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Mammotion LUBA 3 AWD 3000 robot lawn mower — autonomous mowing just got exponentially better for owners of larger landscapes

12:00 pm | March 29, 2026

Mammotion LUBA 3 AWD 3000: two-minute review

If you’re in the market for a sterling autonomous plug-and-play robot lawn mower with a wider cutting tract than most, the new Mammotion LUBA 3 AWD 3000 comes wholeheartedly recommended. Available in three different battery capacities, this particular model is designed for large, complex lawns with shaded areas, lumpy terrain and very steep gradients, though it is equally at home on even the most standardised of suburban and rural lawns. However, it would most definitely be considered overkill if used on a small-to-medium urban lawn.

Like its highly-regarded stablemate, the LUBA 2, the new LUBA 3 AWD 3000 requires no boundary wires and no degree in IT to set it up – simply install its charging base, log on to the Mammotion app and it will map the boundaries of your lawn automatically or, if you prefer, manually by steering the robot around your lawn’s permitter like an RC car.

A big upgrade from its stablemate, this new model is now equipped with an impressive Tri-Fusion navigation system combining LiDAR, netRTK positioning over WiFi or 4G, plus AI camera vision to map, mow and avoid obstacles with impressive accuracy — day or night.

Performance is where the LUBA 3 AWD 3000 really impresses. Using its all-wheel drive system and full suspension, this beast can handle slopes with inclines of up to 80% and traverse uneven terrain, roots and edges with impressive confidence. Dual 165W cutting motors and AI-adjusted power, meanwhile, allow it to deal effectively with thick or damp grass, while intelligent route planning minimizes missed patches.

The result is an impressively neat and perfectly striped finish to the lawn that may leave your jaw on the floor. What’s more, because it is equipped with a much wider cutting deck (40cm) than the vast majority of the competition, the beautiful lawn stripes it creates are much more akin to that of a conventional mower.

Mammotion LUBA 3 AWD 3000 robot lawn mower — (Image credit: Future)

Granted, the LUBA 3 is very much in the premium-price band, but then you are getting marine-grade build quality, reliable navigation, excellent obstacle avoidance and consistent cutting performance for your hard earned.

I gave this model’s forebear, the LUBA 2, a full five stars on TechRadar in 2024, mostly because it was head and shoulders above anything else around at the time while being extremely efficient and super reliable. But that was then. Today we have a lot more competition with a veritable slew of extremely efficient wire-free robot mowers from the likes of Segway, Anthbot, Roborock, Ego, Eufy, Terramow and Worx, and that makes it even more difficult to justify a full five-star rating.

Nevertheless, if the earlier LUBA 2 — which I have been using for the past 18 months – is anything to go by, you can safely expect this new model to continue providing a fuss-free autonomous grass cutting service with almost zero babysitting for many years hence.

Mammotion LUBA 3 AWD 3000: price & availability

How much does it cost? £2,399 / $2,399
When is it available? Available in most regions now
Where can you get it? Pre-order in UK; available USA and rest of the world, bar Australia

The Mammotion LUBA 3 AWD series sits firmly in the premium segment of the robot mower market, with UK pricing typically between £2,099 to £2,899 ($2,399 to $3,299) depending on lawn capacity. While this positions it well above entry-level robotic mowers, the price reflects its incredible build quality, advanced navigation system, all-wheel-drive traction and ability to scale steep hills, making it particularly appealing for large, complex garden layouts and even large fields.

Compared with more affordable models, the LUBA 3’s value depends largely on lawn size and complexity. Budget alternatives for smaller lawns like the perimeter wire-free Segway Navimow i2 and Worx Landroid Vision Cloud cost under £700 while Mammotion’s equally-competent LUBA Mini 2 AWD 1000 (which boasts many of its larger sibling’s features, including the ability to climb slopes of up to 80%) also retails at a much more affordable £1,399.

Ultimately, I think that the LUBA 3 AWD 3000 I’m reviewing here is decent value for owners of large, uneven or multi-zone lawns who can fully exploit its advanced autonomy. For smaller gardens, however, many cheaper robot mowers deliver perfectly adequate performance, meaning buyers should carefully consider whether the LUBA 3’s premium technology is truly necessary.

Value score: 4 / 5

Mammotion LUBA 3 AWD 3000: specs

Max lawn size	3000㎡
Navigation	360 LiDAR + NetRTK + Dual-Camera AI Vision
Cutting deck width	40cm (two 6-blade cutting discs)
Cutting height adjustment	25-70mm, motorised
Drivetrain	All-wheel drive
Maximum climbing ability	80% (38.6˚)
Maximum zones	30 zones
Drop-and-mow function	Yes
Obstacle avoidance	360° LiDAR, NetRTK, and dual-camera 1080P AI vision
Connectivity	Wi-fi, Bluetooth & 4G (3 years free data)
Security	GPS tracking + 4G
Noise	70dB
Waterproof	IPX6
Rain sensor	Yes
Mow time per charge	175 mins
Charging time	120 mins
Weight	19kgs
Dimensions	690 x 533 x 279mm
Product code	LUBA 3 AWD 3000

Mammotion LUBA 3 AWD 3000: design

Three-way navigation
Wider-than-average cutting deck
Impeccable fit and finish

Most of the mowbots I review are clad in flimsy shells that bend dramatically as you pick them up. By stark contrast, the F1-inspired LUBA 3 AWD 3000’s beautifully polished white plastic cowling feels inches thick and akin to the hull of a premium speed boat. But it doesn’t stop there because the exposed metal work, too, screams Formula One levels of build quality with high-spec machining and expert fit and finish with zero tolerance between the various components.

In short, every inch of this lawn beast is built to the very highest standards. Hence, this level of build quality doesn’t come cheap and nor does it lack in weight – at a hefty 19kgs, it’s a good job you will only likely need to lift it once to remove it from the box and pop it on its charging plinth.

The LUBA 3 (as I shall call it from now on) is available in three battery-capacity variants for lawn sizes of 1,500㎡, 3,000㎡ for the variant we’re reviewing here, and 5,000㎡. It arrives almost fully assembled in a huge, expertly packed box. In fact, the only thing the user needs to do is remove some protective pieces on the robot — including the cutting deck protector underneath – and screw on the sensor-equipped bumper. Then it’s a case of mounting the charging base on a flat edge of the lawn that’s within range of an outdoor electricity supply. This model comes with a 5m charging cable, which is sadly about half the length of the one that came with the LUBA 2. Nevertheless, you should be able to purchase an extension cable from Mammotion sometime in the near future.

Now that the LUBA 3 is on its base, it’s time to open the Mammotion app, create an account and add the LUBA 3 by following the set of on-screen instructions. Since this model uses Wi-Fi and 4G-based NetRTK for part of its three-way navigation, there is no need to install an RTK antenna. In fact, it doesn’t even come with one though I’m led to believe that an RTK aerial will soon become available for those with poor Wi-Fi and/or 4G reception.

Once you’ve connected the bot to the app, it’s time to map your lawn and this can be performed in two ways — automatically or manually. With auto mapping the LUBA 3 follows the perimeter of any grassy areas until it arrives at its starting point. Voila, map created. In manual mode — my preferred option — you carefully drive the LUBA 3 around the perimeter of the lawn using the app’s virtual joysticks until you arrive where you started.

Once mapped, the only thing you may need to do is add a few no-go zones around any trees, garden furniture or ornaments by steering the robot around them. This task isn’t essential because the LUBA 3’s stupendous navigation system will ensure any obstacles are avoided. However, it’s still good practice to add no-go zones around obstacles so the robot can cut as closely as possible when approaching rather than giving it too wide a berth.

If you have multiple lawns connected by pathways with no obstructions like stairs and gates in the way, you can also program a series of pathways for the robot to follow. Simply select ‘Channel’ in the app’s mapping menu and steer the LUBA 3 from one lawn to the other. You can create up to 30 mowing zones with the LUBA 3 3000 model on review here, 15 with the 1500 version and 50 with the 5000. In essence, when the LUBA 3 has completed its cut on lawn one, it will trundle off down your pre-set path to lawn two, and so on and so forth. If its battery needs a recharge midway through a multi task, the robot will simply head back to its charging station for a top up.

Let’s take a closer look at this amazing mowbot’s main credentials, starting with the cutting deck. Unlike the vast majority of robot mowers that come with a small single 20cm cutting disc, this one ships with two 20cm discs, amounting to a wide 40cm of cutting girth, which is roughly the same as most conventional medium-sized push mowers.

The LUBA 3’s cutting system is comprised of two spinning discs equipped with six razor-like blades on each that cut and mulch grass more cleanly than any conventional rotary mower. Also, unlike standard mowers that only provide their cutting heights in 1cm increments, this model’s motorized cutting deck can be set to cut in 5mm increments (it has a cutting height range of 25-70mm). Oh, and another thing… Since the LUBA 3’s blades are so small and razor sharp, it doesn’t take much power to move them and that in turn means less battery consumption and almost zero noise while they’re working. In fact you could be lying on the sun lounger while the robot’s working a few metres away and you won’t hear a thing — and nor will your neighbors.

Since the LUBA 3 always cuts in a zigzag, up-and-down pattern (at whichever angle you prefer, including a chequerboard effect), the combination of its extra cutting width and extra-wide tyres ensures a swathe of professional-looking lawn stripes. Granted, they’re not the authentic stripes you see at a cricket ground or football pitch – these are made using a large cylinder mower with a roller on the rear – but who’s complaining when they look this ravishingly good? Incidentally, like all good robot mowers, this one is also fitted with a rain sensor, so if it heads out in the rain it will immediately return to its garage (with optional rain hood) and wait a few hours before trying again.

No robot of any kind is of much use if it doesn’t know where it is at any given time. Well the new LUBA 3 has three types of onboard navigation (one more than the LUBA 2) for insane levels of navigation accuracy in even the most shaded areas of a garden.

Firstly, its equipped with GPS RTK navigation that uses satellites to determine the robot’s position to a few centimetres of accuracy (the standard GPS navigation we use for driving is three to 10 metres). However, unlike the first incarnation of the LUBA 2 which shipped with a separate RTK antennae that required a good line of sight to a large number of satellites, this model uses Mammotion’s own NetRTK system which is Wi-Fi or 4G based and therefore immune to satellite access being affected by overhanging trees and buildings. All you need is decent Wi-Fi reception on your lawn for pin-point navigation accuracy.

If you don’t have Wi-Fi on the lawn, you can also use the robot’s built-in 4G capabilities to perform the same function — Mammotion provides a full three years of free 4G service! Oh, and fear not if your lawn area has neither Wi-Fi nor 4G because you can still use this model with a spiked RTK antenna.

The LUBA 3 is also equipped with dual-camera AI vision and an LED headlight, and it uses these as an extra layer of cover when navigating darker areas of a lawn or when the robot encounters obstacles like children, pets, garden toys, furniture and ornaments. You have two levels of obstacle avoidance to choose from: Standard for better cutting efficiency and Sensitive, which may cause the robot to avoid non-grassy areas and even refuse to cross them on the way back to base. If you’re a dog owner, I wouldn’t rely on this model – or most others for that matter – to avoid dog poop because setting that level of sensitivity would likely cause the robot to also avoid every loose leaf on the lawn.

Last but certainly not least, this model also encompasses LiDAR and I can’t tell you what a difference this makes when it comes to mapping, navigation and obstacle avoidance. LiDAR fires lasers off in all directions to map and navigate a 3D work space with uncanny accuracy, even in pitch darkness. Having this level of navigation redundancy on board is a major coup for Mammotion since most other manufacturers tend to focus on just two navigation systems.

This Tri-Fusion Positioning System, as Mammotion calls it, has also allowed the Chinese company to introduce a unique ‘beta’ feature called Drop Mow so you can take it over to someone else’s lawn and have it cut their lawn as efficiently as yours. In terms of security, the LUBA 3 is firmly linked to the user’s account and that alone renders it useless to any thieves. Moreover, it is also equipped with GPS and 4G tracking for extra peace of mind.

Let’s take a good look at the Mammotion LUBA 3 AWD’s traction system. Where most smaller mowbots have two sturdy drive wheels to the rear or front and a smaller castor wheel for steering, the LUBA 3 is all-wheel drive and fitted with suspension. Ostensibly, its wheel system is comprised of a pair of large, robust paddled tyres on the rear and a pair of narrower front wheels equipped with smaller omnidirectional spinners that allow the robot to turn on a sixpence. This setup means the LUBA 3 can ride over very rough terrain, scale roots and small sills without getting into pickle. But more importantly its powerful 4x4 drive system also allows it to scale inclines of up to 80% (38.6°) which is steeper than any conventional lawn mower can safely handle.

Granted, the LUBA 3’s specialised front wheels have been known to occasionally tear up grass in soft-soiled shady areas when using the Zero Turn option but this can be cured to some degree by opting for its slower three-point-turn function instead. I’ve personally had no bald-patch issues but I do know that others have.

However, I should add that the omnidirectional front wheels tend to collect a lot of mud which is unsightly, but thankfully the whole unit is IPX6 rated for protection against high-pressure water spray so you can easily blast off the mud with a hose. Perhaps Mammotion will change the LUBA 3’s front drive mechanism at some point and adopt a system like the forthcoming Segway Navimow X Series, which uses a zero-turn method comprised of two front wheels that swivel 90 degrees when turning.

I’ve been consistently blown away by the high level of build quality and huge amount of design flourishes Mammotion injects into its LUBA series and this model is the best yet. However, I will stress that this robot lawn mower has been intentionally designed for large lawns — and even paddocks and fields — and can therefore be considered overkill if used on an average urban lawn. Thankfully Mammotion also produces a smaller LUBA Mini 2 for diminutive lawns, and you should check it out.

Design score: 4.5 / 5

Mammotion LUBA 3 AWD 3000: performance

Top cutting performance
Creates beautiful lawn stripes
Reassuring reliability

As with its forebear, the LUBA 2, I have no issues to report regarding installation, initial lawn mapping, navigation or cutting performance. I simply set up a series of schedules in the Mammotion app and the LUBA 3 has headed off to mow the lawn while I’ve sat indoors doing other things. And when it has finished leaving its swathe of majestic lawn stripes, it’s followed the perimeter all the way back to its charging base.

Yes, I did use my conventional lawn mower with grass cutting container for the first cut of the season because the LUBA 3, like the vast majority of lawn robots, uses the mulching technique and I didn’t want clumps of cuttings littering the lawn. This is why it’s always best to hang on to your conventional mower.

However, if you program the LUBA 3 to head out every two or three days during spring and summer, it will simply slice off about 2mm of growth at a time and feed the nitrogen-rich cuttings back into the turf, thereby fertilising it as the same time. And without a grass cutting in sight. What’s not to like?

I have always opted for the parallel ‘zigzag’ cutting option in the app, followed by two perimeter laps (you can select up to four perimeter laps and each pass is a little closer to the edge). No, the LUBA 3 — and almost all other bots — won’t cut to the very edge of a wall, fence or solid flower border, but then neither will a conventional lawnmower. Hence you will still need a grass trimmer to hand.

I also tested the LUBA 3’s multi-zone function though this did entail me carrying the unit up some stairs because I’m unable to create a direct pathway to zones two and three. Nevertheless, I was mightily impressed by how well it navigated between the two new zones while sticking rigidly to the borders, and without venturing into the adjacent road. In fact, so successful is this multi-zone system that, were I able to create a series of unobstructed pathways, I could feasibly program the LUBA 3 to leave my garden and head off to maintain our village cemetery and the lawn areas around the church. Proof positive that, were it not for the prospect of theft, most of the new generation of mowbots could feasibly replace a professional gardener with a conventional lawn mower. Sad but true.

In terms of obstacle avoidance, the LUBA 3 is perfectly adept at bypassing any obstacle larger than, say, a ping pong ball. I tested it using the unit’s Standard obstacle avoidance setting and it stopped about three feet away from a stuffed seagull toy before rerouting itself for another pass. I then set it to Sensitive and it deftly avoided a toy dog bone just one inch in height. That’s a resounding pass in my book since, were it any more sensitive, the robot would likely avoid garden leaves and you don’t want that. Swings and roundabouts spring to mind.

My final test was the LUBA 3’s toughest. There’s a children’s playground behind my house and it has a bank so steep and slippery that I can’t get up it without scrabbling on all fours. For this test I opted to manually steer the LUBA 3 up the slope using the app’s virtual controls, half expecting it to fail miserably. But, joy of joys, it scuttled up the slope like one of those V8-powered Formula Off-Road cars you see negotiating near-vertical terrain in a disused quarry. Very impressive indeed.

Granted, some may baulk at the thought of a robot performing a task that they consider enjoyable, and I thought that too the first time I was offered a wireless robot to test. But when I look back at the time and effort I’ve saved to perform other important tasks like lounging in the garden with a G&T, pruning the flowers or simply watching it work — not to say the convenience of having the lawn cut while away from home — I’ve become a complete convert and would now find it hard to live without one.

Performance score: 5 / 5

Mammotion LUBA 3 AWD 3000: Mammotion app

Exceedingly comprehensive
Simple to navigate
Some glitches need ironing out

The accompanying feature-rich Mammotion app is central to getting the best performance from all models in the company’s current line up, and one of its key strengths is the amazing level of customization if offers, whether you’re fettling with it at home or away.

Users can create multiple mowing areas, adjust cutting patterns, height and blade speed, direction and style of travel (zigzag, chessboard effect and angle of cut), even create shapes and words on the lawn. It also offers the wherewithal to set the amount of perimeter laps and whether you want the bot to return to its charging base in a direct route or along the perimeter to avoid spoiling the lawn stripes it has already produced.

Nevertheless, the experience is not flawless. I’ve experienced occasional connectivity issues when away from home or when using Bluetooth on my iPhone 15 Pro, plus a few interface quirks that can make fine-tuning lawn zones more time-consuming than expected. There’s scope for improvement, in other words.

Should you buy the Mammotion LUBA 3 AWD 3000?

