If you’re a content creator who needs a portable microphone for a convention, or even just some on-the-go video making, you really can’t go wrong with the JBL Quantum Stream Wireless. This pocket-friendly lapel mic comes with a convenient charging case, much like a pair of wireless earbuds, and works readily with your phone right out of the box. You simply insert the included Lightning or USB-C dongle and you’re ready to go.
I’ve been impressed with the performance during my testing and found that the JBL Quantum Stream Wireless delivers clear sound even in quite loud environments, especially when paired with the noise-canceling capabilities of the compatible JBL Headphones mobile app. The manufacturer touts a 24-hour battery life, with six hours from the microphone and another 18 from its charging case, and this figure was broadly accurate - giving you more than enough juice for an entire day.
Factor in a few more handy features, such as the onboard microphone mute button, and you have a very robust overall package. My one complaint would be that the included windshield, useful for outdoor recording, is a touch fiddly and can be quite hard to securely install.
Potential buyers should also weigh up whether they actually need a lapel mic. The performance is good for a small, portable device, but you will still get superior sound quality from many of the best microphones for streaming - which would be a better choice if you want to record at home.
(Image credit: Future)
JBL Quantum Stream Wireless: Price and availability
$99.95 / £89.99
USB-C and Lightning variants
Launched in March 2024
The JBL Quantum Stream Wireless is readily available for $99.95 / £89.99 directly from JBL and at retailers like Amazon. This might seem like a fair chunk to spend on any microphone, but means that this model sits neatly between super-budget offerings and more premium portable microphones from companies like Rode and DJI. The DJI Mic, for example, features two transmitters and a similar storage space but comes in at roughly double the price of the JBL Quantum Stream Wireless.
JBL Quantum Stream Wireless: Specs
JBL Quantum Stream Wireless: Design and features
Portable size
LED power indicators
Good app
The design of the JBL Quantum Stream Wireless shares quite a lot in common with your average pair of wireless gaming earbuds. Its black carrying case is compact, with a subtle embossed JBL logo and a small row of four white LED indicators used to denote its current charge level. On the back of the case, you can find a type-C charging port, compatible with the included charging cable.
The top of the case opens up like a lid on a hinge, revealing slots for the clip-on microphone and dongle. Both are secured by magnets, though just the microphone also has two metal contacts that allow it to charge while it’s in the case. Removing the microphone gives you a good look at its design, which is mainly constructed from plastic. The front has a smooth grooved pattern, with a little JBL logo, while the back has a generously sized clip for attaching it to your clothes.
On the side of the microphone is a small button, which can be used to quickly mute it. There’s also a bright indicator LED, which is red when the microphone is disabled. Otherwise, it flashes white before turning a solid color when paired with your phone.
There’s very little to report about the dongle itself, which is rectangular and quite light and thin. It attaches to your phone via a type-C or Lightning connector depending on your model of choice, but also has its own USB port for pass-through charging. This is a great little feature and means that you don’t have to worry about not being able to charge your phone while the microphone is in use.
Most of the microphone’s core features are accessed through the JBL Headphones mobile app or JBL Quantum Engine PC software, both of which are compatible with this product. Given the clear focus on portability, I mainly relied on the app which offers the option to check battery levels, alter mic gain, enable AI noise canceling, flick between a few preset effects, and tweak power settings like LED brightness and the automatic power off.
The software isn’t anything revolutionary, but it’s got a decent selection of options and is, importantly, very responsive and well-presented.
(Image credit: Future)
JBL Quantum Stream Wireless: Performance
Effective noise cancellation
Works well at events
Great battery life
It’s hard to fault the performance of the JBL Quantum Stream Wireless. I mainly tested the product at events, including the busy halls of Gamescom, and found that it did a great job of cutting through the background noise to deliver perfectly understandable recordings despite its small size.
You do notice a dip in quality when things get quite loud, with my voice often taking on a slightly robotic edge in particularly large crowds, but that was still preferable to the frankly incomprehensible recordings produced by my phone’s microphone in the same areas. This is also true of its performance outdoors, particularly with loud wind or vehicles. Expect a more natural sound when you’re out on a calm day.
It is a tad unfortunate that the included windshield is so fiddly, though. It clips on the top of the microphone via two little holes but is quite hard to align. I struggled to do it in poor lighting and was often unsure whether it was actually attached. This is not a dealbreaker, but it is worth bearing in mind if you intend to use the windshield a lot.
In terms of battery life, the JBL Quantum Stream Wireless is more than capable. I only have to charge up the case every couple of days with semi-frequent use and never had the microphone die during a recording session. Unless you want to wear it, turned on, for hours and hours at a time, you’re not going to run into any problems here.
(Image credit: Future)
Should I buy the JBL Quantum Stream Wireless?
Buy it if...
You want a plug-and-play solution The JBL Quantum Stream Wireless is incredibly easy to use. You simply clip the microphone to your clothes, plug the included dongle into your phone, and you’re ready to go.
You want to create content on the go The JBL Quantum Stream Wireless is a good option if you’re looking to take your content creation out and about, improving the quality of your audio recordings compared to your phone.
Don't buy it if...
You want a desktop microphone instead Unless you intend to capitalize on its portability, the JBL Quantum Stream Wireless is not for you. For more general gaming or streaming, consider a standard desktop microphone instead.
You need even more features More expensive models offer even more expansive feature sets and could be a better pick if you want a more professional recording setup.
Also consider...
If you’re not keen on the JBL Quantum Stream Wireless, you can consider these two top gaming and content-creation microphones instead.
DJI Mic 2 If you have more to spend and want a similar set of microphones but with two receivers and compatibility with more specialist video equipment, consider the DJI Mic 2.
JBL Quantum Stream Studio JBL also offers a robust option for content creators in the JBL Quantum Stream Studio. It’s not as portable, but it is still simple to use and offers great performance for the price.
I tested the JBL Quantum Stream Wireless over a period of roughly five months with an iPhone 15 Plus. During that time I took the microphone to a variety of gaming events and tested it in a wide range of conditions both indoors and outdoors. I was careful to evaluate its performance and test all of the available features in its mobile app.
The Anker Nebula Cosmos 4K SE is a laser and LED smart projector capable of projecting 4K Dolby-Vision-enhanced imagery up to 200 inches. It was first released in the US, followed by the UK in August and September 2024 for a list price of $1,299.99 / £1,299.99.
It's cheaper than its predecessor, the Anker Nebula Cosmos 4K, which has an extra 400 ANSI lumens of brightness, and a full laser light source, compared to the 4K SEs laser and LED HybridBeam. The Nebula Cosmos 4K SE has plenty to boast about though, with Google TV built-in, offering effortless access to popular streaming apps like Netflix and Disney+, and many other useful apps, as one would expect from Google. There’s decent support for external content too, with HDMI and USB-C ports making it simple to connect a disc drive or laptop.
The Nebula Cosmos 4K SE has a stated brightness of 1,800 ANSI lumens – this is some way short of most of the best 4K projectors. Our testing didn’t provide results to get excited about, with measurements taken including 122 nits peak brightness, which wasn’t radically different from the BenQ v5000i, and grayscale accuracy of 8, plus a color accuracy of 3.4.
Coverage of the UHDA-P3 color gamut came in at 88.9%, with BT.2020 reading 76.3%. The input lag measured up, with 35ms of lag in Game Mode Standard, and 18.5ms in Game Mode Extreme.
(Image credit: Future)
Real-time autofocus, auto keystone correction, and auto screen fit worked well when projected onto small targets, but I found I had to manually alter the four keystone points to get the image to sit centrally (just about) on my 100-inch screen. I could only watch at 60 inches, as I lacked the space to have the projector the required 7.8ft / 2.4 meters away from the screen. If you have your heart set on getting the full movie theatre experience without having to shell out on a house extension, I’d recommend taking a look at our pick of the Best ultra short throw projectors instead.
When it comes to the performance of the contrast and brightness when watching content, darker scenes in movies and TV shows with a dark aesthetic were plagued by pixelated grays where darker areas would otherwise be visible while watching on a TV. This isn’t entirely uncommon for projectors, as producing dense blacks is naturally difficult given how the image is generated, but I can’t say that it didn’t subtract from the otherwise fabulous viewing experience. Scenes in Damsel and Prometheus in particular showcased the Cosmos 4K SE’s ability to deliver stunningly vivid color and intricate details, no doubt thanks to the addition of Dolby Vision. This, along with the two built-in 15-watt Dolby-Audio-enabled speakers made watching movies and series with this projector a satisfyingly immersive experience. You can read further details about this in the Picture Quality section below.
In a nutshell, provided you have the space to achieve the screen size you want, you’re happy watching content in little more than a dim light, and you have the space to place this chonky example of a portable projector, I’d highly recommend the Nebula Cosmos 4K SE.
(Image credit: Future)
Anker Nebula Cosmos 4K SE review: price and availability
List price: $1,299.99 / £1,299.99
Available in the US and the UK
Released in August / September 2024
The Nebula Cosmos 4K SE became available in the US in August 2024, followed by the UK in September 2024, at a list price of $1,299.99 / £1,299.99. Apart from the Amazon Prime Day sales, when it dropped to $999 / £999, which Anker matched on the Nebula website, the cost of the Nebula Cosmos 4K SE looks to have remained at its usual price. At the time of writing, the Cosmos 4K SE is not available in Australia.
While unlikely to be a spontaneous purchase at this price, the Nebula Cosmos 4K SE is still miles cheaper than all but one in our choice of the best 4K projectors.
Anker Nebula Cosmos 4K SE review: specs
Anker Nebula Cosmos 4K SE review: design and features
Google TV built-in
Large but technically portable
Efficient auto-correction and calibration features
The Nebula Cosmos 4K SE just about classes as portable, though it is a bit of a chonk, weighing in at 4.5kg /9.9lb, and with dimensions of 10.4 x 8.7 x 6.5 inches / 264 x 221 x 165mm. I was able to pick it up and carry it about, but I had to be careful about it. It would be even more of a hassle if it wasn't for the helpful, and comfortable silicone inbuilt handle that protrudes from the top of the projector body.
This projector is solely mains-powered, with no built-in battery or compatible battery pack. So while you might be able to carry it outside, you'll need to have access to a suitable power outlet for al fresco viewing.
The Nebula Cosmos 4K SE uses its HybridBeam, which is a combo of laser and LED, to generate images with up to a specified 1,800 ANSI lumens of brightness. The auto screen adjustment, auto keystone, and autofocus features did a great job of projecting images that were rectangular and crisp for the most part, especially when projecting onto smaller targets, which for me in particular was the wall space next to my bed. However, I found I was limited to just 60 inches when trying to watch on my 100-inch screen. This forced me to make use of the four-point manual keystone correction, as the Cosmos 4K SE insisted on fixing the 60-inch projection to the upper-left corner of the screen each time, which looked all kinds of wrong. After some investigating, I learned that the 4K SE needs to be at least 7.8 feet / 2.4 meters away from the target to project at 90 inches or above. I was using the projector in quite a large room, so this seems fairly limiting.
(Image credit: Future)
Anker claims that it’s possible to watch a 60-inch projection in a well-lit room with windows and indirect daylight, but unfortunately, I must disagree. The issues I’ve already mentioned regarding the contrast and black density were when watching in darkness. When I tried to watch with additional light sources any stronger than the colorful LED strips behind my TV, this contrast issue got worse, and anything more than very dim sunlight made it very difficult to see most of what was going on in whatever I was watching.
Having a light source in the room also plays havoc with the Wall Color Calibration feature, which is intended to alter the coloring of the projection so that it still looks correct regardless of the color of the wall you’re projecting against. I tested this out in our TechRadar music room, which is painted a deep teal color. When I tried this with some indirect sunlight coming from the small window far over to the right on the same wall I was projecting onto, the “color corrected” image had an off-putting blue tint to it. When I repeated the calibration with the lights off, it worked perfectly, and I was really impressed.
(Image credit: Future)
I found the Nebula Cosmos 4K SE easy to control thanks to the backlit remote control's handy voice assistant feature, as I could ask Google to whisk me straight to the content I wanted. The Nebula Connect app also worked well as a remote control, too.
I love that the Nebula Cosmos 4K SE comes with Google TV built-in, as in my experience it has proven to be the most efficient Android TV OS by far. As expected, it provides access to all of the popular streaming apps like Netflix, Disney Plus, Prime Video, and Apple TV, plus easy access to YouTube, naturally. It's simple to access content from external sources too, thanks to the USB-C input and the two HDMI ports, one of which is a HDMI 2.1 (eARC), supporting 4K visuals at 60 hertz, with lossless transmission.
When it comes to audio output, the Nebula Cosmos 4K SE has two built-in 15-watt speakers enabled with Dolby Audio. I didn't observe any issues with the sound quality during my testing, I was very satisfied with the quality. I would have picked up quite quickly if there were any issues that a typical user would notice – I've tested a lot of Bluetooth speakers in my time so I will spot from a mile off poor clarity or if the bass and treble are below par.
