If you’re buying into Canon’s EOS R mirrorless system, you might well be weighing the do-it-all EOS R6 II against the more expensive and high-powered EOS R5. Plenty chose the original EOS R6 for its price, low-light capability, burst shooting and video features, and the R6 II removes one remaining barrier – the original model’s 20MP resolution.
The Mark II’s resolution increase will may not make much difference to the detail rendition, but it’s an important psychological bonus which puts the Canon on a par with rivals like the Lumix S5 (and now the S5 II), Nikon Z6 II and Sony A7 III (though not quite the A7 IV).
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The R6 Mark II’s burst mode frame rates are doubled to 40fps with the electronic shutter but stay at 12fps with the mechanical shutter, and while the AI-powered AF subject recognition has been extended with more subject types, the original was pretty good already.
Canon EOS R6 II specs
Sensor: 24.2MP full frame CMOS AF points: 4,897 point Dual PIxel CMOS AF II, 100% coverage Video: 4K UHD up to 60p, FHD up to 180p Viewfinder: OLED 3.69m-dot LCD: 3-inch vari-angle touch 1.62m-dot Memory card: 2x SD/SDHC/SDXC UHS-II Max Burst: 12fps mechanical shutter (1,000+ JPEG, 110 RAW/1,000 CRAW), 40fps electronic shutter (190 JPEG, 75 RAW/140CRAW) Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Mic, Headphone, HDMI Type D, USB 3.2 Size: 138.4 × 98.4 × 88.4mm Weight: 670g (inc. battery and SD card)
For video, the original 30-minute recording limit has been scrapped and Canon reckons the R6 II can shoot for over 40 minutes at 4K 60p, and up to 6 hours at 4K 30p. It also has Canon C Log 3 and can capture 6K ProRes RAW over HDMI.
These things are all great, but they are incremental rather than revolutionary improvements, and they make for a pretty expensive camera that’s only worth it if you need everything that it does.
The EOS R6 II is nice to use and captures very attractive stills and video, but the 8-stop IBIS system will not necessarily deliver that in real life and does not have the fluency for smooth camera movements in video. The EOS R6 II feels like one of the better cameras in its class, but not necessarily the best and definitely not the cheapest.
Canon EOS R6 II: release date and price
About the same price at launch as the old R6, which is welcome
Much more expensive in the UK than the US
Seems expensive compared to the Sony A7 IV and Lumix S5 II
New Canon cameras typically arrive with premium price tags relative to the competition and take a while – sometimes a very long while – to move back down to a more competitive price point. Launch price for the Canon EOS R6 II is $2,499.99 / £2,799 / AU$4499 body only, and $3,599.99 / £3,999 / AU$6399 bundled with the RF 24-105mm F4 lens.
It’s no surprise then, that the EOS R6 II immediately looks expensive compared to its rivals. These include the Nikon Z6 II, Sony A7 II and the brand new Panasonic Lumix S5 II, all of which are around $500 cheaper. Indeed, even the 30MP Sony A7 IV currently costs less than the Canon. And if you’re thinking of getting the R6 II and 24-105mm f/4 lens bundle, that’s almost the price of an EOS R5 body.
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So is the EOS R6 II good enough to make it worth the extra compared to its direct rivals? At this level, you commit to a system rather than a specific camera, and if you’re starting from scratch you’ll need a lot of trust in the Canon brand to pay the extra for the R6 II. If you’re a Canon shooter, the R6 II might make a logical upgrade for existing kit, but if you already use Sony, Panasonic or Nikon gear, it’s hard to see why you would switch.
Price Score: 3.5/5
Canon EOS R6 II: design
Curved shapes and smooth materials make it nice to handle
Very good EFV and rear display
Some minor control niggles
Canon does make very nice-handling cameras. When other makers seem to be favoring hard-edged rectilinear designs, the EOS R6 II has comfortable curved contours and soft, grippy surfaces. Your little finger is still left dangling at the bottom of the grip and it does feel overbalanced by bigger lenses – we tested it with the RF 24-105mm f/4 – but it’s more comfortable than its rivals.
The three-dial control layout does take some learning, since the dial functions depend on the mode and in some modes two dials do the same thing, but it’s all part of learning a sophisticated camera.
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It would have been nice to have had dedicated ISO and WB buttons, and why doesn’t the stills/video lever on the far left of the top plate have a continuous shooting option? It’s something this camera is especially good at, so it’s a bit annoying to have to dig around the the interface to find it.
And you might wish there was some quick way to disable the subject-recognition system for when you want to choose the focus point – though you could do that with the C1, C2 and C3 settings on the main mode dial.
It does feels as if Canon has gone away from the idea of a camera that has buttons and dials you can see, to a camera you customize and program yourself.
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The EVF offers superb clarity, definition and contrast, though it can also be a bit jittery as you move the camera, and while the vari-angle rear screen is equally excellent, could Canon not have stretched to a 3.2-inch display rather than 3-inch?
If you like cameras with power levers around the shutter release, right where your forefinger is, you won’t like the R6 II’s big Off-Lock-On lever further back on the top plate. There must be some ergonomic reason why you should need one hand to hold a camera and another to switch it on and off. Answers on a postcard.
There’s no status panel on the top plate, but the menu system, although extensive, is very clear and easy to navigate. The video record button on the on the top plate looks to be in a random position but it’s actually quite easy to find with your index finger.
Design 4/5
Canon EOS R6 II: features and performance
Really good AI autofocus and tracking
Operation all-round is smooth, responsive and satisfying
We didn’t get Canon’s claimed 8-stops of IBIS
Canon’s latest AI autofocus system is very impressive – mostly because you can set its subject-recognition to auto and let it get on with it. Almost always it figures out what your subject is and focuses on it without you having to do a thing. It’s especially effective with animals and humans, but it’s also very good at identifying cars.
If you choose Zone AF or single point AF, it will still show you what it’s recognized in the EVF or on the rear screen, but it will respect your area/point AF choice, which saves you getting into a fight with the camera over what to focus on.
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The eye AF and tracking is very good, and ideal for one-person vlogging crews filming themselves. In our tests it tracked us doggedly as we walked about talking to the camera, and only failed with sudden frame entries for fast and erratic movements. Basically, as long as you’re not deliberately trying to trip it up, it doesn’t put a foot wrong.
It was also excellent for tracking squirrels in our local park. With a squirrel face-on it didn’t quite figure out the eyes, but with the squirrel sideways it got the focus bang on.
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The 8-stop (claimed) IBIS is less convincing. It’s quoted with the RF 24-105mm lens at 105mm, which is just how we tested it. We got an acceptable hit rate at around 4-stops compensation, but pretty poor results after that.
We didn’t find it great for video or long lenses, either. For static filming it’s excellent, but for any kind of camera movement it does too many ‘jump-resets’ for reliable footage in the hands of all but the most skilled operators. We tried it with the RF 800mm f/11 super-telephoto and got the same results – if you can’t keep this lens’s movement under tight control, the stabilizer just jumps from one ‘stable’ position to another, making accurate framing very difficult.
Features and performance 4/5
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Canon EOS R6 II: image and video quality
Very attractive color rendering for both stills and video
Excellent high-ISO image quality
24MP resolution enough for most but unremarkable
The JPEGs we got from the R6 II are really attractive. The auto WB seems to judge the lighting and the colors of the scene perfectly, and the evaluative exposure metering seems to know exactly how you would want a scene rendered. We shot both JPEG and raw, but the exposure system and the JPEG rendering proved so effective that the raw files were largely superfluous.
The resolution was no better and no worse than we’d expect from a 24MP full frame camera with an anti-aliasing filter. For resolution, the EOS R6 II is good but utterly unremarkable. At least it’s not at a megapixel disadvantage compared to most rivals, unlike its predecessor.
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The low-light, high-ISO performance is extremely good. We set up a test scene with the same subject shot at a range of ISOs with the camera on a tripod and operated with the self-timer to eliminate any possible shake. The results were very good indeed right up to ISO 6400, when it was possible to start seeing some loss of detail and image smoothing, but it wasn’t until ISO 12,800 when we felt there was any significant quality loss.
This was all done by comparing JPEGs. The danger of comparing raw files is that different raw converters handle noise differently.
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The video quality was very impressive too. We shot 4K 30p and 4K 60p in-camera in standard mode (no log flattening) to see what the R6 II could do straight out of the box. Detail was sharp, the color rendition was rich and natural and the exposure – as with stills photography – gave enough dynamic range for most needs and lighting conditions. The AF kept up well too, with smooth shifts for changing subject distances.
The IBIS was less convincing, failing to properly smooth out walking footage and not handling long focal lengths or smooth camera movements (or as smooth as we could make them) particularly well.
The IBIS could get you out of a hole if you’re shooting handheld and you don’t have your tripod or gimbal but, realistically, you need those supports to really get the best from this or any camera.
Image and video quality 5/5
Should I buy the Canon EOS R6 II?
Don't buy it if...
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Don't buy it if...
Also consider
If our Canon EOS R6 II review has you wondering about alternatives, here are three rivals to consider.
The Suunto 9 Peak Pro has been given a powerful upgrade internally when compared to its almost identical-looking predecessor, the Suunto 9 Peak. There’s a new processor, new GPS, new optical heart rate sensor, and way more battery life. In terms of looks, though, not much has changed aside from a slimmer 10.8mm thick chassis and lighter 64g weight.
The biggest drawback here is the fact that Suunto decided not to upgrade the watch’s screen. Measuring 1.2 inches, the monochrome sapphire crystal display has a relatively low 240 x 240 pixel display. While there is an LED backlight, it can sometimes prove difficult to read in some instances as the text isn’t as crisp as you’d expect on a smartwatch - especially one of this price.
On the plus side, the Suunto 9 Peak Pro is super comfortable to wear for longer workouts across all types of activities. It’s also made more sustainably than most other wearables on the market, as it claims to have been built from 100% renewable energy with a 7.5kg CO2e carbon footprint.
When it comes to features, the Suunto 9 Peak Pro is teeming with fitness-tracking tech, boasting 95 trackable activities - from the more popular running, cycling, and swimming to the more obscure, such as snorkeling mode. As you’d expect from a sports watch of this caliber, there’s way more included than activity or step tracking. You’ll also find insightful training tools such as peak training effect, training load, and recovery time recommendations. All of your data is presented clearly in the connected Suunto app, which offers you heaps of post-workout data to sift through ideal for measuring your performance and helping you to track improvements over time. Although it has to be said - the suite of fitness and recovery insights on offer here, while comprehensive, doesn’t live it to those you’ll find on Garmin or Polar devices.
Performance-wise, the Suunto 9 Peak Pro ticks most boxes as a premium activity-tracking smartwatch. Despite a few instances where the interface feels sluggish - especially when you’re asking a lot of it - it can handle commands with ease while providing decent accuracy.
As for battery life, the 9 Peak Pro easily outperforms its predecessor. In our tests, the device lasted just over two weeks before needing a recharge. That was using it to track some kind of workout activity almost every day, sometimes with GPS monitoring enabled and sometimes not, alongside smartphone notifications.
