel, but I think vacuum makers are missing a trick here.)

It's unlikely that you'll use the extension hose often, except perhaps to clean your car. In that case, you'd probably connect the extension hose to the handheld portion of the Levoit Aero and then add the mini motorized brush to the end.

I tried seeing if there was any practical use for the extension hose in the cleaning of my house and didn't really find one. To be fair, I was able to connect the hose between the handheld and the shaft, which enabled me to swing the vacuum under the bed to vacuum hard to reach spots. This sort-of worked, but I didn't have much control over the direction of the vacuum head. Since the Levoit IQ can flatten to the ground, it's probably better to just squat and vacuum under furniture rather than use the extension hose in this manner.

After using the vacuum, I set it on the charging base and let the base automatically pull the debris and dirt from the dust bin into the dust bag. This meant that on a day-to-day basis, I wasn't really doing any maintenance. When the dust bag fills, the vacuum will inform me on the display, and I'll have to replace the dust bag. The foam, felt, and station filters need to be washed at least once a month and replaced every three months. The HEPA filter has to be washed every two months and replaced every 6 months.

My biggest gripe with the Levoit Aero vacuum cleaner has to do with the dust bin. Half the time when I removed the vacuum from the base, the dust bin flap would be open. I didn't always realize this until I started to clean and noticed that the dirt and debris falling back to the floor. Sometimes, the dustbin opened when I was cleaning. I'm not sure how it opened on its own or why, but it was frustrating to have to re-clean an area twice in a row.

Levoit Aero vacuum in handheld mode being used to clean baseboards — (Image credit: Future)

It's increasingly common for a premium vacuum to have automation features that enables it to adjust suction based on floor type or dirt detected. I have come to appreciate when a vacuum has the ability to read the cleanliness of a floor, because even though the Levoit Aero Vacuum has a headlight on the front of the vacuum head, I can't always see when there is dirt or not. At this kind of price, I'd expect some kind of automation features.

That said, the Aero is still a solid vacuum cleaner with phenomenal edge cleaning and the capability to pick up most all debris with the Min suction level (most large debris can be picked up on the Med power level). It's a good option for those who have mostly hard floors and like the convenience of an auto-empty charging base.

Performance score: 3.5 out of 5

Levoit Aero review: battery life

Lasts up to 40 mins in Min mode with main floorhead attached
A decent 15 mins in Max mode, and 30 mins in Med mode
Takes three hours to recharge on charging base

One of the great things about the Levoit Aero vacuum cleaner is that it displays the battery life on the screen, so you don't have to wonder how much time you have left to vacuum your house. The battery life depends solely on the suction level you're using, so if you're using the Max suction level, you only get 15 minutes of battery life. The Med suction level results in a 30 minutes of battery life, while the battery lasts 40 minutes when using the Min mode.

15 minutes for a Max suction level is pretty decent, and 30 minutes is very acceptable in Med mode. However, most vacuums these days will last longer than 40 minutes on their lowest suction level. My house is 1,600 square feet, and I was able to vacuum everything in 40 minutes, though I had to rush slightly.

Close up of info screen on Levoit Aero vacuum — (Image credit: Future)

Couple of notes here: Levoit quotes a Max of 70 minutes' cleaning per charge, but if you read the fine print, that's with the Crevice tool attached, rather than the main floorhead. On the current version of the vacuum, Levoit also seems to have added a fourth mode – Turbo, which sits above Max. The brand promises 6 minutes of cleaning per charge in Turbo with the main floorhead attached. I wasn't able to test this mode as it didn't exist on my review model.

It takes three hours for the base to fully recharge the battery, which is fairly speedy. If you can't clean your house completely before needing to recharge, it might be helpful to know that the battery recharges to 20% after 30 minutes.

Battery life score: 3.5 out of 5

Should you buy the Levoit Aero?

Attribute	Notes	Rating
Value	On the cusp between mid-range and premium. Decent value when you factor in the auto-empty base, although I'd usually expect auto features at that price.	3.5 / 5
Design	A super lightweight stick vacuum cleaner with four suction levels, a screen displaying the battery countdown, and an auto-empty station.	4 / 5
Performance	Smaller floorhead can tuck into tight spaces, and edge cleaning is excellent. Not the most powerful vacuum I've tested, but great for everyday light cleans.	3.5 / 5
Battery life	15 mins in Max mode is good, but 40 in Min is rather short. Recharge is speedy at 3 hours.	3.5 / 5

Buy it if...

You want a lightweight vacuum

The Levoit Aero vacuum cleaner barely weighs more than 4 lbs, making it easy to maneuver and clean your home. Most people will be able to lift the vacuum cleaner above their head or reach far under beds without tiring.