Design score: 4/5
Anker Nebula Cosmos 4K SE review: picture quality
Beautifully vivid color
Disappointing lack of contrast
Immersive cinematic experience
When I got my hands on the Cosmos 4K SE, I was really excited to try it out. I'd previously tested the Nebula Mars 3 Air back in my freelancing days, which I loved, so I was expecting big things from the 4K SE.
After letting it warm up for an hour, myself and my colleague James conducted tests to evaluate the projector's capabilities. The peak brightness, when viewing in Movie Mode and measured on a white 10% window pattern, was 122 nits in SDR, which isn't far off the peak brightness reading we got for the more expensive BenQ v5000i, and 119 in HDR, surpassing the reading we got for the BenQ.
The color performance figures that resulted from our testing didn't blow me away, but at this price and for casual viewing, I can forgive the Cosmos 4K SE for this. The projector achieved a Grayscale accuracy of 8, and a 3.4 for color accuracy, which was just a whisker off our target level of 3.
Coverage of the BT.2020 scored 76.3%, and the UHDA-P3 color gamut coverage was also nothing to shout about at 88.9% meaning that, although the colors were satisfyingly vivid, they weren't as rich and varied as those projected by the LG CineBeam Q, which gave an impressive reading of 98.7%. These test figures were obtained while viewing in HDR Movie Mode. The input lag in Game Mode Standard was 35ms, and in Gaming Mode Extreme was 18.5ms, which supports Anker's claims of the 4K SE being low latency with under 19ms of lag and should satisfy the majority of casual gamers.
(Image credit: Future)
In terms of the brightness and contrast when viewing there were mixed results. In lighter scenes, the whites and colors were satisfyingly bright and dazzling, but the handling of the contrast in dark scenes left a lot to be desired. The first film I watched on the Cosmos 4K SE was Damsel on Netflix, starring Millie Bobby Brown. I can easily jump straight into all the positives, as I was stunned by the beautiful imagery that the projector delivered, but I'll get the negative out of the way first. It was clear fairly early on that there was a contrast issue.
When the main character Elodie enters a dark cave, all detail is lost around her, with stonework being replaced with grey pixelated sections. Achieving a quality deep black can prove difficult for projectors, especially those that don't possess full laser optical technology – with a 238:1 contrast ratio reading from the Cosmos 4K SE, it’s hardly surprising that it didn’t perform brilliantly in this area. Aside from this, there were so many scenes that took advantage of the projector's strengths, likely due to the presence of Dolby Vision. The scenes involving the luminescent grubs and the crystal caves were visually stunning, with the vivid colors and clarity making Damsel a delight to watch.
During the opening sequence of Prometheus, the level of brightness was impressive, as was the color density. The delicate details on the spaceship as it came in to land were visible and clear, as were the pores and veins on the Engineer's face. The level of intricacy in the DNA scenes when the strands were getting affected by the black pathogen highly impressed me too. The scene that really caught my attention, though, was when David has a drop of Chemical A0-3959X.91 on the tip of his finger. The close-up shots of this were visually stunning, so much so that I started to calculate quite how I could incorporate a projector screen into my living room on a permanent basis. Despite the darker scenes in Maleficent and Damsel noticeably lacking contrast, similar scenes appear to be handled better in Prometheus; they still weren't perfect, but darker details were more visible.
(Image credit: Future)
Despite my undeniable admiration of the Nebula Cosmos 4K SE, I wouldn't recommend it to anyone who regularly enjoys programs with a darker aesthetic. Series like Marvel's Daredevil take a real hit due to the lack of good contrast, making the scenes appear grainy and low-quality.
In Avengers: Age of Ultron, playback was smooth during intense fight scenes, with the images remaining crisp and high quality, despite the fast movement. The detail is fantastic once again, with the intricate weave of the fabric of Hawk Eye's suit clearly visible.
Despite my undeniable admiration of the Nebula Cosmos 4K SE, I wouldn't recommend it to anyone who regularly enjoys programs with a darker aesthetic, even when watching in the dark. Series such as Marvel's Daredevil take a real hit due to the lack of good contrast, making the scenes appear grainy and low-quality, which is a real shame considering the projector's fabulous performance in other areas.
Picture quality score: 4/5
Anker Nebula Cosmos 4K SE review: value
Good picture quality for the price
Delivers a satisfying at-home cinema experience
Uses Laser and LED hybrid optical technology
At $1,299.99 / £1,299.99, the Nebula Cosmos 4K SE is $400 / £400 cheaper than the previous model, the Nebula Cosmos 4K, despite the 4K SE having a large projection range, Google TV built in, and Dolby Vision. This price difference is likely due to the 400 additional ANSI lumens and, more importantly, due to the original 4K utilizing a laser light source, compared to the 4K SE's laser and LED HybridBeam, which could explain its lackluster brightness.
Overall, the viewing experience was fantastic when in a dimly lit room, and the sound quality was spot on. It was like having a pop-up cinema, with beautifully vivid colors and no problems with fast-paced scenes. The downsides can't be ignored, however, with a lack of contrast in some darker scenes when watching in the dark, and a distractingly bad lack of contrast and brightness issues when watching in the light, despite viewing at the projection size that Anker claims would be visible in a well-lit environment.
While it's pretty chunky, and not exactly an attractive addition to the decor unless it's situated in a casual TV and gaming den, it feels suitably robust for the price. While the size and weight initially made me question its apparent portability, this weight pales in comparison to other 4K projectors such as the Samsung The Premiere 9, and the carry handle definitely makes moving it about a simpler task. If the Nebula Cosmos 4K SE might upset your Feng Shui, then fear not, as more attractive alternatives are available, such as the LG CineBeam Q, which you can learn a little more about in the Also Consider section below.
Value score: 4/5
(Image credit: Future)
Should I buy the Anker Nebula Cosmos 4K SE?
Buy it if
You don’t want to spend several thousand While $1,299.99 / £1,299.99 is still a high price to pay, you get a lot of bang for your buck with the Cosmos 4K SE. Built-in Google TV, competent auto-correction features, and impressive imagery and sound are well worth the cost if you can spare it.
You want popular apps at your fingertips The advantage of the built-in Google TV is the ease of the interface and the distinct lack of bug and lag-related issues that I’ve experienced with so many Android-based OS. It’s satisfyingly simple to get set up, so you can get to streaming content without the frustration.
You want an immersive cinematic experience Picture this, relaxing comfortably in the dark, bag of popcorn in hand, as you watch a feature-length film in 4K on the big screen, all from the comfort of your own home. The stunning visuals and immersive sound the 4K SE delivers are worth splashing out on.
Don't buy it if
You want the big picture but have a small space A short-throw projector the Cosmos 4K SE is not. You need at least 5.5ft / 1.69m of space to achieve a screen size over 60 inches, which, for me personally, is a must, as I love the big-screen experience.
You want an easily portable projector While it wouldn’t be difficult to maneuver for most, this projector is big and weighty. The carry handle makes life easier, but if you’re going away for the weekend it’s going to take up valuable trunk space, and there’s no way you’d want to lug it around on public transport.
You don’t want to be kept in the dark Although Anker claims that you can watch a 60-inch projection in a well-lit room and indirect daylight, I found that watching with just one small window a few feet from the projection on an overcast day caused the quality to reduce drastically, the projected image looked washed out, and darker scenes that lacked contrast in optimum conditions became practically invisible.
Anker Nebula Cosmos 4K SE review: also consider
Anker Nebula Cosmos Laser 4K The 4K SE’s older sibling is almost identical in size and weight, and while it doesn’t possess some of the more desirable features, such as Dolby Vision and Google TV, it’s brighter and utilizes laser DLP optical technology, rather than a laser / LED hybrid. Check out the full Anker Nebula Cosmos Laser 4K review.
Hisense PX3-Pro A far pricier option, but if you want a top-quality, ultra-short-throw projector, then this could be the one for you. It’s not portable like the other alternatives listed here, but it performed well in various lighting conditions, delivered bright, rich colors, and a higher standard of contrast when compared to the 4K SE. Why not take a look at the Hisense PX3-Pro review to find out more.
LG CineBeam Q If you want a projector that’s not a space invader, and can even make an attractive addition to your decor, then the LG CineBeam Q would be a good fit. While it’s not perfect, with limited brightness and poor audio quality, it looks stylish, projects in good-quality 4K, and can provide access to popular streaming apps, whether you’re watching at home or on your travels. If this has piqued your interest, there's plenty more detail in the full LG CineBeam Q review.
How I tested the Anker Nebula Cosmos 4K SE
Tested at home and in the TechRadar music and TV testing rooms
Tested in different lighting conditions
Measurements were made using Calman color calibration software
I got the Anker Nebula Cosmos 4K SE setup and had an explore around the available features, apps, and settings. I tried out the various display presets to determine the most satisfying option for casual viewing. I watched several films, series, and online content to establish how well the projector handled the different aesthetics. I tested the visibility of the projection by watching in total darkness, minimal lighting, and daylight.
My colleague, TV expert James, and I, measured the white balance (grayscale), gamma, and color point accuracy using Portrait Displays’ Calman color calibration software. The results provided Delta-E values (the margin of error between the test pattern source and what’s shown on-screen) for each category, providing us with figures to assess the projector’s overall accuracy.
We also ran tests to obtain measurements of the peak light output in both standard and high dynamic range modes, and measured the coverage of DCI-P3 and BT.2020 color space, to obtain readings that determine how well the projector can render the extended color range. Finally, we measured the contrast ratio, determining the brightest white to the darkest black that the projector is capable of displaying, and the input lag, which is an important reading if you’re looking for a gaming projector in particular.
The Sony UBP-X700 is an affordable 4K Blu-ray player ($199 /£199 / AU$369 at the time of writing six years on from its release) that supports Dolby Vision HDR and Dolby Atmos and DTS:X soundtracks. It also supports a wide range of media, including 3D Blu-ray discs, SACDs, DVDs and CDs and has Wi-Fi for streaming from apps such as Netflix and Prime Video.
Performance-wise, the Sony UBP-X700 is an all-around brilliant player. It doesn’t quite manage the jack-of-all-trades excellence of the Panasonic DP-UB820, but it delivers superb 4K images with punchy color, accurate and refined textures and contrast up there with the best 4K Blu-ray players, especially when fed Dolby Vision discs. Upscaling is generally effective – more on Blu-ray rather than on the lower-resolution DVD format - and while it does enhance certain colors and applies some artificial cleaning to film grain, the UBP-X700 still offers excellent image reproduction, especially compared to the Panasonic DP-UB154 – a solid, similarly priced player.
The UBP-X700 effectively handles Dolby Atmos soundtracks and has balanced and accurate sound reproduction. CD playback is also effective.
The UBP-X700’s interface is easy enough to navigate, although a little on the plain side. A good number of settings for video and audio are provided. Design-wise, the UBP-X700 is compact, making it ideal for smaller spaces, though its physical design is plain – an LED display with playback info would have been welcome – and its remote feels very dated.
It’s tough to argue against the value of the UBP-X700 as it’s an overall fantastic performer for an affordable price. Pairing this with one of the best TVs, particularly one of the best OLED TVs such as the Samsung S95D or LG C4, will lead to a match made in heaven.
The Sony UBP-X700's home page is a little on the plain side (Image credit: Future)
Sony UBP-X700 review: Prices & release date
Release date: January 2018
Prices: $199 / £199 / AU$369
The Sony UBP-X700 is a mid-range model in Sony’s 4K Blu-ray player lineup, sitting below the Sony UBPX-800MKII. At the time of its release in 2018, the UPBX700 was priced at $249 / £249 / AU$399.
Several years on prices have dropped overall, with the UBP-X700 sitting at roughly $199 / £199 / AU$369 at the time of writing, though it has previously sold for as low as $149 / £149 / AU$225.
Sony UBP-X700 review: Specs
The Sony UBP-X700 offers a good number of connections, including dual HDMI and coaxial digital audio outputs (Image credit: Future)
Sony UBP-X700 review: Features
Dolby Vision HDR support
Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support
Built-in Wi-Fi and streaming capability
The Sony UBP-X700 supports 4K Blu-ray, regular Blu-ray, DVD and 3D disc playback. It also plays not only audio CDs but SACDs – a disc format the more premium Panasonic DP-UB820 and many other 4K Blu-ray players don’t support.
The UBP-X700 supports the Dolby Vision and HDR10 high dynamic range formats, but not HDR10+. For comparison, the cheaper Panasonic DP-UB150 supports HDR10+, but not Dolby Vision, while the pricier Panasonic DP-UB820 supports both Dolby Vision and HDR10+.
For audio, the UPBX700 supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X soundtracks (bitstream only) and can decode Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD soundtracks. There is also support for High-res audio file formats including ALAC, DSD and FLAC.
The UBP-X700 isn’t as well stocked with connections as more premium 4K Blu-ray players such as the DP-UB820, but has two HDMI ports – one for video and audio and one audio-only – as well as a coaxial digital audio output. There is also an Ethernet port and a front USB port. Built-in Wi-Fi allows access to streaming services including Netflix, Prime Video and YouTube, and there’s BBC iPlayer for UK customers.
