Reviews

You’re reading Tested with 9to5Toys, where we explore everyday tech essentials that make life a bit easier. Browse through our entire guide for all of the latest reviews, and sound off in the comments below if there’s something you’d like to see featured.

The arrival of Gallium nitride chargers shrunk USB-C wall adapters into offerings that could fit in the palm of your hand, and now, the latest GaN II releases are looking to deliver even more compact upgrades to your everyday carry. Anker’s latest releases arrive with just that exact emphasis, looking to put an end to compromising over a lightweight carry and high-end features. But do the ultra-compact form-factors on the new Anker Nano II lineup actually make a difference at this point? That’s what our latest Tested with 9to5Toys looks to answer. Head below for all of the details.

Self-lacing shoes might not be as indicative of the future as hoverboards or flying cars, but for those who grew up on the musings of Back to the Future, they’re certainly some indicator of what’s to come from wearable tech. Looking to live up to the future predicated back in the 1980s, Nike has been expanding its lineup of self-lacing Adapt shoes over the past couple of years with various styles. But after wearing the smart shoes for over a year, we’re answering whether they are actually the future-worthy footwear that Nike proclaims, or just a gimmick. Head below for all of the details and our thoughts.

Today, we are taking a hands-on look at the Volonic Valet 3 charging system. This high-end wireless solution takes a cue from fashion design houses and Apple aesthetics to provide a luxurious and elegant charging pad with a price to match. Yes, there are more affordable options out there, but not very many that are quite as gorgeous — this is a true piece of functional art, in my opinion, with a sophisticated look and precision design approach. But is the steep price tag worth the price of entry? Read on for a closer look at the Volonic Valet 3 charging system.  

After being in the making for quite some time, Linedock is finally shipping. We first got a look at the new accessory at CES 2020, where I was impressed by the prototype they showed off. Now, a year and a half later, the USB-C dock arrives with plenty of notable features to match its unique design. Today, we’re taking a closer look to see how it all stacks up. Head below for a closer look and first impressions with the new Linedock for 16-inch MacBook Pro.

I’ve spent the past few weeks with the Cricut Maker 3, and I have to say it’s actually a fairly impressive upgrade. Coming from the original Maker, which was already quite impressive, the Maker 3 could very easily be an upgrade that many at-home crafters make. From the introduction of the new Smart Materials to other upgrades like faster cutting, the Maker 3 helps at-home crafting become much easier. So, should you buy or upgrade? Let’s take a closer look in our hands-on review of the Cricut Maker 3.

You’re reading Tested with 9to5Toys, where we explore everyday tech essentials that make life a bit easier. Browse through our entire guide for all of the latest reviews, and sound off in the comments below if there’s something you’d like to see featured.

Apple Watch bands come in just about every style imaginable at this point, but the folks at Twelve South are still managing to mix things up from the norm with the recent launch of its ActionSleeve 2. While the upper arm form-factor isn’t entirely new, the more durable materials and improved design look to make the brand’s latest debut an even more compelling exercise companion. But does the band actually deliver on that? We’re finding out in our latest Tested with 9to5Toys review.

As we add more and more devices to our daily lives, charging areas can start to become a cluttered eyesore. RapidX, which is no stranger to charging accessories, has recently released its latest clutter-cutter — the MyCharging Station. With four USB ports, a 10W wireless charging pad, a holder for an Apple Watch, and two standard outlets, it’s a great way to clean up a popular charging spot in your home. Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details.

Earlier this month the LEGO Group released its largest Marvel creation to date in the form of a new 3,700-piece Daily Bugle build fit for J. Jonah Jameson himself. With an impressive attention to detail, plenty of callbacks to the Spider-Man universe, and a staggering 25 minifigures, we’ve assembled the all-new build to see just how amazing the mainstay in NYC really is. Hit the jump to find out if the largest LEGO Marvel set yet is worth all the attention.

You’re reading Tested with 9to5Toys, where we explore everyday tech essentials that make life a bit easier. Browse through our entire guide for all of the latest reviews, and sound off in the comments below if there’s something you’d like to see featured.