Suunto 9 Peak Pro: Price and availability
Out now in the UK, US and Australia
Priced from £419 RRP in the UK, $549 in the US and AU$759 in AUS
Also comes in a more expensive but lighter titanium model
The Suunto 9 Peak Pro is available to buy now in the UK, US and Australia, with a starting price of £419, US$549 and AU$759, respectively. That’s a “starting” price because the 9 Peak Pro comes in two models. There’s the cheaper non-titanium offering, which we are reviewing in this article, and a more expensive but lighter and more durable Suunto 9 Peak Pro Titanium. The latter retails for £110 / US$150 / AU$200 more than the standard model at £529 / US$699 / AU$959.
In most instances, the Suunto 9 Peak Pro comes in at just a bit pricer than its predecessor, the Suunto 9 Peak, which currently retails for £349 / US$469 / AU$999. (Yup, for reasons unknown, the older, less feature-rich model costs more Down Under.)
When it comes to colorways, there are four options available for the standard Suunto 9 Peak Pro model: black, blue, gold and green, and sand or slate options for the titanium version.
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Suunto 9 Peak Pro: Design and screen
Slim and lightweight for a rugged sports watch
Planet-friendly design and manufacturing process
Disappointing display
If you’re already familiar with the Suunto Peak range, you’ll probably be aware that the 9 Peak Pro is almost identical in physical design to its predecessor, the Suunto 9 Peak. In fact, side-by-side, you’d struggle to tell them apart. The real update is reflected in the sports watch’s innards, where it packs an array of significant improvements over the 9 Peak, including a new processor, new GPS, new optical heart rate sensor, and bigger battery life.
While it is slimmer and lighter than Suunto’s last Peak release, measuring just 10.8mm thick and weighing a super light 64g (which is pretty slender for a rugged smartwatch), those unfamiliar with the Suunto 9 family’s design should be aware that it doesn’t boast anything particularly inspiring in terms of aesthetics. It’s handsome enough, sure, but as a rugged sports watch designed for the super active, fitness enthusiasts and athletes, it’s a bog-standard design that won’t get you excitedly showing it off to your mates. Those less fussed about looks will be pleased to know it touts military-grade durability, and so has been designed to withstand all manner of knocks.
The biggest downside for us is the Suunto 9 Peak Pro’s display. Measuring 1.2 inches, the monochrome display is a 240 x 240-pixel display made from sapphire crystal glass. While it does offer an LED backlight, it can sometimes prove difficult to read as the text isn’t as sharp as you’d expect from a watch of this class. The display is touch-enabled, though, so can be controlled by either tapping your fingers or via the physical buttons on the side, which is a nice touch (literally).
However, it goes without saying that the lack of color and brightness in this display makes the Suunto 9 Peak Pro a no-go for those looking for an attractive- or expensive-looking smartwatch that can be worn every day, especially outside of fitness.
Plus points? It’s super comfortable. We wore it for several hours during longer workouts, across all types of activities, from yoga to squash and running, and we hardly noticed it was there. It’s also made more sustainably than most other smartwatches on the market, thanks to its green energy claims. A great step forward for the wearables market.
Overall, the Suunto 9 Peak Pro is a robust and fairly decent-looking design let down by a disappointingly cheap-looking display.
Design and screen rating: 2.5/5
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Suunto 9 Peak Pro: Features
Tracking for 95 sports activities
A comprehensive suite of training tools
Easy-to-use and insightful app
The Suunto 9 Peak Pro is teeming with fitness-tracking tech. Take, for instance, how it boasts a whopping 95 supported sports activities, from the major ones like running, cycling, and swimming (as well as a multisport triathlon mode, which is always nice to see) to the more “exotic” shall we say, such as snorkeling mode, which offers up metrics including depth and dive time, although not quite to the same extent as Apple Watch Ultra's Oceanic+ app. We also found a mode for Squash, which Garmin doesn’t have, although Polar does.
The core sports tracking experience is overall very good and works well most times, but this is hampered somewhat by a sluggish interface and the watch’s relatively small, monochromatic display, which can often put a damper on things. Still, the suite of training tools, fitness, and recovery insights on the Suunto 9 Peak Pro is fairly comprehensive, but still not on par with the likes of Garmin or Polar, though.
As you’d expect from a sports watch of this caliber, there’s way more included than just tracking your workouts or steps and telling you how many calories you’ve burned. You’ll also find insightful training tools such as peak training effect, training load and recovery time recommendations. It’s also possible to let it monitor your daily stress levels, find out your estimated fitness age and check out what your VO2 Max fitness level estimates are. Bundled in with this is a built-in SPO2 sensor so you can keep tabs on your blood oxygen levels and as well as acclimation.
All of your data is presented clearly and immersively in the Suunto partner app, which has seen some vast improvements over the years, with heaps of post-workout data to sift through—ideal for measuring your performance and tracking improvements over time.
Those who are looking to use the Suunto 9 Peak Pro as a navigation tool will be able to take advantage of its ability to plan, upload and follow routes using breadcrumb-style and turn-by-turn navigation. Although we found the watch’s low-quality display made this tricky to make use of when running.
Other features include sleep tracking, which is pretty standard on smartwatches these days. Although the accuracy of this on the Suunto 9 Peak Pro doesn't quite seem to be quite on par with dedicated sleep trackers, such as the Withings Sleep Analyzer tracking mat.
As with most modern smartwatches, the Suunto Peak Pro 9 is able to feed notifications to your wrist straight from your smartphone. There’s also a stopwatch, an alarm clock, automatic daylight saving updates, calendar sync, and weather information. You can also control the music of a paired phone, but there is no offline music for apps like Spotify or Deezer, nor are there contactless pay features - both of which you’ll find with most modern Garmin smartwatches.
Features rating: 4/5
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Suunto 9 Peak Pro: Performance
Super easy to use
Somewhat sluggish interface
Decent battery life
So how does the Suunto 9 Peak Pro stack up performance-wise? Well, one thing we loved about using the watch was how easy it was to use. Even as a complete Suunto newbie, we can imagine it’s really easy for anyone to pick up and watch and start tracking activities right away.
When using it for fitness, the Suunto 9 Peak Pro does exactly what you’d expect it to as a more premium activity-tracking smartwatch. Despite a few instances where the interface feels sluggish—especially when you’re asking a lot of it, for example, controlling music while activity tracking and using GPS—it can handle most commands with ease while providing decent accuracy.
Take GPS performance, for example, which seemed decent for the most part despite taking a little longer than we’d like to find a satellite signal. You can expect it to lock onto a signal within about 15-20 seconds or so but that really depends on your location. This is by no means slow, just not on par with the best the industry has to offer, like the German Fenix 7. The 9 Peak Pro’s optical heart rate performance seems pretty solid, too.
Performance rating: 4/5
Suunto 9 Peak Pro: Battery life
21 days in smartwatch mode
40 hours in GPS mode
300 hours in battery-friendly GPS
So what about the 9 Peak Pro’s battery life? Suunto has certainly given it a boost in this regard, especially when comparing it to its predecessor, the 9 Peak. In smartwatch mode, which is basic activity tracking and receiving phone notifications, Suunto claims the 9 Peak Pro will offer 21 days as opposed to the 9 Peak’s seven days. GPS mode is now 40 hours, up from 25 hours, and in the battery-friendly GPS mode, you’ll get 300 hours as opposed to 170 hours. While these are some impressive improvements on paper, do they stack up in the real world?
In practice, we found the 9 Peak Pro just about lives it to its claims. Using the device to track some kind of workout activity almost every day, sometimes with GPS monitoring enabled and sometimes not, alongside smartphone notifications, lasted us just over two weeks before needing a recharge.
It’s also pretty quick at re-juicing itself, too, powering up from 0-100% in just over an hour.
Battery life rating: 4/5
Suunto 9 Peak Pro: Buy it if…
Suunto 9 Peak Pro: Don't buy it if…
Also consider
First reviewed January 2023
How we test
We test all our smartwatches in real, sweaty conditions. We wear them for multiple workouts, testing functions such as the heart rate monitoring and calorie counting functionalities and comparing them to other market leaders. We'll wear them while we sleep, eat and train to wear down the battery, ensuring the watch lasts as long as it claims. For example, we wore the Suunto 9 Peak Pro for over three weeks to check it lives up to those 300 hours.
When it comes to GPS tracking, we'll often run or cycle while wearing another watch, and use the GPS tracking on a phone-based app to check for discrepancies.
Samsung launched a new special edition of the Galaxy Watch5, called Golf Edition back in August. This version of the wearable came with a black body and new straps, as well as some tailored features for golfers through the Smart Caddie app.
It is already for sale in South Korea and the United States, and now the United Kingdom finally gets it as well.
The Galaxy Watch5 Golf Edition is available in all three versions - vanilla in 40mm and 44mm sizes, and the 45mm Pro variant. The major difference from the regular versions is the software, as the wearable comes with the Smart Caddie...
Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch (2023): Two-minute review
The Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch (2023) is both surprising and completely expected. Apple took us all by surprise by announcing it, along with the MacBook Pro 14-inch (2023) and Mac mini (2023), via a couple of press releases at the tail-end of January 2023. A glamorous Tim Cook-led launch at the company's Cupertino headquarters this was not.
However, while the timing and manner of the launch was surprising, the fact that Apple was following up its incredibly popular and critically acclaimed MacBook Pro 16-inch (2021) was not. With the launch of the M2 chip last year, it was only a matter of time before we saw the more powerful M2 Pro and M2 Max. Unlike its predecessor, the Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch (2023) isn’t a complete redesign that acts like a warning shot across the bows of its competitors, but more of a refinement of the hardware.
On the outside, it’s essentially exactly the same as the previous model, with a 16.2-inch screen, chunky body with a great selection of ports (including a full-size HDMI port, which now supports up to 8K at 60Hz, plus a memory card slot) and 1080p FaceTime webcam. It also has the same 16.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display with mini-LED tech and 120Hz ProMotion adaptive refresh rates for smooth and responsive scrolling and motion. But, why tinker? It remains the best display you can get on a laptop.
On the inside, the new model has been outfitted with the aforementioned M2 Pro or the more powerful – and expensive – M2 Max; two new chips from an increasingly confident Apple that once again proves that its (sometimes maligned) complete control over its hardware and software has paid dividends, leading to powerful and efficient performance with software tweaked to get the very best out of the hardware.
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During my time reviewing the Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch (2023), I threw all manner of tasks at it, and it didn’t skip a beat – even when on battery life, which caused only a tiny hit to synthetic benchmark results, but no noticeable drop in performance. And, with over 20 hours of battery life, this is a laptop you’ll rarely need to plug in throughout the day.
The only issue I have regarding the performance of the MacBook Pro 16-inch (2023) is that the M2 Pro does such a good job, that it’s hard to see what the M2 Max can improve on, apart from perhaps higher benchmark numbers.
If you need some serious GPU power, then sure, the M2 Max may be worth it, but for most people the M2 Pro will be more than enough. Truth be told, the M1 Pro and M1 Max are still excellent performers as well, and in my benchmark tests the M2 Pro clearly outperformed the M1 Pro, but not by enough of a margin that would make upgrading from the previous model to the new one worthwhile. It’s quite telling that in its press releases about the new MacBooks, it mainly compared to performance to the older Intel-based MacBook Pro 16-inch from 2019.
Price is going to be a big consideration, however, with the MacBook Pro 16-inch (2023) starting at $2,499 / £2,699 / AU$3,999 – a big investment that shouldn’t be undertaken lightly. If you have the budget and need the power, however, then Apple has come up with another winner.
Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch (2023) review: Price and availability
Starts at $2,499 / £2,699 / AU$3,999
Same price as previous model in the US
UK and Australia get price rises
The Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch (2023) got a surprise launch on January 17, with pre-orders going live as soon as the news dropped. The new MacBook Pro 16-inch will start arriving for people who pre-ordered it on January 24, 2023 – the same day that it will also be available to buy from various retailers.
The previous 16-inch MacBook Pro suffered from shipping delays of up to a few months, and while some of this can be attributed to the unprecedented situation it launched in – with both a global pandemic and global chip shortage raging – I’d still recommend you order sooner than later if you’re keen to get hold of the new MacBook Pro 16-inch as soon as possible.
While writing this review, I checked Apple’s US store, and it’s still promising deliveries by January 24, so hopefully stock will be plentiful and shipping delays rare.
When it comes to price, there’s some good news as the MacBook Pro 16-inch (2023) isn't getting a big generational price increase. Much like the MacBook Pro 16-inch (2021) M1 Pro version, this laptop starts at $2,499 in the US for the base configuration: that's the M2 Pro chip, 16GB of unified memory, and 512GB of SSD storage.
If you want to step up the brain power, you can get a version with the M2 Max chip, with a 12-core CPU and 38-core GPU, 32GB unified memory and 1TB SSD for the rather eye-watering price of $3,499.
As usual, you can configure the MacBook Pro 16-inch (2023) to come with various spec upgrades, so you can customize the laptop to best suit your needs and budget. However, these upgrades come at a cost, and can make an already very expensive laptop even pricier.
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If you want the absolute highest-end model, with a massive 96GB of memory and 8TB of storage, it’ll cost a huge $6,499. Needless to say, this kind of power will only be needed by extremely intensive enterprise-level workloads.
In the UK, the Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch (2023) is sadly even more expensive, with the base model costing £2,699, which works out as about $3,315 with the current exchange rates. And, while Apple has kept the same launch price in the US for the base model of the 16-inch model as the previous model, in the UK, the new model is £300 more expensive than the previous model, which launched at £2,399.
While some of that increase could be down to the current difficult financial situation in the UK and poor exchange rates, it’s still disappointing.
The more powerful model with an M2 Max chip costs £3,749, again a rise compared to the M1 Max model, which launched at £3,299.
In Australia, the starting price of the base model is AU$3,999, compared to the AU$3,749 the M1 Pro model launched at. Again, an increase, but not quite as severe as the one the UK has witnessed. The high-end MacBook Pro 16-inch (2023) with the M2 Max chip will cost AU$5,599, another increase over the M1 Max model, which launched in 2021 for AU$5,249.
So, it’s a bit of a mixed bag when it comes to price. The 16-inch MacBook Pro is firmly aimed at creatives and professionals that require a lot of power, so it was never going to be a budget product, but it is still a big investment that a lot of people should consider carefully about whether or not they need it. I was thoroughly impressed with the performance of the previous model, so I have no doubt that this new model will justify the price tag when it comes to performance, however.
While Apple should be commended for keeping the price the same between generations in the US, it is a shame that other markets haven’t been given that same luxury.
Price score: 3.5/5
Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch (2023) review: Specs
The MacBook Pro 16-inch (2023) comes in three main configurations; two with the M2 Pro chip and one with the M2 Max chip.
Each of these options can be configured to change the chips, add more memory (up to 32GB with the M2 Pro and up to 96GB with the M2 Max) and storage up to 8TB.
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Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch (2023) review: Design
Same design as 2021 model
Best screen on a laptop
Plenty of ports
From the outside, the Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch (2023) is identical to the MacBook Pro 16-inch (2021), with the same dimensions of 0.66 x 14.01 x 9.77 inches (1.68 x 35.57 x 24.81cm) and a weight of 2.2 kg (4.8 pounds) for the M2 Max model (the M2 Pro model is slightly lighter, but not noticeably so).
If you’re already familiar with the 16-inch MacBook Pro, then, you’ll know that this is a big, chunky, and heavy laptop. It’s a mobile workstation that’s been built to be mainly used on a desk, and if you’re looking for something more portable, consider the MacBook Pro 14-inch (2023), which offers the same specs, but in a smaller overall package.
However, the fact that the new MacBook Pro has the same design as the previous one should be welcomed, because the previous model fixed several problems I’ve had with MacBook Pros in the past – namely the range of ports that they come with.
The MacBook Pro 16-inch comes with three Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) ports, a full-size HDMI port and SDXC memory card slot. This is a big improvement over the two USB-C ports that older MacBook Pros came with, and which the MacBook Air (M2, 2022) and MacBook Pro 13-inch (M2, 2022) still feature.
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This range of ports means you can hook up a monitor or projector via HDMI, or insert a memory card, without having to use an adaptor. Combined with the long battery life (more on that in a bit), it means this is an impressively portable laptop to do some serious work on when switching between offices or studios. In these days of hybrid working, where a lot of people are dividing their work time between the office and their home, this can be a real boon, as no matter where you go, you’ll be able to make use of the power of this laptop.
Also, while the Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch (2023) is undoubtedly a thick and heavy laptop, its width and depth is roughly the same as the MacBook Pro 15-inch, despite the larger screen. To prove this, I placed the Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch (2023) on top of a 15-inch MacBook Pro I use in the office, and while the Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch (2023) is a fair bit thicker (0.66-inches vs 0.61), it otherwise has a footprint that is very close to the 15-inch model.
On opening up both MacBooks, you can see how this was achieved: the MacBook Pro 16-inch has much thinner bezels that surround the screen than the 15-inch model. Not only does this make the MacBook Pro 16-inch look like a much more modern laptop, but it also allows Apple to include a larger screen without making the entire laptop larger.
(Image credit: Future)
As with the previous MacBook Pro 16-inch model (as well as both 14-inch models), there is a compromise to the thinner bezel in the form of a ‘notch’ around the webcam, which dips down into the screen. This caused a bit of a stir when this design debuted in 2021, with many people saying it was a rather ugly and distracting design choice.
Back when I reviewed the 2021 models, I didn’t find that to be true at all – instead, I thought it was quite a clever way of maximizing screen real estate, and I hardly noticed it in most applications. Two years on, and I stand by those opinions, and in the intervening years, the furor over the notch appears to have died down somewhat. Sure, it still won’t be to everyone’s tastes, but it really isn’t the deal breaker that it was once made out to be.
The 16.2-inch screen remains unchanged, and that means this is still the best display you’ll get on a laptop, period. It’s a Liquid Retina XDR display featuring mini-LED tech, and offers 1,600 nits of peak HDR brightness and a 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio. Along with P3 wide color gamut and one billion colors, this is an incredibly bright and vibrant display. I used it in an office with plenty of ambient light, including strong overhead lighting, and the screen looked fantastic, with bright colors looking lively and realistic, while blacks were rich and deep.
At this time of year where I’m located (Bath, England), there’s not an abundance of bright sunlight, but when I used it outside, again the screen remained bright and vibrant.
As for the rest of the design, the Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch (2023) has a large and comfortable keyboard. It manages to feel tactile and responsive, and the days of faulty MacBook Pro keyboards seem to be well behind us. As part of my review process, I typed up part of this review using the keyboard, and I didn’t have any issues at all. The keyboard is backlit, so even when night rolled in and the lights grew dim, I could still happily tap away.
The keyboard also comes with a Touch ID button that allows you to log in to macOS, as well as pay for items using Apple Pay, by simply placing your finger on top of the button. As usual, the process is quick and accurate (you can set it up the first time you use the laptop), and most importantly, secure.
The trackpad below the keyboard is large and responsive, and while many creatives may prefer to use a mouse, it works well when you need it.
Overall, the Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch (2023) doesn’t change anything design-wise from its predecessor, but – frankly – it doesn’t need to. The port selection is great, and it continues to have the best screen you can get on a laptop. Apple has resisted the trend of adding touchscreen capabilities, but truth be told, you won’t miss it.
Keep in mind, however, that this is a big and bulky laptop, compared to the likes of the MacBook Air or Dell XPS 15.
Design score: 4.5/5
(Image credit: Future)
Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch (2023) review: Performance
Excellent performance
No throttling when on battery
Benchmarks
Here’s how the MacBook Pro 16-inch (2023) performed in our suite of benchmark tests:
Cinebench R23 CPU: Single-Core: 1,644; Multi-Core: 14,700 Geekbench 5 Single-Core: 1,961; Multi-Core: 15,061 PugentBench Photoshop: 1,060 Premier Pro: 1,095 Blender:Monster: 123.97; Junkshop: 71.94; Classroom: 55.42 Battery Life (TechRadar movie test): 19 hours and 39 minutes
The base configuration of the MacBook Pro 16-inch with M2 Pro chip comes with a 10-core CPU (upgradable to 12-core), a 16-core GPU (upgradable to 19-core), 16GB memory, and 512GB SSD storage, with the M2 Max MacBook Pro 16-inch model starting with a 12-core CPU, a 30-core GPU (upgradable to 38-core), 32GB memory, and a 1TB drive.
You can upgrade the specs on the M2 Pro model up to 32GB memory and the M2 Max model to a huge 96GB memory. The M2 Pro features 200GB/s of unified memory bandwidth, while the M2 Max pushes that further with 400GB/s. Both versions can be upgraded to a whopping 8TB of storage space. If you have the budget to max out the MacBook Pro 16-inch (2023), then you’ll have a seriously powerful mobile workstation that can rival powerful desktop PCs. It really does feel like the days of having to be stuck at a desk to perform intensive computational workloads is over.
The M2 Pro and M2 Max chips are, on paper, big steps up over the M1 Pro and M1 Max chips that came with the MacBook Pro 16-inch (2021), with Apple claiming that the M2 Pro offers 30% faster GPU performance than the M1 Pro, and twice the memory bandwidth of the M2 chip, which launched last year.
The M2 Max, according to Apple, offers 30% faster GPU performance compared to the M1 Max thanks to the increased number of GPU cores, and four times the memory bandwidth of the M2 – leading the company to claim it’s the world’s “most powerful and efficient chip for a pro laptop.”
Efficiency is a key word here – it's a big theme that Apple keeps returning to when talking about the M2 Pro and M2 Max chips, and for good reason, as I really think this is the main area where Apple has the advantage over Intel and AMD in the chipmaking stakes.
It means that M2 Pro and M2 Max-equipped MacBooks can pump out impressive performance without draining the battery. Crucially, the MacBook Pro 16-inch (2023) doesn’t throttle its performance when on battery power either. Other workstation laptops usually enter a lower-powered state when on battery power to conserve battery life, and while that means you’ll hopefully get a few more hours before you need to plug it in, performance is throttled, which can have an impact on any tasks you want to perform without the laptop being plugged in.
(Image credit: Future)
The good news here is that Apple has managed to achieve the best of both worlds, with no noticeable impact on performance when the MacBook Pro 16-inch (2023) is unplugged and running on battery. Throughout my time with the new 16-inch MacBook Pro, I used it both plugged in and on battery, and I didn’t notice any change in performance, even when running complex video editing tasks. While the benchmarks you can see on the right were run with the MacBook Pro 16-inch (2023) plugged in, I also ran the same tests with it unplugged, and saw a negligible impact to performance.