In terms of performance, navigation was easy enough without any stutter or slowdown. A good number of settings are provided for both picture and sound, including a 4K upscaling setting with three different modes, a Digital Music Enhancer, audio dynamic range control and more.
One frustration I had involved the player’s Dolby Vision menu setting. With Dolby Vision turned on, the UBP-X700 indicated it was displaying Dolby Vision movies even when it wasn’t – even leaving it on when watching regular Blu-ray discs without HDR. I could see no obvious related picture issues, but it was still frustrating having to turn this on and off as there are some SDR-specific picture settings to improve quality which are locked when Dolby Vision HDR is activated. If you regularly switch between 4K and standard Blu-ray/DVDs, that’s something worth bearing in mind.
Features score: 4.5 / 5
The Sony UBP-X700's color display is fantastic, filled with vibrancy as shown here on La La Land(Image credit: Future)
Sony UBP-X700 review: Performance
Short disc load time
Bold, vibrant colors
Effective 4K upscaling
The UBP-X700 demonstrated surprisingly short load time for a cheaper 4K Blu-ray player. Loading a disc into the disc tray to seeing the first logos on screen took roughly 30 seconds – some 5-10 seconds faster than the Panasonic DP-UB820 and nearly 30 seconds faster than the Panasonic DP-UB154.
For testing, the UBP-X700 was connected to a Panasonic MZ1500 OLED TV.
Starting with 4K Blu-rays, the UBP-X700 demonstrated excellent picture quality. In La La Land (HDR10 format) colors were bright and vibrant, with plenty of dynamic punch throughout. Colors with the Sony had a more vivid look than with the Panasonic UB820 and UB150, both of which had a more natural, subdued appearance. This isn’t to say colors were oversaturated on the UPBX700, but they definitely had a glossier look than on the Panasonic players.
I did notice during the ‘A Lovely Night’ scene in La La Land that the UBP-X700 favored a cooler color palette, accentuating the blues and purples of the night sky in the background. The colors were still accurate and crisp, but it’s worth noting.
Moving on to The Batman on 4K Blu-ray in Dolby Vision, the UBP-X700 demonstrated superb black levels and contrast, with the opening crime scene showcasing a great balance between the lights in the room and hallways and the darkened floors and walls. Shadow detail was also excellent, with details in clothing maintained even in the darkest shots.
Moving onto standard Blu-ray, I used the same scene from The Batman to test the effectiveness of the UBP-X700’s upscaling. Although it was not as good as the Panasonic UB820, the UPBX700 still did an impressive job. Textures were a touch softer and contrast wasn’t quite as good as you’d find on more premium players, but the Sony’s upscaling did improve the overall sharpness of the picture.
The UBP-X700 even did a decent upscaling job with a DVD of The Amazing Spider-Man, improving textures and colors. It was more effective here than the Panasonic UB154 but not as effective as the Panasonic UB820.
I also analyzed how much film grain the UBP-X700 left intact with older movies. Watching a Blu-ray of Thief, particularly shots at dawn in the opening, the UBP-X700 did maintain some grain but there was less present compared to the same scene played through the Panasonic UB820. I also found this to be the case when watching 4K Blu-rays of The Batman and La La Land. Film purists may want to make note of this.
For audio, I had no issue playing Dolby Atmos soundtracks through the UBP-X700. I also tested a CD in the UPB-X700 and found no issues with stutter or load times.
Performance score: 4.5 / 5
The Sony UBP-X700 has short loading times of under 30 seconds from when the disc is inserted to first logos appearing on screen (Image credit: Future)
Sony UBP-X700 review: Design
Very light and compact
No front LED display
Old-school, cheap remote
The UBP-X700 is a lightweight and compact player compared to the wider and deeper Panasonic UB820 and UB154, making it more versatile for smaller spaces. It feels less premium and uses cheaper materials than players such as the UB820, but looks and feels sturdy enough for the price.
One thing to note is there is no front LED display to notify of timing while watching a movie, a feature found on the Panasonic UB820. Timing and other info can be shown on your TV by pressing the info button on the remote, however.
The UPBX700 features two HDMI ports and a coaxial digital audio output alongside an Ethernet and a front USB port. This is a respectable number of connections and while it doesn’t match up to more premium players, it’s more than found on the budget Panasonic UB154.
The small supplied remote feels a little dated and cheap. While I wasn’t expecting a premium remote, I found the smaller buttons to be a little more difficult to use compared to those found on Panasonic player remotes.
Design score: 4 / 5
The Sony UBP-X700 has a small, cheap-feeling remote (Image credit: Future)
Sony UBP-X700 review: Value
While the Sony UBP-X700 isn’t going to beat the workhorse-like Panasonic DP-UB820, it does offer great performance and a good number of features including Wi-Fi for streaming, which is a rare feature in an affordable player.
At $199 / £199 / AU$369 – even dropping as low as $149 / £149 / AU$369 – the UBP-X700 is great value for money and while it lacks the full HDR support of the Panasonic DP-UB820, Dolby Vision is an excellent feature in a cheaper player.
Value score: 4.5 / 5
Contrast in the Sony UBP-X700's picture is also very rich (Image credit: Future)
Should you buy the Sony UBP-X700?
Buy it if...
You want excellent picture quality: The Sony UBP-X700 produces excellent picture quality with any disc format, especially 4K Blu-rays with Dolby Vision.View Deal
You want streaming options: The Sony UBP-X700 supports Wi-Fi and comes pre-loaded with streaming apps such as Netflix if your TV doesn't support them.View Deal
You want bang for your buck: With everything it delivers, the Sony UBP-X700 is an excellent value 4K Blu-ray player.View Deal
Don't buy if it...
You regularly swap between different disc formats: An annoying setting means Dolby Vision needs to be turned on and off every time you switch from Dolby Vision-supported discs to unsupported ones. View Deal
You need HDR10+ support: While the Sony UBP-X700 does support Dolby Vision, it doesn't support HDR10+, a format supported by the Panasonic DP-UB820 along with Dolby Vision. View Deal
Also consider
Panasonic DP-UB820: The workhorse of the 4K Blu-ray player world, the Panasonic DP-UB820 covers all the HDR formats you need and delivers phenomenal picture quality, but is pricier than the Sony UBP-X700. If you can stretch your budget, the UB820 is worth the investment. Read our full Panasonic DP-UB820 reviewView Deal
Panasonic DP-UB150/154 - Cheaper than the UBP-X700, the Panasonic DP-UB150/154 (name varies by region) is a capable 4K Blu-ray player that supports HDR10+. It doesn't support Dolby Vision and is lighter on features than the Sony UB-PX700, so only go for this if you're trying to save money. Read our full Panasonic DP-UB154 reviewView Deal
Sony UBP-X800M2: The step-up model of the Sony UBP-X700, the UBP-X800M2 comes equipped with more features, somewhat improved picture quality and a sturdier design, but also a higher price. It's worth the upgrade if you can stretch your budget for the better performance. View Deal
The Sony UBP-X700's settings menu (Image credit: Future)
How I tested the Sony UBP-X700
Tested using a variety of discs formats including 4K Blu-ray, Blu-ray and DVD
Tested with Panasonic MZ1500 OLED TV
To test the Sony UBP-X700, I connected it to the Panasonic MZ1500 OLED TV, which supports Dolby Vision.
For picture quality testing, I primarily used reference scenes from 4K Blu-ray discs I use for testing TVs such as The Batman, La La Land, Top Gun: Maverick and more. I also used a Blu-ray version of Thief to test the UBP-X700's film grain accuracy.
I used standard Blu-rays and DVDs to test the UBP-X700's upscaling ability and a CD to test the UBP-X700's audio playback.
I also tested the UBP-X700's software by navigating through different menus, testing response times, and exploring the level of settings. I also streamed content via Netflix and BBC iPlayer to test the UBP-X700's streaming capabilities.
The Garmin Fenix 8 was perhaps the most anticipated watch from Garmin in a very long time, and the reveal didn’t disappoint. The Garmin Fenix 7 series has been consistently rated among the best Garmin watches ever, and the Garmin Fenix 8 is packing most of Garmin’s best hardware features that were introduced in the years since the Fenix 7 was released.
Features like an AMOLED display, a microphone and speaker for calls, and an LED torch for attracting attention or running safely at night (and, er, for seeing in the dark) have been folded into the Fenix 8.
It now has new waterproofing and an Apple Watch Ultra-style dive watch capability, cribbed from the Garmin Descent series. The watch can act as a working dive computer for scuba activities down to 40 meters, although in our exclusive chat with Garmin product lead Jon Hosler he revealed that the watch can actually go beyond that depth.
New, improved GPS means new software features: with a “dynamic routing” ability automatically generates back-to-start directions during running and cycling workouts, and if you’re running on a pre-prescribed route your Fenix 8 will intelligently compensate if you stray from the path. Purchasers get to choose between three different sizes, with an additional choice of a solar-powered memory-in-pixel display (a duller, more power-efficient smartwatch screen) or a brighter, more smartwatch-y AMOLED one.
Unsurprisingly, it’s a fantastic watch. It’s built like a tank without being too obnoxious, although it doesn’t deviate much from older Garmins (in fact, it looks almost the same as my Garmin Epix Pro at first glance). You know what you’re getting, and if you like Garmin’s existing stable of adventure watches, this is the best one yet.
However, that performance excellence comes with an eye-watering price tag, which is almost too much in comparison to its contemporaries. Almost, but not quite: I considered knocking off half a star, but this may well be the best-performing Garmin watch I’ve ever tried
Garmin Fenix 8: Specifications
Garmin Fenix 8: Price and availability
(Image credit: Future / Matt Evans)
Starts at $799.99 / £689.99 / AU$1,349 for cheaper 47mm Fenix E
Prices for 43mm Fenix 8 start at $999 / £949 / AU$1,699
Reaches up to $1,199 / £1,119 / $2,199
The Garmin Fenix 8 starts at $799.99 / £689.99 / AU$1,349 for the cheapest model, a 47mm model christened the Garmin Fenix E. The Fenix E is a version of the AMOLED display Fenix 8 with no solar charging option, 16 days of battery life, no torch, no advanced leak-proof buttons for dive watch activities (although it’ll still stand up to water exposure, with 10ATM waterproofing) and a stainless steel case, with no titanium option. In essence, it’s an AMOLED Fenix 7.
The full-price Fenix 8 starts at $999 / £949 / AU$1,699 for the 43mm AMOLED watch, which is a significant jump from the E, rising to the considerable sum of $1,199 / £1,119 / $2,199 for the 51mm solar-powered version. What you get for this is a big increase in battery life of up to 28 days, the advanced waterproofing leak-proof buttons, dive watch functionality, the torch, a more advanced heart rate sensor, and the option of an AMOLED screen or a memory-in-pixel, solar-charging screen.
The full-price Fenix 8 is incredibly expensive. Its performance is phenomenal, and the engineering behind it is equal to many an analog timepiece; but such a price is very hard to justify for all but the wealthiest sportspeople.
Value score: 4/5
Garmin Fenix 8: Design
(Image credit: Future / Matt Evans)
AMOLED or MIP screen
New leak-proofing
Sapphire glass/titanium options
Structurally, the Garmin Fenix 8 looks almost identical to the Fenix and Epix watches that came before it. The Epix line was a version of the Fenix with that gorgeous, smartwatch-like AMOLED screen, but Epix doesn’t exist anymore – Garmin has axed the name and folded it in with the main Fenix line. The Fenix 8 inherits that AMOLED screen as an option, while the memory-in-pixel (MIP) screen is Garmin’s traditional duller, battery-efficient screen with Power Glass solar technology, which extends the watch’s battery life if you spend around three hours or more outdoors.
The screen is made of Corning Gorilla Glass as standard, but an upgrade to the harder category of Sapphire glass is available. Likewise, the Fenix 8’s case is a mix of tough polymer and stainless steel, but you can upgrade the metal components to titanium for an additional cost. These upgrades are on top of the already-steep price, but the base model should be more than sufficient for all but the most adventurous outdoorspeople. The thick, wipe-clean silicone Garmin band will be familiar to most, but it can be swapped with a trail-specific fabric loop like the Enduro.
Garmin’s standard combination of a five-button setup – Up, Down and Options buttons on one side, and a Start/Stop and a Back button on the other – and touchscreens work well as they have always done, while a new raised section on the right-hand side makes it look a little like an Apple Watch Ultra in practice.
Garmin’s widget-based screen layout is fast and intuitive to use. It’s easy to navigate through the watch’s options and add new apps, such as Spotify for offline music playback without a phone. You can add widgets through your phone’s Wi-Fi connection, making it easy to customize at home before you step out the door.
Garmin Connect, the watch’s companion app, is stellar, and as comprehensive as ever. It’s very granular, showing you lots of data points and workout-creation options – almost too granular for beginners. Then again, beginners are unlikely to be spending this much on a sports watch, and it’s all well-organized. There’s not much that’s new to speak about, but it remains best-in-class.