With Apple’s own MagSafe wallet being a bit of a sore subject among iPhone 12 owners, third-party brands have stepped up to deliver better value in the space for touting around cash and cards with your handset. One of the more premium options as of late comes from the folks over at Twelve South, which just recently unveiled its new Book Book Leather MagSafe Wallet case. Now we’re seeing if its higher-end $70 price tag is worth paying up for in our latest Tested with 9to5Toys review.

One of the biggest names in home security, Ring is out with its latest porch protector, the Video Doorbell Pro 2. With upgraded resolution and some new motion detection features, this camera is an upgrade over previous iterations but also packs a hefty price at $249.99. Be sure to hit the video below and check out all of the details. 

If you’re still rocking an older WI-Fi 5 router, it’s time to upgrade. Sure, Wi-Fi 6 isn’t super popular in most devices yet, but the new standard actually has plenty of benefits even for older devices. TP-Link recently launched the Archer AX73, a Wi-Fi 6 router capable of streaming 8K video and delivering Gigabit speeds wirelessly, and I’ve spent the past month or so putting it to the test. How’d it hold up with my AT&T Gigabit Fiber internet plan? Let’s take a look in our hands-on review of the TP-Link Archer AX73 Wi-Fi 6 Router.

Lately, we’ve seen some great simple wired gaming headsets like the EPOS H3 and SteelSeries Arctis Prime, and now, we have a look at Turtle Beach’s latest — the Recon 500. At $80, how does this simple yet versatile headset perform? Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details. 

You’re reading Tested with 9to5Toys, where we explore everyday tech essentials that make life a bit easier. Browse through our entire guide for all of the latest reviews, and sound off in the comments below if there’s something you’d like to see featured.

Skullcandy made headlines earlier in the year by launching its latest pair of true wireless earbuds at an eye-catching $25 price tag. We were eager to get our hands on the new Skullcandy Dime to see just how they’d actually stack up, and after a week of use, we’re ready to drop some first impressions. So should you just save your money for a more expensive pair, or are these the best bang-for-your-buck earbuds on the market? That’s what our latest Tested with 9to5Toys review aims to answer.

Last month, Amazon first gave us a first look at its refreshed Fire HD 10 and other new tablets. With sleeker designs, improved performance, and new multitasking features, the latest releases are now shipping as of today, and we’re taking a hands-on look to see if the upgrades this time actually deliver. Head below for all of the details on if the new Fire HD 10 can live up to its promise of being a productivity powerhouse or if it’ll stay relegated to a content consumption machine. 

Furthering their offerings for the keyboard enthusiast, Razer’s latest keyboard, the Blackwidow V3 Mini, might be my favorite from the triple-headed snake so far. After switching to the Drop ALT last year, I’ve been in love with 65% layout keyboards and Razer’s new board packs this slim yet functional layout and adds their Hyperspeed wireless for even more convenience. Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details. 

Growing their product offerings for mobile creators, Sennheiser is out with a new lineup including the XS Lav Mobile and 400 MKE compact shotgun microphone. Great for VOs and capturing on-camera audio, there are some nice options that go up against some stiff competition from the likes of Rode. Be sure to hit the video below to see and hear all the details, and how they stack up against some industry norms from Rode. 

You’re reading Tested with 9to5Toys, where we explore everyday tech essentials that make life a bit easier. Browse through our entire guide for all of the latest reviews, and sound off in the comments below if there’s something you’d like to see featured.

Having launched earlier in the year, the new 1MORE ComfoBuds Pro arrived to offer a low-cost competitor to AirPods Pro. It’s a line we’ve heard many times before, and a claim that’s very seldom met. So in order to try and deliver, active noise cancellation arrives alongside 28-hour battery and an under-$100 price tag. But is that enough to take on the gold standard in the true wireless headphones space? That’s what our latest Tested with 9to5Toys review aims to answer.