You like vacuums with little maintenance

This vacuum comes with a charging base that doubles as an auto-empty station, meaning it automatically empties the dustbin each time you place it on the base to charge. Filters and dust bags will need to be cleaned or replaced but such tasks aren't a weekly occurrence.

You like knowing how much battery you have left

Some vacuum cleaners indicate battery life by bars or pie charts, which can be confusing. The Levoit Aero lets you know the exact amount of time left before the battery dies thanks to a countdown on the display screen.

Don't buy it if...

You have a lot of carpets

While the Levoit Aero is well-equipped to vacuum some rugs and low pile carpet, those whose houses are half or mostly covered in carpet would do better with an upright vacuum or a heavier, more powerful cordless stick vacuum – check TechRadar's best vacuum for carpet guide for our top recommendations.

You need more than 40 minutes to vacuum your house

Despite Levoit claiming that this vacuum offers up to 70 minutes of battery life, it only lasts 15-40 minutes depending on the suction level you use. If your house is particularly large or requires a lot of complicated cleaning maneuvers or use of different accessories, the battery might not last.

You want a vacuum with smart features.

This vacuum lacks any smart features. On the one hand, this makes it easier for everyone to use (not just the technologically-savvy), however, if you're looking for a vacuum that can detect dirt on the ground or provide cleaning stats, this isn't the product for you. View Deal

How I tested the Levoit Aero

I tested the Levoit Aero vacuum cleaner in my 1,600-square foot home. As someone who has laminate and wood flooring – as well as some thick rugs – I was able to get a sense of how well the vacuum suctions fine and large materials through a series of tests. I also utilized the various accessories on my baseboards, windowpanes, blinds, and furniture to provide thorough insight into the value of this vacuum cleaner.

Read more about how we test vacuum cleaners

Tested May 2025 (launch delayed to October 2025)

This vacuum is ultra lightweight and comes with a useful auto-empty base – but it’s its impeccable edge cleaning that really impressed in my tests

11:00 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Home Small Appliances Vacuums | Tags: US | Comments: Off

Levoit Aero: two-minute review

Keep reading for a deeper dive into what the Levoit Aero vacuum cleaner has to offer, and how it compares to the rest of the best cordless vacuums on the market.

Levoit Aero review: price & availability

List price: $499
Available: October 2025
Availability: US

Value for money score: 3.5 out of 5

Levoit Aero specs

Weight:	4.4 lbs / 2kg
Bin size (vacuum):	Not stated
Bin size (dock):	3.5L
Max runtime:	40 mins
Charge time:	< 4hrs
Size (H x W x L):	43.3 x 9.8 x 7.7in / 110 x 25 x 19.5cm
Filter:	HEPA
Max suction:	180AW
Modes:	Min, Med, Max, Turbo

Levoit Aero review: design

A lightweight, streamlined stick vacuum that can stand up on its own
Display screen shows battery life and suction power
Auto-empty station that doubles as a charger

Design score: 4 out of 5

Levoit Aero review: performance

Easy to maneuver with helpful accessories
Superb edge cleaning
Little maintenance required on a day-to-day basis

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Four accessories come with the purchase of this vacuum: a 2-in-1 crevice tool, 2-in-1 combination tool (for vacuuming hair from furniture), a mini motorized brush, and an extension hose.

Performance score: 3.5 out of 5

Levoit Aero review: battery life

Lasts up to 40 mins in Min mode with main floorhead attached
A decent 15 mins in Max mode, and 30 mins in Med mode
Takes three hours to recharge on charging base

Battery life score: 3.5 out of 5

Should you buy the Levoit Aero?

Attribute	Notes	Rating
Value	On the cusp between mid-range and premium. Decent value when you factor in the auto-empty base, although I'd usually expect auto features at that price.	3.5 / 5
Design	A super lightweight stick vacuum cleaner with four suction levels, a screen displaying the battery countdown, and an auto-empty station.	4 / 5
Performance	Smaller floorhead can tuck into tight spaces, and edge cleaning is excellent. Not the most powerful vacuum I've tested, but great for everyday light cleans.	3.5 / 5
Battery life	15 mins in Max mode is good, but 40 in Min is rather short. Recharge is speedy at 3 hours.	3.5 / 5

Buy it if...

You want a lightweight vacuum

You like vacuums with little maintenance

You like knowing how much battery you have left

Don't buy it if...

You have a lot of carpets

You need more than 40 minutes to vacuum your house

You want a vacuum with smart features.