Design score: 5/5
Garmin Fenix 8: Features
(Image credit: Future / Matt Evans)
New GPS functionalities
Dive mode
LED torch
Let’s start off with the new stuff. Dynamic routing offers a small quality-of-life improvement to GPS-tracked running, walking or cycling workouts, as you now have the option to enable Back to Start before you even head out the door. Simply set a distance goal for your run, then enable Back to Start and the Fenix 8 will generate an out-and-back route once you’ve hit around 40% of your distance goal. There’s no need to follow a pre-prescribed route until then, which is great. Dynamic routing also allows you to deviate from a route you’ve already created, rerouting you automatically while keeping your target goal in mind. Very handy.
I’ve not had the opportunity to test the new Dive Mode yet, unfortunately: after this review has been published I’ll be handing the device off to a writer who’s also a recreational diver for a more thorough breakdown of that particular mode. But like Garmin’s Descent series, you get a fully-functioning dive computer with gauge, nitrox, air and apnoea modes for recreational scuba diving and free-diving activities. It’s enough for casual adventure enthusiasts who may scuba or snorkel once or twice a year, and who spend the rest of their time running, cycling, or swimming.
The LED torch is the same torch as on the Garmin Fenix 7 Pro and Epix Pro models, and works just as well. I’ve already used it to find my way twice in the dark at full power (admittedly, only to the bathroom) and I stick the red mode on at night to alert cars that I’m jogging on the sidewalk in the dark. It’s surprisingly powerful, creating a moving spotlight of red that illuminates the ground in front of me as I run.
Otherwise, a lot of the new advancements – such as more accurate GPS, topographical maps, the new heart rate monitor which promises to be more accurate, improved battery life, and leakproof buttons to enable all the dive stuff – is under the hood. At its heart, the Garmin Fenix 8 is an iterative update of an older, already-fantastic watch, and the smartwatch category as a whole hasn’t moved on very far since then, which means the Garmin Fenix 8 is still best in show.
Heart rate alerts, sleep tracking, nap tracking, stress tracking, respiration tracking and other holistic tools sit alongside Training Readiness, Endurance and Hill scores to make this an incredibly comprehensive health and fitness watch. Garmin Messenger allows you to directly communicate between devices using Garmin’s satellite network. There’s a smorgasbord of available widgets and functionalities which you can use to customize your watch, from shortcuts to services like Garmin Coach to a Tides widget for open-water swimmers and surfers. You can download music, sync to Strava, and receive (but not make) calls on-wrist. It’s practically perfect, with every performance tool you’ll ever need.
Features score: 5/5
Garmin Fenix 8: Performance
(Image credit: Future / Matt Evans)
Accurate GPS
Long battery life
Advanced heart rate sensor
As I’m an existing Garmin user, the watch was easy to set up and use with my pre-existing Garmin account, syncing to Strava and Spotify immediately. We won’t labor the point here: the watch is good, and it works. Tested against an Apple Watch Ultra 2, it recorded a very similar performance and distance while on a 5K, and I found the differences in heart rate readings to be minimal, allowing for variations in algorithms and a different wrist. You can read more about how the Apple Watch Ultra fares against premium Garmins in my account of wearing the Watch Ultra and the Garmin Epix Pro during a marathon.
The Fenix 8’s display was bright enough for me to see clearly, and after a full charge, I almost drained it completely after 13 days of regular GPS workouts: a combination of running, strength training, and stand-up paddleboarding (and yes, there’s a specialist GPS-based profile for that, which even counts the strokes you make as you glide across the water).
I have yet to test its new cycling features, but I did test dynamic routing during a running workout, deliberately going off-piste (to borrow a skiing term) to check out its capabilities, and it performed fine. I departed from the route I had created with Garmin Connect, and it successfully rerouted me by the closest available detour within about two minutes. I also popped in my distance requirements and enabled the out-and-back routing on a 5K run, and it successfully kicked in just after the 40% mark.
Otherwise, the Fenix 8 tracked my sleep with good accuracy, successfully logging periods when I woke up during the night, and delivering a Training Readiness score during the day which tracked well with my previous few days’ energy levels, from an anecdotal perspective. The torch was nice and bright (as is the lovely screen), and I haven’t even scratched the surface in terms of all the features available to me during a training block.
Performance score: 5/5
Garmin Fenix 8: Scorecard
(Image credit: Garmin)
Garmin Fenix 8: Should I buy?
(Image credit: Future / Matt Evans)
Buy it if...
You love the outdoors
Garmin Fenix 8 has all the survival tools you’ll ever need, from GPS to a barometer and compass.
You’re a triathlete
Runners, cyclists, and swimmers will really get the most out of this watch.
You’re multidisciplined
Paddleboarding? Golf? Surfing? Skiing? Detailed, comprehensive and unique workout profiles exist for them all.
Don't buy it if...
You’re on a budget
Even the cheaper Fenix E is not a watch for users without deep pockets.
Also consider...
Apple Watch Ultra 2
Nowhere near the same battery life, but perhaps the best alternative from a smartwatch standpoint.
I wore the Garmin Fenix 8 for three weeks, draining the battery down, sleeping with the watch, and testing it over several different kinds of workouts including running, strength training and stand-up paddleboarding. I compared it to an Apple Watch Ultra 2 (my litmus test for GPS and HR accuracy) during a 5K run, and spent time with the watch examining the settings and functionalities, both on-device and in Garmin Connect.
Narwal Freo X Ultra robot vacuum two-minute review
If you have cash to splurge, the Narwal Freo X Ultra is an easy robot vacuum to recommend. That is, if your space isn’t an open floor plan. One of the main issues that I come across with a lot of the up-and-coming competition vying for best robot vacuum status is that they come with all sorts of interesting, cutting edge features and functionalities – and that’s certainly the case here – but somewhere along the line, they drop the ball on something fundamental.
And more often than not, that issue relies on how the app differentiates, or allows you to differentiate, between different rooms. In fact, if you look at most of my recent reviews, they all seem to have an issue with this whereas I didn’t have this issue with the mid-range Shark 2-in-1 robot vacuum I reviewed over a year ago.
Still, I’m not discounting the Narwal Freo X Ultra. I said it was an easy robot to recommend, after all. In fact, the only other real issue with it is that it’s pricey. In fact, if you don’t have an open floor plan, you might find it to be the best vacuum cleaner for your needs. It does a fantastic job of vacuuming and mopping, and, unlike most other models, comes with actual cleaning solution.
(Image credit: Future)
On top of that, it has an unusual space-age look that makes it a bit more attractive, or at least striking, compared with many of the other robot vacuums that come with a large base station in tow. So, anyone with an open floor plan, either skip this robot vacuum or be prepared to just run it throughout your whole space every time. Everyone else with the cash for it, you’ll be happy with the Narwal Freo X Ultra.
Narwal Freo X Ultra robot vacuum: price & availability
List price: $1,399.99 / AU$ 2,299.00 (about £1,110)
Available in the US and Australia
The Narwal Freo X Ultra is expensive. There’s no way around that. Sure, it might have some interesting incremental improvements over other models that come with a base station – it has two side brushes instead of one, it comes with cleaning solution, it washes and dries its own mop pads, and so on. But a lot of the models in this price range can do the same. so spending $1,399.99 / AU$ 2,299 (about £1,110) on this robot vacuum doesn’t necessarily offer the best value out there.
The Ecovacs Deebot T30 S Combo I recently reviewed does most of that and comes with a handheld vacuum, though it skips the cleaning solution and the second side brush (more on why that’s important later), and does a slightly better job of mopping. And it’s just a little cheaper at $1,199.99 (about £950 / AU$1,800), although it’s only available in the US at the moment.
You can spend even less on something like the more price-conscious and almost as fully-featured Yeedi Cube, approximately $699 (about £559 / about AU$1,054). Of course, that robot vacuum can’t manage edges nearly as well as the Narwal Freo X Ultra. If you want to push your deep cleaning as far as possible, that feature alone is worth the extra cost.
Value score: 3.5 out of 5
Narwal Freo X Ultra robot vacuum review: design
Robot vacuum has two side brushes instead of the usual one
Base station comes with LED panel for easy control
Comes with cleaning solution
The Narwal Freo X Ultra robot vacuum comes with a few design features that set it apart from the rest. To start, if you’re looking at just the robot vacuum itself, it comes with two side brushes instead of the typical one along with the two mop pads. Both mop pads lift up off the ground when just vacuuming, and the brush roll for sucking everything into its dustbin is made so that hair won’t get tangled around it.
(Image credit: Future)
The base station has a sleeker look than most, offering a deeper cavity for the robot vacuum so that the unit is completely engulfed when at rest. In my opinion, it has a bit of a space-age aesthetic.
But it differs from other high-end base stations in more than just looks. For starters it'll wash and dry mop pads automatically. Then there’s a small, round LED panel on top that offers some control without having to whip out your phone or push a button on the robot vacuum itself. Just a press and off it goes to vacuum or mop. This panel also comes with a child-lock feature, which is nifty.
(Image credit: Future)
Probably even more important, hidden inside where the clean water tank resides is an area to put cleaning solution, which Narwal has thoughtfully included. If you do buy the Narwal Freo X Ultra, however, note that the cleaning solution container is inside the dirty water reservoir – something that’s not mentioned anywhere in the literature and I don’t make a habit of checking the dirty water reservoir until I need to empty it.
(Image credit: Future)
Regardless, it’s a nice feature that most robot vacuums seem to skip, going with just water to mop your floors. While I’ve had good results with those other robot vacuums with mops, I appreciate the ability to use actual cleaning solution on my floors to clean them.
Design score: 4.5 out of 5
Narwal Freo X Ultra robot vacuum review: performance
Excellent vacuuming, especially with edges
Almost as good mopping, though not as good with edges
Can take a long time since it washes its mop pads frequently
I may have come on a bit strong at the beginning of this review about the Narwal Freo X Ultra, but I can’t fault its performance one bit. It has multiple levels of vacuuming and mopping at its disposal, and can handle both hard flooring and carpeting.
When vacuuming, it’s able to get dust and debris just fine, but it’s also able to scoop up larger bits as well. I actually threw a handful of cheerios right in front of it to test. Some of them were scooped by a certain French Bulldog, but everything that was in its path was swept up in a single pass, probably thanks to its 8200 PA of suction power. Likewise, after running this robot vacuum, I don’t see any remnants left.
(Image credit: Future)
That includes the edges. Since it has side brushes on both sides and they stick out a bit more than I’ve seen on other robot vacuums, it’s able to sweep up debris on the edges of a room.
Its ability to avoid objects is pretty good. I haven’t seen it have any issues with anything other than cables and cords, which is kryptonite for every single robot vacuum I’ve encountered. Essentially, it’s as good as it’s going to get with a robot vacuum – it even avoids the dogs.
(Image credit: Future)
The mopping performance is almost as good. While I can’t confirm that it actually uses more pressure with its mop pads than other robot vacuums, it does an efficient job cleaning up stains and anything sticky. Besides using this robot vacuum to clean up after a couple of French Bulldogs who like to track in all sorts of stuff, I also poured a bunch of soy sauce in front of it (not to worry, it was the low-sodium stuff). It took about two passes to completely pick it all up. Plus, the floor didn’t smell like soy sauce after. This might be due to that cleaning solution that Narwal included.
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Narwal Freo X Ultra cleaning a soy sauce spill (Image credit: Future)
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Narwal Freo X Ultra cleaning a soy sauce spill (Image credit: Future)
Where the mopping is not quite as good is on edges. Since this model doesn’t have one of those mop pads that extends out, it relies on the robot vacuum to angle itself in a way that the mop pad gets to the edges and corners of a room. However, I regularly saw that it didn’t quite get to those edges as it should.
While I was happy with the way the Narwal Freo X Ultra cleaned, it did take a long time as it regularly went back to the base station to wash those mop pads. Not that that’s a bad thing, though; just something to bear in mind.
Performance score: 4.5 out of 5
Narwal Freo X Ultra robot vacuum review: app
App is intuitive to use
Separating rooms in mapping is impossible in certain situations
Seems to have a mind of its own when trying to clean only certain areas
My biggest hangup with the Narwal Freo X is going to be here. First, however, I do want to mention that the app in general is intuitive and easy to use. Pulling up the menu to adjust vacuuming or mopping strength is a breeze, and it’s just as easy to create a schedule to have it clean on its own. In fact, adjusting all sorts of settings for the robot vacuum and the base station, such as drying intensity, is straightforward.
Where I have issues is in using the map. The robot vacuum does a fine job actually mapping the necessary space, but Narwal decided to make it so that you have to use a line tool when separating the space into different rooms. Just like every other app that does this, you can’t use one line to go across another, meaning I basically can’t separate the four rooms that make up the accessible space on the ground floor into those four rooms.
(Image credit: Future)
My workaround is to cut the space into two rooms so that I can just clean half if I need a more localized cleaning. My issue here as that, while the Narwal Freo X Ultra did a fine job cleaning that half of the space, or what I designated as “room one,” it decided that after it finished cleaning “room one” that it would continue to clean everything, meaning I and my family had to spend another two hours listening to it slowly mop its way back and forth.