Roccat is aiming high with its latest gaming mice, the Kone Pro and Kone Pro Air. Both mice feature optical switches, a comfortable shell, and weigh in at just 66g for the wired and 75g for the wireless version. Be sure to hit the video below and check out all of the details. 

The LEGO Group kicked off this year with the launch of hundreds of new creations, but one in particular caught the eye of builders both new and old, the Bonsai Tree. Since its launch, the popular build has been almost impossible to find in stock. But now that the dust is starting to settle, it’s finally starting to be readily available. So nearly six months later, we’re taking a hands-on look at the creation to see if it’s actually as much of a must-have as all the commotion would have you believe. Head below for all of the details on the LEGO Bonsai Tree.

You’re reading Tested with 9to5Toys, where we explore everyday tech essentials that make life a bit easier. Browse through our entire guide for all of the latest reviews, and sound off in the comments below if there’s something you’d like to see featured.

Since the launch of MagSafe last fall, accessory makers have been jumping in on the magnetic wireless charging action to pair Apple’s first-party charger with various docks, stands, and mounts. We’ve previously taken a look at some more affordable models, but we’re turning our attention today to the opposite end of the spectrum. Nomad’s new MagSafe Mount arrives with a premium stainless steel build that stands out from just about every other option on the market. But is it worth pre-ordering at such a steep price tag? That’s what our latest Tested with 9to5Toys review aims to answer.

Today, Corsair is out with the latest version of the popular Virtuoso line-up. Taking a lot of the favorite features from previous forms like the 50mm drivers for clear gaming audio and one of the best mics in a wireless headset, the Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT adds Bluetooth and Dolby Atmos to the spec sheet. With a huge range of connectivity, the XT is set to be the wireless headset to rule them all but that does come at a price. Be sure to hit the video below and see all the details on the $270 Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT.

We’ve seen a lot of lightweight ambidextrous mice lately, both in the wired and wireless variant. But, for those who want a little more functionality out of their mouse with a durable design and some bright RGB, then the new Rival 5 from SteelSeries might tick all the boxes. With nine buttons, a seemingly durable ergonomic build, and weighing 85g, the SteelSeries Rival 5 comes in at a reasonable $60. Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details. 

Expanding on their lineup of portable and durable thin and light laptops, the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano hits a new low by coming in at just under two pounds. With an 11th Gen Intel processor, huge battery life, and a bright, sharp screen, it’s an easy-to-use portable option for on-the-go professionals. Be sure to hit the video below to check out all the details.

Today we take a closer look at the Ukutune UKD90 Solid Flamed Koa Wood Ukulele — the brand’s high-end natural wood tenor model. Last time around, we went hands-on with the far more affordable UKA1 model, but today we’re stepping it up a notch with solid Koa wood construction, a walnut fingerboard, and classic detailing. This one looks great in pictures, easily standing next to the big-name brands, but let’s dive in to see how it sounds and actually feels in your hands. 

You’re reading Tested with 9to5Toys, where we explore everyday tech essentials that make life a bit easier. Browse through our entire guide for all of the latest reviews, and sound off in the comments below if there’s something you’d like to see featured.

Satechi has long been in the market of supplying those in the Apple ecosystem with a variety of accessories that not only look great with matching aluminum finishes but also upgrade some aspect of your setup. Earlier this year, the brand launched its first charging station geared towards tackling the power requirements of five devices with its Satechi Dock5. Today, we’re taking a hands-on look at the unique charger to see if its versatile design is actually worthy of gracing your desk setup or nightstand. Head below for all of the details in our latest Tested with 9to5Toys review.

The SSL UF8 DAW control surface is completely overkill for what I do, but following our announcement coverage, they asked if we wanted to take a hands-on look at it and I couldn’t resist. Thankfully, some features do work within Premiere Pro, which is where I edit most of my audio. To take full advantage of the incredible depth of control that the SSL UF8 offers, though, you will need a compatible DAW, or digital audio workstation like Logic, Pro Tools, or Ableton. If you’re interested in learning more about the incredible UF8 and want to see some of my audio workflows within Premiere, be sure to hit the video below. 

