USB mics are rarely a thing of beauty, which is why the Elgato Wave:3 already has an edge over the competition without even trying. This stunner has a retro-esque air about it, with its rounded rectangular design suspended on an elegant yoke and alloy grille as if it just popped into existence from the 60s. My review unit is even more unique, as it’s a special edition one from Corsair’s 10th anniversary collection.
But, it takes more than good looks to be one of the best USB mics on the market, and being a top content creation peripherals brand, Elgato of course knows this. So, what you’ve got here is a USB microphone that not only looks good but feels and sounds good as well.
(Image credit: Future / Michelle Rae Uy)
While the competitor mics can sometimes feel flimsy, Corsair’s sister company seems to have spared no expense in producing a top-quality product in the Elgato Wave:3. That yoke, stand and mount are made of solid steel then beautifully painted with matte paint to give in a refined yet still industrial finish.
Image 1 of 3
(Image credit: Future / Michelle Rae Uy)
Image 2 of 3
(Image credit: Future / Michelle Rae Uy)
Image 3 of 3
(Image credit: Future / Michelle Rae Uy)
The grille itself is made of steel as well, and its multifunctional dial feels robust, which likely means it won’t break or fall off anytime soon despite the number of functions it handles. It’s the dial for changing settings like input gain and crossfade between mic and PC mix.
Elgato, understanding that a chunk of its users find visual cues helpful, also slaps on light indicators here so you know what setting you’re controlling and what level it’s currently on. And, in the back is a 3.5mm headphone jack for direct monitoring so users can get zero latency. To the uninitiated: many users prefer to hear themselves as they’re talking into the mic. However, with external mics, the audio signal that you’re hearing back will always have some amount of latency that results in you hearing an echo of your voice, which can be confusing. Connecting a pair of headphones directly to the Elgato Wave:3 via this headphone jack takes away that delay, allowing you seamless recording.
Image 1 of 2
(Image credit: Future / Michelle Rae Uy)
Image 2 of 2
(Image credit: Future / Michelle Rae Uy)
I also appreciate the almost 360-degree articulation that the yoke allows, giving the mic a bit more flexibility. However, the stand is also removable so you can attach it to a more ergonomic stand or a shock mount if you want to really minimize vibrations.
(Image credit: Future / Michelle Rae Uy)
You’d be surprised at how good the Elgato Wave:3 is at minimzing or stifling vibrations, like someone tapping on the surface it’s on. It’s also pretty effective at reducing sound pickup from the side and back – something that many mid-range cardioid USB mics often fail at – and rejecting background noise, speaking volumes to the mic’s quality of construction.
More importantly, it boasts impressive performance. After a series of recording tests, I have found that the audio quality is very clear and full, making it one of the best-sounding USB mics I’ve had the pleasure of using. I have noticed a tiny bit of distortion when my voice gets loud, but nothing too obvious that it’s a deal-breaker. Just be sure to temper your voice when you’re recording.
Using the Wave Link software adds more functionality to the Elgato Wave:3. It’s a little finicky, especially in the beginning, and it’s not a recording software. However, exercise a bit of patience, and you’ll be rewarded with access to things like the monitor mix gain, stream mix gain, and effects like reverb and pitch shift.
Elgato Wave:3: Price & availability
How much does it cost? $149.99 / £129 / AU$269
When is it available? Available now
Where can you get it? Available in the US, UK, and Australia
With so many budget and mid-range rivals on the market, it might be hard to justify spending $149.99 / £129.00 / AU$269 on a USB mic that only has one polar pattern. But, listen, that’s Elgato for you. The brand may not be cheap, with one of its latest releases, the Elgato Facecam Pro, costing creators a lot more money than they’d expect to pay. However, the quality speaks for itself.
That’s what you’re getting from Elgato Wave:3. This is a premium investment with premium-quality build and performance. And, if you plan on taking your TikTok, YouTube, or Twitch content to the next level, it’s worth the splurge.
However, if money is really tight, the JBL Quantum Stream Dual Pattern is almost half the price, and the HyperX SoloCast is even cheaper. Neither can compete with the Wave:3 in audio performance, but they will do until you’re making a mint from your videos.
Value: 4.7 / 5
Elgato Wave:3: Specs
(Image credit: Future / Michelle Rae Uy)
Should you buy the Elgato Wave:3?
Buy it if...
You want a USB mic that has both style and substance The Elgato Wave:3 screams quality inside and out, with its elegant retro design and terrific audio performance.
You can afford a pricier USB mic It may be a little on the pricey side, but it’s actually a terrific value for what it offers. If you’re not penny-pinching, this is the mic to get.
Don't buy it if...
You’re on a tight budget If you really can’t afford anything above $100 / £100, then there are cheaper options available. Just don’t expect the same level of quality.
You hate good audio recordings Do you have very clear and full audio? If you do, then look elsewhere. Otherwise, is there really any other choice?
Elgato Wave:3: Also consider
How I tested the Elgato Wave:3
Tested the Elgato Wave:3 for a couple of days
Used it for recording and chatting
I talked, tapped, and made background noises then I listened to recordings
Using the Elgato Wave:3 for a couple of days to talk to people and record myself was the best way to test its audio performance. During recordings, I spoke from the front, as well as from the back, from the sides and from different distances. I also checked how it handled things like vibrations and background noise by tapping on the surface it was on and on its stand and by making noises in the background during recordings.
After, I listened to those recordings, playing close attention to sound quality and any artefacts it might have picked up. I also made sure to test its control, light indicators, and Wave Link software to see how easy it is to use, especially for beginners.
I’ve been testing devices like computing peripherals for years. Mics are a newer thing for me, having only started testing them last year, my experience with audio devices like gaming headsets, headphones, and speakers made it easy for me to understand USB microphones and what matters most to users during testing.
If the Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro adheres to any philosophy, it’s that more is more. This is not one of those stripped-down mechanical keyboards that offer up the basics for a straightforward experience – this is a keeb that will do just about everything but play the game for you.
To start with, the Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro has a polling rate that puts most of the competition to shame, dedicated macro and media keys to go along with its full-size layout, and offers levels of comfort that will make you forget you’ve been using it for the last eight hours. Its brilliant RGB lighting even extends around its wrist rest. If there’s a feature you want from your keyboard, the BlackWidow V4 Pro has it, with one exception: it's lacking the wireless connectivity of its predecessor.
While it faces plenty of stiff competition, the Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro can go head-to-head with any of the best gaming keyboards and at least keep up. If you’re looking for specific features, such as that wireless connectivity or adjustable actuation, there might be other options that are better for you. Otherwise, this is one of the best keyboards out there right now.
Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro: Price and availability
How much does it cost? $229 (about £190 / AU$330)
When is it available? Available now
Where can you get it? Available in the US, the UK, and Australia
Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro: SPECS
Layout: Full Switch: Razer Linear Programmable keys: Yes Dimensions: 466 x 152.5 x 44mm RGB or backlighting: Yes
It might not be the most expensive keyboard in Razer’s lineup, but the Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro is close. At $229 (about £190 / AU$330), it’s not for the faint of heart. Yet, it’s more than worth the price thanks to its impressive set of features, all-day comfort, and top-of-the-line performance. More importantly, it retains the price tag of its predecessor at a time when everything – including eggs – is getting more expensive.
Frugal gamers may want to pass on the Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro for something like the Roccat Magma, which at around $70 / £50 / AU$90 is more than a serviceable gaming companion, if a little light on features. It also doesn’t have the quality build of this Razer keyboard.
The serious competition might be a more fully-featured keeb like the Corsair K100 Air Wireless. It’s similarly jam-packed with features, it also has that lofty 8,000Hz polling rate, and it has an attractive low-profile design. However, it is pricier at $279 / £279 / AU$479, is a bit louder to type on, and has fewer dedicated macro keys.
Value: 4.5 / 5
(Image credit: Future / Michelle Rae Uy)
Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro: Design
Comes with several dedicated, remappable keys
RGB lighting is fantastic
Plenty of comfort thanks to the magnetic wrist rest
The Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro’s black-on-black look is not going to convert any keyboard DIYers or Instagram influencers. But, that’s okay. This is not a keyboard for social media. This is a full-blown battle-station interface designed to tackle the most challenging of gaming situations – and Razer has put a lot of effort into making sure that it can handle the needs of the most demanding gamer.
That starts with its 8,000Hz polling rate, and choice of either Razer’s green clicky or yellow linear switches. Both offer a 100 million-press lifespan, double the industry standard, and come with speedy actuation – 1.9mm/50g for the green and 1.2mm/45g for the yellow. As Razer uses a premium 5052 aluminum case, the company packed it with PCB foam to quiet down those switches.
(Image credit: Future / Michelle Rae Uy)
The reintroduction of those macro keys that went missing on the BlackWidow V3 Pro is also a huge addition. This newer model has eight macro keys, five of which line the left side of the layout, while the other three sit on the side of the keyboard, and can be used to switch profiles. There are also four dedicated media keys, as well as an infinity edge roller, all of which are remappable.
(Image credit: Future / Michelle Rae Uy)
There’s even a command dial that can be mapped to all sorts of functions, from mic volume and spreadsheet horizontal scrolling to turbo key pressing (great for spamming spells). Really, there’s a ton of customization on hand with the BlackWidow V4 Pro.
(Image credit: Future / Michelle Rae Uy)
The immersive RGB is just as deep. Not only does the BlackWidow V4 Pro feature a floating key-cap design to allow all that per-key lighting to literally shine, but an RGB underglow lines the entire base, including the sides and front of the magnetic wrist rest for a display that will put your Christmas lights to shame.
To round out the whole package, Razer includes a single USB passthrough (more on that later) and USB connectivity, eschewing the previous version’s wireless and Bluetooth connectivity, presumably in order to hit that 8,000Hz polling rate; the BlackWidow V3 Pro only made it up to 1,000Hz.
(Image credit: Future / Michelle Rae Uy)
Lastly, the company has also magnetized the leatherette wrist rest so that it snaps into place, and stays where it should during heavy gaming sessions. It's plush, and it’s as comfortable as it is ergonomic.
Design: 5 / 5
(Image credit: Future / Michelle Rae Uy)
Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro: Performance
Has a ridiculous 8,000Hz polling rate
Quieter than most mechanical keyboards
USB passthrough is disappointing
With its 8,000Hz polling rate, you would have to be superhuman to stump the Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro. It’s fast, accurate, and easy to use. Since the keycaps are concave and textured, they do a great job of keeping my fingers on the keys I intend to press. They’re also spaced out so as not to feel cramped or crowded. Having used this keyboard not only for fast-paced gaming but furious typing, I haven’t experienced any latency issues, missed presses, or any other performance-related issues.
While that’s not uncommon for higher-end gaming keyboards, I was especially impressed by the switches. The review unit I tested came with the yellow variants, which are billed as smooth and silent. Indeed they are. They only require a light amount of pressure to actuate in a very even fashion.
On top of that, they’re much quieter than I expected. Regardless of whether it’s the switches themselves or that foam padding, the Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro makes less noise than most mechanical keyboards while still providing a little bit of that satisfying clack.