When I run the Narwal Freo X Ultra, as well as the other robot vacuums that suffer similar issues, I end up just running it over my entire space.
App score: 3 out of 5
Narwal Freo X Ultra robot vacuum review: battery life
210 minute battery life
Due to the way it runs, you won’t see it run out of battery
The battery life on the Narwal Freo X Ultra is advertised as 210 minutes, but I haven't managed to run it for 210 minutes straight as it regularly returns to the base station to empty its contents and wash its mop pads. However I have seen it go for three hours without any issues or needing to stop for a significant time to charge.
(Image credit: Future)
The only time I’ve really experienced it running out of battery is just like I have with any other robot vacuum, in that it gets stuck somewhere for a few hours while I’m not around, and needs to be returned to the base station to charge back up.
Battery score: 4 out of 5
Should you buy the Narwal Freo X Ultra robot vacuum?
Buy it if…
You want to get to those edges
While it’s not great at mopping the edges, it does a great job of vacuuming them, something that many robot vacuums can’t do.
You want a fully featured robot vacuum
From the mop pad washing and drying to various other quality of life features, particularly that cleaning solution, you’ll get just about everything you could ask for here.
You want something unique-looking
The Narwal Freo X Ultra’s base station looks a little futuristic, giving it some character in comparison to a lot of the robot vacuums out there.
Don’t buy it if…
You don’t have the money
This is an expensive proposition. If it’s outside your budget, there are plenty of cheaper options that you’ll probably be almost as happy with.
You have an open floor plan
The way the Narwal Freo X Ultra deals with separating rooms when interacting with the map means that you basically won’t be able to do just that if you have an open floor plan.
Narwal Freo X Ultra robot vacuum review: also consider
Ecovacs Deebot T30 S Combo
The Ecovacs Deebot T30 S Combo has that extendable mop pad to mop edges, and extra handheld vacuum that auto-empties and stores in the same base station and is just a little cheaper. However, it doesn’t look quite as interesting and doesn’t come with cleaning solution.
The Yeedi Cube is not quite as good as the Narwal, but it gets you 90% of the way there for half the price. It still has very good mopping functionality and is one of the first robot vacuum and mops to do the whole mop pad drying thing to avoid mold and bacteria. Also note that it suffers from the exact same issues when it comes to the map.
To test the Narwal Freo X Ultra, I used it for a couple of weeks to vacuum and mop the hardwood floors and carpeting in my house. I also tested all the features listed in the app, from mapping to scheduling. I took note of how well the vacuum cleaned the edges of a room as well as around obstacles, not to mention running how the handheld vacuum performed.
It's easy to assume that your desktop computer just needs cheap and cheery monitor speakers so you can hear your email chimes or the sound of the YouTube videos you watch when you're pretending to work, but the Edifier QR65 make a good case as to why you should stretch upwards into the realm of the best stereo speakers.
The QR65 are the newest speakers from Chinese audio company Edifier, which sells plenty of other desktop and monitor speakers for gaming, studios or just general computer use. These new models are classed as part of its 'Wireless Speakers' line-up but it also calls them 'Desktop Active Monitors' so they're clearly designed for desktop use.
I wouldn't recommend buying them solely for desktop use, though, because the Edifier QR65 function much better as multi-media speakers.
The Edifier QR65 are mid-range speakers and the sound fits; it's pretty good, with thumping bass and clear treble, even if the maximum volume won't exactly rock the house (unless you have a small house).
There are a fair few connection options too, as you can connect via USB (that's for the desktop connection) as well as wired and Bluetooth audio, so the speakers really do work for multi-media enjoyment.
And while I'm listing positives, I want to touch on the look of the speakers: they're fashionable and good-looking, even though they have LED lights which will raise red flags for audiophiles (and red LEDs for everyone else).
Then onto the... not 'bad', per se, just 'annoying' bits. While the QR65 have an app for control on your phone, they don't on PC, which feels like an odd omission given that these are meant to be desktop speakers. They also don't turn off or on with your computer, so you have to keep manually turning them on and off when you want to use them or contend with their LEDs lighting up your room all day and night.
Because of these two hurdles I ended up preferring to stream music over Bluetooth during the testing period, rather than testing them alongside my Windows PC.
Edifier QR65 review: Price and release date
(Image credit: Future)
Announced in April 2024
Mid-range at $369.99 / £329.99 / AU$449
Edifier announced the QR65 in April 2024, to join its busy range of audio products.
The Edifier QR65 cost $369.99 / £329.99 / AU$449, and they’re generally considered to be towards the low end when it comes to desktop speakers. Sure, you can find Amazon cheapie options for a tenth of the price, but you can also find many options for ten times that cost (or more, see the KEF LS50 Wireless II). They’re also snugly in the middle of the options on our list of the best computer speakers.
Another thing this price puts the Edifier QR65 roughly in the middle of? Edifier’s range of speakers – Edifier has a lot of speakers in many categories such as bookshelf, computer or studio speakers, and the QR65 are actually part of its wireless speaker range, despite being designed to work with desktops.
If you want to see what else is at this price range, specifically when it comes to dual-speaker desktop set-ups, then the Kanto Ora4, FiiO SP3 and Audioengine HD3 all hover roughly at this price point.
Edifier QR65 review: Specs
Edifier QR65 review: Features
(Image credit: Future)
Phone app, but no PC one
LED lights with customizable effects
Audio cable, USB and Bluetooth connections
If you’re connecting the QR65 to your smartphone, you’ll need to download the Edifier ConneX app to control them. Not Edifier Connect, nor Edifier Home, nor Edifier Enhance, and I had to deploy the trial and error approach when working out which app to use, which was an annoying waste of 10 minutes. Sure, Edifier isn’t the only tech company which refuses to consolidate its apps, but that doesn’t excuse it.
ConneX lets you change the EQ of music, customize the light effects and change the audio codec of streamed music, amongst a few select extras. You can certainly use the QR65 without it, but there’s no harm in exploring these extra features.
So what about if you’re using these desktop speakers while paired to a desktop PC or Mac? Well then you’re out of luck, because there’s no app support when you’ve got the QR65 hooked up to your computer by Bluetooth. You can use the dial to change the light effects a little but there are no EQ options, and if you want to turn up the volume, you’ll have to reach over to the speaker and turn up the dial manually (if you’re already at 100% PC volume, that is).
That’s why I said in the introduction that these speakers fare better as general multimedia speakers than desktop-exclusive ones; if you only use these connected to a computer, you’re going to miss a few features. The exception is if you connect the speakers to your computer and your phone, which lets you use the latter to equalize and change light effects, but that’s a lot of faff.
One other thing to bear in mind when using the Edifiers as your desktop speakers is that they don’t turn off or on with your computer – you’ll need to remember to separately turn them off or on, which is something I was constantly forgetting.
The other form of connectivity is via audio cable, with RCA plugging into the speakers and a 3.5mm jack to connect to your phone, MP3 player or other device. Pretty straightforward. Talking of connectivity, there’s actually a Sub Out port in one of the speakers that you could use to connect to an external subwoofer if you want more bass than the Xtreme Bass Series. I don’t see most people needing this, but it’s a nice optional extra.
Features score: 3.5/5
Edifier QR65 review: Design
(Image credit: Future)
Two good-looking rectangles
Stands included in box
Dials and ports in one speaker
The Edifier QR65 consists of two fairly large speakers, with one measuring 13 x 21.3 x 21.2 cm and the other a touch bigger due to it having extra dials and ports. This latter is the ‘active speaker’ which you use to control the music and connect to power and inputs/outputs, while the former is the ‘passive speaker’ which only has a port to connect it to the active speaker. Yes, they're actually 'powered' speakers even if they're listed as 'active', since the amplification is squirrelled into one of the boxes.
Setting up the Edifier is a little bit of a faff but once you’ve connected the active speaker to power, the passive speaker and your PC (via USB-A cables), Bluetooth device (via Bluetooth, obviously) or other audio device (via ports in the back and an included cable), and also directed the speakers towards you (using included stands, which sit at a 10-degree angle) you’re ready to go.
As well as the aforementioned ports, there are three charging ports which you can use to power up other devices (one USB-A and two USB-C) which is a handy extra feature.
On the right side of the active speaker is a button and two dials. The button is to switch between inputs (each press toggles you between Bluetooth, USB and Line In) and to turn off the speakers by pressing and holding. I ended up leaving them on though, to save myself the journey of going into my computer settings to change the active output.
Then onto the two dials: the first is for volume which is pretty self explanatory, though pressing it also pauses or plays music. The lower dial is for changing the light patterns of the speakers: turning it increases or lowers the brightness, and pressing it toggles between various patterns for the lights to display.
Oh, did I not mention the lights around the front of each speaker? That’s because of the (earned) stigma around LED lights in speakers, with many audiophiles assuming that they incur noise and indicate a probably bad-sounding product. That’s not a wrong assumption, but it’s not applicable in this situation, as the sound quality section describes. Saying that, I’m not sure the LED lights add much to the QR65, beyond the novelty factor.
I’m a big fan of the white version of the speakers I tested (there’s also a black version but it’s a little more bland, in my opinion). The clean-looking shell contrasts with the silver dials and the black front in what is a fairly minimalist boxy look (apart from the LEDs). If you’re a Mac user who insists on having a fashionable svelte desktop, these could well fit into your set-up better than most rival options.
Design score: 4/5
Edifier QR65 review: Sound quality
(Image credit: Future)
Full sound with lots of bass
Lots of codecs and Hi-Res certifications
Max volume could be louder for certain use cases
Each unit of the Edifier QR65 consists of a 1.25-inch dome tweeter and a 2.75-inch mid-low driver, and together they provide a nice warm sound.
When listening to music, you’re getting a sound that’s nice and bassy, though that’s not to say you’ll struggle to hear treble sounds. That’s not quite true of the mids, which do fall through the cracks a little bit, as does sub-bass. But that’s why you can plug a subwoofer into the speakers!
Playing games, the full-bodied sound works well for creating a layered soundstage – I could hear the background hum of cities and the echo of damp dungeons all around me.
The bassy emphasis was more noticeably when watching TV or movies, as it meant voices occasionally sounded a little low and muffled – they’d often blend into the rest of the mix a little, and I lost a few lines of dialogue in shows as a result.
If you’re using the Edifier QR65 as your PC speakers, you’ll find the 70W power output more than adequate. I played PC games with them and even at medium volumes, I was surrounded by sound – the shriek of an enemy behind me in Lords of the Fallen nearly gave me a heart attack when I thought it was something behind me in real life!
That’s not quite the case if you’re using these as general media speakers, as even at their maximum volume the QR65’s sound didn’t fill my living room – I wouldn’t recommend buying these in lieu of a TV soundbar or a set of tower speakers for your hi-fi system.
Depending on your audio input, you can enjoy listening with LDAC codecs, Hi-Res Audio or Hi-Res Audio Wireless certification, and that all means that you can enjoy great-sounding music whether you’re using Bluetooth 5.3 to connect your smartphone, are plugging in an aux-cord or have plugged the Edifiers into your computer.
Sound quality: 4/5
Edifier QR65 review: Value
(Image credit: Future)
Good value for money as a multimedia option
… but they definitely aren't for everyone
You're emphatically getting your money's worth with these Edifiers. They look good, provide decent music quality, all things considered, and do work well as jack-of-all-trades options for desktop, Bluetooth and wired audio.
However, if you just want any old speakers for your desktop, these are overkill. For workplace computers or on devices you won't use for multimedia entertainment, you don't need speakers that cost this much. If that's all you need, you might try looking for inexpensive speakers that cost a third (or less).
Value: 3.5/5
Should I buy the Edifier QR65?
Buy them if…
Don’t buy them if…
Edifier QR65 review: Also consider
How I tested the Edifier QR65
(Image credit: Future)
Tested for over two weeks
Tested at home connected to phone and computer
The testing process of the Edifier QR65 was just over two weeks.
About half of the testing process was done with the speakers connected to my Android phone via wired and Bluetooth audio, for music streaming. I streamed from Spotify, YouTube and briefly from Netflix during this time.
For the other half I connected the speakers to my custom-built Windows PC using the USB port, and used it for watching movies and TV shows and playing video games on my computer.
I've been reviewing devices for TechRadar for over five years now, a time which has seen my test speakers, headphones, earbuds and gaming peripherals, including a previous gadget from Edifier.
Ring Spotlight Cam Pro Solar review: One-minute review
The Ring Spotlight Cam Pro Solar takes some of the best features from its range of video doorbells, and combines them into a device that can keep watch over more than just your front door.
I've been reviewing it for the past couple of months. At first I was dubious about how effective the solar panel is; would it actually keep the Cam charged? And it absolutely did. Not once did I need to remove the single battery for recharging, even after a rainy week. I am also a fan of the wide-angle, 140-degree horizontal, 80-degree vertical field of view because it consistently monitored the entire width of my front lawn. This is much the same as the top-of-the-range Ring Video Doorbell Pro, formerly known as the Video Doorbell Pro 2.