This has resulted in a very impressive mobile workstation that you can truly use while out and about without sacrificing performance.
Another nice benefit of Apple’s pursuit of efficiency with its M2 chips is that the MacBook Pro 16-inch is virtually silent in operation. Because the M2 Pro (which was in the MacBook Pro 16-inch (2023) Apple sent me to review) efficiently manages its power consumption, it appears that it rarely gets hot enough for the MacBook’s fans to kick in.
For anyone who can’t stand the distracting whirr of fans working overtime, this will be welcome news. It’s especially useful for musicians, producers and film makers who need to hear their work clearly and without interference, and if you’re using the included three-mic array to make ad-hoc recordings, or participating in video calls, then there’s going to be no background noise from the MacBook.
Speaking of the mic array (which Apple claims is ‘studio quality’), I found it to be very good, with excellent noise cancellation, and offers the same level of quality as the array found in the 2021 model. While you wouldn’t want to make any professional recordings with it, it’s certainly clear enough to record impromptu jams and podcasts, and means you don’t need to lug around an external microphone for those purposes.
The six-speaker sound system also offers excellent sound quality, and avoids the tinny quality I’ve been frustrated by on other laptops. Again, while the speakers won’t replace studio-quality speakers and monitors, it means you can still get very good sound reproduction without having to plug the MacBook Pro 16-inch (2023) into anything. Productivity on the go is another key theme.
(Image credit: Future)
The FaceTime HD webcam is the same 1080p camera from the previous model, and it does a good job of producing clear footage, even in low-light conditions. I’m sure the M2 Pro offers some more processing oomph to help out with video quality (as the M1 Pro did), but I didn’t see any noticeable difference between the webcam quality of the 2021 and 2023 models.
The rest of the performance of the MacBook Pro 16-inch (2023) is also impressive. The model I’m reviewing comes with the M2 Pro, 32GB memory and 2TB SSD. While I would have liked to have tried out the M2 Max model (and hopefully I will later), the M2 Pro model is going to be far more popular with most people, as it’s more affordable, while also promising the kind of performance most people require. The 32GB of memory is also a good choice for most people – I’d recommend going for 32GB minimum for creatives, as while the model with 16GB is cheaper, it’s not as future-proof.
While Apple has made some welcome strides in the user reparability of its products, the unified memory of the M2 Pro and M2 Max chips are soldiered straight onto the chips means they can’t be upgraded. If you’re buying a MacBook Pro 16-inch with the aim of it being your main productivity laptop for the next half a decade or so (and with this price tag, you really should consider it a long-term investment), then getting the most memory you can afford is the way to go.
The MacBook Pro 16-inch (2023) comes with macOS Ventura preinstalled, and it feels fast and responsive. Since the launch of the M1 chip in 2020, Apple has been doing a great job with encouraging app developers to make versions of their products that run natively on M1 and M2 chips, and in 2023, the new MacBook Pro 16-inch has launched with a huge collection of applications that have been tweaked to run on the M2 Pro and M2 Max, leading to a flawless experience (and one I assume Microsoft is envious of, considering its problems with getting both devs and customers to love Windows on ARM). While there are still some Mac apps that only have Intel compatibility, once again Apple’s Rosetta 2 tool comes to the rescue, and after installing it, will run automatically when you load an Intel-only app and will ensure that it runs on the new hardware, with no perceptible impact to performance.
While reviewing the MacBook Pro 16-inch (2023), I put it through a number of real-life tests to see how well it performed. I had both Safari and Chrome web browsers up, with multiple tabs in each, I performed photo editing and video editing in Adobe Photoshop and Premiere Pro respectively, and plugged in a MIDI keyboard and recorded several multi-track projects in GarageBand and Ableton Live (I won’t go as far as to refer to my noodling as songs), using virtual instruments and effects from Native Instrument’s recent Komplete Kontrol package, and the MacBook Pro 16-inch (2023) kept up easily – even with multiple raw 8K video streams in Premiere Pro. Without needing to render previews, you can quickly add effects and instantly play them back to see how they’ll look in your finished creation, and this has the potential to drastically speed up your workflow.
The HDMI port now supports 240Hz and 4K, and 8K up to 60Hz. So, you can plug the MacBook Pro 16-inch (2023) into any of the best monitors available right now, and you’ll get an excellent experience.
(Image credit: Future)
Once again, however, the built-in screen is the highlight here, with the Liquid Retina XDR display making your own work, as well as any media you play (I loaded up Apple TV+ for a spot of binge watching while reviewing the MacBook Pro 16-inch), look phenomenal. The ProMotion refresh rate of 120Hz keeps macOS Ventura and apps feeling smooth and responsive. Scrolling through media-heavy webpages is a particular joy with this screen. It’s so good, that if you go for the 16-inch model over the 14-inch MacBook Pro, you’ll be pleased you did, as the larger screen really shows off Apple’s tech, and makes the more bulky design a price worth paying.
While I’ve not had a chance to test the 14-inch model (again, I hope to in the near future), I assume performance will be pretty close between the two, as they use essentially the same hardware.
Overall, performance is excellent, but if you have the M1 Pro or M1 Max model from 2021, don’t feel you have to upgrade.
Performance score: 5/5
(Image credit: Future)
Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch (2023) review: Battery life
Apple claims you can get up to 22 hours of battery life with the 16-inch MacBook Pro (2023) – four hours more than the 14-inch model (due to a smaller physical battery).
That kind of boast for a powerful workstation laptop would usually be dismissed with a weary “yeah, right” from me, but having been impressed by the battery life of the MacBook Pro 16-inch (2021), which lasted 18 hours and 48 minutes in TechRadar’s battery life benchmark test, I had high hopes for the new model.
I was right to, with the Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch (2023) lasting a huge 19 hours and 39 minutes in the same test, which involves looping a 1080p video file until the battery dies. A few tweaks here and there (such as lowering screen brightness, turning off Wi-Fi and the backlit keyboard) and I can easily see it lasting the promises 22 hours.
Obviously, with more intensive workloads, the battery is going to drain a lot faster, but this is nevertheless extremely impressive, and blows away the 2019 Intel model, and pretty much any Windows 11 competitor.
The MacBook Pro 16-inch (2023) charges via a MagSafe charger that clicks into the proprietary port via magnets, which makes it easy to plug in, and safe if it gets pulled out. Using that and the large 140W USB-C Power Adapter charges the MacBook quickly – it took less than an hour to go from empty back up to 100%.
You can also charge the MacBook Pro 16-inch (2023) via a USB-C cable, and while this will be slower, it means you have the option to charge it with a common charger if you leave the MagSafe cable at home or in the office.
Should you buy the MacBook Pro 16-inch (2023)?
Buy it if...
You want the best display on a laptop I really can’t emphasize enough just how good the screen is on the MacBook Pro 16-inch, and Apple’s larger model really shows it off in all its glory.
You want a mobile workstation that lasts for hours The battery life of this thing is incredible. You could go two work days, or even a few long haul flights, on a single charge.
You’re looking to upgrade your Intel-based MacBook Pro 16-inch The MacBook Pro 16-inch (2023) improves on the Intel-based 2019 model in every way, from performance to battery life, screen and port selection. It’s a huge leap.
Don't buy it if...
You want a slimline, portable, laptop The large screen and healthy amount of ports comes at a price: portability. This is a large and chunky laptop that some may struggle with. Check out the 14-inch model instead.
You don’t need the power Even the base model of the MacBook Pro 16-inch (2023) is incredibly powerful, and not everyone is going to get the most out of it. Unless you’re going to be doing heavy creative workloads, there are better-value laptops out there.
You have the 2021 model Look, I get it, some people always want the very latest tech. However, if you have the 2021 model, you really should think twice about buying the 2023 version – sure, it’s more powerful, but not by an amount that will make the upgrade worth it.
MacBook Pro 16-inch (2023) review: Also consider
If our Apple MacBook Pro (2023) review has you considering other options, here are two more laptops to consider...
How I tested the Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch (2023)
(Image credit: Future)
I spent around 20 hours using the MacBook Pro for general work
I wrote parts of this review, edited 8K videos and made music on it
I ran our usual suite of standardized benchmarks
I’ve been using the Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch (2023) on and off for around four days, alongside the Mac mini (2023), since Apple sent it to me for review. During that time I used it as my main work laptop, and wrote parts of this review on it.
I also used it for a number of creative projects, such as editing 8K video in Adobe Premiere Pro, and creating multi-track music in both GarageBand and Ableton Live, performing some of the creative use cases Apple envisioned for the MacBook Pro 16-inch (2023).
I’ve been reviewing MacBooks for well over a decade, and have extensively tested every previous model of the MacBook Pro 16-inch for TechRadar, using this experience to compare the latest model to its predecessors, as well as compare it to Windows-based laptops.
We’re back with another round of offers from around the world. This week we picked out deals from the US, the UK and Germany, use the links below to jump to a specific country:
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The Motorola Edge 30 Pro is one controller away from being a fast but fairly affordable gaming phone. The version with 512GB storage sells for $500, giving your room for plenty of games. Games that will run on the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset and a 6.7” OLED display with 144Hz refresh rate (and HDR10+ support). The 4,800mAh battery is decently large and the phone...
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Student pricing in both regions is also getting a $1/£1 from $/£4.99 to $/£5.99 per month. Amazon’s customer service page explains that the new raised prices will “help bring even more content and features” to users. Amazon Music is the third largest streaming platform in the world...
[Update January 31, 2023: The Kobo Clara 2E has had a small price rise to $139.99 in the US (still the same price in both the UK and Australia). We've updated the price and availability section to reflect this.]
As the environmentally-conscious sequel to the Kobo Clara HD, the Kobo Clara 2E comes packed with a bunch of features that were noticeably absent from its predecessor. It’s now waterproof with an IPX8 certification, has audiobook support thanks to the addition of Bluetooth connectivity and double the storage capacity at 16GB. It’s also the first Kobo ereader to be made of 85% recycled plastic.
The Kobo Clara 2E’s 6-inch display makes the upgrade to the latest E Ink Carta 1200 screen, which makes text look really nice, and it responds well too. The crisp display and good contrast help details to stand out well on the smaller screen.
In keeping with its open ecosystem, Kobo’s latest ereader still offers wide format support that makes it easy to sideload your existing collection of ebooks and documents. It also brings over the same crisp and clean user interface that we’ve been big fans of since the beginning. The interface is something Kobo has really nailed, and navigating around the device is incredibly simple even for first-time users. It makes finding your library, the Kobo Store, settings or OverDrive (to borrow library books) really easy.
Like the newer Kobo ereaders, the Clara 2E also features Bluetooth support, so you can listen to audiobooks (albeit only those purchased from the Kobo Store). That said, you will need to pair a set of headphones or a Bluetooth speaker to it to enjoy them, as the device itself doesn’t have built-in speakers (like some Onyx and PocketBook models). Interestingly, its Bluetooth connectivity holds up well and has a decent range, as we found out when leaving the Clara 2E on the kitchen counter while we were cleaning the living room.
Overall, Kobo’s latest Clara model features some sweet upgrades for a relatively small markup. That’s right – the Clara 2E’s starting price is higher than the Clara HD. However, it does slip in cheaper than its competitor – Amazon’s Kindle Paperwhite – but only in the Australian market.