How I tested the Levoit Aero

Read more about how we test vacuum cleaners

Tested May 2025 (launch delayed to October 2025)

Withings U-Scan brought my urine analysis home and I need a drink – of water

7:05 am |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Home Smart Home | Comments: Off

I'm dehydrated. How do I know? Withings U-Scan told me so, and it's based on what may be the best source for this information: my own urine.

I know. Blech. But also, wow; home urine analysis in about the time it takes you to, well, use the bathroom.

I first learned about the Withings U-Scan home urine analysis system back in January at CES 2025. It sounded kind of incredible. The device could take the lab-style analysis that usually requires you to go to a doctor's office, pee into a cup, and hand it over to a lab technician who would then send it to a lab for analysis, and transform it into a compact system that fits in any toilet.

Withings U-Scan REVIEW — (Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)

That's more or less what we got here, a $379.95 / £319 rechargeable device that does all of that in one... er... sitting.

It's not perfect. It might require that you change your bathroom habit, it uses replaceable cartridges that'll cost you $99.95 / £89.95 every three months, and it cannot yet, as was promised earlier this year, recognize different people's pee. Essentially, it's a urine analysis system for one and can only be activated through the Withings app on your phone.

Even so. I'm impressed.

Withings U-Scan Review: Design and setup

Withing's U-Scan is a large white puck that you press between your palms to twist and open so you can install the carousel of measurement tabs. There are a total of 44 of these tiny, chemically sensitive strips in each carousel. Every test takes two strips for a total of 22 urine tests. Most people will only test once a week. The circuit board and algorithm live inside U-Scan, so that all analysis is done there.

Twisting the device open and closed is not easy, but in some ways, this gives you confidence that it is fully water-tight.

When it's open, you set up your app and connect it via Bluetooth to the U-Scan by pressing a button on the inside. It also connects to your home network's Wi-Fi. This process is pretty painless, as is installing the carousel of test tabs. The app, by the way, can connect to Apple Health to gather all your relevant health data and to share Withings' insights with Apple Health.

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U-Scan also ships with three sizes of toilet clips and guides you on which one to use based on your toilet's style. There's also a charge tank, which doubles as a bath to wash the device after the first three months of use (the charge is rated to last three months, too). It even ships with gloves so you don't have to touch a device you've spent the last three months peeing on.

U-Scan can, depending on which carousels you use, test for either nutrition or kidney health. In the latter, the system keeps track of calcium levels, an excess of which can lead to the development of painful kidney stones.

My test unit, though, arrived with the nutrition carousel, which looks at acidity, vitamin C, ketones, and hydrostatus.

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Withings U-Scan: Getting started

Proper placement of the Withings U-Scan in your toilet is critical, and this is where I learned that, if I wanted to measure my urine, I'd have to sit down to pee.

You see, the puck and its attachment hanger are placed dead-center at the front of the toilet; the clip hangs over that front lip.

The smooth back of the U-Scan faces you and, if you pee on it, the other side is designed to capture and direct that pee into a reservoir that pulls the liquid inside.

Since the system does not know when it's being peed on, you have to first open the Withings App and then select measurement. After that, you have two minutes to pee.

I went through this process three times before I successfully got a reading. The first time, there was an unidentified error, and the second time, the system accused me of not peeing sufficiently. Fortunately, it didn't waste any test strips in either case.

Finally, I peed long enough to get a reading. I knew the system was doing its work because there are somewhat noisy motors that make the urine collection and the tiny internal lab work possible.

Within minutes, I had my first reading. If you don't see it, you can quickly sync your phone app to the device.

I was pleased to see that my pH or bio-acidity was "In Target", as were my vitamin C and ketone levels. The only thing that didn't look right was my hydrostatus, which came in low. When I opened that reading for details, the app told me, "Your hydration level is lower than optimal. Increase your water intake to reach a better balance."

Withings U-Scan: Verdict

As my wife said to me, somewhat sarcastically, when I told her about my reading, "Oh, good, I guess you don't have to go to the doctor."

I'd like to think that, but this is not an FDA-cleared device and is not intended as a medical substitute. Instead, it's a wellness product that gives you indicators but not the final word.

Still, it's nice to get some early warning signals on nutritional issues and, yes, I would love to avoid painful kidney stones in my lifetime.

I do not look forward to the cleaning process and think it's a shame that it's not yet useful for all the people peeing into that toilet in my home. Withings told me that the feature is coming, but did not provide a timeline.

The price is not terrible for what it does, but I'm not thrilled about paying another $99 every three months to check my urine. That's the one area that will likely give many people pause and may relegate this for use with people who really need frequent urine analysis. I'm probably not one of them.

Now, if you don't mind, I'm going to drink a big glass of water.