Another familiar feature to this doorbell is that the Cam also boasts the two-way talk and siren. Thankfully I didn't need to use either of these to scare away intruders, but I did have some fun communicating with my husband from inside the house.
Ring Spotlight Cam Pro with solar panel above on roof (Image credit: Future / Jennifer Oksien)
It's these advanced features that make the Ring Spotlight Cam Pro Solar a candidate for one of the best home security cameras but also the most expensive security camera in Ring's range. The security camera can either be bought bundled with the solar panel as the power source, or as a battery, plug-in or hardwired option.
While I did find the solar-panel to be bulky and the loss of footage in the app after 30-days annoying (because I didn't fancy paying $4.99/£4.99/AU$4.95 every month), having rolling surveillance where and when I wanted it was extremely helpful. I could watch live footage in the app, and I received notifications each time motion was detected – even it was just a spider on its way across the lens to build a web.
Notification banner (Image credit: Future / Jennifer Oksien)
Ring Spotlight Cam Pro Solar review: Price and availability
List price: $249.99 / £249.98 / AU$418
The Ring Spotlight Cam Pro Solar is available from Ring for $249.99 / £249.98 / AU$418 and is available directly from both Amazon and the Ring website.
The best comparison is to the Ring Spotlight Cam Plus Solar, which will save you $80 / £50 / AU$99 when it's not in the sale. The key points of difference is that the Plus Solar lacks 3D Motion Detection (which enables more accurate detection), Bird's Eye View, and Audio+ and Noise Cancellation. Aesthetically the Plus Cam Solar looks a little less bulky than the Cam Pro Solar, measuring 3.01 x 3.2 x 4.96 inches rather than 3.1x 3.2 x 5.7 inches, although I'd still personally take the upgrade for better specs.
You can opt to receive the Ring Spotlight Cam Pro with one of four power sources, not just solar – including battery powered, wired and plug-in – giving you more freedom to choose the best fit for your household.
If you already own the battery-powered Cam Pro and don't fancy having to keep recharging it, then you can always add a Solar Panel USB-C for $59.99 / £34.99 / AU$59.99 at a later date. This is also compatible with the Stick Up Cam, Stick Up Cam Pro and Spotlight Cam Plus.
Price score: 4 out of 5
Ring Spotlight Cam Pro Solar review: Specs
Ring Spotlight Cam Pro Solar review: Design
Two-part set
Compact cam, bulky solar panel
Weather-resistant
Spec-wise, the Ring Spotlight Cam Pro Solar is at the top of its game. However, it's not the most refined to look at
It's a two part set with the cam being one half, and the solar panel being the other. The cam measures 7.8 x 8.1 x 14.4cm (3.1 x 3.2 x 5.7 inches) and the solar panel measures 17.5 x 11.1 x 1.2cm. The two are connected via a 2-meter, USB-C cable that discreetly plugs in to the backend of each part, but when mounted in position and in use the cable is visible.
The Cam is relatively compact with a centrally positioned lens, light strips either side of it and what looks like an upside-down mic on the base. This lookalike mic unclips to reveal two available slots for a battery – only one is supplied, but a back-up can be purchased for $34.99/£24.99/AU$49 direct from Ring.com if you feel you need.
(Image credit: Future / Jennifer Oksien)
Comparatively, the solar panel is bulky. This is a case of function-over-style, though, because the panel needs to be broad and flat enough in order to capture enough daylight to keep the Ring Spotlight Cam Pro fully charged. It needs to be positioned in direct sunlight for at least a couple of hours. I'd suggest thinking about the mounting position carefully because it'll be a nuisance having to keep moving the panel around; secure the Cam and the panel in the same space, where there's enough sunlight throughout the day. I secured the panel to a hefty stone and positioned it on an unobscured, flat roof of the garage.
(Image credit: Future / Jennifer Oksien)
Both the Spotlight Cam Pro and panel are well protected against the elements; the former has an IP65 rating, while the latter is just listed as 'weather resistant'. Either way, on testing, they withstood snow, frost, heavy rain and a couple of storms and remain unscathed.
At checkout when buying the Ring Spotlight Cam Pro Solar, you can select your preferred choice of color: black or white. I tested it in white. When you receive it, you'll get the following inside the box; Spotlight Cam Pro (Battery), Solar Panel (2nd Generation), a camera mount, quick release battery pack, installation accessories and screws and a USB charging cable.
Design score: 4/5
Ring Spotlight Cam Plus Solar review: Performance
Consistently clear HDR 1080p Video, with occasional color night vision
Security siren, two-way talk and LED spotlights
No need to charge the battery, ever again
There are few key things that one would expect from a security camera, and the Ring Spotlight Cam Plus Solar has them all – and more.
The footage, day and night, is crystal clear. It's captured in 1080p with HDR, which meant I could work out what caused a motion notification easily, and clearly watch "live view". Its lens has a 140-degree horizontal, 80-degree vertical field of view, and is super sensitive – I watched a spider that was hanging around the right-hand side and under-side of the Cam build its web for brief spell .
The color night vision is not always a given, though. It can only be activated when you turn on the spotlights of the camera, which will only be for 30 seconds before automatically switching off. I'd find it helpful to have this color night vision without having to switch on the Cam lights. Recorded footage is only in black and white during the night, too.
Image 1 of 2
Black and White night vision (Image credit: Future / Jennifer Oksien)
Image 2 of 2
Color night vision activated (Image credit: Future / Jennifer Oksien)
For the purpose of this Ring Spotlight Cam Plus Solar review, I tried out the security siren and two-way talk; without any security incidents, I fortunately had no other need to use them. That said, if the Cam does alert you to a trespasser, or you want to quickly communicate to a friend, family or neighbor, then don't hold back using these features. The siren is piercing and has a sound meter reading of 92dB, equivalent to a high-pitched food blender, and the two-way talk enables you to have a conversation, wherever you are.
And as for the battery, I set up the Cam with 80% charge and, with the solar panel plugged in, it maintained a battery reading of between 98 - 100%. However, I do note that on the Ring website it says that "with maximum sunlight, the device’s battery will not exceed 80%" in order to extend the battery life. Other Ring devices I've either owned or tested have achieved 100% battery charge, too, so this statement is surprising.
Regardless, this means that the solar panel is positioned perfectly and charges my Cam adequately. Unlike other battery-powered Ring devices I've used, there will be no need for me to (ever) remove this security camera to recharge it, which will save me some hassle.
Performance score: 4.5/5
Ring Spotlight Cam Plus Solar review: App
Easy to use and follow
Free plan expires after 30 days, and you lose all recorded footage
Share device access, and add other devices to the same app
The Ring app is the hub of activity for the Ring Spotlight Cam Pro Solar. It's where you set up the device, check the battery status, monitor and record footage as well as engage the siren and two-way talk.
By following the instructions, the set up is super easy. You will just need to ensure that you are connected on a 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi connection at 2.4GHz and 5.0GHz, and a stable one. Any Wi-Fi drop-outs can delay the set-up process, and hinder the overall performance of the Cam should the connectivity issues continue.
(Image credit: Future / Jennifer Oksien)
All the main functions, such as activating the siren, two-way talk and lights, only appear when you "tap to go live" in the app. When you end "live view", these functions become hidden again.
It is here in the Ring app that you can review recorded footage, too. All new Ring devices come with a free 30-day / 1 month trial to Ring Protect, which grants access to that recorded footage, as well as enabling you to share and save videos and claim an extended warranty. When this free trial period ends you either have to pay a starting price of $4.99/£4.99/$4.95, or you lose all event history. For security purposes you may feel more comfortable to pay this monthly fee, but remember that it is an ongoing cost.
Additional Ring devices can also be used in the app, and you can share access to devices with other members in your household. When sharing access, users won't get all the settings as the main user, such as the ability to share access, access event history and tweak mode settings, but you will have everything you need for day-to-day surveillance. To share, just follow the on-screen instructions in the app for the additional user to review an email notification inviting them to join. It's that easy.
App score: 4.5/5
Ring Spotlight Cam Pro Solar review: Should I buy?
Buy it if...
Don't buy it if...
Also consider
If the Ring Spotlight Cam Pro Solar isn't for you, below we've listed some alternatives to consider.
Want to expand your Ring network? Try adding a Ring doorbell so you can keep a look out for deliveries making their way to your door...
Ring Spotlight Cam Pro Solar review: How I tested
I directly used the Ring Spotlight Cam Pro Solar
I viewed live footage and historic footage, and used the Ring app
I used it as our main security camera for two months
I installed the Ring Spotlight Cam Pro to the side of our adjoined garage, and securely positioned the solar panel on the top of garage roof. The positioning meant that we had the best view of the wrap-around yard, while keeping the battery sufficiently topped up with charge – even on cloudy days.
I also used the Ring app to control the Cam Pro. It was here that I tweaked settings such as the spotlight and two-way talk, and watched live or historic footage (before the free trial period expired). I shared access to the camera with my husband who although didn't have all the functions as I did, such as event history, power settings, shared accesses and mode settings,was still able to get notifications and view footage.
The Cam Pro was used in the same app I used for the Ring Pro 2 Wired Video Doorbell.
The LG S95TR soundbar system fresh out of the box (Image credit: Future)
I’ll cut to the chase: The LG S95TR is a fantastic soundbar system. In fact, it might be among the best soundbars available right now. And that’s without considering its first-party feature set when paired with certain LG TVs – something I’ll touch on but won’t dive into too deeply.
Overall, there’s very little to dislike about the LG S95TR. Just about everything that keeps it from being perfect, besides its high price, is due to how basic the LED display is or the fact that some features require opening the app. Having to reach for the phone to turn on “Night Time” mode is a bit of an inconvenience, especially when that setting could have been made available on the remote, for instance.
However, the positives here far outweigh the cons. Even though this is a 9.1.5-channel system, for example, setup and even calibration were about as streamlined as it can get when multiple units are involved. And the feature set is about as deep as one could expect from a system competing with the best Dolby Atmos soundbars. None of that matters if the sound quality isn’t there, but the LG S95TR delivers in that regard as well with its immersive, engrossing, and engaging audio.
In the grand scheme of things, the LG S95TR’s $1,499 / AU$1,699 (about £1,200) price is actually not bad when compared to the competition. And if you were to buy a separate Dolby Atmos speaker system with one of the best AV receivers, you would spend even more. So, despite the high asking price, the S95TR’s cost does seem reasonable when you put it in perspective.
Whether the LG S95TR is for you will depend on your needs. If you’re working with a small room or setup, this system is probably too much for you. You might be happy with something that only costs a couple hundred dollars. However, if you want to match the convenience of a soundbar system with the immersive performance of a true home theater speaker setup, you can’t go wrong here.
The LG S95TR's front panel LED display provides insufficient visual feedback, forcing you to rely on the app for settings and adjustments (Image credit: Future)
LG S95TR Soundbar review: Price & release date
Released in March 2024 (US and Australia)
$1,499.99 / AU$1,699.01 (about £1,200)
As part of LG’s 2024 AV lineup, the LG S95TR is fairly new. It isn’t even available yet in the UK, where the previous generation, the S95QR, is still on offer for £1,699. However, those in the US and Australia can get it right away as of May 2024 for $1,499.99 / AU$1,699.01 (about £1,200).
Considering that the LG S95TR is a 9.1.5-channel system, its price tag is not as exorbitant as it might seem. After all, a regular home theater audio setup can get much more expensive when you take into account the need for at least five quality speakers, a subwoofer, and an AV receiver. And, that’s even before accounting for the upward-firing Dolby Atmos speakers (the “5” in 9.1.5).
LG S95TR Soundbar review: Specs
Dual HDMI 2.1 ports with 4K 120Hz support are provided on the soundbar (Image credit: Future)
LG S95TR Soundbar review: Features
Some features meant specifically for LG TVs
Wi-Fi streaming and voice assistant support
AI Room Calibration is a revelation
Let’s first discuss the LG S95TR features that owners of the LG B4, LG C4, and LG G4 Series OLED TVs may enjoy. These include WOW Orchestra (uses the TV’s built-in speakers in conjunction with the soundbar system for an even fuller sound), WOW Interface (lets you use one remote for both the TV and soundbar, with setup available on the TV), and WOWCAST (lets you pair the soundbar with the LG TV wirelessly). I didn’t have access to an LG TV during my review and could not dig into those features. But even so, I found the LG S95TR soundbar still very feature-filled.
For instance, even if you can’t take advantage of WOWCAST, the rear speakers and subwoofer still pair wirelessly to the soundbar. So, outside of the power cables, the only wire you’ll see is the HDMI or optical cable connecting the soundbar to the TV.
The LG S95TR is also plenty room-filling without WOW Orchestra. Not only do you get full surround sound, but five upward firing speakers that work with both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X soundtracks. It should also be noted that you can listen to stereo content as if it’s in surround sound. That’s not to say that the soundbar’s processing will remix the music so that a saxophone (if you listen to music with a saxophone) only comes from the back left speaker, but, you will get an immersive sound presentation.