(Image credit: Future / Michelle Rae Uy)
As with most Razer keyboards, there’s a ton of customization on hand. Not only does it have all those dedicated macro and media keys, but it’s fully customizable via the Razer Synapse app. In fact, you need that app to fully unlock all this keyboard can do from remapping to adjusting the RGB lighting key by key.
(Image credit: Future / Michelle Rae Uy)
If there’s any place for complaint, it would be in Razer’s implementation of that USB passthrough. To use the one USB passthrough port the BlackWidow V4 Pro comes with, you have to connect a second USB-C to USB cable from the keyboard to the computer. Considering that almost all computers of the last few years come with USB-C, it’s strange that Razer didn’t just allow you to use a single USB-C cable to cover both the keyboard’s functionality as well as the use of a USB-A port.
Performance: 4.5 / 5
Should I buy the Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro?
(Image credit: Future / Michelle Rae Uy)
Buy it if...
Don't buy it if...
Also consider
If our Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro review has you considering other options, here are two more to consider...
Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro: Report card
First reviewed February 2023
How I tested the Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro
To properly test the Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro, I used it as my primary keyboard every day for two weeks to compose all my work emails as well as write my articles and buying guide updates. I also used it on quite a few gaming sessions to see if it can keep up with more rigorous use.
We pride ourselves on our independence and our rigorous review-testing process, offering up long-term attention to the products we review and making sure our reviews are updated and maintained. Regardless of when a device was released, if you can still buy it, it's on our radar.
Those people and businesses that are protective of their liquid assets will probably exclude the Danish luxury brand Bang & Olufsen from their product choices.
Bang & Olufsen has a long and impressive history of delivering excellent audio technology for those that care more about quality than price, and its new Beocom Portal headphones haven’t strayed from that path.
However, compared with gaming-orientated or audiophile-luring headphones, these have been designed more with hybrid workers in mind. And are being promoted by Bang & Olufsen as “the next big step in our efforts to grow our business-to-business portfolio which is an important strategic focus area for Bang & Olufsen”, according to John Howard, Head of Enterprise at Bang & Olufsen.
In service to those objectives, these Bluetooth-connected headphones are Zoom-certified out of the box and come with support for all the commonly used communication platforms.
Therefore, irrespective of the particular standardisation of the purchasing business, these should be suitable.
One caveat of deploying these types of devices away from the office is resolving technical issues without onsite support. The Beocom Portal headphones come with Beocom link USB wireless Bluetooth adapters (with aptX Adaptive Codec), pre-paired for use and supporting both USB Type-A and USB Type-C ports on the host device.
If the connecting technology is already Bluetooth enabled, Bang & Olufsen has apps, Apple and Android, that can establish the pairing easily with the minimum of fuss.
These headphones aren’t exclusively Bluetooth, as they include the cables to connect them to both USB and 3.5mm audio systems. The USB-A to USB-C cable also doubles to charge the Portal headphones, although no charger is included for those that don’t have access to a USB-A system.
Once these are connected, the user can experience the “uncompromised Bang Olufsen signature sound”, or clear communication and audio rendering for those who don’t speak PR.
It achieves this by using an array of beamforming microphones to isolate and amplify the voice of the user while cancelling out background noise, though cancelling can be disabled if required. A prerequisite for those that spend their days calling others, along with long-wear comfort, these are things that business headphone designers can no longer ignore.
While these might look very similar to the previous Beoplay 500 design, plenty of business-friendly changes make these more suitable for hybrid workers.
(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)
Bang & Olufsen Beocom Portal price and availability
Where can you get it? You can get it in Bang & Olufsen stores and online
The Bang & Olufsen Beocom Portal isn’t cheap or even attractively priced, and those expecting otherwise aren’t familiar with this brand.
The only choice here is that they come in Black Anthracite, Navy or Grey Mist colour schemes.
(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)
Value score: 3/5
Bang & Olufsen Beocom Portal design
Designed by Jakob Wagner
Stylish and lightweight
Simple to operate
For those unfamiliar with the name, Jacob Wenger is an American industrial designer and entrepreneur that founded his own design firm, Jacob Wenger Design, LLC, and it specializes in high-end custom furniture and product design.
Therefore, while it might be a leap to suggest that he designed the Beocom Portal headphones, his design team was responsible for their ergonomics and visual styling.
Unsurprisingly, these have all the hallmark deference of a product design exercise where every sharp edge has been eliminated and replaced with a sweeping curve.
What makes these stand out from other headphone makers' products are some simple refinements that elevate the user experience.
Where most headbands have a notched connection to the driver covers, on the Beocom Portal, they move smoothly, allowing for a great degree of positioning. It’s a tiny thing, but it makes for even greater comfort. The breathable fabric used for the headband is another factor in making these easy to wear throughout a working day.
In other respects, the control mechanisms of the Portal follow a pattern that anyone who has experience with B&O Bluetooth headphones will be familiar with.
Each of the metal surfaces on the cup faces operates as a touch input, but the subtle nuances of this design are that strictly what gestures do entirely depends on the mode of operation.
For example, if the wearer is taking a call, then tapping on the left cup will end the call. But the same action will pause a track playing over Bluetooth. Some actions overlap, and some are entirely different. These peculiarities might take some learning by the user, but it’s logical.
However, the controls assume oddly that music lovers never repeat tracks or fast forward.
(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)
What the designers avoided was using touch on the cups for volume controls, instead using a rocker/slider on the left cup to control noise cancellation and one on the right side to adjust volume levels.
Each side also has a single pressable button, with the right one doubling as the power and Bluetooth pairing control and the left side mute.
The physical controls have their limits, and we’d strongly recommend installing the Bang & Olufsen Beocom app on your phone, as this allows you to easily switch between different modes and levels of noise cancellation. And, this tool can also update the onboard firmware should the makers release updates.
Both the USB-C connection and 3.5mm audio jack is placed on the right side, assuming that the computer will be on that side of the user if they’re using wired technology.
Bang & Olufsen opted for a design that doesn’t have a boom microphone, instead a beamforming array to identify the wearer from other sounds and focus exclusively on that source. The quality is more than acceptable and well within the spec required for making and receiving calls, but it isn’t the clarity needed for broadcast work, like a podcast.
Overall, these are exceptionally classy headphones that work well in a business context, although some audiophiles might take exception to the inability to reverse skip tracks and move through audio accurately.
(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)
Design score: 4/5
Bang & Olufsen Beocom Portal features
AAC and aptX Adaptive
Google Fast Pair and Microsoft Swift Pair
Good battery life
Specs
The Bang & Olufsen Beocom Portal that was sent to us for review came with the following hardware: Frequency range: 20 – 22,000Hz ANC: Adaptive ANC with Transparency Mode plus Dolby Atmos Drivers: Electro-dynamic driver w/ Neodymium magnets Drive diameter: 40mm Driver sensitivity: 95dB @ 1kHz / 1mW EQ: Presets and custom settings via Bang & Olufsen App Designer: Jakob Wagner, LLC Fit: Circumaural Dimensions (WxHxD): 167.3 x 178.7 x 92.6mm
The Bluetooth technology in the Portal is version 5.1, which goes beyond the standard ABC codec with both AAC and aptX Adaptive.
Due to the audio compression used, variable between 5:1 and 10:1, the aptX Adaptive is the preferred method of connection for best audio fidelity, as it offers up to 420 kBits of data at 48 kHz.
That’s for a single source, but it is possible to have multipoint connections for those transitioning from a PC to mobile phone use.
By default, the headset will automatically try to connect to the last device that was paired, and it supports both Google Fast Pair and Microsoft Swift Pair technologies.
Ironically, the best audio quality available is undoubtedly over USB. When connected using the provided cable, these will be seen by the connected PC as rated for Dolby Atmos playback.
Another high-quality sound option is the audio jack mode, but it has a few limitations since it won’t work if the Portal isn’t powered by the battery or through USB. But with power available, even when using audio jack input, the noise cancelling and some controls will work as expected.
Noise cancelling on these is good, but not quite as amazing as we’ve experienced on some of the more expensive options from Sony. The effect is that low-frequency rumbles are all but eliminated, but higher ranges are muffled. This allows you to realise someone alongside is speaking to you in person but removes most unwanted background sounds that you might experience in an office. There are five levels of ANC, enabling the user to find the one that makes them less distracted by those around them while not entirely deaf while wearing them.
You can also adjust the level of your own voice feeding back into the headphones, which can be helpful if you are raising that to cope with a bustling environment.
The B&O Android application provides full control over the features of these headphones (Image credit: Mark Pickavance)
The similarities between the Beocom Portal and Beoplay 500 series headphones might lead some to think they are the same product, but some distinct differences exist, especially in respect of the battery.
Where the Beoplay 500 offer 19 hours of talk time with Active Noise Cancellation, the Portal has extended that to 23 hours and listening to music at a moderate volume level offers 47 hours with Active noise cancellation (connected to the Beocom Link A or C dongle).
That extra time should make the Portal last through at least three working days, as they turn off after 15 minutes without an active audio stream.
The quoted times are dependent on the sound being relayed through the headphones, as high-impact audio, like rock music, will use more power to output compared to a flute solo.
Both USB-A to USB-C and 3.5mm audio cables are included (Image credit: Mark Pickavance)
Features score: 4/5
Bang & Olufsen Beocom Portal Sound
Best over USB
Balanced soundscape
When phones get more than 10,000 mAh, they’ve got enough battery for extended use without a recharge, and this one has 10800 mAh of battery inside.
According to Doogee, the V30 should operate for more than three days of typical use without needing a recharge, and it might make it to a fourth.
The included 66W charger can recover 50% of its battery capacity from empty in around 30 minutes, although if you use the 15W wireless charging, it will take four hours to reach the same level.
There are rugged designs that offer more battery, but they trade weight for that advantage, and the physical mass of the V30 isn’t so great that it becomes impractical.
The available capacity is enough for a camping holiday, and the power efficiency of the platform makes the most of it.
Sound score: 4/5
(Image credit: Bang & Olufsen)
I could wax lyrical about the balanced frequency response, how they feel after you’ve been wearing them for hours and the generally wonderful build quality, but none of these things obscures the fiscal elephant in this room.
If you want some high-quality headphones that are equally impressive user for work or play and carry this logo, then be prepared to open your wallet wide.
The Neat Bumblebee II is proof that there are many options our there for those looking to get into streaming. It’s not a budget model but is quite affordable at around $100 / £100. Unfortunately, there’s also enough competition out there, making this solid but flawed USB mic hard to recommend. If I were to recommend it though, it would be strictly for streamers.
It’s not a bad mic. It’s very easy to use and doesn’t come with a steep learning curve that more fully-featured mics have. And, it can sound good as long as you keep the mic volume on low. But, with its one polar pattern and tendency to distort when the mic volume is up, podcasters and musicians should look elsewhere.
While I don’t think the Neat Bumblebee II is going to give the best USB mics a run for their money, it is worth a look for novice streamers, especially when there’s a sale.
Neat Bumblebee II: Price and availability
How much does it cost? $99.99 / £89.99 / about AU$141.04
When is it available? Available now
Where can you get it? Available in the US and the UK
The Neat Bumblebee II, which goes for a reasonable $99.99 / £89.99 / about AU$141.04, is reasonably affordable. While there are more budget options like the JLab Go Talk, which at $49 / £49 (about AU$70) is just half the price, the real alternatives are similarly-priced USB mics such as the JBL Quantum Stream and the AKG Ara.