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I tested this budget 10.1-inch digital photo frame, and it’s impressively precise for its affordable price

1:00 pm | October 26, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Home Smart Home | Comments: Off

Eptusmey 10.1-inch WiFi Digital Photo Frame: review

The Eptusmey 10.1-inch WiFi Digital Photo Frame is an affordable digital photo frame built on the Uhale platform. At 1280 x 800 pixels, it’s not the highest resolution photo frame on the market, but it’s capable of pretty credible sharpness and is far easier to use than other affordable frames I’ve tested.

I’ve used quite a few different digital photo frame apps now, and they vary widely from the full-featured, bespoke marketplace of the Netgear Meural Canvas II to Frameo, the third-party, one-size-fits-all app used by many digital photo frames, including the alternate version of this device. But there’s something novel about the Eptusmey’s user interface that I find particularly smooth and intuitive.

Setting up the frame is straightforward enough. Once you’ve selected its language and logged in to your Wi-Fi, you can start getting friends and family set up to send photos directly to the frame. Just download the Uhale app, scan the QR code, or enter the displayed code, and you’re good to go. You’re then ready to start selecting photos from your phone and firing them over.

If you’ve read many of my reviews of the best digital photo frames, you’ll know a pet peeve of mine is how some devices handle image orientation, often opting for a universal size that rarely fits every photo well. Instead, the Uhale app and Eptusmey photo frame allow you to scale images to fit and adjust the vertical or horizontal alignment to precisely frame the elements you choose. Being able to adjust this on a per-picture basis on the screen made it far easier to tweak specific images that didn’t look right, rather than having to delete and reupload them.

The Eptusmey 10.1-inch WiFi Digital Photo Frame in vertical orientation, showing a closeup of pink rhododendrons. — (Image credit: Future / Josh Russell)

Odd issues did crop up now and then, though. First, despite the fact that I could set the scaling and position of images in the app, this didn’t seem to be saved for the uploaded images, meaning I’d have to set it again once they were on the frame. I also found that while scrolling through my phone’s photo library, it was far too easy to accidentally drag and select a bunch of images or, worse, deselect all of the ones I’d already picked out.

While colors are decent, they’re not quite as vibrant as I’ve come to expect from the best digital photo frames. Hues are accurate – there aren’t necessarily any specific missteps in terms of the color profile – but the frame pulls its punches when it comes to saturation. Rhododendrons that are a fireworks display of pinks, oranges and yellows even on the relatively conservative screen of my iPhone 16 Pro look more pastel than I’d expect, making the overall effect much more subdued.

By contrast – if you’ll excuse the pun – black and white photography really pops. Capable of both impressive brightness and relatively deep blacks, the Eptusmey shows off monochrome shots with an expansive dynamic range. Whether it was displaying shots of lichen-covered cliffsides in the Scottish Highlands or neo-gothic buildings in Budapest, grayscale photos always looked both bold and bright.

A closeup image of a frog on a stone displayed on the Eptusmey 10.1-inch WiFi Digital Photo Frame, in front of a pink background. The frog has visible grains of sand on its back. — (Image credit: Future / Josh Russell)

Despite the frame’s relatively meager 1280 x 800 resolution – hitting a pixel density of 149ppi – detail is also very decent. Whether it’s the individual hairs of a bumblebee’s fuzzy butt or the grains of sand clinging to a frog’s back, fine detail is crisply rendered. Unfortunately, though, the Eptusmey fares less well with images shot at shorter focal lengths. The iPhone 16 Pro’s artificial bokeh occasionally appeared over-sharpened, making those images look much weaker by comparison.

Another regrettable blind spot of the Eptusmey is how reflective its glass is. I tested this digital photo frame during a British autumn – I can barely remember the last time I even saw the sun, let alone had it shining on this frame. But, even so, this photo frame’s screen is swamped by reflections of our modestly lit testing space, meaning it’s not going to be a good choice for anywhere particularly bright or with a lot of furnishings to reflect.

Outside of the screen, the Eptusmey’s design is similarly mixed. In the plus column, its rear leg is very sturdy and makes switching orientation simple: pop it out and pop it back in rotated at 90 degrees, and you’re good to go. It also offers decent aesthetics, with the painted wood frame and modest white mount around the screen looking classy enough for a frame at this price range, and the two color options providing a decent choice to match the frame to your decor.

A hand adjusts the stand on the rear of the Eptusmey 10.1-inch WiFi Digital Photo Frame to change its orientation. — (Image credit: Future)

It’s not perfect, though, by any stretch. The mount is very plasticky to the touch – I’ve definitely been spoiled by the beautiful paper-like texture of the Aura Aspen here, though, so I won’t hold that too much against it.