Section	Notes	Score
Value for money	The LUBA 3 commands a high price due to its advanced navigation and AWD capability on complex terrain	4/5
Design	Built like a tank and equipped with an accomplished navigation system for a rugged life on larger landscapes	4.5/5
Performance	Powerful, precise and confident performance across a range of large, challenging lawns	5/5
App functionality	Extremely comprehensive but could do with a tweak or two	4/5

Buy it if

You want advanced wire-free navigation

Tri-Fusion positioning combines LiDAR, RTK and AI vision for highly accurate mapping without boundary wires

You want beautiful lawn stripes

This bot cuts in lovely parallel lines

Your lawn is hilly and lumpy

All-wheel drive enables the LUBA 3 to tackle slopes up to 80%, making it ideal for complex or uneven lawns

Don't buy it if

Your lawn is too small

The LUBA 3’s four-wheel traction and wide body are overkill on small lawns.

You don’t want to spend much

Premium pricing makes it hard to justify for small or simple lawns where cheaper robot mowers perform well.

You need a robot with a more gentle turning system

The LUBA 3 has a tendency to scuff up some thinner grasses when turning.

How I tested the Mammotion LUBA 3 AWD 3000

As per usual, I lived with the Mammotion LUBA 3 AWD 3000 for a couple of weeks, watching it work on a scheduled basis and examining the results of its cutting performance. I then put it to a series of manual tests, including obstacle avoidance, multi-zone mowing and a steep hill climb. It has impressed me in all disciplines and continues to do so. Like the LUBA 2 I reviewed in 2024, I see no major issues with this newer model which has been a breeze to use from initial set up to the reliable way it goes about its bi-weekly chores.

I tested the Aura Ink over months, and it ‘captures the spirit of photo frames more authentically’ than LCD — but it’s not perfect

2:00 pm | March 12, 2026

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

Aura Ink: review

Aura makes stunning digital photo frames. The Aura Walden, for example, currently sits atop a sideboard in my home with its sleek frame, slick mount and punchy 15-inch display — and it also sits atop our list of the best digital photo frames.

So when Aura unveils an entirely new frame with a display that's unlike any other I’ve tested, naturally it has my attention. Said frame is the Aura Ink.

The Ink features an energy-efficient 13.3-inch color E Ink display, for a print-like rendering of your images. Unlike other LCD digital frames, the Ink is Calm Tech Certified — consider it a digital detox thanks to its natural, muted display.

Its E Ink Spectra™ 6 display can render millions of colors, but look closely and detail is dotty, despite its 1600 x 1200 resolution and 150ppi density. The Ink lacks the vibrancy and clarity of Aura’s other LCD digital frames, such as the Walden and Aura Aspen, or Lexar’s Pexar and Starlight, but it does work well in bright interiors, especially for artworks and minimalist photography rather than detail-rich photos. Ultimately, it's much closer to the look of printed photos.

The Aura Ink 'E Ink' digital photo frame's presentation box, propped against a chest, illuminated by the golden hour sun — The Aura Ink comes in a beautiful presentation box, making it feel every inch a premium productTim Coleman

The Aura Ink 'E Ink' digital photo frame's presentation box, illuminated by the golden hour sun — The Aura Ink comes in a beautiful presentation box, making it feel every inch a premium productTim Coleman

What’s disappointing, however, is that Aura has kitted the Ink out with a somewhat glossy-finish panel, which can suffer from glare. I suspect it's no worse than the Walden and Aspen frames, but those LCD displays are illuminated, and as such they're significantly punchier.

Given that the Ink reflects light rather than emits it (like LCD does), it is, in reality, a niche frame. It needs the right conditions — well-lit rooms, but not too sunny — to shine, where it's probably my new favorite digital frame. If I had to choose between the Ink and Walden frames, though — and I've observed both side by side — it’s the latter that gets my vote for display versatility, even if it's yet another digital display to look at.

That said, the Aura Ink has super-low power consumption and a run time of around three months without a continuous power supply. No cables are needed, just a quarterly charge (assuming you only change the displayed image once per day).

A close up of the The Aura Ink 'E Ink' digital photo frame's bezel and mount — The Ink has a sleek bezel, slick mount, and slim profileTim Coleman

A close up of the The Aura Ink 'E Ink' digital photo frame's display power light — The Ink has a sleek bezel, slick mount, and slim profileTim Coleman

Eliminating the reliance on ugly trailing cables is a design win. With regular LCD digital frames, cables are a necessary evil, and tricky to hide when mounting the frame on a wall, though they are less of an issue if you’re resting the frame on a surface.

I’ve come across one or two frames which are supplied with a white cable instead of a black one, including the Walden, which goes some way in disguising the cable (assuming your walls are licked with a light shade of paint). But there’s no doubt that a no-cable-at-all setup is the dream option.

Like the Walden, the Ink's display is housed in an attractive frame with a sleek bezel and a 1.5-inch mount (the off-white border between the bezel and the image). It also features a variety of mounting options, being positionable to display images in landscape and portrait format whether the frame sits on a table, bookshelf or other surfaces, or is fixed to a wall.

Aura has made the Ink impressively slimline — it measures just 0.6 inches deep, compared to the around one-inch depth of most other frames I've tested.

A phone being held, displaying the Aura companion app for digital photo frames, in front of the The Aura Ink 'E Ink' digital photo frame on a sideboard — Pairing the frame to a device with the Aura app installed is a doddle. You'll be up and running in minutes. Not that a wireless connection with the app is the only method of uploading images to the frameTim Coleman

A closeup of the Aura Ink 'E Ink' digital photo frame's display, in pairing mode — Pairing the frame to a device with the Aura app installed is a doddle. You'll be up and running in minutes. Not that a wireless connection with the app is the only method of uploading images to the frameTim Coleman

It charges via USB-C, and the port is easily accessible, which is not something I can say for the Walden's fiddly power input. The USB-C port is for charging only, however — you can't connect devices to add images.

Nor does the Ink have a memory card slot — all image uploads are via the companion app. And it displays photos only; there's no sound. All told, the Ink is as stripped-back as digital frames come.

The Ink shares the same companion app as all Aura frames, which delivers one of the best user experiences in the market and works seamlessly for wireless uploads and display updates, from anywhere with an internet connection.

The Aura Ink 'E Ink' digital photo frame on a sideboard — In fairly dark rooms, the Ink's display will look fairly dimTim Coleman

The Aura Ink 'E Ink' digital photo frame on a sideboard, alongside the Aura Walden frame — In fairly dark rooms, the Ink's display will look fairly dimTim Coleman

Updating the displayed image on the Ink is an odd experience if you happen to be looking at the frame at the time. The frame flashes rapidly for the best part of a minute while the pixels of the existing image clear and are refreshed with the new one.

The Ink is limited to a maximum of 12 image changes per day. This is not Google Photos in a frame, where you might gather around with family, enjoying a rolling image gallery of holiday snaps, but one where you choose your image and live with it for the day or longer.

A close up of the The Aura Ink 'E Ink' digital photo frame's display, showing slight glare — I was slightly disappointed by the degree of glare on the frame's display. Tim Coleman

The real sting in the tail is how much the Aura Ink costs: $499 (pricing and availability for other regions is yet to be confirmed). You really are paying a premium for the E Ink display; even Aura's larger 15-inch LCD digital photo frames cost much less.

I've had the Ink frame in my home for several months, and I'm still somewhat undecided. I think it's the better frame to place on a wall than an LCD type, especially in a bright interior, where it's unbeatable. It's undeniably a premium product, and probably worth paying extra for, especially if you're weary of excessive screen time. However, LCD frames are more versatile.

Aura Ink: price & release date

Aura unveiled the Ink frame in October 2025, and it's available in one display size — 13.3-inch — for $499 in the US. At the time of writing it's not directly available outside the US; previous Aura frames have typically gone on sale globally approximately six months after their US launch, and hopefully the same will be true for the Ink.

I've mentioned the Walden frame a few times, which is a larger 15-inch LCD frame but with a much lower price tag, costing around 40% less. Put simply, you're paying a big premium for the Ink's E Ink display.

Aura Ink: specs

Dimensions	14.1 x 11.4 x 0.6 inches (287 x 206 x 25mm)
Display size	13.3-inch
Resolution	1600 x 1200 (150 pixels per inch)
Aspect Ratio	16:10
Touch Screen	No
Sound	No (no video)
Orientation	Portrait or landscape
Storage	N/A
Connectivity	Wi-Fi (but no SD card, and USB for charging only)

The close up of the Aura Ink 'E Ink' digital photo frame's presentation box, illuminated by the golden hour sun — (Image credit: Tim Coleman)

Should I buy the Aura Ink?

Attributes	Notes	Rating
Features	No local storage, no video or sound, and limited connectivity	3/5
Design	Sleek frame, slim profile, innovative display	4.5/5
Performance	Niche, natural and 'dotty' display; slow and limited image refreshes	4/5
Value	It's almost twice the price of 15-inch LCD frames	3/5

Buy it if…

You want a natural photo frame display
Yes, it's dull compared to an illuminated LCD frame, but the Ink's display is natural, and is one less 'blue light' screen to look at.

You're happy enjoying selected images
The Ink doesn't offer the slideshow-style display of multiple images you get with LCD digital frames and smart displays like the Amazon Echo Show series. Rather, it's designed for appreciating individual images over longer periods.

Don’t buy it if…

You love a punchy display, especially at night
The display reflects light rather than emitting it, so this is not a frame for dark environments or nighttime viewing

You'd rather not rely on an app
With no local storage or external storage connectivity, the Ink relies on Aura's companion app for image uploads.

Aura Ink: also consider

	Aura Ink	Aura Walden	Pexar 11-inch Digital Picture Frame
Display size	13.3-inch	15-inch	11-inch
Resolution	1600 x 1200, 149.5 pixels per inch	1600 x 1200, 133 pixels per inch	2000 x 1200, 212 pixels per inch
Aspect Ratio	16:10	16:10	5:3
Touch Screen	No	Yes	Yes
Sound	No	Built-in speaker	Built-in speaker
Orientation	Portrait or landscape	Portrait or landscape	Portrait or landscape
Storage	N/A	32GB	32GB
Connectivity	Wi-Fi, USB-C (charging only), no SD card slot	Wi-Fi, USB, SD card slot	Wi-Fi, SD card slot, USB-A, USB-C

Aura Walden
At 15 inches, the Walden has the largest display of the three frames in this comparison, and it shares the design traits and companion app of the Ink. The LCD display has a fairly modest pixel density, but it's nonetheless crisp, and the swipe-to-scroll bar on the frame's top is a neat design touch. Read my Aura Walden review

Pexar 11-inch Digital Picture Frame
The Pexar 11-inch is the low-cost option of the three frames in this comparison, but it still features a reflection-free screen and punchy display, with detail-rich 212-ppi pixel density. Read our full Pexar 11-inch Digital Picture Frame review.

How I tested the Aura Ink

I tested the Aura Ink over several months
I uploaded a selection of photos from my Android phone
I placed the frame on various surfaces around my home, in vertical and horizontal formats

Aura sent me its Ink frame and I set it up in my home months before writing this review. Unlike other reviews published soon after the Ink's release, I've actually tested its long battery life – and yes, the three-month battery life based on no more than a single image change per day is accurate.

I've placed the Ink on a sideboard close to a window, in a dim corner of my front room, and various other spaces around the house.

I've uploaded a variety of photos to the frame through Aura's companion app for Android — both minimalist and detail-rich images, in vertical and horizontal formats.

I already have the Aura Walden in my home, so I've been able to make direct comparisons between the two frames.

First reviewed: March 2026
Read more about how we test

I spent two weeks testing Amazon’s new Echo Studio, and I love the stylish new design — but I’m not sure it’s worth the audio-quality trade-offs

2:00 pm | March 7, 2026

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

It’s been a while since the original Echo Studio launched way back in 2019. So, it makes sense that it’s such a drastic overhaul; the new, 2025 model is 40% smaller with a total design refresh, Alexa+ compatibility and new Fire TV features.

The original Echo Studio launched way back in 2019, and the fact that it’s taken this long for a second-gen model to arrive makes the Studio an outlier in Amazon’s smart speaker range, with other Echos receiving more regular upgrades.

It makes sense, then, that this is a fairly major overhaul: the 2025 model is 40% smaller and gets a total design refresh that brings it into line with other Echos, along with Alexa+ compatibility and new Fire TV features.

While the previous-gen Studio was more than a little clunky in terms of its design, it was pretty well received — much to the surprise of many who’d long bemoaned the audio quality of Amazon’s Echo speakers. Then, in 2022, a slightly upgraded version was released with some modest improvements; this wasn’t considered a new generation of the Studio, but again it surprised and largely delighted users.

So, has lightning struck twice (or technically, thrice) with the new Echo Studio? Well, not quite, but this is still an impressively capable speaker, especially at its size.

There’s an inevitable trade-off between the speaker’s size and its audio quality. In its smaller form factor, the second-generation Studio is certainly more appealing, and the spherical design, new knit-fabric exterior and front-facing controls are much more homely compared to the original, the design of which resembled a medieval knight’s bucket helmet.

With the latest Studio packing Amazon’s new AZ3 Pro chip and offering Alexa+ compatibility, and some great smart home compatibility and sensors, there’s a lot to love, but having tried both the newer and older models, I don’t think the new audio hardware quite lives up to its predecessor. That being said, it’s most certainly the best Alexa speaker for audio available today… unless, of course, you can find a first-gen model on resale.

Echo Studio (2nd gen, 2025) price and availability

List price: $219.99 / £219.99 / AU$429
Released November 2025

The new Echo Studio is the most premium Echo speaker in Amazon’s lineup, offering home-theatre buffs and audiophiles an Alexa-powered alternative to standard speakers. You concede some audio quality, sure, but it’s pretty compact, and the smarts you gain are decent enough.

It’s available in black (graphite) and white (glacier white), and costs $20 / £40 / AU$100 more than the original Studio at $219.99 / £219.99 / AU$429; the price hike is explained, in part, by the rising cost of hardware, but it’s worth noting nonetheless.

It’s also Alexa+ compatible, meaning US Prime subscribers have immediate access to the currently-in-beta service (at the time of writing). Whether or not that’s a positive or a negative, I’ll leave you to decide.

My main issue with the value proposition here is that, at times, the Echo Studio (second-generation) just doesn’t live up to its Studio moniker; and yet, allowing for inflation, it costs the same as the previous generation. Had Amazon skipped some of the smart features and delivered a stronger all-around audio performance, I’d have less of an issue; as it is, and as is the case with almost every new Echo device I’ve reviewed in the past few years, this is one I’d only go for during a sale, and I’d be looking for at least a 40% discount.

Value: 3.5/5

Echo Studio (2nd gen, 2025) specs
	Echo Studio
Dimensions	6.1 x 5.6 x 5.8 inches / 155 x 142.2 x 147.3mm (W x D x H)
Speakers	1x 3.75-inch high excursion woofer, 3x 2.25-inch full-range drivers
Processor	AZ3 Pro
Connecivity	Zigbee, Matter, Thread Border Router, eero
Voice assistant	Alexa
Weight	53.5oz / 1.63kg

Echo Studio on a white table with a blue background — (Image credit: Future)

Echo Studio (2nd gen, 2025) design

New, more premium design and materials
40% smaller than the previous generation
Fewer ports, fewer audio-first design features

Like the Echo Dot Max, which I tested a few months ago, the Echo Studio has a new, more sophisticated look and feel, featuring a chunky knit-fabric exterior, front-facing controls, and a 40% smaller frame than the previous Echo Studio models.

Now, instead of resembling a bucket-shaped medieval knight’s helmet, the Echo Studio is more akin to a rounded spaceship (read: Death Star), and it’s a change I’m quite happy with aesthetically. The base is flat and slightly rubberized, housing a screw-mount for any users who might wish to wall-mount their speaker(s).

The neater look and smaller footprint make it a much more appealing option for around the home, and the new front-facing controls are easily accessible and clear — especially when compared to the original’s small and fiddly buttons. There are volume controls as well as a physical mute button on the plastic control panel. Plus, if you give the Studio a gentle pat on the top, you can stop or start tracks, stop timers and alarms, or end calls and drop-ins.

The iconic illuminated Alexa ring, which glows blue when the speaker is listening to you, now encircles the control panel, and changes colour and brightness for different types of alert (for example, orange for an Amazon marketplace-related notification, or red for connectivity issues).

There’s been a complete hardware refit, too. The new Echo Studio uses the latest AZ3 Pro chip to power Alexa commands and other on-board smarts like ambient sensing and spatial sound. Where the last-generation speakers had three two-inch side-mounted mid-range speakers, a two-inch upward-firing midrange speaker, a 1-inch front-facing tweeter, and a 5.25-inch downward-firing sealed woofer and cutout spaces to allow for airflow to enable powerful and deep bass, the latest model has just three full-range drivers and a single high-excursion woofer. More later on how that impacts performance, but as far as design goes, it does make the focus on the newer model’s aesthetics feel like a big trade-off when you compare the hardware specs.

Connectivity is another area where the new Studio has taken a hit. On the rear, you’ll find a single power port – that’s right, no more 3.5mm combo port for standard audio cable input and Mini-Optical, and no micro-USB port for service/Ethernet adapters. For most, these inputs will be no great loss, but the inflexibility of these speakers will be disappointing to some, and especially to those who know a bit about home theater.

Objectively, I can’t say I dislike the look and feel of the new Echo Studio – it’s more pleasing to the eye, and a lot easier to find a home for at its smaller size. However, many of the concessions made ultimately impact performance and usability — and for a supposedly top-of-the-range speaker I’d always prize those qualities over look and feel.

Design: 4/5

Echo Studio (2nd gen, 2025) audio quality

Complete hardware refit compared to previous generation
Solid, clear audio across a range of genres
Mid-range performance for home cinema

Sitting at the top end of the Echo speaker lineup, the Echo Studio in principle offers the best audio you can get from an Amazon speaker. However, while that’s indeed the case, not everyone who loved the first-generation Studio will enjoy this newer version.

As mentioned above, the new Echo Studio trades its predecessor’s three two-inch side-mounted mid-range speakers, two-inch upward-firing midrange speaker, 1-inch front-facing tweeter, and 5.25-inch downward-firing sealed woofer for three full-range drivers and a single high-excursion woofer. Plus, under the hood, the new AZ3 Pro chip does a lot of the legwork, working in tandem with onboard far-field microphones to deliver Automatic Room Adaptation, fine-tuning the audio experience based on the room’s acoustics. There’s also spatial audio, Lossless High Definition and Dolby Atmos support.