Unfortunately, they’re pretty stiff competitors. The JBL mic covers a lot of the same ground performance-wise but adds a polar pattern and has an LED that dims or brightens when you adjust the controls. Meanwhile, the AKG Ara is the better sounding mic of the bunch, even if it’s a bit more traditional in its presentation and controls. On top of that, the Bumblebee II isn’t available in Australia.
That said, it’s still competent enough that if it’s your only option. If there’s a deal to be had, it’s worth it for novice streamers.
Value: 3.5 / 5
(Image credit: Future / Michelle Rae Uy)
Neat Bumblebee II: Design
One control dial to rule them all
Hard to tell setting levels
Yolk-mounted stand is mountable
Though I don’t find the Neat Bumblebee II to be particularly striking, looks-wise, it’s still somewhat sleek in a utilitarian kind of way. This all-black USB mic has a half grill, half aluminum enclosure with just two controls and a logo forming a column down the middle. It’s held in place by a yolk-mounted stand with a U-shaped plastic base. All together, it’s not going to turn any heads. But, for the price, it comes across as well-built and well thought out.
(Image credit: Future / Michelle Rae Uy)
In particular, I appreciate how Neat managed to pack all the necessary controls into just a physical control dial and a mic mute button. That dial can do quite a lot. By pressing on it, you can switch between headphone volume, mic volume, and chat mix, and then turning the dial lets you adjust to the level that you want. When plugged in, an LED ring surrounding this dial lights up and changes color depending on the setting you’re on.
The only thing that I wish Neat would improve on here is that there’s no way to know your level just by looking at the mic. The JBL Quantum Stream does something very similar control-wise, but it also has an LED indicator ring that dims or brightens as you adjust the settings. On the Bumblebee II, you’ll have to rely on your software to give you that information.
To maintain its minimal look, the ports are hidden on the bottom of the mic body. While that does keep things a little cleaner, there’s not a lot of clearance if you’re using headphones with a large or stiff input jack. This was also a problem when I reviewed the JBL Quantum Stream. The Neat Bumblebee II does make its ports a little more accessible since the mounting thread is not next to the ports, unlike on the JBL.
(Image credit: Future / Michelle Rae Uy)
In fact, if you want to mount the Neat Bumblebee II, you’ll only remove the base to do so. The yolk-mounted stand is permanently attached to the mic body so you won’t be able to use a shock mount. However, it does come with a mount adapter so you’ll be able to use most boom arms or mic stands with it.
Design: 4 / 5
(Image credit: Future / Michelle Rae Uy)
Neat Bumblebee II: Performance
Only has one polar pattern
Sounds good as long as you keep the mic volume low
Susceptible to bumps and vibrations
Since the Neat Bumblebee II is a plug-n-play affair, getting started is straightforward. There’s no app for fine-tuning as you might find with some other mics. However, since there’s only one polar pattern, it’s not really necessary. The only difficult part of using this mic is knowing your levels, particularly that chat mix.
In terms of audio quality, the Bumblebee II is a somewhat mixed bag. Yes, it can reach a bit and sample rate of 24 bit/96 kHz, but I find this mic only appropriate for certain situations. The mic has a lot of gain on tap, so I have to turn it down to about 30% to avoid voice distortion. That’s especially true as I get closer to it as it’s very susceptible to proximity effect. Because of that, I wouldn’t recommend using it for recording instruments outside of just sketching some ideas for later use. Since it only has the one polar pattern, it’s not ideal for podcasting, either.
(Image credit: Future / Michelle Rae Uy)
The good news is that I didn’t find it too noisy. While cheaper mics may come with similar features, they can have a high noise floor whereas the Neat Bumblebee II isn’t too bad. There’s no background noise rejection or any processing to minimize background sounds, but the mic itself operates quietly enough that using it is not an issue unless you’re in a noisy environment.
The Neat Bumblebee II unfortunately does too good of a job picking up vibrations and bumps, whether it’s on the desk or the stand. The capsule is supposedly internally shock-mounted while the mic body is yolk-mounted; yet neither does much to minimize those sounds. If you move around a lot while streaming, I would suggest investing in a boom arm to use with it.
Performance: 3 / 5
Should I buy the Neat Bumblebee II?
(Image credit: Future / Michelle Rae Uy)
Buy it if...
Don't buy it if...
Also consider
If our Neat Bumblebee II review has you considering other options, here are two more to consider...
Neat Bumblebee II: Report card
First reviewed February 2023
How I tested the Neat Bumblebee II
I started my testing of the Neat Bumblebee II by checking out the controls to see how easy or difficult it is to navigate through the different settings. I then recorded myself on each side of the mic from various distances and at various volumes so I could hear what the end product was. Finally, I recorded myself tapping on the desk, mic stand, and mic itself to see how it registered vibrations and bumps against the desk.
We pride ourselves on our independence and our rigorous review-testing process, offering up long-term attention to the products we review and making sure our reviews are updated and maintained - regardless of when a device was released, if you can still buy it, it's on our radar.
DrayTek continues to impress us with its wide range of business-focused networking options, as well as a commitment to ongoing improvement with the latest features and upgraded performance. Today we're testing the DrayTek Vigor2865ax, which is the highest-end model in the larger Vigor2865 series.
These DrayTek routers are aimed at small to medium businesses, with VDSL2 modem, WAN port, and in some models, Wi-Fi support. The higher-end Vigor2865ax is equipped with Wi-Fi 6, but there are also models without wireless, others with VoIP options, or even built-in LTE connectivity. The Vigor2865 series is a multi-WAN router, so a key ingredient is its ability to maintain multiple internet connections for improved performance and/or redundancy.
All models include a VDSL2 modem, which supports 35b Supervectoring, as well as being backwards compatible with ADSL2+. With a suitable VDSL2 connection, the 2865 series can handle speeds up to 300Mbps. Of course you can also use a non-VDSL option via the Gigabit WAN port, or even configure Wi-Fi WAN connections. You also get five Gigabit LAN ports, and further connectivity is available via the USB ports, which can support 4G modems.
The 2865ax model includes ultra-fast AX3000-spec Wi-Fi 6. This is provided by 2x2 MU-MIMO radios and 2402Mbps of bandwidth on the 5GHz band, while the 2.4GHz band can do up to 574Mbps. While not the very fastest Wi-Fi available, this still offers excellent performance. For those not needing quite so much wireless bandwidth, or wanting to use the Vigor2865 series with existing Wi-FI APs, there is an AC1300-spec model, as well as one with no Wi-Fi at all.
Multiple high-speed WAN connections are not much use without enough performance to actually share it out over a wider network, so importantly the Vigor2865 includes hardware acceleration options. It can be configured in different ways, but makes for a big improvement in overall throughput – especially when running multiple WANs. For companies that use SSL-VPN tunnels for remote access, hardware acceleration can give a huge 2.8x boost to throughput.
Some key Vigor2865-series features are support for up to 32 VPN tunnels, 16 VLANs, the ability to handle 1,022 IP addresses, eight LAN subnets, a robust firewall, filtering and QoS options, failover and load balancing management and Wi-Fi hotspot options. The 2865 also supports managing up to 20 Vigor Access Points, and 10 Vigor switches. Management can be done via the 2865 interface itself, or using the DrayTek VigorACS network management software. With the latest VigorACS 3, the 2865 even supports SD WAN.
Getting the Vigor2865ax set up and managing our network of other DrayTek devices was fast and easy. Performance of the wired side was top notch, and while exact Wi-Fi speed will of course depend on the connecting device, we managed 549Mbps at close range, which dropped off to a respectable 399Mbps at 10 meter range. Importantly, the 2865ax handled multiple high-bandwidth devices at the same time. It will come as no surprise that such a feature-packed modem router has a rather dense interface, but it's generally well laid out and quite intuitive to use.
All in all, we can’t fault the DrayTek Vigor2865ax in any way more than a quibble, and it's a respectable option for a small-to-medium business network.
Compact and white, the Vigor2865ax hides a lot of functionality under an unassuming shell. (Image credit: Future)
DrayTek Vigor2865ax review: price and availability
How much does it cost? $300 / £330 / AU$699
When is it available? Available now
Where can you get it? Available in most major markets including the US, UK and Australia
It’s especially important to shop around for DrayTek Vigor products, because they tend not to be stocked as widely as residential gear, and pricing can vary a lot. The Vigor2865ax will set you back $300 / £330 / AU$699.
While comparatively easy to find in Australia and the UK, the Vigor2865ax is harder to buy in the US. American buyers may need to resort to sellers willing to ship internationally. Buyers Down Under get the worst of the pricing, while the UK and US, with their larger markets, are a bit more competitive.
There’s not a huge amount of competition in the Wi-Fi 6-capable VDSL2 modem-router space, but generally speaking the Vigor2865ax is fairly price competitive with alternate options.
• Value score: 3.5 / 5
The 2865 series has a VDSL modem built in, but can also connect to the internet via the WAN port. (Image credit: Future)
DrayTek Vigor2865ax review: design and features
Feature-packed interface
Multi-WAN support
Excellent VPN options
Mesh network ready
The main drawcard for the Vigor2865ax over similar DrayTek models is the VDSL2 modem. A key feature is that it supports 35b Supervectoring, which allows for faster VDSL speeds up to 300Mbps. While a fiber connection is ideal, many smaller or retail business locations are limited to VDSL for internet, so it’s important to be able to maximise the bandwidth available. For those locations where ADSL2+ is still in operation, the 2865 series is also backwards compatible.
For those who need extra redundancy, handily the 2865 series can also connect to broadband via the WAN port and an external modem, as well as being able to use a (BYO) 4G cellular modem via USB. Importantly, these options are supported by extensive software features such as failover, load balancing, bandwidth limiting and the ability to prioritise specific traffic, such as for VOIP.
The Vigor2865ax we tested includes AX3000-spec Wi-Fi 6, but the models with lesser Wi-Fi, or no Wi-Fi at all, are great for businesses who just want the 2865 as a VDSL modem and network management hub.
DrayTek Vigor2865ax key specs
Networking Ports: 1x 1GbE WAN/LAN, 1x RJ-11, 5x 1GbE LAN Network Management: 20 Vigor Access Points, 10 Vigor Switches Total NAT Throughput: 1.3 Gbps USB: 2x 2.0 Maximum VPN tunnels: 32 Power: 12V, 2.3A Dimensions: 241x 166 x 46mm Weight: 0.62 kg Warranty: 2 year back-to-base
Networking is what DrayTek is all about, so it’s important to acknowledge that many of the most useful features of the 2865 series involve the use of other hardware. The 2865 models with Wi-Fi can be part of a mesh network, or even access the internet via a wireless WAN. You can also use the 2865 to control a wider network of Vigor products, such as wireless access points and switches. This is ideal for growing businesses, as it makes expanding a network relatively easy. The USB ports can be used to add external devices, such as 4G modems or temperature probes.