Perhaps a more significant minus is the fact the paint on the exterior frame has started to wear off in a few places. Picking at the edge of the frame with my thumbnail, I was easily able to replicate this damage, which makes me worry a little about its durability.

OK, the Eptusmey 10.1-inch WiFi Digital Photo Frame definitely isn’t flawless: its colors are a little duller than they should be, while the screen shows up way too many reflections even under artificial light.

But this needs to be viewed in the context of its price: you can get it for as little as $55.99 / £49.99, putting it right down at the cheapest end of the market. Given the price, it’s impressive: not only is it surprisingly crisp, it makes it really easy to frame your photos and get them looking their best. It’s definitely worth a look if you want to save on a frame.

A closeup of the corner of the Eptusmey 10.1-inch WiFi Digital Photo Frame; on screen is a slightly dull photo of a European peacock butterfly. — (Image credit: Future / Josh Russell)

Eptusmey 10.1-inch WiFi Digital Photo Frame review: price & release date

The Eptusmey 10.1-inch WiFi Digital Photo Frame is available now and has a list price of £79.99. Cheap though this is, you can actually get it for even less if you shop around, with Amazon UK selling it from just £49.99. It’s also available from Amazon in the US for $55.99, although only the version compatible with the third-party Frameo app, which offers a great user experience but is different from that outlined in this review.

While the US market is restricted to the Black Oak Wood colorway tested here, those in the UK have more options available. You can pick up the White Oak Wood colorway for £49.99, the Walnut Wood colorway for £59.99 and the Black Oak Wood colorway for £79.99, giving you more options to ensure your frame complements your decor.

A closeup of the ports on the rear of the Eptusmey 10.1-inch WiFi Digital Photo Frame. It shows and SD card port, headphones jack, USB port, USB-C port and DC in. — (Image credit: Future)

Eptusmey 10.1-inch WiFi Digital Photo Frame review: specs

Dimensions	11.3 x 8.1 x 1 inches (287 x 206 x 25mm)
Display size	10.1-inch
Resolution	1280 x 800, 149.5 pixels per inch
Aspect Ratio	16:10
Touch Screen	Yes
Sound	Built-in speaker
Orientation	Portrait or landscape
Storage	32GB
Connectivity	Wi-Fi, USB, SD card

A closeup of the lower right corner of the Eptusmey 10.1-inch WiFi Digital Photo Frame, showing the temperature and time. — (Image credit: Future / Josh Russell)

Should I buy the Eptusmey 10.1-inch WiFi Digital Photo Frame?

Attributes	Notes	Rating
Features		4/5
Design	Glass too reflective and wood easily scuffed	3.5/5
Performance		4/5
Value		5/5

Buy it if…

You want a super affordable digital photo frame
Available from as little as $55.99 / £49.99, the Eptusmey 10.1-inch WiFi Digital Photo Frame is nearly as affordable as our pick for the best budget digital photo frame, Aeezo Portrait 01, yet with a more premium feeling frame.

You love a simple user experience
Using the Eptusmey’s on-screen controls, bespoke app or even the third-party Frameo app with relevant versions makes it straightforward to transfer your shots and even allow your friends and family to do the same.

Don’t buy it if…

You love vibrant colors
While the Eptusmey’s doesn’t seem to make major missteps in the way it represents hues, it’s not quite vivid enough to be true to life, making your snaps feel a little undersaturated.

You want to use it in a bright room
There’s no anti-reflection coating on the Eptusmey’s display, meaning that it’s not great for bright spaces. Even without much direct light, it mirrors bright objects in the room far too readily.

Eptusmey 10.1-inch WiFi Digital Photo Frame review: also consider

	Aura Walden	Aeezo Portrait 01	Pexar 11-inch Digital Picture Frame
Display size	10.1-inch	10.1-inch	11-inch
Resolution	1280 x 800, 149.5 pixels per inch	1280 x 800, 149.5 pixels per inch	2000 x 1200, 212 pixels per inch
Aspect Ratio	16:10	16:10	5:3
Touch Screen	Yes	Yes	Yes
Sound	Built-in speaker		Built-in speaker
Orientation	Portrait or landscape	Portrait or landscape	Portrait or landscape
Storage	32GB	32GB	32GB
Connectivity	Wi-Fi, USB, SD card	Wi-Fi, SD card, USB	Wi-Fi, SD card, USB-A, USB-C

Aeezo Portrait 01
One of the Eptusmey’s closest rivals in terms of cost, the Aeezo Portrait 01 offers decent image quality and an even better price. It’s built on the Frameo app like some versions of the Eptusmey, meaning you can trust it’ll be just as easy to use. We did criticize its build quality in our Aeezo Portrat 01 review, though, with its cheaper frame and stand drawing particular ire.