The Kobo Clara 2E has an abundance of new features including audiobook support. (Image credit: Future)
Kobo Clara 2E: price & availability
$139.99 / £129.99 / AU$229.95
Released late September 2022
Available to buy now
Announced in September 2022, the Kobo Clara 2E was available for $129.99 / £129.99 / AU$229.95 on release. Given the stack of upgrades from its predecessor, a price rise of only $10 / £10 / AU$40 isn’t too bad.
Since then, the price for the Kobo Clara 2E has gone up to $139.99 in the US, matching the price for the 8GB Kindle Paperwhite in that region, the same as over in the UK (£129.99). Australia's pricing for the Kobo Clara 2E still remains at AU$229.95, coming in at AU$10 cheaper than the 8GB Kindle Paperwhite (AU$239.99).
Compared to Amazon's 6-inch Kindle (2022), the Kobo Clara 2E is a bit more expensive. The Kindle (2022) comes in at $99.99 / £84.99 for an ad-supported model, while over in Australia it'll set you back AU$179 for the device with no ads. Both devices give you16GB of storage, audiobook support and a 6-inch display, but the Kobo Clara 2E won't lock you into Amazon's ecosystem and has a waterproof rating of IPX8, something the 6-inch Kindle (2022) is noticeably missing. In this regard, the Kindle Paperwhite is a better comparison to the Clara 2E feature-wise.
Value score: 4.5/5
There might be a bunch of new features, but the Kobo Clara 2E sticks to a similar design as other ereaders in this price range. (Image credit: Future)
Kobo Clara 2E review: design & display
85% recycled plastic
E Ink Carta 1200 screen tech
6-inch display with basic design
Key specs
Screen size: 6 inches
Display type: E Ink Carta 1200
File formats: 15 file formats & Kobo Audiobooks
Storage: 16GB
Connectivity: Wi-Fi + Bluetooth
Weight: 171g
At first glance, the Kobo Clara 2E looks just like the Clara HD – the same tablet-like plastic chassis with a 6-inch display – however when flipping the ereader around you can distinctly see the difference. The back panel is navy in color with a wavy pattern on the back for some texture. It’s a nice and subtle touch, perhaps alluding to the fact that 85% of the plastic used to make its body is now recycled material, a lot of which was destined to end up in the ocean. Unfortunately, the rear panel doesn’t really give the device any additional grip, and tends to pick up a bit of dust and dirt – something to keep in mind if you don’t plan on popping it in a case.
There’s only one button and one port on this device. The power button has moved to the back of the device, rather than on the bottom bezel like the Clara HD. This change makes the edges of the device look sleek and neat from the front. The USB-C port replaces the micro USB slot on the bottom of the device.
The power button on the Kobo Clara 2E is on the navy-coloured back panel that also has a wavy texture embedded into it. (Image credit: Future)
Like its predecessor, the Clara 2E is light and compact. It’s super easy to slip into a backpack or small purse, and we even managed to fit it into a pocket on a pair of cargo pants. The small size of the device made it easy to hold in one hand, meaning even while standing on crowded public transport we were still able to enjoy reading a novel while holding onto an overhead handle.
The E Ink Carta 1200 screen is a crisp display with a 300ppi resolution, and sufficiently avoids glare in the brightest of days. It’s also got a snappy response that makes selecting text, typing in your Wi-Fi password and page turns an absolute breeze.
Speaking of page turns – because the bezels aren’t flush to the screen, this is comfortable to do even while being held in just one hand as they provide ample space for a decent grip on the device.
Design score: 4/5
It's easy to grip the Kobo Clara 2E thanks to the raised bezels around the screen. (Image credit: Future)
Kobo Clara 2E: user experience
Audiobook support
Clean and easy-to-navigate interface
Great reading and listening experience
Reading on the device is a pleasant experience. We found it super convenient to whip out on a packed bus, or to have in a bag playing an audiobook with headphones on. We used the books that came preloaded with the review device that was sent to us, but you’re also able to sideload digital books and documents in 15 different formats from your computer.
Not only that, the fact that you can access ebooks from a public library is a big selling point – this, however, is contingent on the fact that your library of choice has OverDrive support (which many do in several countries). This is simple to use and all you need is your library card number to set up, then head to the OverDrive feature easily found on the device’s home screen.
Kobo’s own store is also easy to access directly from the home screen. While Kobo will pop up a few recommendations based on your collection, you also have the option for signing up to Kobo Plus, which is the Japanese-Canadian company’s answer to Amazon’s Kindle Unlimited.
You can find the Kobo Store straight from the Kobo Clara 2E's home page. (Image credit: Future)
You also get a massive 16GB of space on the Clara 2E. That’s double the space of both the Clara HD and the Kindle Paperwhite that's closer in price, however there is an option for a 16GB Kindle Paperwhite for $149.99 / £149.99 / AU$259. While you can access the books you’re currently reading directly off the home screen, you can easily find your entire collection under My Books on the bottom navigation bar, and they can all be organized into Collections or sorted by authors and a whole load more.
This makes it super easy to find your next story, with a variety of filters and different subheadings available to narrow down your search. The library shows the front cover of each title, and also gives you some information on how much you’ve read of each book and an estimate on how long you have left to finish your current reads.
Navigating through the library is simple on the Kobo Clara 2E. You can filter, sort and switch between categories to find what you're after. (Image credit: Future)
Not only does the Kobo Clara 2E’s clean interface make using the device a breeze, but reading on the device is also a delightful experience. You can customize the font by type and size, plus adjust the brightness of the screen to your liking. There’s also a feature that adjusts the light temperature of the screen when you’re getting close to bed, yellowing the display at the time you set to reduce sleep-disrupting blue light. We found the contrast on each page to be great.
Listening to audiobooks is also a great experience. As with most mainstream ereaders, there’s no built-in speaker here, but Bluetooth connectivity lets you pair a set of wireless headphones or a portable speaker. We found that connecting headphones was a breeze, and the range was good enough for us to leave the ereader in one room and move into another while still listening to a narration. You can purchase audiobooks directly on your ereader from the Kobo Store.
You'll need to pair a device through Bluetooth with the Kobo Clara 2E to listen to audiobooks. (Image credit: Future)
You can also see how you’re tracking in each book and total reading hours under the Activity section in the settings menu. While this may not interest everyone, it’s a great little ego booster for some avid readers. Kobo also has this neat little awards section that earns you badges for various achievements, but note that both the Activity stats and awards work only for titles purchased via the Kobo Store and not for sideloaded ones.
User experience score: 4.5/5
You can check out your reading stats on the Kobo Clara 2E to track your progress on ebooks purchased from the Kobo Store. (Image credit: Future)
Kobo Clara 2E: battery life
1,500mAh battery
USB-C charging
When it comes to battery life, the Kobo Clara 2E was a little erratic during our testing period. The brand-new device had 74% battery life right out of the box and it took us two weeks of reading one to two hours every day to bring it down to 1%. This is with the screen brightness at 25%, page refreshes set to each chapter, and with a mix of reading and listening.
The first time top-up took 3.5 hours to go to 100% when plugged into a computer. After that, though, the battery drained down to 0% in five days with the same settings and same amount of time spent with the device. In a weird twist, plugging it in for a charge showed there was still 35% left. We’re really not sure what happened there, but we didn’t encounter this issue again (thankfully).
Over the next few weeks, the battery issues seemed to smooth over. Used for just over an hour each work day, both listening and reading, we got it down to 48% after about two weeks, indicating that the battery could just be settling down after initial hiccups.
We’ll need a little more time with the ereader to fully assess its battery life and we’ll update this review as necessary, but we can currently estimate that you’d get up to four weeks when using it for about an hour each day on the default settings (screen brightness at 25%, page refresh rate set to each chapter and both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi on).
Compared to the Libra 2 which also has a 1,500mAh battery, that gave us about 7 weeks per charge when used an hour each day during our testing, it’s a little lackluster. That said, this might get better with use, or Kobo could roll out a firmware update to sort battery issues if this is more widespread.
To increase the Kobo Clara 2E's battery longevity, there are a bunch of settings you can adjust. (Image credit: Future)
While the battery appears to be sufficient for a reader who likes to read in short bursts, it’s potentially not great for someone who reads for multiple hours a day and wants a device that can last for weeks without charging. There are battery saving settings and ways to maximize battery life, so you can adjust these to help support longer usage if need be. We also noted that topping up the battery was quicker when using a wall socket rather than plugging the device into a laptop’s USB port which, of course, shouldn’t come as a surprise.
Despite the lackluster battery performance, the USB-C charging port is a welcome upgrade from the Kobo Clara HD’s micro USB, and you get a USB A to C cord included with the device.
Here at TechRadar, we hold ourselves to a high standard when it comes to reviewing and testing products. Not only do they undergo an initial thorough review, but if it’s still on the market, we’ll update and maintain our reviews to ensure they still maintain correct information.
This model has slightly different names and product codes in different territories:
US: Shark Stratos Cordless Vacuum IZ862H UK: Shark Stratos Anti Hair Wrap Plus Cordless Vacuum IZ400UK AU: Shark Stratos Cordless Pet Pro Vacuum With Clean Sense IQ IZ400
In the UK, there's also a version with added Pet Tool (IZ400UKT) and a Pet Tool plus extra battery (IZ420UKT). For this review, I tested the US version. There may be minor differences between different countries' models.
The Shark Stratos Cordless comes with Clean Sense IQ technology, which automatically adjusts the suction to pick up dirt and debris that you may not be able to see, and tells you when the floor is clean.
In my testing I was greatly impressed with the suction capabilities, especially the vacuum’s ability to remove hair from my couch when used in handheld and Boost mode. In fact, it holds a spot in TechRadar's best Shark vacuum guide as the top pick for people with a lot of carpet in their homes, as well as ranking highly amongst the best vacuums for pet hair. The MultiFLEX wand makes it easy to clean under furniture, and the flexible rotating head proved effective at picking up dirt in corners and around awkward pieces of furniture such as chairs.
The Stratos is reasonably priced for a high-performance cordless vacuum, although less of a strong prospect following the 2024 launch of the Shark PowerDetect Cordless vacuum, which promises the same suction but with added automation features. However, Shark deals are common, and it's still a good pick if you can find a good price-drop – and and it’s more affordable than some models with similar dust-detection technology like the Dyson V15 Detect.
Keep scrolling to find out more then, head to TechRadar's best cordless vacuum guide to see where it ranks the Shark Stratos Cordless vacuum cleaner.
Heavily discounted in all territories at time of update
At full ticket price, the Shark Stratos Cordless is $499.99 in the US, £399.99 in the UK, and AU$999.99 in Australia. At that price, it's right at the boundary between mid-range and premium price brackets. (Note that the AU version comes with a wider range of accessories.)
However, at time of update, it was significantly discounted in all territories when purchased via Shark – $399.99 in the US, £249.99 in the UK and AU$499.99 in Australia. That puts it into the middle of the mid-range price bracket.
That's not a bad price at all for a vacuum of this quality. However, it's less appealing when you consider the newer PowerDetect has a list price of $429.99 and promises the same amount of suction, with more advanced detection features.