Performance is key, and compared to the previous generation router, the Vigor2865 series much improved throughput thanks includes hardware acceleration. This can be used to provide increased performance in a range of areas. For example, using hardware acceleration, dual WAN use can avoid bottlenecks, with up to 1.6x the unaccelerated throughput.
The 2865 series also has a long list of other business focused features. For example it can host a quite advanced hotspot web portal, including a customised landing page with loads of template options available. The router also includes a comprehensive firewall, and other security and content options, such as web page filtering.
Overall the Vigor2865ax has a varied but useful mix of features, without going overboard with unnecessary options that would drive up the price. Don’t take our word for it either – Draytek have online demos available for their hardware, and you can log in and look through the interface and features before buying. Check out the 2865 series at https://eu.draytek.com:12865/.
• Design and features score: 4.5 / 5
The Vigor2865 web interface is dense but very functional, and there’s an online demo you can try. (Image credit: Future)
DrayTek Vigor2965ax review: performance
Multi-WAN failover and bandwidth allocation options
App-based wireless management
Mesh networking support
It’s hard to do justice to all the ins and outs of the Vigor2865ax with just words on a page. To better understand the router and interface, we highly recommend checking out the excellent DrayTek demo mentioned above, where you can investigate and test the interface and features up front. You can also do the same for other DrayTek devices. The product page is also a good port of call, and makes it easy to check out the manual, guides and other resources.
Getting the 2865ax up and running is straightforward, and can be done completely through the web interface. For more complex configurations the interface can seem quite dense, but DrayTek does an excellent job of providing comprehensive guides, manuals and other help online. There’s also DrayTek phone apps for wireless management, which is much improved from previous versions, and generally works pretty well.
For testing, we added the Vigor2865ax to a network populated with a range of DrayTek access points and switches, as well as other gear, such as a NAS and IP cameras, as well as a bevy of smart devices and computers. We included a 4G USB modem as a backup WAN source.
We didn’t uncover any surprises in testing, and the 2865 was more than capable of handling all the network throughput we could give it. VPN links, bandwidth allocation and WAN failover all worked as described, and the 2865 made it easy to manage other networked Vigor devices. On our Vigor2865ax model, Wi-Fi gave excellent performance up close (maxing out at 549Mbps) and through obstacles such as walls. At longer range performance was decent, but nothing spectacular, due to the relatively low-gain antennas – we achieved 399Mbps at 10m distance. DrayTek does have higher gain and directional patch antennas available as an optional extra for those who want to tweak the Wi-Fi experience. Mesh setup with other DrayTek devices was reasonably quick and easy, and handover between mesh nodes worked well.
Of course getting everything set up just so requires significant time, but that’s a reflection of the depth of features, rather than a failing on the router's behalf.
• Performance score: 4 / 5
The Vigor2865 series can be easily wall or rack mounted to help make cable management easier. (Image credit: Future)
DrayTek Vigor2865ax: network management
Remote management direct from router interface
TR-069 remote management compatible
SD-WAN supported via VigorACS software
One of the key features of the Vigor routers for business use is the ability to manage a wider network made up of DrayTek devices. The 2865 series can control 20 Vigor wireless access points (seven in a mesh network) and 10 Vigor switches right from the inbuilt interface.
Of course such a setup can start to become unwieldy to manage – often long before hitting a high number of network devices. While you can use existing TR-069 management software options, DrayTek has a paid server-based TR-069 solution called VigorACS. The latest version, VigorACS 3, enables the DrayTek SD-WAN solution on compatible hardware, which includes the Vigor2865 series. This is a great inclusion, as SD-WAN is a fantastic option for businesses with remote workers who need secure, easily configurable access to the company network while at home or on the road.
DrayTek makes it pretty easy to give VigorACS a try, and buying a compatible device means you get a free 30-day trial. There’s also an online demo. While it's not the only option for TR-069 management, VigorACS is a great match for DrayTek hardware, and for many will be worth the cost for the time savings alone. There’s also a large VigorACS knowledge base of articles that make using it much easier.
The 2865 series has dual USB ports, which support 4G modems, or an optional temperature sensor. (Image credit: Future)
Should I buy the DrayTek Vigor2865ax?
Buy it if...
Don't buy it if...
DrayTek Vigor2865ax review: final verdict
The Vigor2865ax is a relatively affordable business VDSL modem router, and combines a useful array of features for small to growing businesses. It has a decent amount of flexibility and future-proofing to scale with a business' needs, as well as plenty of options for more advanced functionality such as SD-WAN support.
The inclusion of hardware acceleration is of key importance, and takes the 2865 series from a pretty standard option to one with enough throughput to make it viable to hold off from upgrading to a 2.5GbE or faster solution.
While it is very capable on its own, the Vigor2865 series really performs best when paired with other DrayTek devices, as well as the VigorACS software. The hardware itself is excellent, but it's also important to note the relative abundance of support options to help get the most out of the router. The software side is also top notch, and DrayTek is committed to frequent upgrades and improvements over time.
It’s hard to fault the Vigor2865ax from a technical perspective, and most of our quibbles are really a wishlist of extra features that would inevitably drive up the price. It’s not perfect, but does what it says on the box with little fuss, at an appropriate price. For those businesses who can make use of its unique set of features, the Vigor2865ax is a great choice.
Not that there's a lot riding on the Razer Leviathan V2 Pro. But with blow-you-away computer speakers like the SteelSeries Arena 9, whose true 5.1 system may have changed the way we consume media and play games on our computers, the pressure is certainly on. Especially because Razer is also going for that immersive 5.1 experience — only it’s attempting to do so with just a soundbar and a sub.
Is it fair to compare it to SteelSeries' 2022 release? Well, yeah. In a lot of ways, Razer is making the argument here that you can experience that same level of immersion without taking up a whole lot of space. With the Razer Leviathan V2 Pro, it's telling gamers that they don't need the hassle of setting up two front and two rear speakers plus a sub to feel like they're in the middle of the action. All they need is this soundbar-and-sub combo, and it's much easier to set up. And to do that, they need a compelling product.
So, how does the Leviathan V2 Pro fare? Don't get me wrong; I absolutely love the SteelSeries Arena 9. But, for someone who uses a lot of peripherals and doesn’t really have enough space to accommodate them all, I do think that Razer’s offering makes a pretty compelling case.
Razer Leviathan V2 Pro: Price and availability
How much does it cost? $399.99 / £399.99 (about AU$600)
When is it available? Available now
Where can you get it? Available in the US, the UK, and Australia
Razer Leviathan V2 Pro: SPECS
Frequency range: 40Hz - 20kHz Drivers: 5x 2-inch full-range drives, 1x 5.25-inch downward firing sub Supported Connectivity: Bluetooth Audio Inputs: USB Outputs: 3.5mm
The Razer Leviathan V2 Pro might not seem like an affordable proposition. Who wants to spend $399.99 / £399.99 (about AU$600) on a computer speaker set? But, for what you’re getting, I’m actually surprised that it doesn’t cost more. After all, the SteelSeries Arena 9 comes with a $549 / €599 / AU$599 price tag. Even Razer’s own Nommo Pro, which is just a 2.1 system, is pricier at $599.99 / £529.99 / AU$999.95.
That’s without factoring in what you’re getting, which is a fairly space-saving audio solution that delivers a great immersive sound and a whole lot of rumble — just the ticket for your gaming and movie watching needs.
Value: 4 / 5
(Image credit: Future / Michelle Rae Uy)
Razer Leviathan V2 Pro: Design and features
Soundbar is fairly compact
Nice, accessible controls and RGB lighting
Versatile with both USB and Bluetooth
While I prefer the more offbeat designs over traditional ones, I also thought the Razer Leviathan V2 Pro a thing of beauty when I took it out of the box. The grille on the soundbar looks premium, the controls are gloriously accessible and straightforward, and while the subwoofer is on the bigger end, the soundbar itself is fairly compact. Plus, the RGB lighting is a nice little extra.
(Image credit: Future / Michelle Rae Uy)
I also love the fact that there’s a decent amount of clearance underneath, thanks to its longer feet. That space underneath allowed me to slide the soundbar over my monitor’s base, saving me even more desk space. As someone who has way too many devices and peripherals on her desk — and I currently have a pretty spacious desk — having the soundbar fit neatly over my monitor’s base while still sitting in front of the panel is extremely satisfying.
(Image credit: Future / Michelle Rae Uy)
Of course, the sub, being fairly sizable, does take up a bit of space underneath. But, considering it’s out of the way and doesn’t have to be situated directly in front of me, its size is really a non-issue.
(Image credit: Future / Michelle Rae Uy)
Back to the soundbar, there are four buttons on top flanking the power button-cum-volume dial on either side. There’s the EQ preset button, 3D button that lets you change audio modes, input button, and the RGB on/off button.
In front of these are 10 LED indicator lights, five on each side of the infrared camera that sit right in the middle where they’re best positioned to track your head and make sure you’re experiencing consistent audio (more on that later).
These LED indicator lights are pretty good at keeping you apprised of which setting you're adjusting and at what level that setting is. When you’re pressing the EQ preset button, for example, which allows you to cycle through the five EQ presets, each light essentially represents each preset.
You can’t really see the drivers behind the grill on the soundbar, but Razer says that there are five 2-inch full-range drivers in there and (sadly) no tweeters. Meanwhile, the subwoofer has a 5.25-inch downward firing one.
The Razer Leviathan V2 Pro does have software support, offering decent customizability via the Razer Synapse and Razer Chroma apps. The Razer Synapse app is, of course, the most important one here, offering users a 10-band EQ for fine-tuning the audio, choosing between the different audio modes, and quickly making RGB lighting adjustments.
Design: 4.5 / 5
(Image credit: Future / Michelle Rae Uy)
Razer Leviathan V2 Pro: Performance
Power sub that deliver a lot of rumble
Very full mid range, high end a little lacking
Great sound imaging, wide soundstage
There are a couple of things that I do wish the Razer Leviathan V2 Pro would be better at. For example, the absence of tweeters on the soundbar means that the high end is a little lacking. That’s apparent when I’m playing Kena: Bridge of Spirits, which has a lot of sparkly audio effects like the sounds of chimes, for example. The game still sounds good, but it also sounds a little dull due to the lack of high end.
I have also found it to be very mid-forward, and there are instances where it sounds a little muddy because of it. When I’m watching Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery, for example, the mid range sounded nicely full. However, when I put Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, the dialogue in the movie sounds a little muddy due to the mids being almost too full.
Those are the “bad” bits, which aren’t really deal-breakers. I have found that I’m not overly bothered by the lack of high end when I’m watching blockbusters. And being mid-forward isn’t necessarily always a bad thing.
(Image credit: Future / Michelle Rae Uy)
Plus, the Razer Leviathan V2 Pro makes up for those with its bass performance, great sound imaging, and wide soundstage. Even on Stereo mode with a flat EQ, the sub at 3 out of 7, and the volume set to 50, I have found that the sound imaging in both the Glass Onion and Wakanda Forever is pretty good and the soundstage is wider than the soundbar (extending to about five to six inches further on each side of it).