So, what difference do these hardware changes make in practice? I played a variety of tracks from different genres to test the speaker’s audio quality, as well as trying out the new Amazon Home Theatre feature, to find out.

It’s a tale of trade-offs; on the one hand, the soundstage is well balanced overall, producing beautifully clear layers and expressing texture in tracks well. Hans Zimmer’s Cornfield Chase was rendered with beautiful depth and clarity, especially at louder volumes, as was Jeff Buckley’s Last Goodbye, with the Echo Studio proving amply capable of rendering Buckley’s quivering vocals beautifully while preserving the layered rhythmic guitars and mounting tension. Dynamic songs like Glory Box by Portishead offer well-rounded bass, with every detail of the track, right down to its vinyl crackle, represented with impressive clarity.

However, the Echo Studio lacks the powerful bass and overall volume of older models, and certain tracks suffer as a result: Running Up That Hill by Kate Bush plays much more faithfully than on the Echo Dot Max I tested a few months ago, but the Echo Studio still lacks the pummeling bass I so adore. Similarly, Fleetwood Mac’s The Chain, especially at lower volumes, fails to fully deliver the track’s signature thunderous, driving bass.

With Amazon removing many of the audio-first design features (like the sound-carrying cutouts) and squeezing the device into a far smaller form factor, the new Echo Studio ultimately loses a lot of its oomph. It also now downmixes stereo content to mono, and compresses the mix more aggressively at higher volumes than the original model.

That said, when I was testing this speaker in my apartment, I wasn’t looking to push the volume beyond 70% (mostly for the sake of my neighbours), and the bass was, broadly, suitably present for my living space, this is aided by the Automatic Room Adaptation, which works well to really flood a space with sound.

Of course, the Echo Studio can do more than just play your music. You can connect up to five Echo Dot Max or Echo Studio speakers plus an optional Echo subwoofer to a Fire TV Stick 4K (2nd-gen), Fire TV Stick 4K Plus, Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2nd-gen), or Fire TV Cube (3rd-gen) to use Amazon’s new Home Theatre feature. I gave this a quick try, albeit with just the one Echo Studio, watching a few scenes from Red Sonja, The Batman and Oppenheimer to put its through its paces. I was pretty happy with how much depth and clarity the Echo Studio provided (it’s all handled over Bluetooth, so I did notice a bit of a delay with lip-synching initially; thankfully, you can adjust this in the settings), and I can imagine with a full set the sound would be really quite impressive.

That said, the dynamic range was pushed to its limit during my testing, and I ultimately found myself toggling the volume fairly often. Plus, its downmixed mono playback makes it a hard sell for a cinephile – of course, you can opt to spend $1,000 / £1,000 / AU$2,000 on a full Amazon Home Theater setup, but for that price I’d wager there are far superior surround sound systems. It’s only if you’re benefitting specifically from the Echo Studio’s place in Amazon’s Fire TV / Prime / Alexa+ ecosystem that I can see this being a viable option.

Audio quality: 3.5/5

Echo Studio (2nd gen, 2025) features

Smart and accurate sensors
Speedy Alexa commands
Alexa+ compatible

Much like the Echo Dot Max, the Echo Studio is locked and loaded with clever sensors and smarts to help run your smart home, including the same temperature and ultrasound motion sensors as the Echo Dot (4th gen) as well as a new Wi-Fi sensing capability.

I set these up at home for even smarter Alexa Routines; when I enter a room, an automation turns on my smart lights, and when the temperature drops, my electric heater turns on to keep me toasty during the UK winter months. Everything worked as expected on test, and it’s good to see the Echo Studio keeping pace with other smart speakers here.

The new AZ3 Pro chipset delivers super-speedy Alexa responses, though you probably won’t notice the difference unless you’ve been using Alexa-enabled devices from a few years ago. Where you will feel the difference is if you have access to Alexa+, as that’s the real driver behind the additional computing power. I’m testing this speaker in the UK, where we don’t currently have access to Amazon’s full agentic AI platform, but my US-based colleague Lance Ulanoff shared his first impressions of the service overall.

Features: 4/5

Echo Studio (2nd gen, 2025) being pressed by a hand — (Image credit: Future)

Should I buy the Echo Studio (2nd gen, 2025)?

Buy it if…

You want room-filling audio

The Echo Studio’s room-adapting smarts go a long way to up the value, and it’s delivering a lot of clever optimization to compensate for the admittedly weaker hardware.View Deal

You’re upgrading from an older, regular Echo speaker

More recent Echo smart speakers pack fairly similar specs and performance, but the AZ3 chip brings a marked improvement. View Deal

Don’t buy it if…

You’re an audiophile

While in many ways the Echo Studio does impress, it’s fundamentally incapable of offering a true hi-fi audio experience.View Deal

You own an older Echo Studio

I’m willing to bet that if you love your old Echo Studio, you won’t be a huge fan of this newer model. View Deal

Also consider

	Echo Studio	Echo Dot Max	Echo (4th-gen)
Dimensions	6.1 x 5.6 x 5.8 inches (W x D x H)	4.27 x 4.27 x 3.9 inches	5.7-inch x 5.7-inch x 5.2-inch
Speakers	1x 3.75-inch high excursion woofer, 3x 2.25-inch full-range drivers	0.8-inch tweeter and 2.5-inch woofer	3-inch neodymium woofer and two 0.8-inch front-firing tweeters with Dolby Audio support
Processor	AZ3 Pro	AZ3	AZ1 Neural Edge
Connecivity	Zigbee, Matter, Thread Border Router, eero	Zigbee, Matter, Thread Border Router, eero, Wi-Fi 6	Zigbee, Matter, Thread border router. Dual-band Wi-Fi, eero, Bluetooth 3.5mm audio line-in/out.
Voice assistant	Alexa	Alexa	Alexa
Weight	53.5oz / 1.63 kg	505.3g	970g

Also consider Echo Dot Max

The new Echo Dot Max offers adaptable and solid audio specs, with much of the same internal hardware as the Echo Studio barring some of the more powerful speakers.

For more information, check out our full Echo Dot (5th-gen) review.

Also consider Echo (4th-gen)

The 4th generation of Amazon’s base model Echo speaker may be getting long in the tooth, its audio performance is admirable, it’s often on sale at bargain prices, and offers a similar performance.

For more information, check out our full Echo (4th-gen) review.

How I tested the Echo Studio (2nd gen, 2025)

I used the Echo Studio as part of my smart home setup
I played lossless audio through Spotify
I used the standard Alexa and other advertised features.

I tried all of the advertised features of the Echo Studio (barring Alexa+ which is not currently available in the UK) to assess its performance and audio quality.

As well as testing Alexa’s ability to follow commands and surface information, I used my Echo Studio as a speaker, streaming lossless tracks via Spotify across a variety of genres and moods to test the speaker’s dynamic range, clarity and volume. I also tried using the new Echo Studio as part of my Amazon Home Theatre setup, listening to various TV shows and movies to see how well the speaker would serve cinephiles.

I’ve had an Alexa-powered smart home for years, having professionally tested smart home devices for over four years. In addition to my at-home Alexa setup, I’ve also used both Google and Apple devices to assess the strengths and weaknesses of the most popular smart home ecosystems.

Looking for a budget-friendly, subscription-free security camera? I’ve been hands-on with the IMOU Cell 3C, and it could be exactly what you need

7:07 pm | March 3, 2026

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

IMOU Cell 3C: two-minute review

Founded in 2015 as a spin-off from the Chinese surveillance giant Dahua Technology, Hangzhou-based IMOU has quickly established itself as a major player in the value segment of the smart home market. While other brands such as Reolink and Ring target the premium 4K bracket, IMOU's strategy with the Cell 3C seems to be to provide high-end features at a price that undercuts most of its major rivals.

Like the more expensive Baseus Security S2, the IMOU Cell 3C features a built-in solar panel mounted directly to the top of the camera body. However, while the Baseus features a clever motorized tracking system to follow the sun, the IMOU offers simpler manual adjustment. To maximize power you simply angle the 2.2W panel towards the sky, making sure you connect the USB cable supplied to the camera’s USB-C input. Alternatively, if the camera doesn’t have direct access to the sun, you can mount the solar panel separately in a sunnier location using the bracket provided.

IMOU Cell 3C All-in-One Security Camera front view — Tilt the solar panel to face the sun, or mount it away from the camera if it's in a shady spot (Image credit: Future)

Whereas many security brands — particularly Amazon-owned Ring — charge a large monthly subscription to store recorded clips, one of the most compelling reasons to buy IMOU’s Cell 3C is the ability to store clips locally using a MicroSD card up to 256GB (not provided). Not only does this save you a significant amount in annual monthly subscription fees, it also ensures that potentially sensitive data stays within the home rather than on a remote server.

That said, if you don’t want to store recorded clips on a MicroSD card, it's possible to sign up to IMOU’s subscription service from £3.49 (about $5 / AU$7) a month — see the 'Price and Availability' section below.

Designed to be installed on the outside of a property with a clear view of the sky, the IMOU Cell 3C is supplied with a reasonably sturdy mount complete with wall plugs and screws.

I installed it on the outside of a garden office in my back garden at a height of around two meters. However, it can easily be installed in a front porch or high up on the outside of your main property (remembering you will still need to access it for recharging every few months unless you live in a very sunny climate).

Mount for IMOU Cell 3C All-in-One Security Camera attached to shed — The camera's mount is reasonably sturdy, and easy to install (Image credit: Future)

Whereas some outdoor models are dual-band Wi-Fi compatible (some will even work on 4G/5G cellular networks), the IMOU is only compatible with the 2.4GHz band. However, it connected to my broadband repeater at the back of the house without any problems. Featuring IP66 waterproof rating, IMOU claims the Cell 3C will work in temperatures between -20 degrees centigrade and 50 degrees centigrade, but this wasn’t put to the test.

Once installed, which takes around 20 minutes, it’s simply a case of downloading the IMOU Life iOS/Android app and adding the camera via the QR code on the side of the device. Unlike some apps, which boast very user-friendly menus (particularly those from companies such as Ring and Blink), IMOU’s app is much more difficult to navigate around.

Adding IMOU Cell 3C All-in-One Security Camera to mobile app — IMOU Life isn't the easiest app to navigate (Image credit: Future)

That said, it offers everything you need when setting up. For example, you can select ‘activity zones’ where you want it to capture footage, such as a locked door or window, and ‘non-detection zones’ where you don’t want it to record such as a neighbour’s garden or a main road. You can also set the device to only operate during certain hours, such as after dark, and only alert you if it detects a human rather than movement from a tree or a car going past.

One unusual feature is a time-lapse mode that will automatically capture images at selected regular intervals. Pre-set modes include cloud movements (10secs), flowers (five minutes) and building construction (50 minutes). Alternatively, you can set the timer manually to take shots between 10 seconds and six hours.

IMOU Cell 3C All-in-One Security Camera bottom view, showing SD card slot — Videos can be saved locally on a MicroSD card, meaning you don't have to pay for cloud storage unless you really want to (Image credit: Future)

Finally, to help deter burglars a built in 110dB siren and reasonably powerful spotlight (in flashing or solid modes) are also on board. These can be activated manually or, for the really paranoid, automatically when the devices senses movement. There’s also a built-in speaker and microphone for talking to someone on your property.

IMOU Cell 3C: price and availability

Costs $55 / £49 / AU$129
Available since September 2024
Sold in US / UK / Australia

Typically, outdoor security cameras retail for between $200 / £150 / AU$300 and $250 / £200 / AU$400. So with a price tag of around $55 / £49 / AU$129, the IMOU Cell 3C certainly is excellent value for money — especially when you consider it comes with its own solar panel.

Also, whereas many manufacturers are effectively able to subsidize the price of the hardware through hefty monthly subscriptions, with the IMOU Cell 3C this isn’t necessary. Instead you can buy a MicroSD card for under £20 which can store up to 256GB of video footage — a far cheaper option than a monthly subscription.

However, if you really do want to pay for a monthly subscription there is that offer too. IMOU offers three subscription tiers. For £3.49 (about $5 / AU$7) a month IMOU Protect Basic provides seven days of cloud storage and AI detection, while for £5.29 (about $7 / AU$10) a month IMOU Protect Plus offers 30 days of cloud storage and AI detection.

Best of all is IMOU Protect Pro (£9.99, or about $13 / AU$19 per month), which not only supports multiple devices and 30 days of cloud storage, but also offers additional functionality such as Descriptive Alerts — summaries of what was detected so you know what happened without having to watch the whole video (much like Ring's AI-generated video descriptions).

Value score: 5/5

IMOU Cell 3C: design

MicroSD card slot for local storage
Flexible battery/solar power options
Lightweight tubular design

Like the Baseus Security S2 camera, the IMOU Cell 3C is a long, tubular device that — at first glance — looks more like a Bluetooth speaker than a security camera. Of course, the big giveaway is the solar panel that sits on top of the camera to provide additional power. This connects to the camera via a cable to a USB-C socket located on top of the device.

Screws and wall plugs are provided for mounting the bracket to the wall and the solar panel can either be unscrewed and mounted separately or kept on top of the camera (we opted for the latter). I had initially worried that the tubular design might be a little unstable when mounting to a wooden summerhouse/office. However, it’s actually pretty lightweight, tipping the scales at just 360g (13oz) without feeling too flimsy.

IMOU Cell 3C All-in-One Security Camera mounted outdoors side view — The MicroSD card slot has a weather-resistant cover to keep your recordings safe (Image credit: Future)

Underneath the camera there’s a weather-sealed flap covering the USB-C socket. This is used for charging the camera via the mains (a 5000mAh rechargeable battery is built in). Here you’ll also find a slot for a MicroSD card, supporting up to 256GB for local recording, as well as sync button for use during set up as well as a modest built-in speaker.

On the front of the device, there’s the 2K lens for capturing recordings, PIR (passive infrared) sensor for accurate movement detection, a small microphone for two-way audio and a reasonably powerful spotlight. Finally, there’s the solar panel on top of the camera which can be manually adjusted towards the sun to maximize power.

Design score: 4/5

IMOU Cell 3C: performance

Reasonable 2K image
Stable video connection over 2.4GHz Wi-Fi
Reliable human detection and fewer false alerts

When it comes to performance, outdoor security cameras face multiple challenges. First of all, there’s the issue around power and how to keep the device running without a mains connection nearby. Thankfully IMOU has addressed fitting its device with a 5,000 mAh rechargeable lithium-ion battery and a solar panel. As a result, even after using regularly for a couple of weeks, the device still has over 90% charge.

IMOU Cell 3C All-in-One Security Camera subscription offer on iPhone — If you really want cloud storage, the option is available through IMOU ProtectFuture

Setting up sound and light sensitivity on IMOU Cell 3C All-in-One Security Camera — If you really want cloud storage, the option is available through IMOU ProtectFuture

Then there’s the issue around video stability, given the distance between the home router and the security camera. Again, this didn’t prove to be an issue at all, with the device maintaining a steady connection throughout the testing period. Finally there’s the images themselves, both in terms of quality and quantity.

Given this is a 2K camera, image quality certainly isn’t the sharpest I’ve seen — nowhere near as good as from the 4K Baseus Security S2 camera which we reviewed last year (and which this model so closely resembles). Night vision is particularly disappointing, even with the reasonably powerful spotlight on.

Two iPhone showing footage from IMOU Cell 3C All-in-One Security Camera during the day and at night — Image quality isn't the best around, particularly at night (Image credit: Future)

However, where the IMOU excels is in the quantity of images. Whereas some models trigger loads of annoying false alerts, the IMOU records only what’s useful, thanks in part it seems to dedicated human detection algorithms.

Performance score: 3.5/5

Should you buy the IMOU Cell 3C?

IMOU Cell 3C score card
Attribute	Notes	Score
Value	When it comes to value, it’s difficult to beat the IMOU Cell 3C. It’s a pretty decent outdoor security camera with bags of features and a solar panel for under £50. Bargain!	5/5
Design	A long white tubular design, it looks very similar to the Baseus Security. However, it’s not quite as sturdy or as well designed as the Baseus model.	4/5
Performance	Picture quality from the 2K lens is a little disappointing. However it does deliver very accurate motion alerts and battery life is good.	3.5/5
Overall	A pretty decent outdoor security camera. What it lacks in image quality, it more than make up for in functionality and the price is extremely competitive.	4/4

Buy it if

You want a cheap solution

At £49.99, it is one of the most affordable solar-powered options on the market.

You hate monthly subscription fees

You don’t have to pay for a monthly subscription to keep your videos in the cloud. Instead, clips can be stored locally on a MicroSD card (available separately)

Don't buy it if

You want the sharpest images

While video quality is OK, if you want to zoom in on a particular area of detail in some captured footage, you may be left disappointed.

You have a very shaded garden

The solar panel needs direct sunlight. Otherwise, you’ll have to be taking the camera down every few months for recharging.

IMOU Cell 3C: also consider

Not sure if the IMOU Cell 3C is the right security camera for you? Here's how it stacks up against two of its closest rivals.

	IMOU Cell 3C	Baseus Security S2 4K	Eufy 4K S330 security camera	Ring Outdoor Cam Plus
Subscription price	None required (optional IMOU Protect from £3.49 a month)	None	None	From £4.99 a month
Viewing angle	120° horizontal	145° horizontal	360° view	140° horizontal
Network connection	Wi-Fi (2.4GHz)	Wi-Fi (2.4GHz)	Wi-Fi/4G	Wi-Fi (2.4GHz/5GHz)
Audio	Two-way audio	Two-way audio	Two-way audio	Two-way audio
Video	2K (3MP) video resolution	4K video resolution	4K video resolution	2560 x 1440 (2K)
Power	Battery, solar	Battery, solar	Battery, solar	Mains, battery, solar
Hardware price	£49.99 (with built in solar panel)	£199 (with solar panel)	£189 (with solar panel)	£69 (£99 with solar panel )

Baseus Security S2

An outdoor camera with an innovative twisting solar panel to maximize power from the sun. Features 4K video resolution and a MicroSD card slot for storing footage locally.