The other line worth considering is the Detect Pro (read about the closest model for comparison in TechRadar's Shark Detect Pro Cordless vacuum cleaner review). The Detect Pro is slightly cheaper all round: $379.99 (discounted to $249.99 at time of updating), £349.99 (down to £229) and AU$799.99 (down to AU$499.99). This model is less powerful, but lighter and more advanced in terms of features than the Stratos – see exactly how the two compare in our Shark Stratos vs Detect Pro vacuum article.
Two brands you'll often find yourself comparing in this area is Shark vs Dyson. While the latter is typically pricier – and sometimes considerably so – there are reasons to factor Dyson into the equation. It's vacuums are unmatched when it comes to maneuverability, and technologies like the floorhead lights and dirt detection capabilities are more advanced than what Shark's vacuums offer. However, I'd still say Shark offers better value for money.
LED display shows battery level and lets you swap cleaning modes
At 8.9lb / 4kg, the Shark Stratos Cordless is fairly lightweight as cordless vacuums go, and the floor head can be removed to turn it into a handheld. Rather than an extendable wand it has a flexible wand – a popular feature referred to as 'MultiFLEX technology', which appears in a few of Shark's vacuum cleaners.
Releasing a catch on the back of the wand enables you to fold it forward for compact, freestanding storage, or for cleaning under furniture. The vacuum head swivels, and can effectively turn at a 90-degree angle with just a simple twist of the handle. Between this swivel action and the flexible wand, you can clean pretty much any place that the head can fit.
The Shark Stratos Cordless helpfully has a MULTIflex wand which bends to increase the reach under furniture (Image credit: Future)
An odor-neutralizing puck is inserted into the top of the vacuum head to keep it smelling fresh, and an LED headlight lets you see dirt and dust in dark corners. But the most significant aspect of the vacuum head design is the Clean Sense IQ indicator. When you’re vacuuming, a strip of light becomes illuminated on the top of the vacuum head. The longer the strip of light, the dirtier the floor. When the strip of light recedes, it means the floor is clean.
The Shark Stratos Cordless is designed for use on either carpet or hard floors. On the underside of the floor head you'll find two brush rolls, with fins designed to boost cleaning power. The rolls are designed to detangle hair and direct it into the dust cup as you clean, so you don't end up with a matted mess to remove from the floor head at the end of each vacuuming session.
The floorhead houses the Odor Neutralizer Technology, Clean Sense IQ indicator and LED headlights (Image credit: Future)
To empty the 0.72qt / 0.68L dust cup, which is fitted with a seal to prevent dust and allergens escaping into the air, you detach the main unit from the wand, and release a catch on the cup to deposit the contents into a bin.
At the top of the handle is a LED screen that displays the selected power mode and the remaining battery life. Built into this are buttons for turning the vacuum on and off and switching between Eco, Clean Sense IQ, and Boost mode. The vacuum doesn't have a charging station or base, making it easy to store it away in a closet or other space between uses (newer Detect Pro models add a self-empty base that doubles as a charging stand, but that's not an option with the Stratos Cordless at time of updating this review – see TechRadar's Shark Detect Pro Cordless vacuum cleaner review for an example).
The tools provided vary depending on which territory you're in, but with the US version I tested, there was a Duster Crevice Tool (which can be used as a crevice tool or a brush), and a flat Anti-Allergen Dusting Brush.
Design score: 4.5 out of 5
Shark Stratos Cordless vacuum review: performance
Excellent suction; automatic power adjustment works effectively
Flexible hose is a revelation for getting under furniture
Anti hair wrap works well
The Shark Stratos Cordless performed impressively during my testing. I used the vacuum in both stick and handheld mode on various surfaces including hardwood floors, vinyl floors, thick low-pile rugs, baseboards, a couch, and window treatments. The suctioning capability of this vacuum was superb, and I never had to run over the same area more than twice.
That said, cordless vacuums can rarely match corded options when it comes to sheer power, so if you really need to be able to deep clean, consider a corded option. There are a few options in this same range – read TechRadar's Shark Stratos Corded vacuum cleaner review for a closer look at our favorite.
While I did test out the Eco and Boost power modes, I generally used the vacuum in Clean Sense IQ mode as I wanted to get a good feel for how the automatic adjustment technology worked. When there was lots of dirt or debris on the floor, the suction was increased automatically and then returned to normal when the area was clean. It's a useful feature if you want effective cleaning that's kind to your battery; check out our Shark PowerDetect Cordless Stick Vacuum review to see a newer, similarly-priced model with more advanced dirt detection.
The floorhead can twist at a 90-degree angle (Image credit: Future)
Because I live in a period home with lots of nooks and crannies, it can be difficult to vacuum in certain corners or tight spaces. The vacuum head has a 10-inch cleaning path width and its low profile makes it easy to push it under cabinets. I appreciated that the floor head has an LED headlight and could twist at a 90-degree angle with just a slight twist of the handle. This made it far easier to clean corners, under dining room chairs, and around stands, in a way that's not possible with other vacuums.
I had never used a Shark cordless vacuum before, and the biggest revelation was the MultiFLEX wand. With a click of the button on the back of the wand, it bends in half, so you don’t have to squat down or lean over to vacuum under a bed or couch. When bent, the vacuum isn’t as easy to control as it is when it’s locked into a straight position, but you can still steer it well enough.
Testing out the Shark Stratos Cordless in my living room (Image credit: Future)
The Shark Stratos Cordless vacuum converts easily to handheld for cleaning furniture and upholstery. In boost power mode, it seemed to pick up hair from furniture much more effectively than other, similar vacuums I've tested.
Thanks to the self-cleaning dual brushroll, hair never wrapped around the brush. The 0.72qt / 0.68L dust cup is large enough to hold quite a bit of dust and debris – I didn’t manage to fill it even after vacuuming my entire house three times. I also found the lack of charging station a benefit, because it makes the vacuum easy to store in a closet or other space between uses.
The Shark Stratos Cordless can be neatly folded for storage, and stays upright (Image credit: Future)
The extra attachments vary depending on which territory you're in. For my review, I also tested out the Duster Brush Tool on my floorboards, switching to the Crevice Tool when I needed to get into tight corners. In this configuration, the vacuum was light enough to use the to clean the corners of my 10-foot ceilings and atop door frames. I was excited to try the Anti-Allergen Dusting Brush on my window blinds as they get very dusty, although it wasn't as effective as I'd hoped.
Performance score: 4.5 out of 5
Shark Stratos Cordless vacuum: battery life
Up to 60 minutes of runtime on ECO mode
Battery recharges in three hours
LED display shows remaining battery life
The vacuum’s battery is housed in the back of the handle. You don’t need to remove it from the vacuum to charge it, but you can do so if you find that more convenient.
It takes three hours for the battery to charge, and on a full charge you can get up to 60 minutes of runtime in ECO mode. Other modes sap the battery quicker – including the Clean Sense IQ mode, in which the vacuum senses how much dirt is on the floor and boosts the suction power as necessary.
Battery display on the Shark Stratos Cordless (Image credit: Future)
When testing the vacuum, I never came close to running down the battery when vacuuming my 1,600sq ft / 150sq m home, and I'd often end a vacuuming session with about 40% of battery left.
The only time I got close to running down the battery was when I vacuumed the whole house on Clean Sense IQ mode, and then followed it up by using the Anti-Allergen Dusting Brush to clean the dust off four large window blinds, before using the duster crevice tool to clean floorboards in two rooms; even then I still had 20 per cent left in the tank.
Battery life score: 4.5 out of 5
Should you buy the Shark Stratos Cordless vacuum?
Lasts long enough to clean most mid-to-large-sized homes, and automatic mode adjusts suction based on how dirty the floor is, for efficient battery use.
Buy it if...
It's difficult to see dirt on your hard floors or carpet
The vacuum's Clean Sense IQ technology uses an infrared sensor to spot dust and dirt, and automatically boosts the suction power for a better clean.
You want to be able to easily get into nooks and crannies
The wand bends in half, making it easy to clean under furniture without having to bend down or move items.
You want a vacuum that can be used handheld
The Shark Stratos Cordless with Clean Sense IQ converts to a compact and lightweight handheld vacuum for cleaning pet fur off furniture or a long handheld vacuum that can be utilized with other attachments.
Don't buy if...
You dislike having to use attachments to reach into narrow spaces
The vacuum head for the Shark Stratos Cordless is fairly bulky, so you’ll have to either break it down into a handheld vacuum, use it without the main vacuum head, or utilize one of the extra tools to get into narrow spaces.
You want a vacuum that comes with a self-emptying station
You need to empty the Shark Stratos Cordless dust cup manually. Shark does have a self-empty dock, but it's not currently available with this model.
The DreamCloud Mattress is a luxuriously thick hybrid mattress that's sold at a much lower price than equivalent beds from rival brands. It also comes with excellent perks – a full year's trial period and lifetime warranty. After sleeping on a queen-size model for three weeks and testing it on a range of comfort and support criteria, I'd rate this the best mattress around if you're looking for an affordable yet surprisingly premium-feeling hybrid.
The hybrid design consists of an innerspring base, a cashmere-blend quilted foam cover, and three layers of foams sandwiched in between them – including a layer of gel-infused memory foam to keep sleepers cool. During testing I found it to be the perfect blend of bouncy, soft, and supportive. It's responsive yet cradling, with a nice amount of cushioning, and kept my head, neck, and shoulders nicely aligned.
Some other (pricier) brands offer a choice of different sleep feels, but there's only one firmness option here. That medium-firm feel manages to satisfy most sleepers, although very lightweight people might find it a bit too hard, while very heavy bodies should seek out something more supportive. In fact, the DreamCloud Mattress performed impressively well in all of my tests – check out the table below for an overview.
The generous 365-night trial means you can sleep on it in all seasons before fully committing, and you’re not satisfied, the company will refund your money and also cover the returns fee.
That's the super-short version. Read on for my full DreamCloud mattress review.
Note: I'm reviewing the US model here. For the UK review, toggle the flag dropdown in the main navigation bar.
DreamCloud mattress review: Design & materials
14-inch tall, hybrid mattress with five internal layers, plus cover
Includes quilted, cashmere blend cover, memory foam and wrapped coils
You'll have to spot-treat stains since the cover is not removable
The DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid has five internal layers, including foams and springs. At 14 inches tall, it's thicker than most mattresses, which helps it feel more luxurious, but is worth bearing in mind if you're going to need to move it around a lot, or are planning on adding a topper, for example. It's available in the usual range of common US sizes, and ranks highly in TechRadar's best king size mattress guide.
At the top is a soft-touch cover made from quilted foam and cashmere blend material. It's stitched with a cloud pattern, and has a fairly luxurious look and feel (it's still designed to be nice and durable).
Right underneath that is a pressure-relieving comfort layer made of 'soft foam', followed by a layer of sink-in memory foam, infused with gel to promote cooling. These sit on top of a 'transition layer' of a third type of foam. All of the foams used here are CertiPUR-US certified, which means they meet certain basic health and environmental standards.
Inside the DreamCloud Hybrid you'll find layers of different foams and pocket coils (Image credit: DreamCloud)
Beneath these three foams is the layer of eight-and-a-half inch tall innerspring steel coils. These are individually pocketed, to help isolate movements, and extra-thick around the perimeter, to give a sturdier edge. The coils will also boost breathability by creating space for air to circulate within the mattress (all-foam mattresses can cling on to body heat).