(Image credit: Future / Michelle Rae Uy)
Turn that sub up to 5, and the sub delivers a massive uptick in bass and rumble in Glass Onion. That isn’t the case in Wakanda Forever — I’ve found that jumping from 3 to 5 only delivers a slight uptick in sub bass, but I suspect that’s only because there’s already a lot of bass in the movie at 3 so going to 5 doesn’t make a massive difference.
The Razer Leviathan V2 Pro also has a lot of volume on tap — enough, I think, for a small home theater setup. So, use that volume dial with caution.
Two of the four audio modes on hand are excellent. I like Stereo, of course, but the Virtual Speakers mode, which according to Razer beams audio “to seven virtual speakers to deliver a wide soundstage that is always centered around you” and is best for multi-channel sound, is great as well. You’re betting bigger bass, crisp audio, clearer dialogue, and a wide soundstage.
The Virtual Headset mode is impressive in its own right. Described by Razer as audio that “is beamed directly to your ears in an immersive soundstage to deliver an immersive soundscape with pinpoint positional audio traditionally found in headsets,” it‘s a little less detailed. However, it sounds a little wider, the audio extending about eight inches further on each side of the soundbar, and its sound imaging is very accurate.
My head doesn’t have to be completely centered to get the full experience, either. When I sit in front of the soundbar and move from side to side, I always feel like I’m centered in the soundstage, which is pretty impressive.
That’s thanks to its built-in infrared camera that boasts AI tracking, which intelligently detects where you are in relation to the soundbar. It then uses beamforming technology to adjust the audio so that you feel like you’re right in the middle of the action, even if you’re off a little to one side. It does such a good job of it too that I don’t even hear the audio adjusting.
Performance: 4.5 / 5
Should I buy the Razer Leviathan V2 Pro?
(Image credit: Future / Michelle Rae Uy)
Buy it if...
Don't buy it if...
Also consider
If our Razer Leviathan V2 Pro review has you considering other options, here are two more computer speakers to consider...
Razer Leviathan V2 Pro: Report card
First reviewed January 2023
How I tested the Edifier G2000
We pride ourselves on our independence and our rigorous review-testing process, offering up long-term attention to the products we review and making sure our reviews are updated and maintained - regardless of when a device was released, if you can still buy it, it's on our radar.
Interface: Thunderbolt 3 or USB 3.2 Gen 2 Connector: USB Type-C Colour: Silver Drive: (1) NVMe SSD Capacity: 1TB, 2TB and 4TB Data Transfer Rate: Thunderbolt3 R/W up to 2700MB/s USB3.2 R/W up to 900MB/s Size (LxWxH): 109.5mm x 65.0mm x 15.0mm Weight: 180 g Operating Systems: macOS 10.12+ (Time Machine Compatible), Windows® 10+, Linux Box Contents: CLASSIC drive, USB-C to USB-C Cable Warranty: 5-year limited warranty
Those wanting the best external drive performance opt for Thunderbolt connections over USB. With that choice, most are invariably directed to SanDisk Professional or OWC product lines to provide that connectivity.
Teamgroup has now thrown its hat in this particular ring with the T-Create Classic, a Thunderbolt and USB 3.2 compatible drive built to a very high standard.
As construction goes, the Classic’s minimalist styling milled-from-solid-aluminium approach is like what we’ve seen from other brands, but it avoids the usual military cliches.
While it keeps the SSD inside safe, the enclosure isn’t especially light, and the drive weighs 180g, including the cable.
There are no apparent means to take this enclosure apart, and if you found any, it would undoubtedly involve negating its warranty.
What we do know about inside is that this at its heart is an NVMe SSD, probably one to the PCIe 3.0 specification. Teamgroup sells branded NVMe drives, and it may be one of those, logically.
Avoiding smaller capacities, the Classic comes in 1TB, 2TB or 4TB options, and our review was performed with a 2TB drive.
The drive comes pre-formatted with the exFAT file system, avoiding the need to reformat the drive to have it recognised in Microsoft Windows and on the Apple macOS, a trick that SanDisk seems unwilling to embrace.
Depending on the interface used, either Thunderbolt or USB 3.2 Gen 2, the performance can vary significantly, with Thunderbolt being substantially faster at up to 2700MB/s. On USB 3.2 Gen 2, it's closer to 1000MB/s, and on a Gen 1 specification port, you might only see 500MB/s.
Therefore, spending the not-insignificant asking price of this hardware is probably only worth it if you generally use Thunderbolt equipment computers.
The T-Create Classic is an excellent example of a product that most people would choose if the price weren’t an issue. For business customers, an argument can be made that a justification for greater productivity and an increased likelihood of a recent backup make it worth the high price.
But for most home users, this is way too expensive to consider.
Teamgroup T-Create CLASSIC: Price and availability
(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)
How much does it cost? From $320 / £450 for the 2TB model
When is it out? It is available now
Where can you get it? Widely available from the larger online retailers in most regions.
For whatever curious reason, we’ve seen several external drive makers inflate their European pricing to crazy levels, and Teamgroup has joined that bandwagon.
Where the US price of the 2TB and 4TB Classic are $319.99 and $639.99, in the UK, those numbers are dramatically increased to £449.26 and £920.78. Based on current exchange rates, those prices are about 180% of the current US ones.
The 1TB version appears to be missing in action on Amazon, so it may be that the smallest drive has been discontinued.
A comparable product is the SanDisk Professional PRO-G40, which also offers Thunderbolt and USB compatibility, resilience and high performance. The Classic is cheaper than the PRO-G40, but that is also a costly option.
It is possible to get Thunderbolt SSDs for less than this, with the Glyph Atom being a good example. Alternatively, the Envoy Pro FX is another option, although it is even more expensive in the USA but cheaper in the UK.
If you want to save lots of money, Sabrent makes a Thunderbolt 3 NVMe enclosure for just $99 that you can place any spare M.2 NVMe drive inside, although the top speed with that enclosure is less than the pre-built solutions.
Value: 2 / 5
Teamgroup T-Create CLASSIC: Design
(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)
Simple design
One cable
LED indicator
Some customers like futuristic designs or take cues from military hardware, but the T-Create Classic offers a remarkably simplistic design where functionality is elevated above aesthetics.
The milling of the aluminium enclosure makes most of the corners rounded, although the top and bottom edges of each end are still sharp. Therefore, I wouldn’t be tempted to throw this drive into a bag with a tablet or laptop, as it would likely scratch the screen or lid in transit.
One end has the words Thunderbolt 3 on it, while the other has a USB-C port and the logos for Thunderbolt and SuperSpeed USB 10Gbits.
(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)
A 20cm single cable is included in the box that works with both Thunderbolt and USB connections but assumes that you have USB-C ports and not a legacy USB-A. Why, at this high price, Teamgroup couldn’t include a USB-C to USB-A cable is a mystery, as this is something owners will invariably need at some point for this drive.
The underside has two rubber strips that prevent the Classic from damaging any surface it is placed, the drive capacity and Teamgroup branding that includes a QR code to take you to the company website.
On the topside is the T-Create logo, with a tiny hole for an activity LED to be seen and nothing else of note.
From a design perspective, there isn’t much to the Classic, and it could well be argued that its simplicity gives customers less opportunity to dislike its styling when making a purchase.
Design: 4 / 5
Teamgroup T-Create CLASSIC: Features
Robust enclosure
No software
Up to 4TB of space
The T-Create Classic is patently durable, but there aren't any other special features.
However, scanning through the promotional material, no actual claims are made for how robust this drive is. We’d assume, mostly because of the lack of moving parts and solidity of the enclosure, that it could absorb the odd knock or fall, but no numbers are provided to back that conclusion up. The only hint that it is truly resilient is that a five-year limited warranty is included, and the company does accept that “TEAMGROUP’s sole and maximum liability is to repair or replace the product or refund the money and is at TEAMGROUP’s sole discretion.”
What we did notice was that when the drive is used, the case gets warm to the touch, indicating that there is a good thermal connection between the internal drive and the enclosure. That should keep the drive inside from overheating, and that will ultimately extend its life.
(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)
When the product arrived with us, Teamgroup had already formatted it with exFAT making it suitable for both Windows and Mac computers. If you want, though, you can reformat it to NTFS for Windows or APFS for Mac. It's disappointing that you don't get any software with this drive since it's pricey - at least Mac users get Time Machine compatibility which is nice. Having some sync software for PC would have been great too, but none is provided.
Our review hardware had 2TB of capacity, but this drive can come with up to 4TB of storage space. While this might seem large by current SSD standards, new NAND wafers are being readied that will offer much greater capacities before this year is over. And, therefore while having 4TB as an option is good, in a couple of years, it won’t seem especially large, and the price of a 4TB drive will be significantly less.
Features: 3 / 5
Teamgroup T-Create CLASSIC: Performance
CrystalDiskMark 8.0.4 Benchmark (Image credit: Mark Pickavance)
Quick over Thunderbolt
Slower over USB
Software encryption only
Giving the Classic its best opportunity to shine, we connected it to a Lenovo ThinkPad Z16 Gen 1 laptop and its USB 4.0/Thunderbolt ports.
This optimal scenario returned read speeds of 3120MB/s reads and 1838MB/s writes using CrystalDiskMark 8.0.4. The less optimistic AJA benchmark scored reads at 2322MB/s and writes at just 1432MB/s, but that is still very quick by external drive performance standards.
The only small portable drive we’ve seen that is faster than this is the SanDisk PRO-G40, and that was much faster at writing, but only a little quicker at reads.
Compared to a typical USB 3.2 Gen 2 drive performance of around 1000MB/s, the Classic is far superior at reading and writing over Thunderbolt.
When connected via USB, the interface becomes the limiting factor in any file transfer.
The USB interface can operate in USB SuperSpeed and SuperSpeed+ modes, and those represent the 5Gbit/s and 10Gbit/s channels that are designated USB 3.2 Gen 1 and USB 3.2 Gen 2 under the current USB naming convention.
When we tested the Classic in those modes, it was oddly the read speed that declined more than the write performance. Our Gen 2 results showed around 700MB/s reads, but 1000MB/s writes. Not sure why read doesn’t perform well under USB 3.2 Gen 2.
Going to Gen 1 USB resulted in lower than 500MB/s transfers in both directions.
The drive inside the Classic doesn’t support hardware encryption, but you can use software encryption through solutions like Microsoft BitLocker to make the contents of the drive secure from anyone who might steal it.
(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)
Performance: 4 / 5
Teamgroup constantly surprises us with products that exceed our expectations, and the Classic is undoubtedly one of those.
The issue for the T-Create Classic is that the scale of NAND wafers is about to increase substantially, while the cost per GB will probably fall dramatically. If buyer's regret isn't an issue for you, then the Classic is available now.
But those looking to invest for the medium to long term might want to consider less expensive options and buy again when larger and cheaper drives appear.
The T-Create Classic is a good product, but we’re not convinced that it is great value even in the short term.
SanDisk Professional PRO-G40 SSD : Two minute review
Western Digital has divided up the branding of its products into sub-brands, and the SanDisk Professional brand is specifically aimed at supporting customers with specialist needs.
In this grouping are external RAID enclosures, desktop G-DRIVE products and various flash drive readers, along with the subject of interest to us today, external SSDs.