Pexar 11-inch Digital Picture Frame
OK, the Pexar 11-inch is a fair bit pricier than the Eptusmey, costing $169.99 / £149. But it also offers a whole load of things the latter doesn’t. That includes an impressive reflection-free screen, vibrant hues and one of the best pixel densities I’ve ever seen from a digital photo frame at 212-ppi for super crisp images. Read my full Pexar 11-inch Digital Picture Frame review.

How I tested the Eptusmey 10.1-inch WiFi Digital Photo Frame

Tested it over two weeks
Uploaded a wide variety of photos
Tried it in multiple locations and orientations

I tested the Eptusmey 10.1-inch WiFi Digital Photo Frame over a period of several weeks. First, I set it up, then I used the Uhale app to transfer photos I’ve taken, making sure to split the balance between brightly colored shots and more subdued detail-focused ones. Next, I used the frame to tweak the cropping and alignment of photos.

I then tried using the frame in both horizontal and vertical orientations, as well as moving it to a variety of locations in my home and the TechRadar office to see how it coped with reflections and ambient light conditions.

I’m an experienced photographer, having taken more than 40,000 shots over the years on my Canon DSLR and iPhone 16 Pro. On top of this, I spent many years working in print publishing, meaning I know how to assess the nuances of how images can differ between the source device and the final product.

First reviewed: October 2025
Read more about how we test

The chic Smeg ECF03 looks like it came straight out of the 1950s, and brews consistently great hot and cold espresso

6:00 pm | October 24, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Coffee Machines Computers Gadgets Home Small Appliances | Tags: Europe | Comments: Off

Smeg ECF03: one-minute review

The Smeg ECF03 is a stylish espresso machine that’s a significant upgrade from its predecessor, the Smeg ECF02. The key difference is a new cold-extraction feature, which takes around two minutes to produce smooth, sweet-tasting espresso that makes an ideal base for an iced americano, cappuccino, or cocktail.

Another important upgrade is the addition of a pressure gauge that helps you see if your espresso shot is properly extracted before it’s finished pouring. It’s surprising that this doesn’t show the exact pressure in bars, but it’s nevertheless a useful guide.

When you want to brew traditional hot espresso, the machine heats quickly, and its pump produces consistent pressure, so you get reliably well-extracted coffee once you’ve dialled in the grinder correctly. During my tests, the pump reached a maximum of 72dB, which isn’t as quiet as the noise-shielded BCC13, but it isn’t excessive.

Like all Smeg’s coffee machines, the ECF03 is controlled via a small set of buttons labelled with icons, which illuminate in different colors to show the machine’s status. Solid white means the machine is ready to brew hot, solid blue means it’s ready for cold-brewing. Flashing or orange lights mean the machine is either still heating or requires maintenance. You'll need to keep the manual handy for reference when you first start using it, but you'll soon learn what the different combinations signify.

Smeg ECF03 espresso machine with espresso cup, portafilter, and tamper — (Image credit: Future)

The Smeg ECF03 is easy to maintain, and unlike most home espresso machines, it comes with a blank disc for backwashing the grouphead and water circuit. This makes it easy to clear out coffee oils and residue that might affect the taste of your drinks.

Overall, the ECF03 is an absolute pleasure to use, and during my testing, I found it difficult to fault. The only real drawback is the price, but it is justified by the quality and style. There’s a chance you can get a deal if you wait for the Black Friday sales, or if you’re not likely to use the cold-brew function, you could opt for the ECF02 instead.

Smeg ECF03: specifications

Name	Smeg ECF03
Type	Manual espresso machine
Dimensions (H x W x D)	14.3 x 8.1 x 11.6 inches / 36.4 x 20.5 x 29.5cm
Weight	24lb 11oz / 11.2kg
Water tank capacity	1.5qt / 1.4l
Steam wand	Yes, manual
Max pressure	15 bar
User profiles	1

Smeg ECF03: price and availability

Only available in Europe at the time of writing (October 2025)
Smeg ECF02, which lacks cold brew mode, costs considerably less

At the time of writing, the Smeg ECF03 is only available in Europe. It launched in the UK in September 2025 at a list price of £499.96. That works out at about $670 / AU$1,000, but official release dates and prices for the US and Australia have yet to be announced.

For comparison, the Smeg ECF02, which lacks a cold-brew function, has a list price of $600 / £399.95 / AU$699, but can sometimes be found at a significant discount. In the UK, for example, it's currently reduced to £299.95 in Smeg’s online store.