Read our full Baseus Security S2 Outdoor Camera reviewView Deal

Eufy 4K S330 Security Camera

An 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 S330 Security Camera reviewView Deal

How I tested the IMOU Cell 3C

I used the camera outdoors
I installed it myself
I tested all the features, including the siren (the neighbors weren’t happy)

Testing a solar powered camera in a rainy UK environment is far from ideal. However, as luck would have it, spring sprung during testing and I was able to check out the effectiveness of the solar panel in the sunshine.

After two weeks of testing, battery levels are still over 90%, which seems pretty good — though in the depths of winter it would be a different matter of course. I particularly like the fact that, while the app isn’t the easiest to navigate,

I haven’t been overwhelmed with lots of false alerts when a tree has swayed too much or a bird has flown past. Instead, it just sends me a push notification and stores the video clip each time a human is detected!

For more details, see how TechRadar tests, reviews, and rates products.

I’ve tested dozens of robot vacuums, and this model has some of the best carpet cleaning I’ve ever seen

5:16 pm | February 9, 2026

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Home Robot Vacuums Smart Home | Tags: AU, Europe, UK | Comments: Off

Roborock Qrevo Curv 2 Pro: two-minute review

The Roborock Qrevo Curv 2 Pro is a premium, feature-rich, hybrid floor-cleaning robot that delivers an impressive 25,000 Pascals of suction – great for lifting fine dust, debris and pet hair from hard floors and even deep-pile carpet. With its ultra-slim profile. retractable LiDAR navigation turret and clever AdaptiLift chassis with omnidirectional wheels, this bot can clean under very low furniture and scale especially tall thresholds.

Those 'AdaptiLift' stilts also enable this robot vacuum to hover at exactly the right height over thick carpet and rugs. In practice, this worked extremely well – the Curv 2 Pro offers some of the very best carpet cleaning performance I've experienced.

While the Qrevo Curv 2 Pro's navigation is robust and reliable (it uses a combination of lasers and an RGB camera), its Reactive AI obstacle avoidance isn't quite up to the accurate standards of some of its premium stablemates.

Given that this is a hybrid robot, it comes with a dual-spinning mop system that exerts 12 Newtons of downward pressure for tackling everyday messes though it will struggle with liquid spills and some ingrained stains. These mops also automatically detach or lift up whenever the bot is on carpet or crossing a rug.

The chunky, curvy look of Roborock's newly updated Hygiene+ 3.0 docking system may not be to everyone's liking but there's no doubting its efficiency at maintaining the robot on a daily basis. Like most of today's hybrid models, the dock charges the bot after every cleaning session, automatically empties the contents of the robot's diminutive bin into the dock's large 2.7-liter dust bag, and washes the robot's two spinning mop pads with hot water before wafting hot air over them to prevent smells and mould. In other words, it's mostly hands free.

Overall, the Qrevo Curv 2 Pro is an exceptionally capable everyday floor cleaning solution that offers excellent suction, intelligent navigation and a highly self-sufficient dock. Granted, it doesn't have the best obstacle avoidance I've ever encountered, but for everyday household cleaning of both hard floors and especially carpet, it's an efficient workhorse that shouldn't let you down.

Roborock Qrevo Curv 2 Pro robot vacuum in reviewer's home — (Image credit: Future)

Roborock Qrevo Curv 2 Pro review: price & availability

List price: €899 (about $1,060 / £780 / AU$1,520)
Available: Europe and Asia – US, UK and AU to follow
Launched: September 2025

The Roborock Qrevo Curv 2 Pro sits toward the premium end of the robot vacuum spectrum and generally delivers solid value for money, if your priorities are advanced automation and cleaning performance. High-end features like expert LiDAR-based mapping and decent obstacle avoidance justify the price for users who want a mostly set-and-forget cleaning solution rather than a basic scheduled robot.

That said, there are similar robots at lower cost that may suit some households just as well. For instance, in the UK the standard Roborock Qrevo S5V with a decent 12,000Pa of suction power, self-cleaning dock and similar mopping system retails at a smidge under £500 for the black model and £425 for the white. Or, for just £549, the excellent Dreame L40 Ultra with 19,000Pa is an equally good bet.

No question, the Qrevo Curv 2 Pro offers very decent value for those who want maximum convenience and features (including AdaptiLift), but there are some less expensive robots out there that are on a par for typical floor cleaning tasks.

As of writing, the Roborock Qrevo Curv 2 Pro is only available in select territories, including most of Europe (where it's selling for around €899) and some Asian and Middle East countries. The rest of the world, including the USA, UK, Canada and Australia, will see staggered launches throughout 2026.

Value for money score: 4 out of 5

Roborock Qrevo Curv 2 Pro specs

Max suction:	25,000Pa
Robot diameter:	13.8 x 13.9in / 35 x 35.2cm
Robot height:	3.1 in / 8cm
Dock dimensions (W x D x H):	17.7 x 17.7 x 17.7 in / 45 x 45 x 45cm
Mop type:	Dual spinning discs
Max threshold clearance:	1.6 in / 4cm (double-layer)
Dust bin volume (base):	2.7L
Water tank volume:	3.2L (clean), 3L (dirty)
Base functions:	Charge, empty dust, wash mop pads with hot water, dry mop pads with hot air, self-clean

Roborock Qrevo Curv 2 Pro review: design

Excellent suction power, with split rollers to avoid hair tangle
Retractable LiDAR puck and 'AdaptiLift' legs for deep carpet and tall thresholds
Large but fully-featured cleaning dock

As I mentioned in my review of the Roborock Q5 Pro+ in March 2025, there's a proliferation of robot vacuum brands on the market right now, each with a huge roster of models. This makes it a challenge for any journalist writing about a specific robot vacuum cleaner that is, in many ways, very similar to other models on the market, and it must be even more confusing for the consumer when faced with so many options.

Take Roborock, for instance. There are currently five different models in its Saros range, five in the Qrevo Curv Series, eight in the standard Qrevo range, five in the S Series, four in the Qrevo Edge Series and seven models in the lower-priced Q Series. And that's without even having a sniff at all the other brands like Dreame, Ecovacs, Eufy, Narwal, EZVIZ, Switchbot and iRobot. It seems that the world is awash in robot vacs at the moment and the same thing is already beginning to happen with robot lawn mowers.

But I digress – let's look at the Qrevo Curv 2 Pro in more detail and see if it's as good as the myriad of other premium models I've reviewed from the Roborock stable.

Robot vacuum design

On the surface, Roborock's Qrevo Curv 2 Pro adopts the same design principles as many other premium robot vacuum cleaners. The robot itself – 13.8 in / 35cm in diameter – is circular in shape with a centrally-located roller brush, an expandable side sweeping brush for edge and corner cleaning, two circular mops that are automatically ejected in the dock or raised whenever the robot is working on or crossing over carpet, a LiDAR turret for expert navigation, plus a full gamut of other navigational and obstacle avoidance aids. The Full Monty, in other words.

As one might expect from a renowned manufacturer like Roborock, build quality is exceptional throughout and well up there with the best in premium robot vacs. I've reviewed many Roborock products over the years and have never once experienced any issues aside from the odd clogging of a dust bag or some cotton tangled around a spindle. In the main, they have all performed reliably and efficiently. As a consequence, Roborock is the brand I always recommend whenever asked.

Given the popularity of Roborock's retractable LiDAR turrets that allow many models from its current roster to venture beneath low-slung furnishings, it's no surprise that Roborock has opted to fit the same RetractSense system to this particular model. As a result, when the Qrevo Curv 2 Pro's turret is retracted, the height of the robot measures a squat 3.14in / 7.98cm.

That means it can scuttle under most wardrobes, TV stands and low sofas as long as there's a minimum of 3in / 8cm of clearance. This is a major boon for anyone who has struggled to clean such inaccessible areas using a standard stick vac, especially one that isn't equipped with a Shark-inspired bendy suction tube.

The Qrevo Curv 2 Pro uses the aforementioned tried-and-trusted LiDAR system for its primary navigation, a VertiBeam lateral laser system for accurate edge cleaning around furniture, an upward-facing Range Finder for measuring overhead clearance, a top contact sensor to prevent the robot from jamming itself and, importantly, a combination of 'structured light' and a front-facing RGB camera with LED light for expert obstacle avoidance in all lighting conditions.

According to Roborock the Qrevo Curv 2 Pro can recognise over 200 objects, 'from tangled cables to pet surprises' but presumably only when the 'Pet' switch in the app is activated. Incidentally, the Pet setting also ensures that the robot's brush roller stops working the moment the sensors detect a furry friend.

While I personally prefer the idea of a dual counter-rotating brush head system as introduced by iRobot, Roborock has quite recently started fitting some of its bots with single split rubber brushes that meet with a small gap in the centre, and that's the case with this model. According to Roborock, the so-called 'DuoDivide' layout helps deal with hair tangles by moving the hair towards the suction gap in the middle to prevent it from getting tangled around the roller's spindles. I vouch that this system works very well and I have no issues to report regarding pet hair tangles.

However, as mentioned in my article on overdue robot innovations I want to see, I really do wish robot manufacturers would adopt D-shaped bodies to their products, because the circular ones of norm require fitting a short 6.3in / 16cm roller brush between the robot's wheels, which leaves as much as 3.5in / 9cm of unused space on either side of the roller.

I cite iRobot's very early S9+ as an example. This D-shaped robot came onto the market in 2019 and featured a long 9in / 23cm rubber roller positioned near the front, almost across the entire width of the machine. This meant it was not only better at collecting dust along edges, but it also picked up a wider band of detritus with every sweep. Perhaps there's a valid technical reason why the vast majority of robot vacs are circular, so answers on a postcard please.

Roborock Qrevo Curv 2 Pro cleaning a thick, cream carpet — (Image credit: Future)

Let's look at this bot's suction power, because suction strength is one of the only differences between the Qrevo Curv 2 Pro and its sibling, the Qrevo CurvX. Where the Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra TechRadar reviewed in July 2024 featured a then 'industry-leading' 10,000 Pascals of suction power, this one hits the 25,000Pa mark; 3,000Pa more than the Qrevo CurvX. Mind, even this lofty stat is still 5,000Pa shy of the Dreame Matrix10 Ultra I recently reviewed, but it just goes to show how fast robot vacuum technology has advanced in such a short space of time. For the record, the Qrevo Curv 2 Pro offers five levels of suction, from quiet to MAX+.

Given that this robot is of the hybrid variety, it also comes with a full mopping system comprised of twin spinning mops on the rear, with the ability to extend the mop on one side for cleaning around furniture legs and in corners. These mops are only used for hard floor cleaning and are therefore either raised when the robot is crossing carpet or rugs, or left behind in the dock if the robot is only performing a vacuum task. Like all decent mopping bots, the Qrevo Curv 2 Pro's mops are given a thorough wash and dry after each working session, and you can read more about this in the Dock Design chapter directly below.

Roborock Qrevo Curv 2 Pro cleaning a spillage from a hard floor — (Image credit: Future)

Finally, those with single or double thresholds up to 1.6in / 4cm in height will be thrilled to learn that the Qrevo Curv 2 Pro has been fitted with Roborock's clever AdaptiLift technology. Rather than relying on fixed-height wheels like traditional robot vacuums, AdaptiLift gives the Qrevo Curv 2 Pro the ability to dynamically raise and lower its chassis and wheels to adapt to complex floor environments.

The robot's two articulated wheels literally allow the robot to automatically lift and tilt its body to clear high thresholds and even maintain optimal brush and suction contact across different floor types, including carpets with up to 1.2in / 3cm of pile. It also helps free the robot when encountering an obstruction. By intelligently sensing floor transitions and responding in real time, AdaptiLift reduces the need for manual intervention while expanding the robot's practical reach within a home. What's not to like?

Dock design

Roborock's Qrevo Curv series is defined by the curvature of its newly updated Hygiene+ 3.0 dock design. Available only in white, this rounded design aesthetic differs from the rectangular norm and looks shiny, minimalist and, dare I say, rather swish when installed in a modern home. However, its rotund shape may not be to everyone's taste.

Like the majority of robot docks, this one charges the robot after every task (it takes approximately 3 to 4 hours to charge from 0%) as well as emptying the contents of the robot's small 270ml bin into the dock's much larger 2.7-liter dust bag. If you don't have pets, expect about a month or so to pass before the dust bag is full and ready for disposal. However, if you have hairy pets like me, then be prepared to fit a new bag every couple of weeks or so. To save on the cost of extra bags, I often remove the hair and muck in the bag using a pair of long-nose pliers. It's messy, yes, but it saves money in the long run.

Given that this robot also mops hard floors, the mops always go through a thorough cleaning regime in the dock after every cleaning session. This involves scrubbing them using water at 212F / 100C followed by a 122F / 50C hot-air drying session to prevent mould and nasty odours. All you have to do is occasionally fill the dock's 3.2-liter reservoir with fresh water and dispose of the contents in the 3-liter dirty water tank.

Various levels of moisture can be added to the mops depending on the type of flooring you have. Simply go to the Roborock app and select the level of moisture required – for vinyl flooring I would suggest a higher level, and for wooden flooring I'd opt for one of the various levels well below the midway mark. This is especially pertinent for thin laminated flooring which can easily warp if too damp.

Design score: 4 out of 5

Roborock Qrevo Curv 2 Pro review: performance

Exemplary carpet cleaning performance
Acceptable mopping performance
Slightly disappointing obstacle avoidance

I have no major anomalies to report regarding this bot's navigation which is generally very good, though it might take the long way round to get to its place of work rather than a direct path. I've noticed a lot of robot vacs do this but then I've also noticed that some models, specifically those from Roborock, appear to learn over time and eventually take the shorter, direct route. I would expect this model to start doing the same over the next few weeks.

While the Qrevo Curv 2 Pro's first mapping run of my open-plan area was a success, it didn't initially name the rooms in my home as accurately as the Dreame Matrix10 Ultra. While it correctly named the kitchen, it treated the open-plan lounge and dining area as one large room and called it the sunroom. It also named the hallway as the living room and the hall passage as a bedroom. By comparison, the Matrix10 Ultra not only named every room correctly, but all areas were divided correctly, too.

Roborock Qrevo Curv 2 Pro returning to its dock, with a dog asleep in the backgroun — (Image credit: Future)

Mind, this slight hiccup in the Qrevo Curv 2 Pro's room recognition was easily rectified by using the Roborock app to divide, merge and rename all rooms correctly. The key takeaway here is that this bot has never not found its charging dock, has never got lost under a sofa and has never stranded itself under the dining table. Every cleaning task has generally gone without any navigational hitches, and that's all you need to know.

Obstacle avoidance

For my obstacle avoidance test I laid out an assault course of dog toys, including two small items to replicate the size of average dog waste. While the robot deftly avoided the larger obstacles over two inches in height, it twice ran over one of the smaller items, a one-inch tall nylon bone. In the Qrevo Curv 2 Pro's defence, this item often flummoxes robots though I'll admit that I was surprised that the Curv 2 Pro didn't avoid it given the Roborock website's poo-dodging claim.

Roborock Qrevo Curv 2 Pro avoiding obstacles including a wire and dog toys, on a patterned rug — Future

I then added a phone cable to the mix and, despite adjustments in the app, I was surprised to see the robot run over the cable on three separate occasions, even wrapping the cable around the brush head in one instance. This one really surprised me so I checked the multitude of parameters in the app – I had 'Pet' selected for extra overall sensitivity – and I couldn't see any conflicting settings. The upshot is that, while I consider this model's obstacle avoidance to be generally acceptable, I wouldn't rely on it to avoid all clutter in the home. More importantly, I would never rely on it to avoid dog mess of any shape or form.

Vacuum performance

Roborock has been marketing this bot as one of the best for carpet cleaning and, on evidence of my test using oats, muesli and crushed biscuits, I'd say the claim is spot on. I was blown away by how well it tackled the test.

I admittedly selected two passes in the app and MAX+ mode for 25,000Pa of suction, but I needn't have bothered going that far because pass number one was enough to remove the vast majority of detritus. That's an exceptional result, and one of the best I've seen for carpet pickup. I also tried it on a thick pile carpet upstairs and was equally impressed that it a) it managed to collect a sprinkling of oats and b) it didn't get bogged down in the pile.

Roborock Qrevo Curv 2 Pro on a patterned carpet rug, with oats and crumbs sprinkled in front of it — The carpet rug before the vacuuming testFuture

Roborock Qrevo Curv 2 Pro in the process of clearing oats and crumbs from a patterned carpet rug — The carpet rug before the vacuuming testFuture

For the hard floor test, I used the same ingredients but changed the suction one level down to Max. I was generally very pleased with the results though, as is often the case with robots, the edges weren't completely cleaned and some of the debris was scattered by the robot's spinning side brush – which just goes to show why having a cordless stick vac to hand is always advisable.

Roborock Qrevo Curv 2 Pro robot vacuum before the suction test on hard flooring — The Qrevo Curv 2 Pro before the suction test on hard flooring...Future

Roborock Qrevo Curv 2 Pro robot vacuum during the suction test on hard flooring — The Qrevo Curv 2 Pro before the suction test on hard flooring...Future

Mopping performance

In terms of its bi-weekly mopping ability, I've been impressed by the Qrevo Curv 2 Pro's overall performance. It has dealt with light stains and general footfall marks very well, including regularly extending one of its articulated mopping pads when traveling along skirting boards, in corners and around chair and table legs.

However, there's only so much one can ask of a twin-pad mopping system like this because, unlike some roller-based models which rinse the roller while it's cleaning, the pads on this aren't cleaned during the mopping task. And that means that any gunk that appears to have been cleaned off the floor actually remains on the mops – which is then spread around the rest of the floor. It's the nature of the beast, which is why it's never advisable to let a robot with spinning pads loose on a large-ish liquid spill.

To prove this, I created a small 'zone' in my kitchen, squirted some tomato ketchup over my wooden floor and commanded the Qrevo Curv 2 Pro to go and clean it up, having set the mop moisture setting to medium. On initial evidence it did a fine job at removing the mess, though it did leave one small smear behind. However, on closer inspection in the right reflective lighting, I could clearly see some clear but slimy swirls on the floor which would invariably dry, leaving a tacky residue behind.

Had I not had the excellent Roborock F25 Ultra to hand to completely finish the job, I would have had to reach for the good old mop and bucket to fully remove all residue. This is no slight on the Qrevo Curv 2 Pro since all mopping robots of this nature behave the same way. You just need to choose your battles carefully.