Below the coils is a layer of base foam for stability, followed by the shift-resistant lower cover. Unlike some other models, the upper cover cannot be removed and popped into the washing machine for easy cleaning – this one is spot-clean only (if you're unsure of how to do this read our guide to learn how to clean a mattress). To further safeguard the mattress from stains, spills, and other undesirables, wrap it in one of the best mattress protectors. There are, however, handles to help with maneuvering.
The memory foam version (left) swaps the springs of the hybrid (right) for more foam (Image credit: DreamCloud)
The DreamCloud Hybrid is the brand's original and flagship model. There are a couple of pricier, and more advanced models in the range – the Premier and the Premier Rest. In fall 2023, DreamCloud also introduced all-foam versions of all of its mattresses, so it is possible to buy the DreamCloud original in a version that swaps the springs for more foam.
Design score: 4 out of 5
DreamCloud mattress review: Price & value for money
Lower-mid / mid-range mattress; queen size typically sold at $799
Never sold at full price – expect around 40% off
Comes with a 1-year trial and forever warranty
The DreamCloud Mattress is very competitively priced among other luxury hybrids and is among the most affordable mattresses in its class. Ignore MSRP, because there's always a DreamCloud mattress sale on. The evergreen offer runs year-round and knocks around 40% off. One exception is the Black Friday mattress deals – while the offer on the day itself is usually just the standard evergreen deal, there are often flash sales that occur in the late October and early November that deliver especially low prices.
Outside of those holiday flash sales, the evergreen offer gets you a queen-size DreamCloud Hybrid for $799. The all-foam version will typically have the same discount structure, and overall is slightly cheaper.
Here's the 'official' pricing for the DreamCloud mattress, and alongside the typical sale price:
Twin: MSRP$839 (usually on sale for $503)
Twin XL: MSRP$1,089 (usually on sale for $653)
Full: MSRP $1,199 (usually on sale for $719)
Queen: MSRP $1,332 (usually on sale for $799)
King: MSRP $1,669 (usually on sale for $1,001)
Cal king: MSRP $1,669 (usually on sale for $1,001)
The DreamCloud is one of the most affordable options in TechRadar's best hybrid mattress ranking, and punches above its weight when it comes to quality. It's a great alternative to something like the Saatva Classic or the WinkBed mattress, but can't afford the premium price tag – while the DreamCloud isn't as high quality as either of those models, it has a similar look and feel.
(Image credit: Future)
Standard with the DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid is a 365-night mattress trial, providing you with an entire year to decide if the mattress is right for you. If you decide not to keep the mattress, you can request a refund as long as you tried it for 30 full days. (You'll also avail of free returns.) But if you do decide to keep it, the DreamCloud Mattress is guaranteed for life. Should you ever find a manufacturer’s flaw or defect, DreamCloud will repair or replace it.
With a few weeks of testing under my belt, I would be surprised if DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid Mattress didn't remain sturdy and new-looking. The mattress utilizes high-quality build materials and premium construction, which means it should stand up to years of use.
Value score: 4.5 out of 5
DreamCloud mattress review: Comfort & support
I'd rate it a 7.5 out of 10 on the firmness scale
Suitable for most side or back sleepers who battle joint pain
Lighter bodies or front-side sleepers may find it too firm
The DreamCloud Mattress comes in one firmness level, which the company declares is a 'luxury firm' at 6.5 out of 10 on the firmness scale. However, my testing panel judged it to be a little firmer – somewhere between a 7 and 8 out of 10. Some more expensive hybrid mattresses are available in a few different firmness feels, so you can pick according to your preferences, but that's not the case with the DreamCloud. It's one of the concessions you're making for that lower price point.
Luckily, the DreamCloud proved to be a very comfortable level of firmness for most of my testing panel, myself included. The upper foam layers add some plush cushioning and pressure relief, but this isn't a mattress that you'll sink too far into – don't expect that memory foam 'hug' feel. Meanwhile, the pocket coils keep deliver plenty of support, and it's responsive enough that you'll be able to change position easily.
(Image credit: Future)
When I placed a 50lb kettlebell weight in the middle of the DreamCloud Mattress, it sunk in a minimal 1.5 inches, and I didn't notice any indentations upon removing the weight.
Remember, however, that mattress firmness is subjective. Height, weight, and dominant sleep position play a role in how you'll feel about a particular mattress. That's why I asked a range of sleepers of different body types and sleep preferences to share their views for this review, as well as consulting available customer reviews (below).
(Image credit: DreamCloud)
Most of my testers found the DreamCloud comfortable in any position, with plenty of pressure relief for back and side sleepers in particular. Those among us with achy joints said the DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid sufficiently alleviated joint pain in their knees and hips by cradling and cushioning in all of the right places. Meanwhile, our back-sleeping weekend guest reviewer found much relief when resting on the DreamCloud, also noting that she felt her spine was well-aligned. I'd also recommend it to anyone who deals with back pain (this model features amongst TechRadar's best mattresses for back pain), thanks to the combination of sturdy support and comfortable cushioning.
It won't suit everyone. Front sleepers might need something a little firmer, and similarly if you weigh much above 230lbs, you might crave slightly more support (those in the latter camp could consider upgrading to the DreamCloud Premier Hybrid Mattress, or another models from TechRadar's best mattress for bigger bodies guide). On the flip side, lightweight sleepers might find it a tad too hard for their liking.
DreamCloud mattress review: Performance
Low motion transfer makes it suitable for co-sleepers
Hot sleepers are likely to sleep cooler on this
Edge support is also very good
I slept on a queen-sized DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid for three weeks, asking others of different weights and sleep preferences to come and test the mattress during this time. In addition to assessing the DreamCloud for comfort and support, I also tested out other key performance aspects – namely, temperature regulation, motion transfer and edge support. Keep reading to learn what I discovered...
Temperature regulation
Despite not being a designated cooling mattress, the DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid also does a superb job of regulating temperature. As a rule, hybrids tend to be more breathable than all-foam models, because the coils create space for air to circulate within the mattress. Some foams can also cling on to body heat, but I didn't have any issue with the DreamCloud's foam layers. The cashmere-blend top fabric might also have contributed to this mattress' temperature regulation properties – the sleep surface remained cool to the touch throughout the night.
During my review period, I used several different sheets including a jersey blend and a Pima cotton blend set, and found no difference in the DreamCloud’s ability to keep cool.
Temperature regulation score: 4.5 out of 5
Motion isolation
To evaluate the DreamCloud's motion transfer – which is when you can feel someone tossing, turning, or getting in or out of bed while someone else is sleeping – I performed several drop tests using an empty wine glass and a 10lb kettlebell.
I dropped the weight roughly two feet away from the glass from three different heights: 4 inches (to mimic a partner tossing-and-turning), 8 inches (a partner getting in or out of bed), and 12 inches (a partner jumping into bed, or a larger co-sleeper turning over).
(Image credit: Future)
With all three drop tests, the wine glass was solid, barely stirred, and only slightly stirred, respectively. This is a great result, suggesting that you would hardly feel any of the motion transfer on the other side of the bed from a partner.
That matches up with my real-world experience – I had no issue with being disturbed by a partner's movements on my queen-sized bed during my review period. I can confidently recommend the DreamCloud Mattress for couples who operate on different schedules or sleep with someone who is very restless.
Motion isolation score: 4.5 out of 5
Edge support
The edge support on DreamCloud Mattress is another area where I was mostly impressed. I was not only able to sit fairly comfortably on the edge of DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid without problem, but I also placed a 50lb kettlebell on the edge of the bed to simulate a child or large animal resting on the side if the bed and experienced no issue. The mattress does a decent job of holding its shape and the weight only sunk in the same 1.5 inches that it did when placed in the middle, indicating that the edge support is decent.
(Image credit: Future)
This is good news for anyone who tends to roll towards the edge of the bed while they sleep, as they won't have to worry about possibly falling onto the floor. It's also beneficial for anyone with mobility issues who needs to sit on the edge of the bed before getting in or out of it.
Edge support score: 4.5 out of 5
DreamCloud mattress review: Customer service
The DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid ships free, and typically takes around two to five business days to arrive. This is a bed-in-a-box mattress, which means, it's vacuum-packed and rolled for delivery, making it easier to get it through your home, even if you have tight corners or cramped stairwells to contend with.
When I first reviewed this mattress, there was an option to pay extra to upgrade to white glove delivery or have your old mattress removed, but it looks like these options have disappeared. That means you're probably going to need to rope someone else in to help you get your mattress into place, because even though it's compact, it's still heavy (especially the larger sizes).
Inside the cardboard box you'll find a large, plastic-covered-barrel-shaped mattress to unwrap – made easier courtesy of the little cutting gadget that's included. After rolling it out and removing the plastic, the mattress emerges and begins to instantly expand from its vacuum seal. You can sleep on the mattress within an hour, which means you can set it up closer to bedtime if you wish.
I hardly detected any off-gassing smell while unpacking the mattress and if there was any odor, it quickly dissipated. But this is a hybrid mattress, which isn't as susceptible to off-gassing as its full-foam counterparts in the first place.
(Image credit: Future)
Almost all of the big bed brands offer free delivery, but quite a few do also give you the option to upgrade to a more comprehensive delivery if it's needed, so that's slightly disappointing. Saatva is the only brand I know of to include white glove delivery for free, but those mattresses are significantly more expensive.
When it comes to trial period, DreamCloud fares better – you'll get a full year's sleep trial to test out your purchase and make sure it's right for you. That matches the longest trial you'll find on the market, and returns are free too (some brands charge a processing fee for this). Finally, there's a forever warranty, which again matches the longest you'll find anywhere (... obviously), and is very generous for a mattress in this price bracket.
Customer service score: 4.5 out of 5
DreamCloud mattress review: Specs
DreamCloud mattress review: Other reviews
4.6* average over ~8,200 reviews (Nov 2023)
Complaints focus on it being to soft or firm, a few also found it slept warm
Most reviews are very enthusiastic and positive
My testing panel was made up of individuals with varying builds and preferences, but it's still a rather small sample size to go by. Thus, I've also analyzed user reviews from other DreamCloud customers to provide you with a more comprehensive look at how well this mattress performs.
The DreamCloud Hybrid has gained popularity since its 2017 debut in the bed-in-a-box category. As of November 2023, you can find over 8,200 customer-verified reviews of the mattress on its site, 80% of which are five stars – scoring an average of 4.6 stars. Since DreamCloud only sells from its online retailer and not third-party sellers, there aren’t other sites to gather more reviews.
Most of the less-than-perfect reviews were a result of an issue with firmness (which is subjective anyway). However, a few found the mattress slept warm (I didn't find this), and a handful also reported signs of sagging sooner than expected. DreamCloud is obviously confident in its mattress' durability, because it has a forever warranty (it'll also help to know how long a mattress lasts so you can anticipate when it may be time to replace it – hybrids typically last 7 to 10 years). You've also got a full year's trial, which you can use to make sure it suits your needs.
Most customers, however, credit the DreamCloud Mattress with alleviating back pain and overall improving their sleep. There were several users who praised DreamCloud's timely customer service as well.
(Image credit: DreamCloud)
Should you buy the DreamCloud mattress?
Buy it if...