Existing SanDisk customers will be familiar with its Extreme PRO portable drives and how they offer excellent value for money for ordinary users. But the SanDisk Professional PRO-G40 isn’t cheap, moving it from something home users might consider into more of a business solution.
There are two aspects to this design that aim to justify its cost over an Extreme series drive, and those are its resilience and its performance.
On picking it up, it’s evident that the exterior of the PRO-G40 is much more refined than the Extreme PRO products, which are primarily plastic. The PRO-G40 combines a metal form with a rubberised coating on the underside and sides, delivering up to 4000lb of crush resistance and the ability to survive up to a 3m drop.
It’s also IP68 dust/water resistant, which means it can handle getting wet or dusty without it destroying the drive, although we probably wouldn’t take it swimming.
SanDisk has high confidence that the rugged enclosure on the PRO-G40 should keep the NAND technology inside safe and demonstrate this with a 5-year limited warranty.
Being rugged is good, but the more significant selling point here is the performance of this external drive, which matches some internal SDD storage.
Exactly how fast it operates is dependent on the speed of the system it is connected to and the connection technology that is used. The PRO-G40 works with both USB and Thunderbolt interfaces, with the fastest transfer speeds achievable with Thunderbolt.
The quoted performance is 2700MB/s reading, and 1900MB/s writes over Thunderbolt (40Gbps), though this drops to closer to 1000MB/s over USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gbit).
By using Thunderbolt, it is possible to copy a 50GB file to the PRO-G40 in around 30 seconds if the internal SSD can keep up.
This performance hints that if you only have USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, then it probably isn’t worth the extra expense over a SanDisk Extreme Pro, Crucial X8 or similar. But for those with Thunderbolt 3 or USB 4.0, a significant performance benefit might make it worth the extra investment.
SanDisk Professional PRO-G40 SSD: Price and availability
(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)
How much does it cost? From $279.99 / £297.99
When is it out? It is available now
Where can you get it? Widely available from the larger online retailers in most regions.
But even by Thunderbolt-connected SSD standards, this cost is expensive, and those wanting something more affordable with a similar capability should look at the Plugable product range
We’ve noticed that the price of this drive has been reduced recently, reflecting the reduced cost of NAND modules and high levels of competition in this sector.
Bought directly from the makers, the 1TB and 2TB models are £297.99 and £495.99 in the UK. In the USA, they can be bought for $279.99 and $399.99.
Therefore they are more expensive outside America, by between 20% and 30%.
Prices in the rest of Europe are slightly lower than UK costs, but not by much.
For those curious how the cost is divided between the enclosure and the NVMe drive inside, these drives utilise the SN750 SE SSD. That module costs just $95.99 for the 1TB model.
That makes the PRO-G40 enclosure over $200, assuming the retail cost of the module inside, a price that SanDisk almost certainly doesn’t pay internally.
This reveals that this is an overpriced product even with the recent cost reductions, as it is twice the price of a good USB 3.2 Gen 2 design, like the Crucial X8, for the same capacity of storage.
Value: 3/ 5
SanDisk Professional PRO-G40 SSD: Design
(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)
Tough enclosure
No carry case
Lacks USB-A adapter
As external SSDs go, the PRO-G40 might not be the smallest one we’ve looked at, but it feels remarkably sturdy. And, although we never drove a vehicle over ours, it can probably withstand the 4000lb of crush weight that SanDisk claims for it.
The rubberised TPU used on the sides and back of the drive helps prevent it from scratching other hardware if it is placed in the same bag, like one used for a laptop.
That’s a good thing because out of the box, even at this price, SanDisk doesn’t include a pouch for the drive and USB-C cable. An omission that third-party case makers are probably already working to address.
The other item that is missing, and really should have been included, is a USB-C to USB-A cable.
The cable is on the short side and only supports USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 (Image credit: Mark Pickavance)
What you get with this drive is a short 20 cm cable that works for both Thunderbolt and USB 3.2 Gen 2 connection, but no means to connect the drive to a USB-A, only USB-C ports.
These adapters aren’t expensive. Crucial includes one for free with the X8, and the PRO-G40 box doesn’t include one is unfortunate.
We didn’t try to open our review hardware, but there are four visible screws on the top that might help open it for those willing to void their 5-year warranty and negate the dust and water resistance of this device.
Design: 4 / 5
SanDisk Professional PRO-G40 SSD: Features
Only 1TB and 2TB options
No hardware Encryption
Apple Pre-formatted
The most significant flaw of the SanDisk Professional PRO-G40 is that the biggest capacity available is only 2TB. Whereas the SanDisk Extreme series drives come with 500GB and 4TB options, the PRO-G40 is either 1TB or 2TB.
The issue here is that the designers of the PRO-G40 evidently decided that the NVMe inside would be the SN750 SE, and that doesn’t come in 4TB.
A quick scan through the Western Digital range of retail SSDs reveals that the biggest NVMe drives they make are 2TB, with the one exception being the WD Black SN850X.
Crucial, Sabrent, Corsair, Seagate and others make multiple M.2 4TB designs, but more confusingly, SanDisk has 4TB SSDs in its SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD V2 range.
Not sure how the PRO-G40 only gets a maximum of 2TB, but that’s what it got.
The performance of external storage is dictated by the bandwidth of the NAND modules onboard and the controller/bridge chip configuration.
In this design, the bridge chip is an Intel Titan Ridge chip, the JHL7440 Thunderbolt 3 controller that first appeared in 2018, designed for PCIe Gen 3 operations.
But that silicon doesn’t handle USB, so a secondary Asmedia ASM2362 is used for a PCI Express(downstream port) to USB3.1(UFP) bridge.
The maximum speed of the JHL7440 is 40Gbps over Thunderbolt, and the Asmedia ASM2362 can shift 10Gbit/s over USB.
For those purchasing the PRO-G40 for their Apple Mac, all they need to do is take it out of the box and connect it to an Apple-branded computer, as the drive is pre-formatted with APFS.
(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)
Microsoft Windows users will discover that the drive doesn’t appear if they connect it, sadly.
They will need the technical knowledge and confidence to use the Windows management console to delete the existing partition and create a new NTFS or exFAT volume for it to work.
This choice seems odd since other drive makers deliver drives with a dual boot model that allows both Apple and PC owners to get a drive configured without needing specialist knowledge.
SanDisk includes no software of any kind for this drive on the device and seems to have assumed that it will be used exclusively with Apple Time Machine on that brand of device.
It’s also worth noting that the SN750 SE drive that is used here doesn’t support hardware encryption. While it is possible to use with software encryption, like Microsoft BitLocker, this doesn’t offer the same level of protection that hardware-encrypted storage has.
Features: 4 / 5
SanDisk Professional PRO-G40 SSD: Performance
CrystalDiskMark 8.0.4 Benchmark (Image credit: Mark Pickavance)
High speeds on Thunderbolt
Good speeds on USB
It’s interesting to note that when we first saw the PRO-G40, we only tested it on a PC with Thunderbolt 3 interface, and we got good but not exceptional performance.
We’ve reviewed several external SSDs that support either Thunderbolt or USB 3.2 Gen 2x2, and the increase in bandwidth that these interfaces offer has a dramatic impact on the speeds of reading and writing.
On the Thunderbolt 3 PC, the speeds topped out at around 2,770MB/s reads with 2,570 MB/s writes, and under USB-C, those numbers dropped to around 1,000MB/s in both directions.
That’s better than the 2700MB/s reading and 1900MB/s that SanDisk quotes, but it isn’t as quick as this drive can go.
Plugging it into a recent Lenovo ThinkPad Z16 Gen 1 laptop, with its USB 4.0 ports that are backwards compatible with Thunderbolt 3, it received a significant speed boost.
Over this interface, the PRO-G40 managed over 3,150MB/s reads and 2,700MB/s writes using the 2TB model.
That makes the PRO-G40 the fastest external Thunderbolt drive we’ve tested recently by some margin. The only drive we’ve seen that is close to this is the OWC Envoy Pro FX, and that costs even more than the PRO-G40.
Over USB, the best performance we attained was around 1,000MB/s for both reading and writing, but that’s the interface, not the drive.
The speed of this drive over Thunderbolt might justify the cost in some quarters if they have Thunderbolt or USB 4.0. But for users with only USB 3.2 Gen 2, there are cheaper choices that can match the physical resilience and USB performance for a substantially smaller outlay.
(Image credit: Western Digital)
Performance: 5 / 5
If you want the very fastest Thunderbolt external SSD, then the PRO-G40 is probably wearing that crown for now.
But the maximum capacity is only 2TB, and the exorbitant cost compared with comparable USB devices like the Corsair X8 or other SanDisk options make it a little less compelling.
SanDisk Professional PRO-G40 SSD: Report card
Should you buy a SanDisk Professional PRO-G40 SSD?
Update: February 2024. Zygo is still unopposed three years on as the best premium option for in-pool workouts. The Zygo Solo vs H20 Audio Tri versus feature we did last year has a lot of points that remain relevant one year on: the FM radio transmitter means if you want to stream, Zygo Solo is the best option, especially if you want to stream guided workouts. The continued limited availability in the UK and AU is a big frustration, but otherwise for US swimmers, Zygo is the premium headphone set for you. The rest of this review remains as previously published.
Two-minute review
Is this the Peloton of the pool? With the success of that workout streaming service clearly in its sights comes Zygo Solo, a unique audio gadget for swimmers.
We’ve seen waterproof headphones and bone conduction headphones before, but not like this. Since Bluetooth can't penetrate water, all other swim headphones are little more than waterproof MP3 players (pretty much that music file format’s last stand). The Zygo Solo is different, and is able to stream content from a smartphone through water using an FM transmitter that can penetrate water.
It’s something of a 'hallelujah!' moment for swimmers, many of whom have by now experimented with the Sony Walkman NW-WS413 and then the Aftershokz Xtrainerz, both of which are good at what they do, but only play MP3s. Does anyone even have any MP3s anymore?
The Zygo Solo kit consists of a headset, FM transmitter, stand and charging case, plus a pair of earplugs (Image credit: Jamie Carter)
A four-piece set consisting of headset, FM transmitter, stand and charging case, the Zygo Solo has a lot more hardware than your average pair of super-slim swimming headphones.
It works like this: your phone connects to the FM transmitter via Bluetooth and the transmitter to the headset via radio frequency. It’s easy to set up, though there’s definitely more physical equipment to deal with. It also means taking a lot of gear poolside. Fine in a private swimming pool, but not so great in a public pool where you’ll have to keep one eye on your stuff while you swim.
Nevertheless, committed swimmers with the right environment will adore the Zygo Solo. A long overdue audio upgrade for the pool, it’s surprisingly easy to use, offers great FM-quality sound and has hundreds of excellent on-demand workouts that can really change how you approach your swimming fitness. Or you can just listen to your own music, audiobooks or podcasts without having to drag-and-drop MP3 files prior to a swim.
How does Zygo Solo compare to its underwater MP3 player competitors? It blows them out of the water, of course – and it’s priced accordingly.
Zygo Solo price and availability
Out now
Costs $299 / £218 (about AU$400)
Available in the US, Canada and the UK in two sizes – standard and large – the Zygo Solo costs $299 / £218 (about AU$400) for the full package. A replacement headset costs $99 / £72 (about AU$150), while an external mic costs US$30/UK£22 (about AU$40), and is useful if a coach wants to use the FM transmitter as a hands-free walkie talkie.