You’ll find today’s best deals on both machines below, with prices updated daily.

Value score: 4.5/5

Smeg ECF03: design

Chic 1950s-inspired design
Well-made, solid-feeling accessories
Cleverly concealed storage compartment

The ECF03 is part of Smeg’s line of 1950s-inspired appliances, with smooth curved lines, stainless steel accents, and a choice of glossy retro colors: pastel blue, cream (shown here), white, and black. It’s a new sibling for the Smeg ECF02, with the biggest difference being the ECF03's ability to brew cold-extracted espresso as well as hot.

It also has a slightly different shape, with convex sides rather than concave, and a gauge on the front that helps you see if you’ve achieved the optimum pressure for extracting a shot (a feature I always appreciate).

Inserting portafilter into Smeg ECF03 espresso machine — (Image credit: Future)

You’ll find a power switch on the left-hand side of the ECF03’s case, and its functions are controlled with a set of four buttons on the stainless steel top (for single shot, double shot, steam, and switching between hot and cold brewing).

The 58mm portafilter feels reassuringly solid in the hand, weighing about 240z / 676g with a basket fitted, and the tamper is a hefty 16z / 448g. This weight doesn’t just make it satisfying to use, it also helps you apply even pressure to produce an evenly compressed puck without fissures, resulting in more consistently extracted coffee.

Smeg ECF03 espresso machine accessories including filter baskets — (Image credit: Future)

Like all other Smeg espresso machines I’ve tested, the ECF03 comes with four filter baskets, including pressurized and single-walled options for single and double shots. Pressurized (double-walled) baskets are more forgiving if your technique isn’t quite perfect, producing reliably thick crema, while the single-walled baskets give you finer control over extraction.

The steam wand pivots out from the machine, with a good range of movement and an angle that’s ideal for creating a ‘whirlpool’ in your milk pitcher. It has a cool-touch silicone handle and is operated using a stainless steel knob on the machine’s right-hand side. Pull it towards you for steam, and push it away for hot water.

Smeg ECF03 espresso machine steam wand lever — (Image credit: Future)

Pull out the drip tray and you’ll find a handy storage compartment, which holds the filter baskets you use less frequently, a stiff-bristled cleaning brush, a needle tool for clearing the steam wand if it becomes blocked, and a blank disc that you can place in the portafilter handle to backwash the machine using a cleaning tablet. That last item is a particularly nice addition that’s used daily in a commercial setting, but rarely included with home espresso machines.

The only item notable by its absence is a milk pitcher, which is a little surprising for an espresso machine in this price bracket.

Design score: 5/5

Smeg ECF03: performance

Brews consistently good hot and cold espresso
Pressure gauge is useful, though the lack of numbers is surprising
Easy to clean and care for

I found the ECF03 a joy to use, whether brewing hot or cold, and Smeg’s usual attention to detail and build quality are evident right from the start.

The machine’s water tank is robust, with a built-in handle that makes it easy and comfortable to carry. You’re given a water hardness testing strip so you can pick the correct water hardness setting to use (‘hard water’ is the default). Although no water filter is provided, compatible filters are available to buy from Smeg’s website, and they easily twist into place in the bottom of the tank.

Smeg ECF03 espresso machine — (Image credit: Future)

The 58mm portafilter seems identical to the one supplied with the ECF02, which is fine with me; it’s excellent. The tamper, however, is a big upgrade. The base model ECF02 came with a plastic measuring scoop with a tamper on the end. It was fit for purpose, but its light weight meant it could be tricky to apply consistent pressure each time you used it. The ECF03’s tamper is much weightier, which gives it a more premium feeling and makes it easier to create a consistently well-formed puck.

As you’d expect from a premium home espresso machine, the ECF03 is an excellent performer. Once you’ve got your grinder dialled in, you can be confident that your shots will be perfectly extracted time after time. (If you’re in need of a grinder, the Smeg CGF03 matches the ECF03 in style and choice of colors.)

Smeg ECF03 espresso machine pressure gauge — (Image credit: Future)

The ECF03’s pressure gauge is a particularly useful feature, letting you see whether your espresso is likely to be extracted properly before it’s finished pouring. However, it’s not labelled with the exact pressure in bars; instead, you just aim for the needle to be positioned in the black section marked on the dial. It’s a bit of a strange choice; there are markers around the edge of the dial, but no indication of what measurements they represent.

During brewing, the ECF03’s pump reached a maximum of 72dB, which is roughly equivalent to a vacuum cleaner. It’s noticeably noisier than the fully automatic Smeg BCC13, which has sound shielding and is QuietMark certified, but isn’t excessively loud and is about average for a manual espresso machine.