Some other critical features include Wi-Fi streaming so you can play music from your favorite streaming service without having to use a lower-quality Bluetooth connection (though you can do that as well). You can also use Alexa or Google Assistant for voice control.
My favorite feature, however, is LG’s Advanced AI Room Calibration. Speaker placement is critical for getting good sound, and a feature that can adjust how sound is projected based on speaker placement is key, especially when one of your rear speakers is literally sitting on an old chest. It’s a quick process as well that is available through the app.
My neighbor’s favorite feature, though they don’t know it, is the Night Time mode, also only available in the app. This feature makes everything sound a bit flatter as the audio gets compressed to keep sound peaks from getting too loud. It’s a useful feature for when you’re worried about waking someone up when watching a movie late at night.
Features score: 5 / 5
The LG S95TR's rear-channel speakers feature up-firing drivers for immersive Dolby Atmos sound (Image credit: Future)
LG S95TR Soundbar review: Performance
Clear sound, even at low volume
Very good Dolby Atmos immersion
Slightly forward mid-range response
With 810 watts of power, the LG S95TR has more than enough volume on tap. Loudness doesn’t necessarily equal good sound, but thankfully the LG S95TR sounds very good.
When testing, I watched movies and shows including Everything, Everywhere, All At Once, Shogūn, and Psych, and listened to plenty of music. Also during testing, I used different audio modes including the AI mode from the room calibration feature.
When watching Everything, Everywhere, All At Once, the LG S95TR was in Cinema mode. Not only did I feel the rumble from the subwoofer every time there was some low-end information, but it came through clearly (some cheaper soundbar subs often produce a flabby bass response). And the same held even when I lowered the volume.
In fact, I did a lot of listening on this soundbar at a lower volume. Why? Because at lower volumes, TV audio is often uneven and tinny with some sound getting swallowed up. But the LG S95TR soundbar reproduced everything in a way that I could have the volume just above audible and still make out every sound and nuance.
The system’s surround and Dolby Atmos capabilities are very robust. Shogūn has a lot of dialogue inside traditional Japanese homes overlooking gardens. Watching it, I at first wasn’t sure if I was hearing anything, but when I put my ears to the rear speakers, I realized that there actually was a lot going on because I heard the ambient sounds of a garden and pond. The ambient sound also had a sense of dimension thanks to the upward-firing Atmos drivers in the rear speakers.
Night Time mode was effective in that if flattened the sound (it’s compressing the audio after all) but in a way that made everything still very audible. I had no issues hearing anything even with the feature on and the volume low. Compared to similar modes on TVs when using the TV’s built-in speakers, the S95TR’s Night Time mode was superior.
Lastly, the LG S95TR’s stereo up-mixing is a treat when listening to music. You still get a stereo image, but all of the speaker drivers on the soundbar and rear speakers are engaged. It’s not as detailed as what you would hear with audiophile speakers, but unless you’re deep down that rabbit hole, you’ll be very happy. As far as its overall frequency response, LG’s soundbar has a slightly forward mid-range, and it’s a profile that lends itself better to audio from movies, TV shows, and games.
Performance score: 5 / 5
LG's wireless subwoofer adds real low-end rumble to soundtracks (Image credit: Future)
LG S95TR Soundbar review: Design
Discreet and mostly wireless design
LED indicators don’t provide enough information
Many features and controls require app
The LG S95TR soundbar’s looks aren’t going to wow anyone. It looks like a basic matte black soundbar with a subwoofer and two slightly strange-looking wedge-shaped rear speakers, all with some extra upward-facing grilles (well, except the sub). But even though it doesn’t have the mid-century chic of a Bang & Olufsen soundbar, which would cost almost twice the price, it fits in discreetly enough – something helped out by the wireless subwoofer and rear speakers.
However, any complaints I have about the LG S95TR will be in this section. Three LED indicator lights near the right side of the soundbar take the place of an LED display. You’ll see a red light when you power down, some green lights when adjusting the volume, and three blinking white lights when trying to pair with a Bluetooth source. Considering how many features are on hand here, there just isn’t enough information on the soundbar that's visible at a glance.
The remote, for instance, has a button to toggle through different sound modes such as Cinema, Music,Game, etc. But not only do you not know which mode you’re on, but you don’t know which one you’re switching to just by looking at the soundbar or remote, and the same goes for the volume level.
The only way to get that information is to download, pair, and open LG’s control app – my second bone of contention. The app itself is perfectly fine. However, some features, such as Night Time mode are only available in the app, when they could have had their own button on the included remote control. Overall, these are far from dealbreakers, but they still are little annoyances.
As far as ports go, the selection is pretty minimal, with two HDMI ports (one with eARC), a USB port, and an optical digital input. The HDMI ports at least support 4K 120Hz and HDR10 passthrough, something PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X gamers will appreciate.
Design score: 4 / 5
LG's packaging for the S95TR is mercifully free of styrofoam, using mostly recyclable paper and cardboard (Image credit: Future)
LG S95TR Soundbar review: Setup & usability
System is well packaged
Setup is quick and easy
App is intuitive to use
The LG S95TR is a soundbar system and not just an all-in-one soundbar, so getting it out of the box is somewhat overwhelming. The box is big, but that’s partially because of how well-packaged everything is. I also appreciate that LG didn’t use styrofoam for its packaging.
Once everything is unboxed, you need to scope out where to place the rear speakers and plug in the various speakers in the order specified in the manual. Interestingly, when I first plugged everything in, the soundbar announced via a voice prompt that the rear speakers were on the wrong sides. Plugging everything in took five or ten minutes, which is quite convenient compared to a standard home theater system.
With everything set up, using the system is very easy. With the soundbar connected to the HDMI ARC port, I could use my TV’s remote to control volume. The app is also very easy and intuitive from adjusting volume, switching modes and sources, to setting up the various features. You can even manually adjust sound settings per speaker, which is a nice touch.
Setup & usability score: 5 / 5
Three up-firing Atmos drivers are located on the LG S95TR's top surface, with the center driver also helping to elevate dialogue to screen-level (Image credit: Future)
LG S95TR Soundbar review: Value
Pricey
Reasonable compared to high-end competition
Stiff competition from Samsung and JBL
Although the LG S95TR is pretty expensive, this is a 9.1.5-channel system, so you’re getting much more than just a soundbar. If you want detailed sound with some dimension but don’t care about a true surround sound experience, you can get a standalone soundbar and save money. Even the Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar, which is still relatively pricey at £899 / $899 / AU$1499, will set you back much less (and take up less space).
Of course, if you want the rumble of a subwoofer and real surround sound – basically, the home theater experience – you’re going to have to spend more. For instance, the flagship Samsung HW-Q990D, a 11.1.4-channel soundbar system, retails for even more than the LG at $1,799 / £1,699 / AU$1,995.
Or consider the JBL Bar 1300X with its rechargeable rear speakers. At $1,699 / £1,299 / around AU$2,570, it also costs just a little more than the LG system but doesn’t have 4K 120Hz HDMI passthrough for gaming.
Value score: 4 / 5
Should I buy the LG S95TR Soundbar?
Buy it if...
Don't buy it if...
LG S95TR Soundbar review: Also consider
How I tested the LG S95TR Soundbar
(Image credit: Future)
I used the LG S95TR Soundbar for a few weeks
Tested with both TV, movies, and music
I used the LG S95TR Soundbar regularly for a few weeks with TV, movies, and music. I compared it to just my TV’s speakers alone, listened to the different sound modes, and tested the various features.
As expressed in the review, this is a powerful, immersive system that delivers a true home theater experience in a convenient soundbar package.
I’ve tested a lot of tech gear over the years from laptops to keyboards and speakers, and use my expertise to give an honest, fair, and informed opinion on any product I test.
The Shark HydroVac Cordless is a multipurpose cleaner that vacuums and mops at the same time. For this review, I tested the UK version, but there are equivalent models in the US and Australia (there are minor differences in specs, but essentially this is the same product):
There are plenty of reasons to admire this product. It’s powerful, and can tackle lots of different types of wet and dry debris on hardwood flooring, as well as freshening up door mats and rugs. This means you can do away with your traditional mop – should you be able to prize yourself away from it – and condense the number of cleaning tools you need.
It cleans by sucking up the spillage as you push back and forth until the area is left looking clean and smelling fresh. It’s capable of tackling mess such as milky cereal, baked beans and biscuits. It works fast too. We'd expect nothing less from the brand behind many of the best vacuum cleanerson the market.
It's not quite perfect. It doesn’t come with a crevice attachment, so you’ll need to use the vacuum’s head to get right up to the skirting and into corners, which can sometimes be tricky. And while it has a self-cleaning feature to keep the insides smelling fresh, you will also need to keep on top of the vacuum’s maintenance and clean and dry the dirty water tank and brush roll after every use, which can be a bit of a pain.
Overall, I was very impressed with pick up – both on finer dust and larger wet debris. I also like how easy the vacuum is to store on the charging dock so that it’s conveniently ready when you need it. It gives you a decent 25 minutes of runtime too – all in its handy cordless design. If you're on a tighter budget and don't mind a cable, there's a corded version that's cheaper.
That's the short version – read on for my full Shark HydroVac Cordless Cleaner review.
Shark HydroVac Cordless Hard Floor Cleaner review: price & availability
List price: US$359.99 / £329.99 / AU$399.99
Launched: 2023
Available: worldwide
While Shark sells small appliances worldwide. The cordless model I tested is the UK version, which has a list price of £329.99. The US version (WD201) has a list price of $359.99, but at time of writing was discounted to a far-more-affordable $199.99. The Australian version (WD210ANZ) has a list price of AU$399.99.
If you’re looking to spend a little less and don’t mind a corded model, you can get a corded version in the UK and US. In the UK, this is the WD110UK and costs £279.99, in the US it's the WD161 and costs $249.99. Note that Shark recommends that you replace the filter and brush roll every six months, which is an ongoing cost.
Two-in-one vacuum cleaner/mops can vary quite a bit in price, with the cheapest starting around £150 / $190 / AU$285 and going up to around £350 / $440 / AU$665. While the Shark HydroVac isn't the cheapest option on the market, the design has a lot of premium features, and I'd say it's good value for money.
While Shark offers discounts at peak sale times throughout the year including Black Friday and Cyber Monday, at the time of writing the product is being sold at full price.
Value for money score: 4 out of 5
Shark HydroVac Cordless cleaner specs
Shark HydroVac Cordless Hard Floor Cleaner review: design
LED headlights illuminate hidden debris
Ample 500ml water tank
Stylish charcoal grey design plus compact charging dock
The Shark HydroVac Cordless Hard Floor Cleaner WD210UK has a stylish charcoal grey finish and sleek body. The body is relatively light at 3.95kg, and the design includes an antimicrobial brush roll and a 500ml water tank.
Although you can't wall-hang this device, it does come with a docking station where the cleaner sits neatly when not in use. It’s the size of a standard cordless vacuum, so while it won't take up too much room, it helps if you have a large room or separate utility area to store it.
(Image credit: Future)
What I instantly liked about the two-in-one cleaner is how easy it is to get set up. Attach the body to the head by following the simple instructions provided. When it's ready to go, fill the tank with water and add some of the cleaning solution provided. The LED control panel on the cleaner is simple to read and provides info on battery life and cleaning solution levels.
This cleaner is designed for use on both wet and dry messes, and a variety of floor types. You start it up simply by leaning the handle of the device back.
(Image credit: Future)
There are two modes. In hard floor cleaning mode, it'll vacuum when you're pushing forwards and wash when you pull back. The device automatically starts in this mode when you turn it on. You can also switch to a freshen mode using the button at the top of the handle. In this mode, it seems to mop lightly in both directions. There's a self-cleaning mode that you can activate by pressing the start button once the device is on its stand. You’ll need to supplement this with your own cleaning, however – I'll get into that more in the Performance section.
(Image credit: Future)
When the device starts, LED headlights illuminate to help you see hidden debris as you vacuum.
It’s worth noting that while the Shark HydroVac Cleaner can be used on low-pile carpets rugs, the brush roll won't work on plush/thick long pile. If you’re after a cleaner for a thicker carpet, you’re better off taking a look at the Shark CarpetXpert Deep Carpet Cleaner EX150UK.
If you’ve ever tested a cordless vacuum cleaner, you know how bulky they can sometimes feel. But I found this design reasonably lightweight and well balanced. It's easy to drive around the floor – both on hard flooring, mats and rugs. The head of the vacuum is wide enough to make good progress in just a few strokes, but not overly chunky.
On a full charge, it ran for 25 minutes, which was long enough for me to do a refresh of my hallway, dining room, living room and kitchen before needing to refill the water and pop it back on the charger.
(Image credit: Future)
In hard floor cleaning mode, the simple push-pull action is a joy to use, and perfect on the days that I simply needed to quickly pep up my dusty dark walnut hardwood flooring. I found it also worked well on tougher messes – for example when the kids had brought mud into the hallway, or spilt cereal under the kitchen breakfast table (Cheerios are the bane of my life!).