If you want Peloton-inspired streaming swim workouts (comprising short and long audio workouts delivered by instructors and paired with music) then you also need to take out a Zygo All Access Monthly Plan, which costs $14.99 / £12.99 (about AU$20) per month after a 14-day trial.
In future Zygo tells us it’s planning metric tracking similar to that offered by the best running watches, leaderboards, and truly Peloton-style live classes. On Zygo’s website you can purchase an app gift certificate for an entire year for $149 / £108 (about AU$200), which gives you two months free.
Zygo Solo design
Headset weighs 66g
Waterproof to 2ft / 60cm
FM transmitter streams to 55yds / 50m
The Zygo Solo is, technically speaking, by far the most ambitious set of swimming headphones available. Predictably that means it comes with some baggage. The package consists of an IP68-rated waterproof headset, an IP67-rated (waterproof for 30 minutes) FM transmitter and stand, a pair of earplugs and a charging case.
While the Sony Walkman NW-WS413 and the Aftershokz Xtrainerz weigh 32g and 29g, respectively, the Zygo Solo headset weighs 66g. Why? It’s got a radio receiver as well as a battery inside that makes it possible to receive audio from the FM transmitter connected wirelessly to a smartphone.
The 101g FM transmitter itself is a figure of eight-shaped device that’s also waterproof, so it’s fine to leave it close to the water. Also included is a small 25g holder for the FM transmitter that keeps it upright, which extends its range.
The Zygo Solo is considerably heavier than other swimming headphones due to its radio receiver (Image credit: Jamie Carter)
Meanwhile, the charging case itself weighs 450g, and 623g with both the headset and the transmitter inside. Resembling the kind of case you might find housing a pair of the best noise cancelling headphones, it’s rounded and compact, and fairly easily fits inside a swim bag. The headset also has an accelerometer inside, so expect activity tracking soon.
Zygo Solo setup
Connects via FM transmitter
Streams any audio from a smartphone
Despite a slightly convoluted hardware arrangement compared to MP3 swim players, the Zygo Solo is always easy to set-up. It takes a bit of getting used to. If you’re used to entering the pool with just a pair of goggles, or even if you’re used to donning an MP3 swim player, the Zygo Solo seems a lot to get used to.
The headset feels reasonably solid and unwieldy at first – it is, after all, more substantial than a basic swim MP3 player – partly because it’s designed to stay firmly in place during underwater turns. It’s chunkier because it’s got more hardware inside.
The robust, chunky design of the Zygo Solo helps it stay in place during underwater turns (Image credit: Jamie Carter)
What’s really different about the Zygo Solo compared to MP3 swim players is that you have to have the FM transmitter and your smartphone poolside. That FM transmitter works to a range of 50 meters – so the size of an Olympic swimming pool – which is generous enough (it can also transmit to an unlimited number of headsets). However, if you’re used to leaving your phone in a locker and entering a neighborhood pool deck with just a towel, having to take a smartphone and an FM transmitter is a bit of a change.
The 50m limit applies only to swimming pools, with a half-mile range promised in the great outdoors. So you could get away with wearing a Zygo Solo while open water swimming, surfing, canoeing, kayaking, water skiing and even sailing.
Zygo Solo sound
Bone conduction works well
Sounds best with earplugs
Only the FM transmitter has playback buttons
Make no mistake about what Zygo is trying to do here; streaming live audio underwater is not easy. In fact, the tech it took two years to perfect. The Zygo Solo’s sound is good. Out of the pool it sounds a little tinny, but in the water it suddenly gets a lot of bass.
Let’s not overdo it; this is not audiophile quality, and overall the impression is (not surprisingly) of FM radio-like sound, with a little crackle and hiss now and again. However, at all times it sounds much better than any waterproof MP3 player. That is, if you remember to use the earplugs.
The Zygo Solo uses bone conduction to send vibrations to your auditory nerve (Image credit: Jamie Carter)
Like the Aftershokz Xtrainerz the Zygo Solo are bone conduction headphones, using a technology that employs an open-ear design and transmits audio through vibrations in the cheekbones directly into the inner ear.
You don’t need to use the included earplugs, but if you don’t you’ll find that every time your ears are not immersed the quality of sound drastically changes. So for a more consistent experience it’s best to use the earplugs.
It’s possible to tweak the volume using + and - buttons on the headset’s right temple, and the FM transmitter has some too. It just about goes loud enough, but only the FM transmitter has skip track and play/pause controls, which is a shame. It means you have to make sure you have lots of songs/podcasts/content queued up, or keep the FM transmitter accessible by the side of the pool.
Play, pause and skip controls are all on the FM transmitter, not on the headset itself (Image credit: Jamie Carter)
We found the headset to be reasonably comfortable when worn for long periods, largely because the bone conduction design leaves your ears alone, though it did begin to feel slightly tight after about half an hour. The advice is to put the headset on, followed by a swim hat, goggles and then earplugs.
As a nice bonus the transmitter doubles as a walkie talkie, so a coach can speak to a swimmer directly as they swim in the pool. What the headset doesn’t have is a microphone, so you can’t answer back … or make hands-free calls from the pool.
Zygo Solo companion app
Huge choice of pre-recorded workouts
Excellent instructors and lots of music
Live classes and activity tracking promised
The Zygo app for iOS and Android has had a lot of investment in it and is arguably the best reason to invest in Zygo Solo. It’s not free, but there’s a huge choice of classes and activities inside. As a few random examples we found a 20-minute beginner-level tutorial in learning backstroke, an intermediate 30-minute HIIT workout and a ‘fun’-grade 25 minute DJ drill set to music.
Each one has excellent instructors and a lot of music, the latter the result of various licensing deals struck between Zygo and the music industry.
We counted over 50 drills, which seems good value, which can be browsed on a timeline but also by specific genres, such as ‘strengthen and lengthen’, ‘5 days of fitness’ and ‘your first sprint triathlon’. It’s best to download them on WiFi within the app before hitting the pool.
The Zygo Solo mobile app includes instructor-led workouts, with licensed music (Image credit: Jamie Carter)
However, the app does need a queue so that lessons and drills can follow-on from each other. Since some are only a few minutes long you can easily find yourself completing a drill and then swimming in silence.
In future Zygo tells us it’s planning to go full-Peloton and add live classes and leaderboards, with new software incoming that will use the built-in accelerometer to track your activity in the pool.
The app works independently of the device, so in theory you could just subscribe to the app and use all the workouts … though the Zygo Solo is so far the only way to stream content underwater.
Zygo Solo battery and charging case
Headset lasts for three hours
Charging case uses micro USB not USB-C
Charging case doesn’t hold a charge
Inside the Zygo Solo headset is a battery that lasts for three hours, and the transmitter lasts for around six hours. Sadly the hard-sided charging case itself doesn’t hold a charge, but if you snap both gadgets into place in its molded interior, both nestle up against precisely-placed connectors and begin charging automatically if the case is hooked up to power via a micro-USB cable.
The headset and transmitter are charged by placing them inside the case, which is powered by a micro-USB cable (Image credit: Jamie Carter)
It’s a shame the case doesn’t contain a battery of some kind, and micro-USB also feels slightly outdated given the popularity of USB-C.
• Original review date: February 2020
• One in a long line of APS-C cameras and it might not get updated
• Launch price: $749 / £830 / AU$1,349 (body only)
• Official price now: $599 / £649 / AU$ not available from Sony directly (body only)
Update: February 2024. Launched alongside the A6600 in August 2019, the A6100 is the entry-level APS-C mirrorless from Sony and was long touted as the best beginner mirrorless camera by TechRadar. It's almost five years old now and technology has moved on, but Sony was ahead of the curve back then and so the tech spec still isn't bad. You get 24MP stills with Sony's phase detection autofocus that still performs well today, but the 1.44m-dot EVF and limited tilt-touchscreen look dated now, plus you don't get in-body image stabilization. Still, there's even more APS-C lenses to choose from now and the A6100's reduced price and good availability secondhand for even less still makes it a compelling choice for beginner photographers. The pricier A6600 was essentially updated by the A6700 as the flagship model in 2023, but there's no sign of a A6100 replacement yet, and so you're still getting the latest entry-level model. The rest of this review remains as previously published.
Sony A6100: Two-minute review
The Sony A6100 is the natural successor to the wildly popular Sony A6000, a beginner-friendly mirrorless camera that is still available to buy new today, five years after its launch. That's the sign of a popular, enduring camera.
Both cameras are the entry-level models in Sony's range of mirrorless APS-C sensor snappers. 'APS-C' refers to the camera's sensor size, which is significantly larger than the ones found in smartphones, but smaller than the full-frame chips found in pro-friendly models like the Sony A7 III.
Much of the A6000’s core features remain in the A6100: there's the familiar body design, a sensor with the same 24MP resolution, a similar EVF and tilting rear LCD screen (though the A6100's screen is now touch sensitive), and an 11fps burst mode.
However, there are some very welcome improvements in the A6100 too. Overall, this is a much more user-friendly camera. The general handling and performance is enhanced, particularly through its excellent continuous autofocus system.
We now have a camera that more readily competes with today’s entry-level mirrorless shooters from other brands, of which there are many more since the day the A6000 launched. Despite this, the Sony A6100 is a worthy successor to one of the best beginner mirrorless cameras of all time when it comes to sheer sales.
(Image credit: Future)
Sony A6100: Features
24.2MP APS-C sensor
4K video at 30fps, 100Mbps
Slow and quick motion Full HD videos
Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity
Sony sticks with a 24.2MP APS-C sensor, which is the same as the one found in the more expensive Sony A6400 and Sony A6600 cameras. Its resolution is par for the course and plenty for an entry-level camera.
Sony A6100 key specs
Sensor: 24.2MP APS-C CMOS Lens mount: Sony E-mount Screen: 3-inch 922K-dot tilting touchscreen Burst shooting: 11fps Autofocus: 425 selectable points Video: 4K/30p Connectivity: Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Battery life: up to 420 shots Weight: 396g
While the A6100 can shoot 4K at 30fps, it does this with a slight crop – shoot 4K at 25fps, though, and it uses the full-width of the sensor (which means full pixel readout with no pixel binning), and fills the 16:9 rear LCD display. There is an S&Q setting (Slow & Quick Motion videos) that captures Full HD slow motion videos up to 100fps (4x) or quick motion videos down to 1fps (25x).
You do get a lot for your money with the Sony A6100. There’s the same 1.44 million-dot EVF, hotshoe and pop-up flash, all squeezed expertly into what is a very compact body. Plus, that LCD screen is now touch sensitive and can pull out and up into a selfie position.
Images can be captured and shared wirelessly using a smartphone or tablet connected by Wi-Fi through Sony’s app called ‘Imaging Edge Mobile'. An easy connection can be made using NFC, or via the usual QR code method as well.