Smeg ECF03 espresso machined dispensing espresso — (Image credit: Future)

Most of the buttons on the machine’s top are labelled with icons, except for the one that switches between hot and cold brewing modes. When the machine is primed and ready to brew hot, the double-shot, single-shot, and steam buttons are all illuminated white. In cold-brewing mode, the first two are blue instead.

Cold-brewing is quick, taking around two minutes to extract a shot. Part of this time is taken up with an extended pre-infusion, which gives the ground coffee extra time to bloom. After that, the ECF03 will send pulses of cold water through the puck (in groups of three) until the shot is ready.

Cold brew coffee made using Smeg ECF03 espresso machine — (Image credit: Future)

The result is a mellow-tasting and well-rounded drink that you can enjoy by itself or as the base of an iced americano. If you prefer chilled lattes or cappuccinos, take a look at the Smeg Mini Milk Frother, which matches the style of the ECF03 and can produce thick or thin cold foam.

Holding down one of the coffee-brewing buttons will let you customize its properties. If the buttons illuminate in orange or start to flash, it’s a sign that there’s a fault, or (more likely) it’s time for some routine maintenance.

Smeg ECF03 espresso machine control panel — (Image credit: Future)

The ECF03 is a piece of cake to clean and care for. You can keep the case and exterior of the milk wand looking pristine by wiping with a damp cloth. Purge the wand with a blast of steam after each use, and you’ll be unlikely to need the needle-like cleaning tool.

As I mentioned above, the inclusion of a blank disc is excellent when it’s time to give the machine’s grouphead and circuit a thorough clean to remove old coffee residue. To use it, insert the single-walled single-shot basket and place the disc in the bottom. Smeg doesn’t sell its own cleaning tablets, but you can use any detergent tabs recommended for home coffee machines. Press and hold the single and double shot buttons to pulse water through the machine, then empty the drip tray and repeat the process. For descaling, the company recommends its own-brand Anti-Kalk liquid.

The drip tray’s cup holder seems to resist scratches well (unlike some, which are easily scuffed by ceramic mugs), and the tray is nice and deep, so you’re unlikely to spill anything during emptying.

I’ve tested a lot of hot- and cold-brew espresso machines this year, but the Smeg ECF03 is easily one of the most refined. It’s a pleasure to use, looks great, and is extremely consistent. If your budget will stretch to it, you won’t be disappointed.

Performance score: 5/5

Should you buy the Smeg ECF03

Smeg ECF03 score card
Attribute	Notes	Score
Value	A premium espresso machine with a price tag to match, though it's justified by the design and build quality.	4.5/5
Design	Smeg's signature '50s style looks as chic as ever, and there are some significant upgrades from the ECF02.	5/5
Performance	Generates consistent pressure for reliably well-extracted hot and cold drinks, and is a piece of cake to clean and care for.	5/5

Buy it if

You want a showpiece for your kitchen

Smeg’s '50s-style appliances are real lookers, and the ECF03 is no exception. It’s a guaranteed conversation-starter when you have guests.View Deal

You have a generous budget

Smeg’s signature style comes at a price. Hot- and cold-brew espresso machines are available for less if you’re not particular about looks.View Deal

Don't buy it if

You’re not into cold brew

The Smeg ECF02 is an equally good-looking machine that heats fast and delivers consistent pressure, but costs considerably less.View Deal

Smeg ECF03: also consider

Smeg ECF02

If you don't care for cold brew, the ECF02 is an equally chic and more affordable alternative. You don't get the handy pressure gauge, though, and the base model has a less sturdy tamper than the ECF03.

Read our full Smeg ECF02 reviewView Deal

Smeg BCC13

If you like the sound of the ECF03 but want an espresso machine that will handle all the hard work for you, the BCC13 is a beautifully designed super-automatic machine that would look perfect on your kitchen counter.

Read our full Smeg BCC13 reviewView Deal

How I tested the Smeg ECF03

I used the Smeg ECF03 for two weeks in place of my usual Gaggia Classic espresso machine. I used it on the hard water setting, with fresh single-origin Honduran Swiss water decaf beans from a local coffee roaster, ground using my Sage Precision burr grinder.

I used the steam wand with full-fat dairy milk and barista oat milk, both of which were freshly bought and chilled.

I followed the directions in the instruction manual to set up and maintain the machine, and brewed a mix of single and double shots using both filter baskets, and used both the hot- and cold-brew options.

For more details, see how we test, review, and rate products at TechRadar.

First reviewed October 2025

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