The HydroVac also managed to clean up baked beans on vinyl flooring within seconds, as well as sucking up digestive biscuit crumbs with ease, and always leaving a fresh smelling surface behind. The suction is powerful and I was impressed with just how quickly it got to work.
I also tried refresh mode on a doormat and my Persian carpet. I was a little apprehensive as I've tried wet-dry cleaners in the past that have left my carpet sodden wet. Luckily, the HydroVac didn’t leave too much residue behind. While it’s hard to tell whether it makes any real difference when freshening mats and carpets, I think the fact that it leaves behind a trace of multi-surface cleaning solution with odour neutraliser reassuring.
On the down-side, I found the Shark HydroVac could get quite noisy – ramping up to 83.1 decibels in use and really packing a punch for a minute or so when it’s in self-cleaning mode. Comparatively, I measured my Dyson V15 Detect Absolute at 76.4 decibels.
Maintenance
The HydroVac has a self-cleaning mode, which can be activated when it's back on its charging base. This helps freshen up the inside mechanisms and cleans the brush roll. That's useful because the antimicrobial brush roll can take a bit of a battering, depending on what you’re cleaning. Straight after cleaning up beans and biscuits it was looking rather dirty, for example.
(Image credit: Future)
That said, you will need to then empty the dirty water tank and also leave the brush roll out to dry for up to 24 hours before using it again. If you forget to empty the tank after use, the dirty water tank will start to smell as I found out on one occasion..
However, you'll also have to do your own maintenance work. After every use, I had to empty the dirty water tank and take off the brush roll (often clogged up with food or hair) to clean myself and leave it out to dry. While this is relatively easy, it is something to bear in mind if you think that the self-cleaning mode here does it all.
Performance score: 4.5 out of 5
Should I buy a Shark HydroVac Cordless?
Buy it if...
Don't buy it if...
How I tested the Shark HydroVac Cordless Hard Floor Cleaner
I used the Shark Hydrovac in my home for six weeks. In my home, walnut hardwood flooring runs through the hall to the dining room and living area and it’s prone to looking dusty if not cleaned regularly. I used the Shark Hydrovac to clean the floor daily. I also used it on the vinyl tiles in the kitchen and upstairs in the bedroom where we have laminate hardwood flooring.
I tested how well it did on targeted areas and scattered a section of the room with large oats – to mimic large debris – and a mixture of flour and crushed biscuits – to mimic finer dust. I was keen to see how quickly and effectively it could clean up the area. I also used it to clear up a baked beans spillage on the vinyl flooring in my kitchen and measured the noise levels of the vacuum using the Decibel Meter App on my iPhone. Finally, I also used it in freshen mode to clean the small carpets and doormats throughout the ground floor of my home.
The MSI Titan 18 HX returns in 2024, reclaiming its title as the best gaming laptop for those looking to splurge on the most over-the-top desktop replacement money can buy.
The Titan 18 HX, like its 2023 predecessor, the MSI GT77 Titan HX, is a $5,000 desktop PC masquerading as a gaming laptop. Clocking in at just under 8 lbs/4kg, you're going to feel this one if you ever have to actually carry it anywhere, and most backpacks out there won't even fit it. This laptop, then, will be relegated to your desk with the occasional trip to another room at most.
While it sacrifices portability, it does come with some absolutely bonkers hardware, including a 175W RTX 4090 mobile GPU, a 95W Intel Core i9-14900HX processor, up to 128GB DDR5 RAM, and up to 4TB SSD storage, with one of its three M.2 SSDs slots being a PCIe 5.0 interface for the best SSD speeds possible (though it doesn't come with a PCIe 5.0 drive, you'll have to provide that yourself). Throw in the world's first 18-inch 120Hz 4K+ mini LED display with 120Hz refresh and HDR1000 certification, and you have the most decadently specced gaming laptops I've ever tested.
And before you say it, mini LED isn't an OLED, I know, but I honestly prefer mini LED displays on gaming laptops, and this one can get you 112% of the DCI-P3 color gamut, so video editors and other creative pros might want to take note of this one as well.
Design-wise, this laptop is an improvement over its predecessor in a number of ways, not the least of which is that it does introduce some grey into the chassis to help break up the super-aggressive gamer black styling of the GT77 Titan HX (and even adds some light blue accent touches to the rear), as well as introducing a seamless trackpad and more refined curves into the keydeck.
The Titan 18 HX's mechanical keyboard, meanwhile, features Cherry MX ultra low-profile switches that are a dream to type on, and the seamless trackpad is adequate for basic use; but as with any gaming laptop, you'll probably want to use the best gaming mouse you have handy while actually gaming.
Given the laptop's size, MSI was able to pack in some powerful speakers that provide a much more immersive audio experience than you'll find on a lot of other laptops. Of course, you'll have to turn the volume up to drown out the whine of the laptop's cooling system, which can get noticeably loud under strain. You can adjust this in the MSI Center, though it will come at the cost of performance.
Speaking of performance, gaming on this laptop is an absolute joy. The very best PC games run buttery smooth at max settings, and while enabling ray tracing at the laptop's native 3840x2400p resolution on some titles will require you to use DLSS upscaling to get a playable framerate at 4K, that's the case with even the best graphics card in a desktop PC.
Still, for the amount of money this laptop will cost you, you could also be forgiven for asking if it's really worth the price. If you're the type to ask such a question, don't worry, it's an easy question to answer: this laptop isn't for you. If you want the absolute best gaming performance in a theoretically portable form factor and money isn't an object for you? Well, you are exactly the person this laptop is designed to cater to, and you won't find many, if any, better gaming laptops on the market than the MSI Titan 18 HX.
MSI Titan 18 HX: Price and availability
(Image credit: Future / John Loeffler)
How much is it? Starting at $4,999.99 / £4,379.98 / AU$6,999
When is it available? It is available now.
Where can you get it? You can get it in the US, UK, and Australia
The MSI Titan 18 HX is available now in the US, UK, and Australia, starting at $4,999.99 / £4,379.98 / AU$6,999. All configurations come with an Intel Core i9-14900HX processor and 4K+ mini LED display, and the US has two configurations on sale right now. They both feature an Nvidia RTX 4090 mobile GPU and 4TB storage, with the only difference being a choice between 64GB or 128GB RAM.
In the UK, the Titan 18 HX starts with an Nvidia RTX 4080 GPU, 64GB DDR5 RAM, and 2TB PCIe 4.0 storage, and goes up as high as an RTX 4090 with 128GB RAM and 4TB storage. In Australia, the Titan 18 HX starts with an RTX 4080 GPU, 32GB RAM, and 2TB storage, and goes up to an RTX 4090, 128GB RAM, and 4TB storage.
In no universe is this a cheap gaming laptop, and it's challenging to think of another 18-inch laptop that goes quite this hard on the specs. Even the Alienware m18 R2 pulls back from a full 4K display, much less 4K+, and tops out at 64GB RAM. Even upping the m18 R2's storage to 8TB with everything else maxed out doesn't even bring you up to the MSI Titan 18 HX's starting price.
Again, I can't stress this enough, only those with the deepest pockets need consider this one.
Value: 2.5 / 5
MSI Titan 18 HX: Specs
(Image credit: Future / John Loeffler)
This is easily the most obscenely configured gaming laptop I've ever laid hands on, and I wouldn't be surprised if you could still play the latest AAA games at max settings at 4K for the rest of the decade. The hardware will likely physically fail on you before this thing is rendered obsolete when it comes to gaming or high-end performance.
Specs: 5 / 5
MSI Titan 18 HX: Design
(Image credit: Future / John Loeffler)
Gorgeous mini LED display
Improved chassis aesthetics
Ports galore
Low-profile mechanical keyboard with Cherry MX switches
The MSI Titan 18 HX introduces several improvements over last year's Titan, while generally keeping the fairly Decepticon-like aesthetic that the Titan is known for.
Starting with the sheer size of the thing, it's slightly bigger than its predecessor, a feat I didn't think possible. It also adds about 0.5 lbs to its weight, making it by far the heaviest laptop I've used in at least a decade or more.
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Opening it up, you'll find a low-profile mechanical keyboard with Cherry MX switches for some seriously smooth typing. The trackpad has gone seamless, as well, offering a glassy but responsive surface for your palms and fingertips to glide over. The trackpad itself is responsive, with good feedback, though a gaming mouse or controller is recommended for higher-level precision.
(Image credit: Future / John Loeffler)
The Titan 18 HX comes loaded with 4x2W up-firing speakers on either side of the keyboard, as well as 2x2W subwoofers for extra bass, all of which work together to create some very rich sound, at least as far as laptop speakers go.
(Image credit: Future / John Loeffler)
The IR webcam also gets an upgrade over last year's model, now at full HD as opposed to 720p, and features a physical privacy shutter, which you always love to see on a laptop.
(Image credit: Future / John Loeffler)
The display though is the big feature here with a speedy 120Hz refresh rate on a 3840x2400p mini LED panel that is bright and vibrant. It also has VESA DisplayHDR 1000 certification for a fantastic color contrast with deep blacks, and covers 112% of the DCI-P3 color gamut according to our tests.
(Image credit: Future / John Loeffler)
In terms of ports, having a chassis this big means you can cram in a lot of ports, and the Titan 18 HX does not disappoint. You get three USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 ports, two Thunderbolt 4 ports with DP output (with one featuring PD3.1 certification for fast charging devices), one HDMI 2.1 port that can push 120Hz video at 4K, an SDCard slot, an RJ45 ethernet port, and a 3.5mm combo jack. You even get a Kensington lock slot for good measure.
Overall, this is one of the best-looking MSI gaming laptops I've seen this year, and its wealth of features, ports, and more make it a standout device before we even get to its performance.
Design: 4.5 / 5
MSI Titan 18 HX: Performance
(Image credit: Future / John Loeffler)
Best-in-class performance
Able to hit 60 FPS at 2400p on most games without upscaling
Upscaling can get you 60 FPS or better in games with ray tracing turned on
This gaming laptop absolutely puts some of the best gaming PCs to shame with its performance. Its 2400p resolution understandably taxes the hardware when playing high-end games at its native resolution at max settings, but in titles like Assassin's Creed Mirage, Assassin's Creed Valhalla, Shadow of the Tomb Raider, and Far Cry 6, the Titan 18 HX is easily able to clear 60 FPS at 4K on its highest settings, and that's not even factoring in any graphics upscaling.
Turn upscaling on, where available, and you can push the limits of the display's refresh rate on most games. If you factor in ray tracing, though, you can get in the neighborhood of 60 FPS or higher with appropriate upscaling, and on games like Cyberpunk 2077, it's an absolute necessity if you want to max everything out and get a better-than-just-playable frame rate.
Looking at its competitors, though, among the other 18-inch gaming laptops we've tested in our labs so far this year, none can match what the MSI Titan 18 HX brings to the table in terms of performance. The fact its competitors are all limited to 1600p QHD+ displays means that if you want the absolute bleeding edge of what laptop gaming can deliver in terms of 4K visual spectacle, the Titan 18 HX is really your only option.
Performance: 5 / 5
MSI Titan 18 HX: Battery life
(Image credit: Future / John Loeffler)
Terrible battery life, but it'll rarely be on battery power anyway
Charging to full will take you a couple of hours
Understandably, battery life is not this laptop's greatest strength, but to call it a weakness is a bit unfair. This is not the kind of laptop you'll use unplugged for any length of time, as you would one of the best ultrabooks or a MacBook Pro.
This is a desktop replacement, so even though its two hours and 40 minutes of battery life while surfing the web is a pretty funny data point for a $5,000 laptop, you'll never actually use the Titan 18 HX this way outside of extremely rare instances. Its bulk will make it difficult to bring it anywhere period, much less somewhere that doesn't have an available wall outlet.
Still, compared to other 18-inch gaming laptops, the Titan 18 HX's battery performance still falls about 20% below the class average of three hours and 27 minutes. That means it doesn't get a total pass from me on battery life, but it is hardly a factor anyone should realistically consider for a laptop like this.
Battery Life: 2.5 / 5
Should you buy the MSI Titan 18 HX?
Buy the MSI Titan 18 HX if...
Don't buy it if...
Also consider
If my MSI Titan 18 HX review has you considering other options, here are three other laptops to consider:
How I tested the MSI Titan 18 HX
I spent about a month testing the Titan 18 HX
I used our standard suite of benchmark tests
I primarily played games on the Titan 18 HX, though I also used it for general computing and content creation
I spent about a month with the MSI Titan 18 HX, using it as an everyday work machine at home while gaming at night once work was done. I also used it for content creation work with Adobe Photoshop.
This is a gaming laptop, first and foremost, so I tested it with our standard battery of gaming benchmarks and other benchmarks that check for CPU, GPU, and overall system performance.
I've been reviewing laptops for TechRadar for nearly half a decade now, and as a lifelong PC gamer, I know how games should run on given hardware, and how much that hardware should cost you to maximize the value to the consumer. I also have a Master's Degree in Computer Science, so I'm able to really dig in and analyze the nitty-gritty of the hardware in a way many other reviews can't.