Image 1 of 3
(Image credit: Future)
Image 2 of 3
(Image credit: Future)
Image 3 of 3
(Image credit: Future)
Sony A6100: Build and handling
Small and solid polycarbonate build, with reasonably-sized controls
Solid 420-shot battery life
USB charging
Tilt-touch screen with selfie mode
Single SD UHS-I card slot
Overall, we really enjoyed our time with the Sony A6100. We paired the camera with a couple of slightly higher-end lenses – the FE 24‑70mm f/4 and FE 35mm f/1.8 – which are both a sensible size and weight match.
Depending on the lens, the A6100 is small enough to fit into a jacket pocket. This is thanks to its form factor – it stands at just 67mm high and has a very flat profile without the pentaprism 'hump' seen on rivals like the Fujifilm X-T3.
The polycarbonate body feels solid and the external controls are robust, while the textured hand and thumb grips provide a firm hold. Praise be for the slightly larger grip than the one in the A6000.
Considering the compact size of this camera, a mighty number of controls and features are packed in. You get a pop-up flash that can be tipped back by hand for indirect fill light. There’s a hotshoe to attach optional accessories such as an external microphone, which is then connected via the microphone port on the side. (Unsurprisingly, there is no room for a headphone jack).
There's also a built-in EVF, which is a plus for a camera at this price. It’s not the easiest to use and the resolution remains at an average 1.44 million-dots. To get the latest high-resolution EVF, you’ll need to fork out extra for the Sony A6400 or Sony A6600.
The tilt LCD touchscreen can be pulled out and up, and then flipped vertically above the camera into selfie mode. By today’s standards, the 3-inch screen has a relatively modest 920,000-dot resolution. It’s a 16:9 screen too, meaning that full resolution 3:2 photos do not fill the display and therefore appear on the small side – a similar scenario also happens on the 16:9 display on the Fujifilm X-A7.
Given the A6100 is an entry-level camera, it is perhaps a little counter-intuitive that its touchscreen functions are so limited. The screen can be used to select the AF points and track subjects, plus pinch-to-zoom and scan an image in playback. But you can't navigate menus or make setting selections. Still, AF selection is arguably the most helpful touch function.
Image 1 of 3
(Image credit: Future)
Image 2 of 3
(Image credit: Future)
Image 3 of 3
(Image credit: Future)
Tiny, fiddly buttons are often a pitfall of such small cameras, but not so here. All of the buttons are clearly labeled and reasonably sized. There are two control dials – both are on the rear and naturally controlled using your thumb. Another dial on the top front would have been very welcome to bring your index finger into play instead.
A 420-shot battery life is very competitive at this level. We used the camera during cold winter months and found that battery life drained a little quicker than expected. However, USB charging is massively helpful. It's worth noting here that there is no battery charger included with the A6100, just the USB cable.
With the camera continuously connected to a power bank, the battery tops up every time the camera is switched off, which proved very handy during our wintry outings. On-the-go charging for mirrorless cameras is a true solution for their more limited battery lives.
The A6100 records images onto a single SD card, but isn't compatible with the latest UHS-II cards that possess superior read and write speeds. It’s no surprise, yet the result is some functional lags when using the camera for continuous shooting.
One handling issue worth mentioning – which is not unique to the A6100 but quickly noticeable on a camera like this – is how 'Auto ISO' favors a lower ISO setting over a quicker shutter speed when shooting in Aperture priority mode.
For example, with the lens set to a 24mm equivalent focal length, auto ISO will naturally select a shutter speed of around 1/30 sec, no matter what scene is being captured. That’s fine for static subjects, which will remain sharp, but any movement from people will be blurry.
We often chose to shoot in full 'Manual' mode with auto ISO, to ensure the desired shutter speed and aperture. However, stick the camera into its Auto mode and scene detection comes into play with more sensible shutter speeds chosen.
It takes more time to familiarize yourself with what the A6100 can do than most other entry-level cameras. That’s no bad thing, but we’d firmly recommend a little research on ways to set up the camera for quick control and to ensure you are getting the best out of it. For example, customizing the continuous AF settings and adding your most used controls to the main Function (Fn) menu.
(Image credit: Future)
Sony A6100: Performance
425-point phase detection autofocus
Excellent continuous tracking autofocus
11fps mechanical shutter
1200-zone evaluative metering
Where the A6100 shines brightest is through its rapid and reliable autofocus system for both photography and video. It has the same AF system as the flagship Sony A6600, a camera that's almost twice the price.
There are several Focus Modes and Focus Areas to choose from. After playing around with these settings, we settled on continuous AF with the 'Tracking: Expand Flexible Spot' focus area for virtually all scenarios.
With this AF setup in play, focusing for general action – family shots, a specific subject within the frame – is extremely reliable. Honestly, there were times that we forgot that this is an entry-level camera because the A6100 is so reliable for sharp focusing.
A burst mode of 11fps is, on paper, solid. However, in use the reality of 'continuous high' shooting is a tad disappointing. In our experience, the length of bursts do not quite match the claims of up to 67 frames. Also, the camera takes time to buffer those sequences before full performance is available again.
Despite the Bionz X processor, the limitations of a UHS-I SD card slot are clear. We found the 6fps 'Continuous Mid' shooting mode a more sensible choice. The A6100 is still very competitive at this level, but the Olympus E-M5 Mark III is only a little more expensive and offers UHS-II compatibility with unlimited burst shooting.
The A6100 uses a 1200-zone evaluative metering system. In many circumstances – and of course this is to taste – we found exposures a little bright and opted to dial in around -0.7EV exposure compensation.
For us, the Imaging Edge Mobile app provided a hassle-free connection and worked very well for image uploads and remote control shooting. The same cannot be said for all brands, so kudos to Sony here.
Image 1 of 5
A high frame rate like the 'Continuous High' at 11fps increases your chances of capturing the crucial moment. However, the sequences don’t last long before the camera’s buffer is full. Moreover, the camera takes some time to be ready to shoot again. (Image credit: Future)
Image 2 of 5
The AWB: Ambient setting gives pleasing colors while maintaining warm tones. (Image credit: Future)
Image 3 of 5
We found the evaluative metering makes exposures a fraction too bright and often opted to dial in some negative exposure compensation. (Image credit: Future)
Image 4 of 5
If you brighten low key images like this it is clear there is plenty of crisp detail in shadow areas. (Image credit: Future)
Image 5 of 5
Face detection AF works quickly and, for the best part, focuses on what’s important, the eyes. (Image credit: Future)
Sony A6100: Image and video quality
24.2MP resolution holds its own
ISO 100-32,000 (extended to ISO 51,200)
4K videos look good and helped by reliable continuous AF
Vibrant colors but no flat/natural color profiles
Sony's APS-C cameras have offered a 24MP resolution for almost ten years. Even today, few venture higher or lower than 24MP. It’s a sensible choice in the entry-level A6100, though one has more cause for complaint in the flagship Sony A6600.
The 6000x4000 pixel resolution equates to an A3-print size at 350ppi, though by reducing the ppi you can make a high quality print up to A2 – that’s surely enough for most photographers.
Video quality is solid. 4K videos at 25fps are taken from the full-width of the sensor and the quality is helped no end by the reliable and intelligent continuous tracking autofocus.
Of course, image quality is affected by the lens attached to the camera and the 16-50mm Power Zoom kit lens of the A6100 has a poor reputation. But add a different lens – such as the two we used – and you’ll get crisp images with plenty of detail all the way up to ISO 3200.
Image 1 of 5
In general, color rendition is accurate and pictures look great straight out of the camera as JPEGs. (Image credit: Future)
Image 2 of 5
This image is taken at ISO 6400 and detail is still reasonably sharp in the bright areas. (Image credit: Future)
Image 3 of 5
We found the evaluative metering makes exposures a fraction too bright and often opted to dial in some negative exposure compensation. (Image credit: Future)
Image 4 of 5
The APS-C sensor has a wide dynamic range – this unedited image was shot in a standard mode without increasing the dynamic range in any way. (Image credit: Future)
Image 5 of 5
The tilt-screen is ideal for clear viewing when shooting at low angles. (Image credit: Future)
For most subjects, the ‘Standard' Creative Style creates realistic tones and accurate colors for JPEG images straight out of the camera. Sony’s color profiles are gradually turning around and indeed we have seen an improvement – those jumping from the A6000 will appreciate the difference.
For more critically observed subjects, skin tones for example, things are a little too saturated for our liking, even in the least punchy Standard Creative Style (again, that’s down to personal taste). We’d love to see a more natural or flat color profile included for photos and videos here – most other brands offer at least a ‘Natural' profile.
To get a ‘flatter' tonal range from which to make edits to saturation post capture, your best bet is decreasing the contrast in the Standard Creative Style (or to shoot in Raw format). However, it’s not possible to make any image edits in-camera.
Dynamic range is very good. A lot of detail can be recovered from shadow areas that appear black, and a reasonable amount can be found in bright highlights. You’ll get notable patches of chroma noise and overall luminance noise in shadow areas of low contrast images taken at ISO 6400 and higher, though.
(Image credit: Future)
Sony A6100: Verdict
Considering the design, price point and feature set, the Sony A6100 is arguably the most enticing camera in Sony’s A6000 series today.
Firstly, the body design that's consistent throughout this series does feel more suited to beginners and those growing their skill level.
Image quality and autofocus are also on a par with the more expensive Sony A6400 and Sony A6600, which is impressive. The main gripes that we have of all A6XXX series cameras – mainly handling and performance limitations – are also less forgivable on the flagship models than they are here.
So what do the more expensive models have going for them? Well, the flagship Sony A6600 has a much better battery life, in-body image stabilisation (IBIS), a higher resolution EVF and a metal, weather-sealed body. But it’s virtually twice the price.
Crucially for Sony, the A6100 refreshes the A6000 and holds its own against today’s growing competition. There is class-leading continuous autofocus and in most other areas, such as battery life, the camera is very competitive.
We expect the A6100 to be the most popular of the current A6XXX series and for good reason – it’s well-priced and is a brilliant little camera once you get to know it.
Perhaps the most obvious direct rival to the A6100, the Canon EOS M50 is a little older than Sony's entry-level camera, but also a lot more affordable. It shows its age in many areas, with the A6100 offering superior autofocus, battery life, video powers and native lens choices. But if you can't stretch to the A6100 or have existing Canon EF or EF-S lens that you'd like to use with the EOS M50 (via an adaptor), it's well worth considering for beginners.
It's a fair bit pricier than the Sony A6100, but the Nikon Z50 addresses one of our main complaints with Sony's APS-C cameras – handling. Just like Nikon's DSLRs, the Z50 has a nice, chunky grip and balances better with longer lenses, which is something to bear in mind if you like sports or wildlife shooting. Both cameras can shoot at 11fps continuously and lack in-body image stabilization. Sony has the edge with autofocus and its native lens selection, but the Z50 is a better option for those coming from DSLRs (particularly Nikon ones, as you can use F-mount lenses with an adaptor).
If you don't need a viewfinder and want something a little smaller than the A6100, then the Fujifilm X-A7 is well worth considering. Combining a 24.5MP APS-C sensor, 3.5-inch vari-angle touchscreen and the ability to shoot 4K/30p video, it's a nice little all-rounder that shoots crisp, sharp images and pairs nicely with Fujifilm's range of X-Series prime lenses.