✅ You want a luxurious feel for an affordable price: The DreamCloud is one of the best value mattresses around, and delivers a surprisingly luxurious feel for its lower-mid / mid-range price bracket. The very generous extras – a full year's trial and forever warranty – really amp up your value for money.
✅ You struggle with back or joint pain: The combination of supportive coils and gentle cushioning make this mattress a great choice for those struggling with back pain or sore joints.
✅ You share a bed: Bed-sharers should look for a mattress that offers high levels of motion isolation, and I found the DreamCloud excelled in this area. You shouldn't be disturbed by a partner's nocturnal movements.
Don't buy it if...
❌ You prefer a memory foam hug feel: This mattress has comfortable cushioning, but if you want a contouring feel, you'll need something with a higher proportion of memory foam. Consider something like the Helix Midnight, which TechRadar rates as the best mattress for side sleepers.
❌ You want the best of the best: The DreamCloud is great value for money, but if you can push to a higher price, then the Saatva Classic can't be beaten. This is our #1 rated mattress overall, and boasts impeccable build quality and a luxurious feel.
❌ You need something cheaper: Hybrids typically cost a bit more than all-foam mattresses, so if you want to save a bit of money and aren't fussed about the springs, check out the Nectar mattress – TechRadar's best memory foam mattress. It's from the same parent company as the DreamCloud, so you'll still get those excellent extras. See exactly how the two compare in this Nectar vs DreamCloud showdown.
❌ You're very lightweight: Very light people might find the DreamCloud a bit too firm for comfort – especially if you typically lie on your side. If that's the case, consider something softer, like the Amerisleep AS3 Hybrid.
• Original review date: August 2022
• Launch price: Starting at $1,200 (about £960 / AU$1,740)
• Target price: Starting at $700 / £700 / AU$1,000
Update – September 2024: The Acer Predator Helios 300 from 2022 is a lot less available than it was when it launched, but you can occasionally find a few configurations online.
While the Predator Helios 300 from 2022 was one of the best gaming laptops going when it was released, there are definitely better option available with more updated specs that are cheaper, like this Acer Predator Helios 16 available at Amazon for less than $1,000.
As such, this model will only be worth picking up if it is well below $1,000/£1,000/AU$1,500, but if you can find it for a great price, this is still one of the best laptops for gaming on a budget that you'll find.
Original review follows.
Acer Predator Helios 300 (2022): One minute review
As far as more premium options go, the Acer Predator Helios 300 (2022) embodies most of what you’re looking for in a gaming laptop. It’s simple yet has a well-designed chassis, with gorgeous RGB keyboard backlighting, outfitted with some strong tech, and even comes with a Turbo button.
It’s a hefty fellow, though, with a weight of five and a half pounds. It’s not the heaviest gaming laptop out there but it’s one that’s difficult to carry around.
Its price reflects its quality, but it’s worth splurging on if you have the money since this is definitely one of the best Acer laptops for gaming, and Acer has a few excellent gaming laptop lines, honestly, so there's stiff competition.
The inside tech proves its quality, with the model we received sporting an Intel Core i7-12700H CPU and an Nvidia RTX 3070 Ti GPU, though you can upgrade it even further. So not only will it run any of the best PC games you throw at it, but it will run them well at fast frame rates on the highest settings.
Naturally, there’s a tradeoff for such excellent graphics and that’s the absolutely abysmal battery life, which barely lasts three hours. This is definitely a laptop that you need to keep plugged in, especially for intense gaming sessions.
The selection of ports on both sides and on the back of the laptop is one of the best we’ve seen. There are four USB ports alone, with several other mainstays such as the HDMI port, an SD card reader, an audio jack, and even a Kensington Slot for added security.
Opening it up reveals a gorgeous QHD panel display that doesn’t disappoint, with each game looking its absolute best between the vibrant colors and crystal clear display. And the 240Hz refresh rate certainly doesn’t hurt either.
Its bezels are nice and thin, giving us some significant screen real estate, though there’s no manual webcam shudder to cover it up when not in use. The keyboard is nice and roomy, includes a numlock pad, has plenty of key space to avoid most typos, and the RBG backlight is positively stunning as it changes colors on the fly.
All in all, this isn't as cheap as the best cheap gaming laptops, but it's not so premium a piece of kit that it is out of reach of most people, especially with the starting configurations. This might be a gaming laptop you end up saving up for over the next few months, but in the end you won't be disappointed with the performance, even if there are some more affordable options that might provide a better value.
Acer Predator Helios 300 (2022): Price and availability
The Acer Predator Helios 300 (2022) is definitely the kind of gaming laptop that will really appeal those who love the Gamer™ aesthetic. (Image credit: Future)
The price can get pretty steep as you improve the specs
Limited availability outside of US and UK
The Acer Predator Helios 300 is a fairly premium gaming laptop that starts out pretty affordable at $1,200, with the rig we received priced at $2,100 (about £1,760 / AU$3,091). The laptop does come with a lot of features and some excellent specs, especially as you move up the configuration stack, making it more than worth the cost. And honestly, compared with the best gaming laptops it's competing against, this pricing isn’t actually very steep. It could be more affordable once you factor in any eligible Acer promo codes around right now.
However, it’s rather difficult to purchase it outside the US or the UK, as the laptop isn’t currently available in Australia and other regions. Those living in territories that don’t have this laptop may have to import it from the US or UK, which would bump up the price of an already expensive gaming laptop quite a bit.
Value: 4 / 5
Acer Predator Helios 300 (2022): Design
(Image credit: Future)
Sleek and sexy
Great port selection
Amazing display and keyboard
The Acer Predator Helios 300 is the kind of gaming laptop that looks and feels like what you’d imagine one to be. Though it’s admittedly much sleeker and sexier than the bulky and boring budget laptops, it’s still weighty and thick — not the type of machine you can haphazardly sling over your shoulder in even the best backpack.
Spec Sheet
Here is the Acer Predator Helios 300 (2022) configuration sent to TechRadar for review:
CPU: Intel Core i7-12700H Graphics: Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070 Ti RAM: 16GB DDR5 Screen: 15.6-inch, QHD IPS, 240 Hz Storage: 1TB Ports: 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, 1 x Thunderbolt 4, 1 x power port, 1 x HDMI 2.1, 1 x SD Card Reader, 1 x Combo Jack, 1 x Kensington Slot Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2 Camera: 1080p Weight: 5.51 pounds | 2.5 kg Size (W x D x H): 14.1 x 10.9 x 1.02 inches | 36 x 28 x 2.6 cm
Its port selection is excellent, with three USB 3.2 Type-A ports, a USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C that doubles as a Thunderbolt 4, an additional power port with a charger that comes with it, an HDMI 2.1 port, an SD card reader, a combo jack, and a Kensington Slot which should honestly be a security standard for any gaming laptop. No matter what your specific needs are, the Acer Predator Helios 300 has it covered.
The display is just as impressive as you’d expect for a modern gaming laptop, as it’s a QHD IPS screen with a 2560 X 1440 resolution and 240Hz refresh rate. You can see the quality while playing graphically demanding games, as gameplay is buttery smooth and the vibrancy of the colors is as clear as can be, making this one of the best 15-inch laptops for gaming that you're going to find.
This also translates to the webcam, which also offers full HD resolution — perfect for streaming gaming sessions. Unfortunately, there’s no mechanical blind to cover said webcam which is a little disappointing but nothing close to a deal-breaker.
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The keyboard is well-built as well, with keys that have good width and are spaced out enough to avoid accidental typos and double-key presses. The trackpad is also a nice size, though it could stand to be a bit bigger. But the real showstopper is the RGB lighting that’s integrated into each key and allows for some incredible light shows on your keyboard, and you can customize the lighting as well if you prefer something more solid over the default rainbow colors.
Design: 5 / 5
Acer Predator Helios 300 (2022): Performance
The Acer Predator Helios 300 can chew through nearly any game you throw at it with ease. (Image credit: Future)
Top-shelf gaming performance
Excellent air circulation
Turbo button instantly activates overclocking
For a premium gaming laptop, performance is king, or why else would you spend the big bucks for one in the first place? And the Acer Predator Helios 300 absolutely blows nearly every benchmark out of the water, nearly matching or even surpassing most of the other premium laptop models including top-tier picks from the likes of Alienware.
3DMark: Night Raid: 36,199; Fire Strike: 20,334; Time Spy: 10,263 Cinebench R23 Multi-core: 16,497 points GeekBench 5: 1,763 (single-core); 12,231 (multi-core)
PCMark 10 (Home Test): 7,704 points PCMark 10 Battery Life: 3 hours and 5 minutes Battery Life (TechRadar movie test): 2 hours and 41 minutes Total War: Warhammer III (1080p, Ultra): 76 fps; (1080p, Low): 212 fps Cyberpunk 2077 (1080p, Ultra): 51 fps; (1080p, Low): 92 fps Dirt 5 (1080p, Ultra): 44 fps; (1080p, Low): 175 fps
This is due to its excellent specs including a 12th-gen Intel Core i7 and RTX 3070 Ti, as well as DDR5 RAM. And with the ability to step up to an RTX 3080, you’re getting some top-tier specs like those we saw in our a Razer Blade 15 review but at a much better price point.
If the standard performance isn’t good enough, the Helios 300 (2022) also supports G-Sync and, thanks to its Nvidia Ampere mobile GPU, ray tracing and Deep Learning Super Sampling. There’s even a special Turbo button above the keyboard which can be activated at any time and which puts both the fans and GPU and CPU into overclocked mode.
This works along with the PredatorSense software that’s automatically included with the laptop and which lets you customize RGB lighting, overclocking settings, and fan settings.
The Turbo button is especially useful as it allows you to instantly improve the already impressive air circulation and near-instantly cool down an overheated laptop, while simultaneously bumping up its performance.
Ultimately, no matter how graphically intense or poorly optimized your AAA game of choice is, the Helios 300 (2022) will chew it up and spit it out with ease.
If you need it to also balance non-gaming tasks for work or school, this is absolutely a solid choice for that as well. It's not going to have the portability of the best student laptops out there, obviously, but it'll be great for those who need some downtime after long nights writing up papers in the library.
Its powerful specs are more than sufficient for juggling multiple tasks like movie streaming, video calls, editing documents, and more, and the dual speakers deliver superb sound quality that’s perfect for listening to Spotify or your music streaming service of choice while working on an assignment.
Performance: 5 / 5
Acer Predator Helios 300 (2022): Battery life
Aaaaaand this is where the Helios 300 gets tripped up. (Image credit: Future)
Terrible battery life
Charge time is average at best
With all the positives of the Acer Predator Helios 300, there has to be at least one real negative, and in this case, it’s the battery life.
As powerful as this gaming laptop is, it shows in the absolutely abysmal battery life, which is almost a throwback to the desktop replacements from five or six years ago that wouldn't last an hour idling away from an outlet.
While not quite that bad, the Helios 300 (2022) scrapes by just to reach three hours in the PCMark10 battery test but falls even shorter than that disappointed timein our looped HD movie test. This is one laptop that must be plugged in at pretty much all times, which means if you’re carrying this around you cannot be far away from an outlet, adding even more weight to your backpack from the sizeable power adapter.
Battery Life: 1 / 5
Should you buy an Acer Predator Helios 300 (2022)?
As far as gaming laptops in this class go, the Acer Predator Helios 300 (2022) absolutely runs with top contenders. (Image credit: Future)