Dock performance

While I don't mind the look of the Qrevo Curv 2 Pro's dock, it's not a patch on its stylish stablemates, the Roborock Saros 10 and 10R, which both come with black mirrored docks that meld into the background of any room. By contrast, this one is larger in appearance and much more noticeable.

From an operational point of view, the dock itself has proved faultless over the past few weeks with no anomalies to report. Yes, the bin emptying process is quite noisy but it's been powerful enough to always empty the robot's bins even when packed with dog hair. It has also washed and maintained the mops very well leaving no residue behind.

Roborock Qrevo Curv 2 Pro dock — (Image credit: Future)

Is there anything negative to report about the dock? Well I'm not keen on the design of the dock's dust bag container, since its deep and narrow, downward-facing chamber entails having the dust bag hang and bend at the top where it connects with the inlet. When filled with detritus, the weight of it could feasibly cut off airflow into the bag. I should add that I haven't had any issue to date with the emptying process but I still maintain that it's an odd design that appears to go against simple physics. But what do I know?

Performance score: 4 out of 5

Roborock Qrevo Curv 2 Pro review: app

Exceedingly comprehensive
Well laid out
Easy to use

The Roborock app is an essential companion that elevates the Qrevo Curv 2 Pro's overall cleaning experience from the moment you open it. Cleanly designed and intuitively laid out, this app makes both initial setup and day-to-day control extremely straightforward, whether you're a first-time robot vacuum owner or a seasoned user who requires a plethora of customization options.

Screenshots from the Roborock companion app — Roborock / Future

Mapping is mostly accurate, with detailed floor plans that are highly editable, allowing you to label rooms, set no-go zones, define virtual walls and customize cleaning routines with surprising precision. Moreover, the ability to adjust suction power, mopping intensity and cleaning sequences on a per-room basis gives users a level of control that few competitors can match, Dreame notwithstanding.

The Roborock app also supports a raft of scheduling options, self-created routines and multi-level home management, making it easy to tailor cleaning to your lifestyle. Combined with its stable connectivity and regular firmware updates, this app feels genuinely mature and thoughtfully engineered. Which is why it's still my favorite robot app of all.

App score: 4.5 out of 5

Roborock Qrevo Curv 2 Pro review: scorecard

Attribute	Notes	Rating
Value	A premium robovac (although a step below most flagship models). Advanced specs and features justify the price tag.	4 / 5
Design	Sleek, ultra-slim profile and packed with features. Dock is comprehensive but quite chunky.	4 / 5
Performance	Excellent vacuuming and especially impressive on carpet. Mopping very acceptable but obstacle avoidance a bit underwhelming.	4 / 5
App	The Roborock app is the gold standard for design and features.	4.5 / 5

How I tested the Roborock Qrevo Curv 2 Pro

With so many similarly-specced robot vacs on the market, it's becoming quite difficult to detect the differences between them. But in this day and age, specs mean nothing if the bot doesn't perform to the high standards that TechRadar's writers expect.

We always strive to get the best out of the products we review and always push them to the limits of their functionality. In this case I tested the robot vac on different floor types, watched it navigate a room, set up an obstacle course and put it to four performance tests – carpet vacuuming, hard floor vacuuming, general mopping and messy mopping. Half points out of five are then awarded for each category and averaged out for a final score. Five stars are only given to a product that unequivocally impresses on all fronts but four-stars products, too, are absolutely worth investigation.

Read more about how we test robot vacuum cleaners

First reviewed February 2026

I tested Blink’s new Mini 2K+ camera, and was stunned by its high-resolution picture quality and ultra-compact design

2:50 pm | January 20, 2026

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Home Home Security Smart Home | Tags: Amazon Echo, QR | Comments: Off

Blink Mini 2K+: two-minute review

First launched in 2020, it’s fair to say that the Blink Mini has seen a fair few improvements over the last five years. Initially just a compact, bog-standard 1080p security camera, it was upgraded in 2024 with colour night vision and outdoor functionality as the Blink Mini 2 before receiving its current make-over as a 2K camera (2,560 x 1,440 pixels) in September 2025.

Available in black or white, it can be bought either individually or as a two-pack. We tested the two-pack version in white which currently retails on Amazon for the very reasonable price of £69.99 (about $100 / AU$140). Alternatively, you can buy it as a single unit in both colours for £39.99 (about $50 / AU$80). Whereas many of Blink’s products are battery-operated, making them particularly flexible for installation, the Blink Mini must be plugged into the mains.

However, because it doesn’t require a battery it does mean the camera is exceptionally small, around 2 x 2 inches / 5 x 5cm for the camera itself and standing around 3 inches / 8cm tall including the base. It’s also very lightweight so it’s easy to move from one part of the house to another if, say, you want to monitor a particular area of your property while you’re away on holiday.

As with most security cameras these days, installation requires downloading the camera’s app onto your smartphone and adding the device using the QR code on the back of the product. Alternatively, you can type in the serial code into your phone instead. Unlike more advanced models, the Blink Mini only works on the 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network (it's not compatible with the 5GHz frequency). However, this wasn’t a major issue.

Two Blink Mini 2 security cameras in box — (Image credit: Future)

You can use the Blink Mini 2K+ camera on its own via the app, or as part of a much larger network with other Blink devices, including video doorbells and indoor/outdoor security cameras. Not only does the Blink Mini 2K+ come with its own built-in siren, it can also be used as an indoor chime for the Blink video doorbell which, somewhat annoyingly, doesn’t have its own plug-in chime accessory.

In addition, the device automatically connects to Amazon Alexa so you can view footage via the Alexa app/TVs equipped with Fire TV or get notifications sent to Alexa-compatible devices, such as Amazon Echo smart speakers.

As with many home security devices, full functionality, such as the ability to filter motion alerts by person or vehicle (known as Blink Smart Detection) does require a subscription. However, the good news is that Blink’s subscriptions are half the price of Ring’s subscription costs, starting at £2.50 per month (compared to £4.99 per month for Ring).

Blink Mini 2K+: subscription options

Blink Basic Plan. Cost: £2.50 (about $3.50 / AU$5) per month or £24.99 (about $35 / AU$50) year. Covers: one camera. Features: cloud storage (30 days), person/vehicle detection (Blink Smart Detection), and video editing between devices (Blink Moments).

Blink Plus Plan. Cost: £8 (about $10 / AU$16) per month or £80 (about $100 / AU$160) year. Covers: Unlimited cameras at one location. Features: All Basic features plus 10% off Blink devices and extended warranty.

Local storage (no subscription). Cost: free. Requires: Sync Module 2 (£34.99 - about $50 / AU$70) and a USB flash drive. Features: saves clips locally. Note: Blink Smart Detection/Blink Moments is not available with this option.

Blink Mini 2K+: price and availability

How much does it cost? $49 / £39.99 / AU$89 each (£70 for two), $US49 ($89 for two), AU$69 ($130 for two)
When is it available? Available since September 2025
Where is it available? UK / US / Australia

US company Blink has earned a reputation for its reasonably priced home security devices, and the Mini 2K+ is certainly no exception. Whereas most cameras will set you back around $130 / £100 / $200 each, you can actually buy a two pack of Blink Mini 2K+ cameras for less than that price.

It’s certainly a pretty good deal, but as ever with consumer electronics these days, nothing is ever that simple. Sure, if you just want the basic features, such as motion alerts and two-way audio communication, then that is all you have to pay. But if you want the full functionality that the camera offers, including Blink Smart Detection and 30 days of recordings stored in the cloud, you will have to commit to a monthly subscription plan.

Alternatively, if you only need the subscription to store video clips, then you can always invest in the Blink Sync Module 2, which allows you to record and store up to 256GB of video clips on a connected USB flash drive. However, this will cost another £39.99 (about $50 / AU$80), plus the cost of the USB flash drive.

Finally, with an IP65 water resistance rating, the Blink Mini2K+ can be used outdoors, but only if you buy the 4m Blink Weather Resistant Power Adaptor, costing another £9 (about $12 / AU$20). Like the cameras, this is available in either white or black.

Value score: 4.5/5

Blink Mini 2K+: design

Extremely compact design
Built-in spotlight
Mains-powered only

The first thing you notice about the Blink Mini 2K+ is just how small it really is. Standing just an inch tall on a stand that can be positioned to virtually any angle, it certainly lives up to its 'mini' moniker.

Back of Blink Mini 2 camera with charging cable — (Image credit: Future)

Two colours are available – white or black (we tested the white) – and despite its bargain-basement price tag the Mini 2K+ feels like a classy, well-built security device. At the rear is a USB-C socket while provided with the camera is a 6.5ft / 2m USB-A to USB-C lead and a plug. Alternatively, it’s possible to buy a 13ft / 4m length of weather-resistant cable with power adaptor for outdoor use.

Once the Blink app is downloaded you can simply add the camera to your set up using the QR code on the back of the device where you’ll also find the speaker. This provides voice instructions during set up and can also be used as a chime for any connected Blink video doorbells.

Blink Mini 2 camera on table — (Image credit: Future)

Turn the camera around and in the centre there’s the 2K lens (2,560 x 1,440 pixels) while underneath is the built-in microphone. Also on board is a blue light that comes on during recording and at the top of the camera you’ll find the built-in spotlight for providing coloured images at night. Like the blue recording light, this can be switched on and off via the app, or set to come on automatically when the camera senses motion.

Blink Mini 2K+: performance

2K resolution
Clear two-way audio
Decent color night vision

When it comes to performance, the Blink Mini 2K+ certainly offers a big improvement over its 1080p predecessor (at the time of writing this original model is available on Amazon so cheaply) Where you really notice the difference is when using the 4x digital pinch-to-zoom feature on your smartphone. With the 1080p camera, images soon become pixilated as you zoom in. However, with this latest 2K model you can home right in and see the detail in, say, a face or an item of clothing.

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Setting up Blink Mini 2 camera using mobile app — (Image credit: Future)

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Footage captured by Blink Mini 2 security camera — (Image credit: Future)

Another massive improvement is in night vision. Whereas the previous model only offered traditional IR (infrared) recording in black and white, this model boasts a surprisingly powerful built-in spotlight for color recording. During my tests, the spotlight illuminated the hallway when coming home on during the evening, producing vivid colored images on recorded footage. Audio, too, has been improved with two-way talk now filtering out background noise, such as traffic, so you can hear voices more clearly.

Users with a Blink video doorbell can set multiple Blink Mini 2K+ cameras as a chime so if someone presses the doorbell you can hear it in several rooms if you so choose. That’s particularly handy as Blink’s video doorbell doesn’t come with its own plug-in door chime, unlike models from other companies such as Ring.

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Subjection detection on Blink Mini 2 security camera, shown in app — (Image credit: Future)

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Video list from Blink Mini 2 camera, in mobile app — (Image credit: Future)

Finally, you can also link the Blink Mini 2K+ to Amazon Alexa to receive announcements such as ‘Motion detected at the office’ via your Echo speakers or display the video feed on your Echo Show. However, as Blink is now owned by Amazon, the device doesn’t work with rival platforms such as Google Home or Apple Home.

Performance score: 4.5/5

Should you buy the Blink Mini 2K+?

Blink Mini 2K+ score card
Attribute	Notes	Score
Value	Offering excellent value for money, you can buy two of these mini security cameras for the price of one from another brand such as fellow Amazon stablemate, Ring.	4.5/5
Design	Despite being very small, standing just a few centimetres tall, the Blink Mini 2K+ feels well-built and can be mounted just about anywhere indoors (even outdoors with a weather-resistant power adaptor).	4.5/5
Performance	Boasting 2K video resolution, the Blink Mini 2K+ also offers improved night vision over its predecessor thanks to the inclusion of a strong spotlight.	4.5/5
Average rating	The Blink Mini 2K+ is a great choice if you’re looking for a small and flexible security camera but don’t have much of a budget. The only slight fly in the ointment is you have to pay a small monthly subscription for full functionality.	4.5/5

Blink Mini 2K+: also consider

	Blink Mini 2K+	Ring Outdoor Cam Pro	Eufy 4K S330 Security Camera
Subscription price	From £2.50 a month	From £4.99 a month	None
Resolution	2K (2,560 x 1,440 pixels)	4K (3,840 x 2,160 pixels)	4K (3,840 x 2,160 pixels)
Field of view	138 degrees diagonal	140 degrees horizontal	360-degree view (pan and tilt)
Network connection	Wi-Fi (2.4GHz)	Wi-Fi (2.4GHz/5GHz)	Wi-Fi/4G
Audio	Two-way audio	Two-way audio	Two-way audio
Power	Mains (USB-C)	Mains	Battery
Hardware price	£39	£179	£189 (with solar panel)

If you're not quite sure whether the Blink Mini 2K+ is the best home security camera for you, here are two other options to consider:

Ring Outdoor Cam Pro

The Outdoor Cam Pro represents a leap into high-resolution surveillance for Ring. However, the high levels of performance come at a fairly hefty price, especially when you factor in the subscription plan.

Read our full Ring Outdoor Cam Pro reviewView Deal

Eufy 4K S330 Security Camera

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

Read our full Eufy 4K S330 Security Camera reviewView Deal

Should you buy the Blink Mini 2K+?

Buy it if

You're on a budget

At £39.99 (or £70 for two), this is the most affordable way to get high-quality 2K surveillance.

You want a flexible solution

The compact design and pivot stand mean you can easily move it from room to room.

You own a Blink video doorbell

The Blink Mini 2K+ can serve as an indoor chime for the Blink video doorbell.

Don't buy it if

You want a wire-free home

The Blink Mini 2K+ needs to be connected to the mains at all times via the USB-C to USB-A cable provided.

You want advanced features for free

Unfortunately, you will have to pay a monthly fee if you want Blink Smart Detection (which distinguishes between vehicles and people) and Blink Moments (which edits footage together from multiple Blink cameras shot at the same time).

How I tested the Blink Mini 2K+ security camera

I used a pair of cameras in several rooms of the house for three weeks
I set them up myself using the QR code provided on the back of each model
I linked them to other devices including a Blink video doorbell and several Amazon Echo smart speakers

Testing the two cameras over the Christmas/New Year period gave me the ideal opportunity to see how they responded to visitors coming to the house. Throughout this time one of the cameras was focused on my hallway facing the front door with the spotlight set to come on whenever motion was detected. It also served as a chime for my Blink video doorbell, which I could hear throughout the house.

he other camera was moved between several rooms, including the kitchen and downstairs as well as upstairs rooms we use as offices. However, the cameras weren’t used outside as the units provided didn’t come with the necessary waterproof power adaptor.

The Honeywell Home X2S Smart Thermostat is smart heating made simple

7:00 pm | January 11, 2026

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

The Honeywell Home X2S Smart Thermostat is an easy-to-use Energy Star certified thermostat. It’s not the most sleek or modern-looking device, but it does the job.

The Honeywell Home X2S Smart Thermostat is compatible with up to 2 heat/2 cool conventional, up to 2 heat/1 cool heat pump with electric backup, hot water heat, forced air (gas, oil, or electric.) It isn't compatible with electric baseboard heat (120-240V).

This thermostat comes with detailed installation instructions, but we found it beyond us and ended up hiring a professional to do it. Installation does require a C wire, though Honeywell Home does sell an adaptor kit if your home lacks one. Once the thermostat was physically installed in my home, I had no trouble at all setting it up with the app and getting it working. And it works beautifully.

You’ll need to download the First Alert by Resideo app initially to set up your schedule. You can create a 5-1-1 day cycle, 5-2 day cycle, 7-day cycle, or set up one-week increments. You can also create a vacation schedule, even after you've left. Toggle on the Auto Away feature to allow the thermostat to update automatically based on your phone's location. You can also have the app send you filter change reminders. The First Alert app can also control any of their other home devices you may own, such as CO2/smoke alarms, security cameras, air quality filters, water leak sensors, and more.

Honeywell Home X2S Smart Thermostat First Alert app setup — (Image credit: Future)

Don't like using a separate app? You can also control the thermostat with your ecosystem of choice, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple HomeKit (Matter certified.) I'm an Apple user, and I did not find that Siri voice control worked properly. However, Control Center worked just fine.

You can also manage the thermostat the old-fashioned way, toggling through the menu with the six buttons next to the display.

Honeywell Home X2S Smart Thermostat finger on controls — (Image credit: Karen Freeman / Future)

Honeywell Home X2S Smart Thermostat: Price and availability

The Honeywell Home X2S Smart Thermostat was announced at CES in January 2025 and was released for sale in the US and Canada in the spring of 2025. As of this writing, it retails for $79.99 in the US but isn’t for sale yet outside of North America. You can find it at Amazon, Walmart, and tons of other major retailers online and in brick and mortar stores.

This model, otherwise known as RTH2CWF/U X2S Smart Thermostat, replaces Honeywell Home’s RTH6580 WiFi 7-day Programmable Thermostat, which retailed for a similar price. It’s not as fancy-looking as some of the models you’ll find on our roundup of the best smart thermostats, but it gets the job done.

Honeywell Home X2S Smart Thermostat display off — (Image credit: Karen Freeman / Future)

Honeywell Home X2S Smart Thermostat: Design

Honeywell Home X2S Smart Thermostat comes in just one colorway. Honeywell Home calls it “white,” but I’d call it dove gray and off-white to be more specific. It measures 3.44 in/87 mm high, 5.13 in/130 mm wide, and 1.188 in/29.5 mm deep. It has a basic black-on-gray LCD display that lights up when you press a button. When dormant, the thermostat screen shows Mode, Current Temperature, Set Temperature, Status Display, Fan, and Time. It’s much easier to read when lit up, but it can be read when dormant as well.

The thermostat comes with detailed directions, so you can install it yourself if you’re fairly handy. I ended up calling a professional to install it, since I was unable to do it myself and I was having some other work done as well. It didn’t take the professional long at all. Installation does require a C-wire (24 VAC), which my home didn’t have. Honeywell Home does sell an adapter kit in case your home doesn’t have this wire. You also need to have WiFi 2.4 or 5GHz (802.11 b/g/n) in order for the smart features to work properly. Once you install Honeywell Home’s UWP wall plate, future upgrades will be easier, since you can just change the thermostat without redoing all of the wiring.

Honeywell Home X2S Smart Thermostat side view — (Image credit: Karen Freeman / Future)

The Honeywell Home X2S Smart Thermostat is Energy Star certified. You’ll need to download Resideo’s First Alert app on your smartphone in order to set up the thermostat. It’s also the easiest way to control the thermostat. But once you’ve set it up, you can control it manually on the thermostat itself, or with Amazon Alexa, Apple Home, or Google Assistant. The thermostat is Matter-certified.

The thermostat is compatible with up to 2 heat/2 cool conventional, up to 2 heat/1 cool heat pump with electric backup, hot water heat, forced air (gas, oil, or electric.) It does not work with electric baseboard heat (120-240V).

You don’t need to waste money heating or cooling your home unnecessarily when you’re away. Set up the thermostat’s schedule for a 5-1-1 day cycle, 5-2 day cycle, 7-day cycle, or one-week increments. You can also set up a vacation schedule. Toggle on the Auto Away feature to allow the thermostat to update based on your location.

Honeywell Home X2S Smart Thermostat auto away in menu — (Image credit: Karen Freeman / Future)

Honeywell Home X2S Smart Thermostat: Performance

The Honeywell Home X2S Smart Thermostat was only released months ago, but it looks like something from an earlier time. It’s not unattractive, but it doesn’t look particularly modern either. You can fully operate with the buttons just like you could in the 'old days', but you’ll have to go through a lot of menus to do so. It’s easier just to operate it within the app.

Honeywell Home X2S Smart Thermostat First Alert app screenshots — (Image credit: Future)

I hate to put yet another app on my iPhone, but this one, First Alert by Resideo, is important for the best experience with the Honeywell Home X2S Smart Thermostat. I did try controlling it from Control Center on my iPhone, but features are limited there. I also tried voice commands to Siri, but it didn’t work well. The thermostat definitely 'heard' me and changed the temperature, but it did not go to the temperature I said.

Using the First Alert app, the Honeywell Home X2S Smart Thermostat works great. I set it to heat my home to 68°F/20°C during the day and 63°F/17°C at night. Since my husband and I both often work from home, I didn’t set a daytime “away” temperature, though I could. I did take a nine-day vacation and set up a special vacation schedule, which worked beautifully. I checked multiple times on my vacation to make sure my home was only heated enough to avoid the pipes freezing. My home was comfortably warm when I returned on a particularly cold January day.

Honeywell Home X2S Smart Thermostat in Control Center on iPhone — (Image credit: Future)

The Honeywell Home X2S Smart Thermostat is compatible with Apple HomeKit (Matter enabled), Google Assistant, and Amazon Alexa. The First Alert app makes it easy to change the temperature, set up a daily/weekly schedule, turn your fan on and off, switch from heat to cool, and create vacation settings. You can also track your HVAC runtime in the app. You can also run other First Alert products via the app, such as air filters, smoke/CO2 alarms, security cameras, and water leak/freeze detectors.

I found that the Honeywell Home X2S Smart Thermostat worked quite well in heating my home to my specifications. I like being able to set the schedule to my precise daily needs, and being able to set up vacation mode even while already away on vacation. I feel like there is a lot less wasted HVAC use, as the thermostat makes it easy to set up a tailored schedule.

Should you buy the Honeywell Home X2S Smart Thermostat?

Buy it if

You want a reasonably-priced smart thermostat

While not the cheapest option on the market, there are certainly pricier ones out there. You can find this one well under the retail price if you shop around.View Deal

You only want to pay to heat and cool your home when you’re in it

Set up granular daily and weekly controls tailored to your schedule. Plus you can set up Auto Away so the thermostat updates based on your phone’s location and Vacation Settings as needed.View Deal

You want a flexible smart thermostat

The First Alert app is very easy to use, but you can also control the thermostat with your home’s ecosystem of choice. You can also go old school and use the buttons on the thermostat itself.View Deal

Don't buy it if

You don’t want to deal with another app

Yes, you do have to install the First Alert by Resideo app to get the thermostat set up. However, you could delete it later and just use your home’s ecosystem assistant or the buttons to control it.View Deal

You’re not handy and don’t want to pay a pro to install it

My husband is pretty handy (I’m not) but we ended up having to pay a pro to install the thermostat. Your mileage may vary.View Deal

You prefer to use voice activation

I had no trouble using Control Center on my iPhone to control the thermostat, but Siri’s voice activation didn’t work for me.View Deal

Honeywell Home X2S Smart Thermostat: alternatives to consider

If you're in the market for a smart thermostat and you're not sure Honeywell Home X2S Smart Thermostat is the one, here are some others you might consider checking out.

Google Nest Learning Thermostat (Gen 4)

This one topped our Best Smart Thermostat list due to its great looks, automatic heating schedule creation, and the fact that it compensates for outdoor temperature. It doesn’t require a C wire, which may make installation easier. However, it’s not compatible with Apple HomeKit.

Read our full review: Google Nest Learning Thermostat (Gen 4)View Deal

Hive Thermostat (2024)

This one is compatible with Alexa, Google Home, and Apple HomeKit. You can also use the Hive app if you don’t have any of them. The thermostat has a clear touchscreen display instead of buttons and it makes home heating more efficient.

Read our review: Hive Thermostat (2024)View Deal

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Honeywell Home X2S Smart Thermostat menu items — (Image credit: Karen Freeman / Future)

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Philips Hue Essential lights are spectacular value, but the originals outshine them in one key way

9:00 pm | December 29, 2025

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

Philips Hue Essential: two-minute review

Philips Hue Essential bulbs are a more affordable version of the company's standard smart lights, and they perform incredibly well considering they're less than half the price. There are a few limitations, though. For example, Philips Hue Essential bulbs offer a maximum brightness of **803**CHECK*** lumens, whereas standard Philips Hue White & Color Ambiance bulbs range from 800 to 1,600 lumens.

In most other respects, the two are very similar, and during my tests there was only one clear instance where the standard bulb really outshone the Essential version.

Philips Hue Essential bulb shifting between shades of blue and purple — The Philips Hue Essential bulb's color reproduction was impressive (Image credit: Future)

To see how the two would compare, I set up a pair of lamps – one with a Philips Hue Essential bulb, and the other with an 800-lumen Philips Hue White & Color Ambiance bulb. I added them to the same room in the Philips Hue app, which would enable me to control them simultaneously, and directly compare and contrast their output.

During most of the tests I ran, it was difficult to spot any difference between the two. Both were equally responsive, and produced colors that were identical to my naked eye when I switched between scenes. According to Signify (the company behind the Philips Hue brand), Essential bulbs use different color-matching technology to regular Hue lights; but personally, I had a hard time telling the difference.

Having said that, I did notice a dark band at the top of the Essential bulb, which wasn't present on the premium bulb. This was most apparent with purple and blue light. Note that it isn't something you'll notice if you're using the bulb in a ceiling light, nor in a table lamp, and therefore is unlikely to be a deal-breaker unless you're exceptionally picky.

Philips Hue Essential bulb set to purple showing dark — A dark "halo" is sometimes visible around the top of the Philips Hue Essential bulb (Image credit: Future)

The two were equally bright (as expected), although if I'd used a higher-output White & Color Ambiance bulb, then it would have been appreciably brighter.

However, there's one important difference that you should be aware of, particularly if you're looking for smart bulbs that will produce a natural-looking sunrise and sunset to help you wake up feeling refreshed, or to create subtle ambient lighting in your living room.

With both bulbs dialled down to their dimmest setting, the Hue Essential bulb was much brighter than the more expensive White & Color Ambiance model, as you can see in the photo below. That's because the Hue Essential bulb can only be dimmed to 2% of its maximum brightness, whereas the regular bulb can drop to just 0.2%.

Philips Hue Essential bulb and Philips Hue White & Color Ambiance bulbs in identical lamps on their dimmest settings — (Image credit: Future)

I also found that the Essential bulb tended to show a slightly warmer cast, due to its narrower white light spectrum (2,200–6,500K compared to 1,000-20,00K for a regular Hue bulb). Depending on your preferred light temperature, the difference could be apparent if you use the two different types of bulbs in close proximity,

I wouldn't mix and match regular Hue and Hue Essential bulbs within the same room. However, they're an excellent option for those wanting to setup a Philips Hue system but have previously been intimidated by the price. They're also great if you're looking to extend your existing system to more rooms in your home, without splashing too much cash.

Performance score: 4.5/5

Philips Hue Essential: price and availability

Much cheaper than regular Philips Hue bulbs
Even more affordable when bought as a multipack
You may also want a Philips Hue Bridge

The Philips Hue Essential range is designed to be an accessible entry point into the world of smart lighting, with the bulbs coming in at a much cheaper price than standard Philips Hue ones.

One Philips Hue Essential bulb (either screw or bayonet) costs $24.99 / £19.99 (about AU$40). If you want several, you can save money by opting for a multipack. A twin-pack costs $44.99 / £32.99 (about AU$70), and a four-pack comes in at $59.99 / £49.99 (about AU$90).

For comparison, a twin-pack of regular 800-lumen Philips Hue White & Color Ambiance bulbs costs $98.99 / £84.99 / AU$149.25, and a four-pack is $185.99 / £169.99 / AU$290.50. That's the starting price for a maximum brightness of 800 lumens; brighter bulbs cost even more.

Philips Hue Essential and regular Philips Hue bulbs in identical table lamps — The Philips Hue Essential bulb (left) has a slightly warmer cast than the regular Philips Hue White & Color Ambiance bulb on maximum brightness (800 lumens) (Image credit: Future)

There's another potential cost to consider, though. Although you can control the color and brightness of your Philips Hue Essential lights using Bluetooth on your phone, for more advanced features (such as applying scenes, setting schedules, and connecting them to smart speakers or switches) you'll also need a Philips Hue Bridge.

A standard Philips Hue Bridge costs $65.99 / £49.99 / AU$99.95, so factor this into your budget when planning your new smart lighting system. There's also a Philips Hue Bridge Pro, but this would be overkill for a new user with a small setup.

At the time of writing, Hue Essential bulbs only seem to be available in Australia as part of a starter kit, costing $170.08 for four bulbs and the Hue Bridge.

Value score: 5/5

Philips Hue Essential: specifications

Philips Hue Essential specifications
Fitting base	E26/E27, B22, GU10
Wattage	60W equivalent
Maximum brightness	*806 lumens*CHECK
Colors	16 million colors, 2,200–6,500K white light
Control options	Hue app, Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Apple HomeKit, Matter, and more
Connection options	Bluetooth, Zigbee

Philips Hue Essential: design

Only three bulb types available
All options offer tuneable white and colored light
Maximum brightness of ***802***CHECK lumens

Philips offers only a small selection of Hue Essential bulbs, which makes sense for an entry-level option. There are currently three models available – screw, bayonet, and GU10 spotlights – and these should be fine for most fittings around your home. Here, I tested an E27 screw-fitting bulb.

By contrast, regular Philips Hue lights come in virtually every shape and form possible, including candle and "filament"-style bulbs, LED strips, and gradient lamps to name just a few.

All bulbs in the Philips Hue Essential Series are "Warm to Cool White & Color", meaning they can show eight million colours, plus white light at different temperatures (from 2,200K to 6,500K). Regular Philips Hue smart bulbs are available in three versions:

Warm white, which lets you tune brightness but not color;
White Ambiance, which lets you adjust the brightness and temperature;
White & Color Ambiance, which also lets you pick from eight million colors.

For more details, take a look at my complete guide to the different types of Philips Hue smart light bulbs.

All Philips Hue Essential bulbs offer a maximum brightness of ***803***CHECK lumens. Regular Philips Hue bulbs range from 800 all the way through to 1,600 lumens.

Design score: 4.5/5

Should you buy Philips Hue Essential bulbs?

Philips Hue Essential scorecard
Attribute	Notes	Score
Value	Exceptional value at less than half the price of a standard Hue bulb (and even better in a multipack).	5/5
Design	Only available in three formats, but these cover most everyday use cases.	4.5/5
Performance	Compares favorably with original Philips Hue bulbs, but can't dim as low and has a slightly warm cast.	4.5/5

Buy them if

The price of regular Hue lights is off-putting

Philips Hue Essential bulbs are less than half the price of standard Hue lights, making them a much more affordable introduction to smart lighting.

You want to extend your Hue setup into more rooms

If you have a Hue system for your entertainment area, Hue Essential bulbs would be a great way to light areas such as hallways and dining rooms, where you don't need to dial the brightness right down.

Don't buy them if

You want to create subtle ambience

The dimmest setting on a Philips Hue Essential bulb is 2%, compared to 0.2% for a standard Hue light, so you won't be able to make super-subtle effects, and it doesn't make an ideal wake-up light.

You already have regular Hue bulbs in your room

Philips Hue Essential bulbs are very good, but their limitations might be apparent if you use them side-by-side with regular Hue lights. I'd recommend using one or the other in a room, rather than a mixture of both.

Philips Hue Essential: also consider

Govee Wi-Fi LED Bulb

Govee's lights connect directly to your home Wi-Fi network, meaning you can control them remotely via an app without the need for an additional hub. There's a very limited selection of bulb types, though, and during our tests we found their colors lacked vibrancy.

Read our full Govee Wi-Fi LED Bulb review

Nanoleaf Matter Essentials

As the name suggests, these smart bulbs are Matter-compatible, which makes them easy to integrate with a mixed smart home. They're a little cheaper than Hue Essential bulbs, too; but we found setup a little buggy in comparison to the smooth Hue experience.

Read our full Nanoleaf Matter Essentials review

How I tested the Philips Hue Essential bulbs

I tested a Philips Hue Essential E27 screw-fitting bulb alongside a standard Philips Hue Essential White & Color Ambiance bulb in identical table lamps, so I could more easily compare the two. I connected both to my existing Philips Hue setup, and added them to the same zone, which would enable me to control them both at once via the Hue app on my phone, set them to the same colors and brightness, and note similarities and differences.

I also tested them using the "sunset" automation within the Philips Hue app, with various preset scenes, and by tuning the light color and brightness manually.

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I’ve been testing this Eufy robovac for two weeks, and it has some of the best mopping I’ve seen

11:30 pm | December 23, 2025

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

Eufy E25 Omni: two-minute review

Hybrid robot vacuum-and-mops have come a long way in the last few years, and the Eufy E25 Omni is the latest example of bots that are capable of tackling both tasks to a high standard. I tested one for two weeks to see how it compares to the rest of the best robot vacuums on the market, and I was generally very impressed.

The E25 Omni offered solid performance in my vacuuming tests and was especially efficient at clearing fine dust. However, despite the squared-off shape and dual side sweepers, the edge cleaning wasn't the best. The AI-based automatic adjustment failed to recognize my spillage and bump up mop settings to clear it, but with manual tweaking to Max mode, this bot delivered some of the best mopping I've seen.

Navigation was reliable, as was obstacle avoidance. However, the E25 Omni proved a little fussy when it came to the initial mapping stages – I had to clear my floors to achieve a complete map. Meanwhile, the app is intuitive to use and offers a range of ways to operate the robot, including scheduled cleans, zone cleaning and the ability to change the intensity of vacuuming or mopping.

At full price it's expensive, but regular deals take the price down and deliver better value for money. That's the short version; read on for my full Eufy E25 Omni review.

Eufy E25 Omni robot vacuum in its dock — (Image credit: Future)

Eufy E25 Omni review: price & availability

List price: $1299.99 / £849 / AU$1799.95
Launched: May 2025
Availability: Worldwide

Officially, the E25 Omni is a premium robot vacuum, costing $1299.99 / £849 / AU$1799.95 at sticker price. However, you shouldn't read too much into that list price – the manufacturer offers regular, steep discounts and the Amazon price history shows it is rarely full price. With an average price of around US$750 it's still not cheap, but it does compare well with equivalent flagship hybrids like the Roborock Qrevo Curv or the Ecovacs Deebot X11 Omnicyclone.

In terms of value for money, the E25 is a very good robot vacuum and it does a lot to justify its high price point. However, it's worth considering the ongoing costs too. Replacement dust bags and floor cleaning solution are available from Eufy, with dust bags costing US$16.99 for 3 and the solution $20.99 a bottle. Third party dust bags are available for cheaper, although I can't confirm their compatibility.

Value for money score: 4 out of 5

Eufy E25 Omni specs

Max suction:	20,000 Pa
Robot size (L x W):	12.8 x 13.7in / 32.6 x 34.8cm
Robot height:	4.4in / 11.2cm
Dock dimensions (W x D x H):	14.6 x 19.1 x 17.3in / 37.2 x 48.4 x 43.9 cm
Mop type:	Roller
Max threshold clearance:	Not stated
Dust bin volume (onboard):	Not stated
Dust bin volume (base):	3L
Water tank volume:	2.5L (clean), 1.5L (dirty)
Base functions:	Self empty, refill water, clean and dry roller mop

Eufy E25 Omni review: design

Rounded square with two side sweepers, spit main roller and roller mop
Relatively compact dock takes care of a range of maintenance tasks
Dock has a useful transparent water tank

The Eufy E25 is a rounded square robot vacuum with a raised nodule housing the LiDAR for navigation. Flip it over and you'll find a roller that's equipped with bristles and rubbery fins, and is split in the middle to try and combat hair tangling, plus two spinning side sweepers. The main central suction are is really quite small in proportion to the size of the robot.

There's also a tube-shaped mop, which applies downward pressure to dislodge dirt. It's fed with clean water as it rolls around, while the dirty stuff is constantly siphoned off.

Eufy E25 Omni robot vacuum flipped over to show underside — (Image credit: Future)

The all-black design is minimalistic – which, for a functional product is definitely preferable to trying to do something a bit more eccentric. It is able to fit under objects 4.4in / 11.18cm off the ground, and through gaps of 12.83in / 32.58cm wide.

The dock is pretty inoffensive looking, and compared with some hybrids vac-mop options, feels relatively small. It's all black, with a view to blending into its surroundings, which is definitely a plus in my view. In terms of functions, it'll take care of emptying the bot's onboard dustbin, washing its mop pads and drying them with hot air, draining the onboard dirty water tank and refilling it with clean water, and dispensing detergent.

The water tank is transparent, so you can visually see when it is starting to run low. This feature is surprisingly rare, but useful. There's also a white ring light, which will turn red if either water tank isn't correctly installed.

The fact that the robot sits on a ramp outside the body of the dock, rather than slotting inside, helps keep the dock size down. As with most robot vacuum docks, you're technically meant to leave a wide margin of clear space all around (1.6ft / 0.49m either side and 4.9ft / 1.49m in front), but experienced owners will know it's possible to get away with far less than this.

Design score: 4 out of 5

Eufy E25 Omni review: performance

Strong obstacle avoidance but initial mapping can be hit-and-miss
Tendency to return to dock mid-clean, extending overall task time
Solid vacuuming and excellent mopping on the highest settings

It was fairly straightforward to get the Eufy E25 Omni set up, although I found the mapping task less forgiving than some rival models. Specifically, it's worth ensuring all obstacles are out of the way before attempting mapping.

You can control the E25 through the Eufy companion app or a smart home system. Both methods are fairly straightforward, although I found starting a specific room clean could be a bit hit-and-miss when I tested it using Amazon's Alexa. It would sometimes work, even with rooms where I'd used custom names, but half the time it would just start a whole house clean – a major hazard in a household like mine when another room's floor may be littered with Lego.

Eufy E25 Omni robot vacuum on a tiled floor — (Image credit: Future)

In terms of navigation, I found coverage of the rooms was good, with E25 taking a systematic path that didn't leave any patches uncleaned. It also did a good job of detecting different floor surfaces, reliably lifting the mop when it reached carpet to ensure it didn't get it damp, and upping the suction intensity on deeper carpet.

When given a cleaning task the E25 returned to its dock periodically to empty the dust container, clean the mops and recharge the battery. This did extend cleaning times a bit, but for an area of around 700 sq ft with mixed floor material, it generally took an 1hr 30mins, or a little bit under, to complete the clean.

Vacuuming performance

I ran a series of dedicated tests to access the Eufy E25's vacuuming performance of both fine dust (a mix of flour and cookie crumbs) and chunkier particles (dry rice). On hard floors I found it vacuumed fine particles well, picking up all the material in my test in one pass.

It didn't do as well with larger debris, with the side brushes pushing a few grains of rice into areas where the robot had already cleaned. It did eventually manage to pick up almost everything, though. On mid-pile carpet the E25 performed perfectly, picking up both fine and chunky debris in a single zone clean, although on higher pile it did leave a few grains of rice.

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Pile of dry tea and rice on tiled floor before the vacuuming test — (Image credit: Future)

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No ketchup remaining on tiled floor after the mopping test — (Image credit: Future)

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Pile of dry tea and rice on low-pile carpet before the vacuuming test — (Image credit: Future)

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No dry tea or rice remaining on low-pile carpet after the vacuuming test — (Image credit: Future)

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Pile of dry tea and rice on deep-pile carpet before the vacuuming test — (Image credit: Future)

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No visible dry tea or rice remaining on deep-pile carpet after the vacuuming test — (Image credit: Future)

Like many robot vacuums, cleaning performance around the edges of rooms isn't great. (It's this that really keeps it from being a vacuum that could fully replace a manual – as well as it not being able to vacuum stairs.) In my tests, the E25 worked its way around walls and objects but didn't get close enough for a really thorough edge clean.

Even on the highest vacuuming intensity I round this robot relatively quiet, although the auto-empty function in the dock is louder as the dock sucks the dust from the small onboard bin.

Mopping performance

On first look the mopping performance wasn't great. It did well at clearing a fresh liquid spill, leaving no more water on the surface than regular mopping would, but it struggled with tougher dirt. To test this, I smeared a small amount of ketchup on a hard floor and left it to dry.

I then sent the bot out to mop, leaving it to use its own AI features to work out which mop setting to use. Unfortunately, it didn't seem to make a dent in the dried up ketchup at all. For a second pass, I toggled the settings manually to the highest mop mode, and during this run the robot did seem to identify the stain and focus on it. It took a few passes but eventually managed to remove it completely.

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Ketchup smear and water spillage on tiled floor before the mopping test — (Image credit: Future)

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Remnant of ketchup on a tiled floor during the mopping test — (Image credit: Future)

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While the Eufy E25 omni does lose some points for needing a manual tweak of the settings, this is still some of the best mopping performance I have seen from a robot vacuum-mop.

Object avoidance

I also ran tests to assess how accurate the Eufy E25's object avoidance was. Here it performed very well, not only spotting and avoiding the objects I'd laid out, but even identifying them on the map and correctly labelling them as a power cable, a shoe and clothing (in the case of the sock). It managed to repeat this flawlessly twice in testing. However, in everyday use it did on occasion drag a charging cable around a room, so I'd still recommend keeping these out of reach as much as possible before starting a clean.

Eufy E25 Omni surrounded by obstacles on a carpeted floor — (Image credit: Future)

Maintenance

Cleaning and maintenance of the robot itself is low-effort. Like most robot vacuums, it will auto-empty dust from the small onboard bin into a larger bag within the dock. Emptying the dirty water tank is straightforward – it's easy to lift it out of the dock and unclip the top lid.

This robot's side sweeper brushes are angled to prevent hair tangling, and even after extended use I didn't have to remove any manually. If you do need to clean the main brushroll, the cage is easily removed and both halves of the roller can be popped out slightly to help you get at anything stuck inside.

Dirt collected in entrance to Eufy E25 Omni dock — (Image credit: Future)

The only part of the setup that needed a bit of attention was the part of the dock where the mop is cleaned. I found debris could collect here, although it was cleared easily enough using a regular vacuum with a crevice tool, or a brush.

Performance score: 4 out of 5

Eufy E25 Omni review: app

Simple setup and easy to use, with an editable, 3D map
Can store multiple maps for different floors
Naming inconsistency can cause confusion

The Eufy Clean app is easy to use and offers clear instructions to pair to the device and start mapping. Once you've completed mapping you are given a 3D map you can rotate, tilt and edit to divide, merge and rename rooms. From this you can then start cleaning either individual rooms or square zones that are defined on the map.

Using these zones you can isolate specific parts of a room, such as around a dining table for a quick post-dinner clean. If these are cleans you are going to be doing often you can also use the 'Common' section to define these regular tasks to make them easy to start or schedule.

Eufy E25 Omni — (Image credit: Screenshots from Eufy app)

When choosing an area you can define different features of the clean or leave it to the AI agent to select the best option for the room type and floor material. Options include cleaning intensity, water level, suction power and whether you want the robot to make 1 or 2 passes of the area.

As well as using the app to launch a clean, you can also schedule cleans, either as a one-off or a recurring event. Scheduled cleans can be set to whole home, specific rooms or scenarios. My only tiny gripe is that these 'scenarios' are the common tasks mentioned above, and it would be clearer if Eufy used a consistent name for the function in the app.

If you want to use the robot over multiple floors, you can also save multiple maps within the app. Just bear in mind you'll have to carry the robot up and down the stairs – potentially multiple times, because this robot likes to return to its dock to empty, clean its mop and top up its battery mid-clean.

The Eufy E25 Omni integrates with smart home systems and is compatible with the Matter standard so will work with Amazon Alexa, Google Home and Apple's Siri.

You can set 'Do not disturb' periods where the robot won't clean. If it's halfway through a clean when one of these kicks in, it will return to the dock, and resume once the designated quiet time has passed. If you are planning on having the base station in a bedroom it is worth considering that even during 'Do not disturb' hours the dock will continue to dry the mop, which is just about audible, although no more than a low-level hum.

App score: 4 out of 5

Should you buy the Eufy E25 Omni?

Attribute	Notes	Rating
Value	Premium, but regularly discounted. Decent value when on sale.	4 / 5
Design	No-nonsense robot vacuum with roller mop and two side sweepers. Relatively small dock for a hybrid cleaner.	4 / 5
Performance	Good vacuuming and excellent mopping on the highest settings. Strong obstacle avoidance, but initial mapping is unforgiving.	4 / 5
App	Easy to use, with plenty of options. Some inconsistency in names.	4 / 5

Buy it if...

Your priority is mopping

Although it did take a manual tweak of settings to get there, this robovac's mopping is some of the best I've seen.

You want a robot that doesn't need intervention

Some robots need regular saving after getting trapped on obstacles but the Eufy mostly managed to keep itself out of trouble.

Don't buy it if...

You don't need mopping

If all your floors are carpet there's no point paying the premium for mopping functionality.

You're worried about damp carpets

Although the Eufy E25 Omni reliably detected carpet and avoided mopping, other bots have the ability to leave their mop pads in the dock when they're not required – that's not an option here.

You want efficient cleaning

The Eufy E25 Omni regularly returned to its dock to empty its bin or top up its charge mid-clean, which did extend how long it took to complete tasks.

How I tested the Eufy E25 Omni

I tested the E25 over two floors of my home with mixed surfaces for a period of a few months. I performed specific tests to assess how well it picked up fine particles and larger debris on hard floors, low pile and high pile carpet. I also tested mopping performance on hard floors, testing how well it dealt with a dried ketchup stain and a fresh spill.

The robot was put through two obstacle avoidance tests and I tested the custom tasks and scheduling functions, as well as how well it worked with smart home integrations by operating it through Alexa to start whole home and zone cleans.

Read more about how we test robot vacuum cleaners

First reviewed December 2025

This Narwal robot vacuum has an impressive feature list, but just doesn’t do as it’s told

7:30 pm | December 21, 2025

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

Narwal Freo Z10 Ultra: two-minute review

The Narwal Freo Z10 Ultra is a feature-packed combination robot vacuum and mop, paired with a comprehensive base station. In theory, it should deliver an almost completely hands-off cleaning experience; everything you could want from one of the best robot vacuums. However, the performance was somewhat mixed during testing.

Narwal Robotics has been around since 2016, with a primary focus on developing innovative robot vacuums. The Freo Z10 Ultra is the latest flagship model of the Z-series lineup. It's an updated version of the Freo Z Ultra, which offered impressive mopping but struggled with carpets. The Z10 Ultra delivers higher suction power (18,000Pa) and adds edge-reaching technology to the mops. For a slightly more affordable option, there's the Freo Z10.

I tested the Narwal Freo Z10 Ultra over a couple of weeks, and when it comes to everyday vacuuming tasks, I was impressed. It did a solid job of clearing most particles – including dog fur, pine needles, and excessive amounts of crumbs – from both hard flooring and carpet in my home. However, edge vacuuming wasn't a strong suit (which was especially apparent under my kitchen cabinets) and it also struggled to clear larger spillages, even when using the highest suction level.

Mopping on the Narwal Freo Z10 Ultra was up there with the best I've seen. There's no water tank on the robot itself; instead, the two triangular, microfiber mops are loaded with hot water and detergent at the base before being sent out to clean. Admittedly, this made the cleaning longer and required the water tank to be refilled more often, but the results were worth it.

Beyond consistently mopping up mud puddles left by my dog and small food spills, the mops successfully cleaned a large, dried ketchup spill when using the wettest mopping level. With the Freo Z10 Ultra's edge-reaching technology, the mops even extended right up against walls, getting into places other robots often miss. The dock's mop maintenance features also worked extremely well.

I was equally impressed with the Narwal Freo Z10 Ultra's navigation and obstacle avoidance. Dual AI cameras and a LiDAR sensor enable it to avoid furniture, cables, shoes, and other clutter.

Unfortunately, the Freo Z10 Ultra is far from the most reliable bot to control. On many occasions, I would send the robot to complete a task, and it would either skip entire selected rooms or roll out of the base and return without doing anything at all. A "smart" AI cleaning mode, which should adjust cleaning settings based on dirt levels and floor type, only exacerbated the problems.

No matter which settings I used, I couldn't get the bot to auto-empty consistently. I suspect this issue is to do with a unique feature where both the onboard dustbin and the dust bag in the dock are dried to prevent bacterial growth. I'd argue this feature is unnecessary in the first place.

The Narwal Freo app isn't the most intuitive, either, due to the excessive number of settings and customizations. I've tested numerous robot vacuums, and still had to resort to Reddit on several occasions to figure out how to adjust certain settings, such as getting the robot to do basic things like vacuum carpets.

Clearly, not everything on the Narwal Freo Z10 Ultra is perfect, but when I got it to do what I wanted, the results were very solid. If you have the patience and experience, this robot vacuum is great for larger homes with average cleaning needs. Some flaws could even be overlooked if you're able to snag it on sale, which it often is.

LiDAR 4 navigation puck and dual AI cameras — (Image credit: Future)

Narwal Freo Z10 Ultra review: price & availability

List price: $1,299.99 / £1,299 / AU $2,499
Launch date: September 2025
Availability: Widely, including US, UK, and Australia

The Narwal Freo Z10 Ultra launched in September 2025. It's available in the US, UK, and Australia, with a list price of $1,299.99, £1,299, or AU$2,499. While the initial price tag might seem eye-watering, I've never seen this robot vacuum available for full price, at least in the US. In fact, it's often $400 or more off. Unfortunately, I haven't seen these deals in the UK or Australia. Chances are good you'll find decent savings during seasonal sales like Black Friday or Amazon Prime Day.

Even with a discount, the Narwal Freo Z10 Ultra sits on the premium end of the robot vacuum market. However, with features including dual AI cameras and mops equipped with edge-reaching technology, plus a base station that self-empties and hot water washes the mops, its price aligns with other higher-end robot vacuums. Based on the feature list it seems like solid value for your money, but unfortunately not all those special features behave as they should in practice.

Beyond the robot vacuum, base station, and a couple of replacement parts that come in the box, Narwal also offers the option to purchase the "Advance Kit". For an additional $259.99, you'll receive all the accessories needed to use this vacuum for years, including an extra main brush roller, side brushes, mopping pads, floor detergent, dust bags, and more. It's not cheap, but buying these items separately can add up quickly, too (just two mopping pads will set you back $20, while the kit comes with six). The UK and Australia offer similar accessory packs for £119.99 or AU$399.99, respectively.

Value for money score: 3.5 out of 5

Narwal Freo Z10 Ultra specs

Max suction:	18,000 Pa
Robot size:	14 x 13.8 in / 35.5 x 35 cm
Robot height:	4.3in / 11cm
Dock dimensions (W x D x H):	17 x 18.2 x 15.2in / 43.1 x 46.2 x 38.8cm
Mop type:	Dual spinning triangular discs
Max threshold clearance:	Not stated
Dust bin volume (onboard):	0.48L
Dust bin volume (base):	2.5L
Water tank volume:	4.5L (clean) / 4.1L (dirty)
Base functions:	Charge, empty dust, wash mop pads with hot water, dry mop pads, dry dust bag
Runtime:	~2.5 hours (tested)
Recharge time:	~3 hours (tested)
Sensors:	Dual AI Cameras, LiDAR 4.0, and side sensor

Narwal Freo Z10 Ultra review: design

Stylish but bulky base station with a wide range of features
Spinning mop pads deliver up to 8N of pressure and extend to reach edges
Anti-hair wrap technology on the main brush and side brushes

Like most robot vacuums with an auto-cleaning base station, the Narwal Freo Z10 Ultra arrived in a massive box that weighed over 44lbs (20kg); it's best to have an extra set of hands to help get it inside.

After lifting out all the box's contents, including the bulky base station, which had handles to make life easier, I found that there were absolutely no instructions aside from the plentiful stickers on the different components. I've set up my fair share of robot vacuums before, so it's second nature to me, but for those new to robot vacuums, it was a glaring omission. You can find instructions online, but it's still not ideal.

Robot vacuum straight out of shipping box — (Image credit: Future)

The lack of instructions aside, the setup was fairly straightforward. All I had to do was install the side brushes, add the included detergent for the mops, fill the clean water tank, and connect to Wi-Fi. Also, be sure to remove the cover on the front camera sensor of the robot vacuum. I missed this step, and as a result my floor map on the app wouldn't save. I eventually resorted to Reddit to figure out the problem. Again, physical instructions would've prevented this problem.

Robot design

Once I had everything together, I was impressed with how well this bot blended into my room. Most robovacs / docks come in white or black, but this model is a stylish gray. This was a nice change of pace and it happened to perfectly match the walls in the room.

The circular design is typical of most robot vacuums, while on top is your traditional LiDAR puck, which spins inside its casing to help with mapping. Unfortunately, that sensor makes the robot vacuum a little too tall to fit under lower furniture, something other robot vacuums have addressed – models like the Roborock Qrevo Slim and Dreame X50 Ultra have retractable pucks that tuck in when the bot enters low-height areas. Within Narwal's own range, the higher-end Narwal Flow has its LiDAR module mounted within the body of the robot rather than sitting on top.

Other sensors include dual 136-degree cameras with dual AI chips, located at the front of the robot. These cameras also take pictures of obstacles or can be used to scan your space, similar to a security camera. The bot also comes kitted out with a bright light that automatically activates for navigation and obstacle avoidance in darker spaces. There's a further sensor on the side for even more assistance in navigating spaces.

Underside of robot with tangle-free main brush, side brush, and microfiber triangular mopping pads — (Image credit: Future)

Flip the robovac over and you'll find the main roller, with rubber fins and short bristles suitable for both carpets and hard flooring. This also incorporates anti-hair wrap technology – given that I have a fluffy Keeshond constantly leaving clumps of hair around, this is a huge boon. The side brushes also feature detangling technology and have more movement than typical side brushes.

However, the most notable feature is the two triangular microfiber mops that velcro on. These mops spin at 180RPM, applying up to 8N of mopping pressure, and can also extend out to get into corners, edges, and hard-to-reach places.

Controls on the robot vacuum are minimal: on the top you'll find Start/stop and Return to dock buttons. Voice control can also be used to manage cleaning – Alexa, Siri, and Google Home are all supported. But like all robovacs, you'll probably be mainly controlling it using the Narwal app.

Lid and dust box removed from robot vacuum. Dust box filter and 'wet' waste filter exposed — (Image credit: Future)

An easily liftable magnetic cover hides the onboard dustbin. This is an average size for robot vacuums and can easily be removed for manual emptying if required. Rather unusually, it features a special insert to separate wet and dry debris.

Also unusual is the fact that this robot vacuum doesn't have a water tank on board. Instead, the mops are loaded up with warm, soapy water at the base station, and a consistent amount of water is spread about the floor during the cleaning.

Base station design

Moving on to the base station. This is large, occupying a considerable amount of space, but I loved the space gray finish and soft, rounded edges. A special ionized water feature bubbles and illuminates a little bar when cleaning the mops, adding a nice space-age touch.

The Freo Z10 Ultra base station is packed with features. On top is a flip-to-open hinged lid featuring a tiny LCD that allows you to send the vacuum out without using your phone. It can turn the AI-powered "Freo Mind" mode on/off, recall, start/stop, and start mop washing/drying. However, I reviewed the Narwal Freo in 2023, and that older model's touchscreen was easier to use and allowed you to do far more. I was disappointed by the downgrade, but it's still a unique feature that I've only ever found on Narwal's robots.

LCD touchscreen on lid of Narwal Freo Z10 Ultra dock — (Image credit: Future)

Once you open that lid, the clean and dirty water tanks with handles are revealed and simple to take out for filling or emptying. Around front is an easy-to-remove magnetic cover that reveals the dust bag and detergent mopping solution (you can still use the mops without the detergent installed).

Magnetic front cover of base station removed revealing detergent and dust bag — (Image credit: Future)

In the bottom compartment, where the robot vacuum resides and charges, is a mop washing station. AI detects the type of dirt on the mop and cleans it at different temperatures. After cleaning the mops, hot air drying helps prevent bacterial growth. Another unique feature is pre-drying, where the vacuum's dustbin content is dried before being emptied into the dust bag in the base station, preventing odors and bacterial growth. The dust bag in the dock can also be dried. It's a cool addition, but not a feature that I personally care about (or even think about) when it comes to my robot vacuums.

Design score: 4 out of 5

Narwal Freo Z10 Ultra review: performance

Sold vacuuming for everyday use, but struggles with large spills
Excellent mopping but uses a lot of water
Doesn't reliably follow instructions, and "smart" features make things worse

Similar to just about every robot vacuum I've tested, you must start by mapping your space. That means connecting to the Narwal Freo app and Wi-Fi. The app guided me through the connection process, and although it failed to connect on the first attempt, the robot was ready to proceed after the second try.

I sent it out to create a map of my space, and it took about 10 minutes. However, upon return, the map wouldn't save. It appeared to navigate my space with ease, avoiding furniture, obstacles, and even a step into the family room. I did the process over and over again. Eventually, resorting to a handful of problem-solving techniques, like restarting it, changing base station positions, and more.

Little did I know that a cover over the dual cameras with AI chips would prevent the map from saving. After finally coming to this realization (with some research help from Reddit), the robot vacuum went out for a final time; it took about 15 minutes, and the map was finally saved.

I was impressed by how accurate the map was. While it didn't divide all the rooms perfectly, almost every space in the lower floor of my home was included, noting some furniture, obstacles, and even floor types. It missed a small bathroom, but I believe that was due to a fluffy rug blocking its path. The family room was also not included, as a step down was required to access it. Luckily, you can save multiple maps, so in addition to the lower level, I created maps of the upper level of my home and the family room. To clean these spaces, I had to move the robot vacuum to a specified starting point since the base station was inaccessible.

I learned the hard way about an extremely frustrating setting regarding the maps: you must adjust settings to vacuum on carpeting and rugs. I failed to do this, and the robot would literally just go over the carpet or rugs during vacuuming tasks without vacuuming them. Even massive area rugs and the carpet that covers nearly the entirety of the upstairs would be ignored during vacuuming. I had to go through and individually change the settings on all the rugs and carpets on the app's map to actually get them vacuumed. This is not something I've experienced with any other robot vacuum.

The Narwal Freo app has a menu of different cleaning options: Mop, Vacuum, Mop & vacuum, or Mop then vacuum. With each of those cleaning options, it's possible to select a specific mode. "Freo Mind" intelligently adjusts the cleaning parameters based on the floor type and dirt levels, while "Customize" allows you to fine-tune suction levels, mopping water levels, coverage precision, and more myself. You can either select rooms or highlight zones for the robot to clean.

During my average, everyday cleanings, the Narwal Z10 Ultra easily navigated my space. The lower level of my house consists of hardwood, tile, and laminate flooring, along with numerous medium-pile rugs, as my dog is afraid to walk on hard flooring.

Even on rugs that were accidentally lifted, the robot managed to move around the obstacle and continue the task. Rescuing was only required a couple of times, which is impressive given the clutter in my home. The map on the app even noted the obstacles encountered during a cleaning, taking pictures of items in the way. I have shots of shoes, cables, and a few hilarious candids of my dog being a little too curious.

Narwal Freo Z10 Ultra avoiding a sock during testing — (Image credit: Future)

I also ran a special test for object avoidance. During these, the vacuum successfully went around a sock, but then managed to vacuum up a shoelace and a charging cable simultaneously, despite having already noted these obstacles on the map. I'm not sure what happened, and I was disappointed by the results.

This test was likely a fluke. I never had a problem during my regular cleaning tasks, during which the bot successfully avoided multiple shoes, cables, and a whole host of other items. The Freo Z10 Ultra also navigated around larger furniture and bigger obstacles like a champ.

In fact, my only real complaint about the obstacle avoidance was that it was sometimes a little too meticulous. Specifically, I had an issue with mopping around rugs. The robot consistently lifted its mops when going over a rug and never got any rugs wet, but it also left a large, unmopped margin around the perimeter of each rug. If two rugs were situated close together, it wouldn't mop the area between them at all.

Also, the robot struggled to detect when a rug had been removed. So even when I wanted it to mop an area where the rug used to be, it would still skip that spot and leave it uncleaned.

Mopping performance

Aside from being over-zealous about avoiding rugs, in general the mopping performance was surprisingly good, and especially effective when it came to tackling cleaning edges and corners. The lack of edge mopping was a notable issue on the Narwal Freo Z Ultra that TechRadar reviewed in 2024. However, the new extension feature managed to get into those harder-to-reach places, such as under kitchen cabinets.

Due to the lack of an on-robot water tank, the robot would frequently return to the base station for mop cleaning, adding to the total cleaning time. Luckily, the vacuum had an impressive battery runtime; it lasted nearly 2.5 hours before reaching 15% power and needing to return to the base station to recharge. That was plenty of time to vacuum & mop the bottom floor of my house. Recharging back to 100% only took about 3 hours, which is far faster than other robot vacuums I've tested.

The mops really had their work cut out for them, too. During my review period it was snowy where I live in western New York, and my dog was constantly traipsing mud and snowballs all around the house. The mops easily picked up the muddy spots and wet puddles left in her wake. It also had no trouble tackling everyday messes including coffee drips, dried yogurt, and other smaller food spills. When emptying the dirty water tank on the robot, I could see just how well the mops were doing their job.

Mopping pad extension to reach edges — (Image credit: Future)

I also put the mops through more intensive testing. I poured a big puddle of water on the tile in my corridor, and sent the robot out to 'Vacuum & mop' that exact zone using the Freo Mind mode. Unfortunately, the robot didn't detect the water and simply ran right through the puddle, failing to activate the mops and instead spreading the water all around.

Sending the robot out to just 'Mop' rather yielded much better results, as the water was spread evenly around the floor, allowing the puddle to dry faster than it would have done. However, this wouldn't be ideal if the spillage had been, say, milk rather than water.

For a second test of the mops, I spread ketchup on the kitchen laminate and allowed it to dry. Using the Freo Mind and 'Mop' settings, I sent the vacuum out to clean up. While Freo Mind mode is meant to detect messes, analyze dirty water at the base station, and adjust accordingly, it didn't seem to notice the ketchup, mopping up only a small amount before calling it quits and returning to the base station after just one pass.

I sent the robot out a second time, but this time I used 'Customize' mode rather than Freo Mind, and selected the highest mopping level – 'Wet mopping'. The result was significantly better. Almost all the ketchup was removed in the first pass-through, while the second pass got the rest of the ketchup off the floor.

Vacuuming performance

After I'd figured out how to get the bot to actually clean my rugs, the Freo Z10 Ultra's everyday vacuuming performance was generally great. It did a solid job of clearing most light debris, such as dog hair, crumbs, and pine needles, from both hard floors and medium-pile rugs. Not every speck of dirt was gone every time, but it definitely performed better than some other robot vacuums I've tested.

The main brush and side brushes feature anti-tangle technology, and it worked wonderfully. All the brushes had virtually zero hair wrap at the end of my testing period. That's a huge feat considering my dog and my own long hair.

Robot losing contents on way to base station — (Image credit: Future)

It's not quite perfect, though. When traversing rugs on its way back to the base station, the Freo Z10 Ultra would occasionally spit out some of the debris it'd just cleaned.

I also found it wasn't amazing at vacuuming the edges of rooms, especially around the kitchen cabinets, where the robot was just a little too tall to fit under the overhang. Those spots were still littered with crumbs and debris even after multiple cleanings.

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Start of oats on carpet testing with robot light activated — (Image credit: Future)

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Fine particle debris testing on carpet — (Image credit: Future)

Just like the mops, I performed more intensive testing of the vacuum functionality. One test used a mix of ground-up biscuits and flour to represent dust and fine particles, and another used oats to represent larger debris. I spread the messes out in a one-meter area of the hard floor and on medium-pile carpet, setting each area as a 'zone' for the vacuum to clean using the app.

The vacuum struggled to pick up the biscuit and fine particle mess from the hard floor. At the lowest setting, 'Quiet', it picked up about half, and spread the rest of the mess around, causing it to end up well beyond my outlined cleaning area. Even with three passes using the highest setting ('Vortex'), the mess wasn't completely removed. That's not great – you don't need much suction to clean hard flooring.

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Fine particles on hard floor before testing — (Image credit: Future)

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Second vacuum run during fine particle debris test on hard flooring — (Image credit: Future)

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Oats on hard floor before testing began — (Image credit: Future)

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First run of the vacuum during oats on hard flooring testing — (Image credit: Future)

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Final run during oats on hard floor testing — (Image credit: Future)

Luckily, the robot vacuum's performance with oats on hard flooring was much better – even in 'Quiet' mode, it picked up almost all the oats. I noticed that the side brushes weren't moving, which helped keep the mess contained. However, the smaller, dust-like oat particles weren't as easily cleaned up. Still, after deploying the most powerful suction level, nearly everything was cleared up.

These same tests yielded similar results on carpeted floor, except here the fine biscuit and flour mixture ended up ingrained into the rug. The side brushes also kicked the oats around more than they had on hard flooring, which was a surprise.

In the end, I had to grab my upright vacuum to clean up the mess on both types of floors. While these test results might not seem ideal, a robot vacuum would rarely be required to vacuum up such a concentrated level of debris. When it came to general vacuuming performance, I still found it to be above average for robot vacuums, particularly when cleaning rugs and carpeting.

Dock performance

When it comes to maintenance, upkeep is effortless. The base station washes and hot dries the mop to prevent bacteria and odor. Even after a couple of weeks of use, the mopping pads had no odor and looked almost as good as new. Just note that this base station appeared to guzzle water, and I regularly had to empty the dirty water tank and top up clean water.

Dirty water tank after mopping — (Image credit: Future)

Like many robovacs, the Freo Z10 Ultra has the ability to auto-empty its onboard bin into a larger bag in the dock (which should hold around 120 days' worth of dust). To start with, I used the "Smart empty" mode where the robot should figure out when it needs to empty itself.

However, in practice the bot didn't always empty when it needed to. In fact, even after toggling settings in the app so it would empty after every clean, it remained hit-or-miss whether the auto-empty would kick in.

This could be due to the – in my opinion, unnecessary – dustbin/bag drying and disinfecting happening in the base station. Bacterial growth has never even been a concern when using robot vacuums, and this disinfecting process took more than five hours to complete. At least when the self-emptying did happen, it worked efficiently, with all the contents of the onboard bin being removed.

Smart base station failing to empty — (Image credit: Future)

Smart feature performance

Overall, I've found the Freo Z10 Ultra's 'smart' features to be more of a hindrance than a help. Beyond the not-so-smart auto-emptying, the Freo Mind mode would often lead to entire rooms or zones being skipped during cleaning, even when I specifically selected to have these spaces mopped and/or vacuumed. I also found that bigger messes didn't get the extra attention required, even though this mode is designed specifically for that situation.

Even without Freo Mind mode activated, the vacuum would sometimes fail to complete tasks. On multiple occasions, I sent the vacuum to clean a room, and it would only clean a small area before returning and claiming the "task completed". Sometimes, it would just roll out of the base station and immediately return. It was extremely frustrating to deal with.

Remote control _video_ mode — (Image credit: Future)

Not all the added features were flops. I appreciated the video mode that lets you use those dual AI cameras like a security camera. The robot vacuum can be controlled similarly to a remote control car, traversing your space, and allowing you to spy on your home. It was great for checking in on my dog when I was out of the house.

Noise levels

As someone sensitive to noise, I found the sound levels on the robot vacuum to be tolerable, averaging 60dB when vacuuming and mopping. It's significantly quieter than an upright vacuum, sounding more like a wall unit air conditioner. However, the base station's emptying is much louder and always surprised me when it happened, reaching nearly 80 dB. Luckily, when drying/cleaning the mops and dustbin/bag, the base station was extremely quiet, blending with other house noises.

Performance score: 3 out of 5

Narwal Freo Z10 Ultra review: app

Ample customization options can be overwhelming
Some basic features are hard to find, even for an experienced user
Saves multiple, easy-to-edit maps for multi-story homes

The Narwal Freo app has a lot to offer, but it isn't as intuitive as I would've liked. I found all the different functions, features, and customizations overwhelming – and I imagine even more so for robovac novices. Even after several years of testing robot vacuums, I still had to resort to Reddit to figure out how to change certain settings (like carpeting vacuuming) – some features are buried deep within the app and easy to miss.

As I noted, the combination of a LiDAR scanner and AI cameras on the vacuum created a decently accurate map of my space. Within the app, it's easy to merge rooms, split rooms, rename rooms, update floor material, set no-go zones, and more. Other furniture, rugs, and obstacles can be marked, but it's hard to get the position of these items 100% accurate – and not really necessary. A 3D map is available, but I've never found these maps useful. I also saved multiple maps for different levels of my home, a huge boon for those in multi-story houses.

Narwal Freo app's multiple maps, map editing, and sample of setting options — (Image credit: Narwal / Future)

Adjustments to cleaning parameters, such as suction level, mopping humidity, coverage precision, and the number of passes, are all fairly straightforward. Theoretically, the Freo Mind mode should take care of making those decisions for you, but in testing, this mode didn't perform as expected, and I found manual selection was by far the best option.

It's possible to create cleaning schedules or provide shortcuts on the main homepage. I loved setting the cleaning sequence of rooms or specific zones to be cleaned – I could ask it to target the areas my dog likes to hang out in while we're out, and then focus on rooms like the study or dining room. During cleaning, the map on the app shows real-time updates of where the vacuum is in the cleaning process and notes obstacles in its path (with photos). It's even possible to receive phone notifications. Cleans are logged so you can check out the full cleaning history.

Narwal Freo app device home page, cleaning parameter, and cleaning progress example — (Image credit: Future / Narwal)

If you're looking for smart home integration, Siri, Google Home, and Amazon Alexa are all supported. The app features a dedicated 'Third-Party Controls' section to set the robot vacuum to respond to voice commands. There are plenty of other settings too, including accessory management, base station adjustments, and a 'Family with pets' toggle for extra caution when navigating, and that's just scratching the surface.

App score: 3.5 out of 5

Should you buy the Narwal Freo Z10 Ultra?

Attribute	Notes	Rating
Value	Premium-tier, and packed with features to justify the higher price tag – although they don't all work as intended. Often significantly discounted.	3.5 / 5
Design	Stylish yet bulky base station packed with features. Bot has extendable mopping pads, anti-hair wrap, and dual AI cameras. Strangely, no onboard water tank.	4 / 5
Performance	Solid vacuuming, great (if water-intensive) mopping, and strong obstacle avoidance. However, often fails to do as it has been told, and the "smart" features make things worse.	2.5 / 5
App	Overwhelming app filled with all the functions, settings, and customizations one could ever need or want. Allows for easy editing of multistory mapping.	3 / 5

Buy it if...

You have mostly hard floors

The mopping here is a cut above average, with especially good edge cleaning. Beware, though, it does use a lot of water.

Your house is cluttered

This robot vacuum reliably avoided my dog, cables, furniture, shoes, and decor that were littered throughout my home during testing.

You spot a great deal

The unreliable behavior might be a deal-breaker, but if you spot a big discount you could potentially get a strong featureset for your money.

Don't buy it if...

Your home is mostly carpet

A highlight feature of the Narwal Freo Z10 Ultra is its mopping abilities, and you're paying for the impressive 8N pressure, edge reach technology, and hot mop washing base station. If you don't have many hard floors that require mopping, you'll get much better value from a vacuum-only robot.

You're a first-time robovac owner

This robot vacuum has numerous settings and customizations, making it a bit overwhelming. Additionally, certain features don't always work as intended or are difficult to adjust within the app. These quirks will be extremely frustrating.

You're tight on space

If you live in a smaller apartment or house, this robot vacuum will likely be overkill for your cleaning needs. The base station is also bulky, occupying a significant amount of valuable wall space.

How I tested the Narwal Freo Z10 Ultra

I tested the Narwal Freo Z10 in my family home for just over two weeks during the holiday season. It's a two-story home with a sunken family room and almost fully carpeted upstairs. Most of the testing was conducted on the bottom floor, which consists of hardwood floors, vinyl, tile, and tons of medium-pile rugs. A fluffy Keeshond also resides here, leading to excess amounts of fur, debris, and snow in my home.

Beyond sending the robovac out to do everyday vacuuming and mopping tasks, I put it through more rigorous tests. For the vacuum, I spread oats and a flour/biscuit in a one-meter area on both hard flooring and carpet, observing the pickup at different suction levels. To test the mops, I spread a generous amount of ketchup on the floor, letting it dry before sending the robot out to clean. I also observed the mop's ability to pick up a bigger water spill. As for obstacle avoidance, I placed a small charging cable, a floor-matching sock, and a sneaker in a room to observe how well the vacuum navigated around them.

I also experimented with the Narwal Freo app, adjusting settings on both the robot and base station. A decibel meter app on my phone was used to measure noise levels.

Read more about how we test robot vacuum cleaners

First reviewed December 2025