It’s May the 4th, and while LEGO’s Star Wars Day promotion rages on, we’re turning our attention to one of the latest creations from a galaxy far, far away. Debuting as the newest set inspired by Empire Strikes Back, the new Imperial Probe Droid stacks up to over 680 pieces while assembling the latest buildable character from the Star Wars universe. But does this kit stack up to a model that’s worth putting on display? Head below for all of the details on the LEGO Imperial Probe Droid.

The new Twelve South MagSafe charging stand launched earlier this week with a minimalistic, clean look and a design that leaves your iPhone 12 floating in midair. We have been fans of the brand for a quite a while now, but with Apple reintroducing MagSafe tech this generation, it’s time to give Twelve South’s first crack at the technology a run for its money. Head below for our hands-on Twelve South Forté review. 

A slider is a handy tool for videographers that allows them to get smooth sideways footage while also emulating a dolly in allowing for forward and backward motion too. The Slypod Pro takes this a step further than most, adding in vertical motion also.

But it also has a completely different form factor to a conventional slider. Rather than a sled on rails, the Slypod looks exactly like a high-end monopod.

Earlier this spring, LEGO showcased the latest additions to its lineup of brick-build re-creations from a galaxy far, far away. And now with Star Wars Day on the horizon, we’re checking out the new LEGO Darth Vader and Scout Trooper helmets to see if they’re worth the cash ahead of May the 4th promotions. Head below for a closer look and all of the details on the latest releases. 

Expanding on their lineup of lifestyle offerings, the new Razer Anzu is an interesting combination of technology. On the one hand, eye care is becoming more important with how much time is spent looking at a screen and the blue light blocking lenses help to protect our eyes, but Razer has also packed swappable sunglasses lenses, Bluetooth connectivity, and speakers into the arms of these $200 glasses, much like the Bose Frames that we took a look at earlier. Be sure to hit the video below to check out all of the details. 

Today, Nomad is expanding its stable of premium iPhone accessories with its most compact wireless charger to date. While the new Nomad Base Station Mini is certainly miniature in size, that’s hardly the case in the feature department as you’ll find 15W speeds, USB-C connectivity, and, of course, the usual premium metal and leather build that the brand is known for. And now we’re taking a hands-on look at new release to see if all of the polish and sophisticated design actually justifies its higher-end price tag. Head below for a closer look and all of the details.

With May the 4th quickly approaching, Anker is getting into the Star Wars spirit a tad early with the announcement today of its latest projector. Bringing the most beloved droid in the galaxy to its popular Nebula projector lineup, its upcoming R2-D2 Capsule II enters with a unique design on top of a notable list of features that let you take movie night just about anywhere. Today, we’re taking a hands-on look at the new release, so be sure to head below for all of the details and a closer look at this unique Star Wars collectible.

You’re reading Tested with 9to5Toys, where we explore everyday tech essentials that make life a bit easier. Browse through our entire guide for all of the latest reviews, and sound off in the comments below if there’s something you’d like to see featured.

Amongst all of the iPhone 12’s new features, MagSafe has easily emerged as one of the most defining characteristics of this generation of Apple’s handset. While there are plenty of alternatives to the official MagSafe charging cable, more affordable stands aren’t quite as prevalent yet. So today, we’re taking a look at two different models from ESR’s HaloLock series, which bring magnetic wireless charging to your desk or car’s dashboard. Our latest Tested with 9to5Toys explores just how good these budget-friendly ESR MagSafe Charging Stands can be.

Expanding on their lineup of work-from-home and streaming products, the new Razer Ring Light is an affordable way to light up your video calls or streams. With an included tripod, adjustable brightness, color temperature, and powered by USB, this $80 light is a great companion to the recent Razer Kiyo webcam, and Razer Seiren Mini. Be sure to hit the video below to check out more. 

As their first gaming headset without their co-brand partners Sennheiser, the EPOS H3 is set as an evolution of the GSP 300 for a simple, comfortable, do-it-all gaming headset. EPOS has also hooked us up with a few to give away so be sure to check out the details at the bottom of this review and hit the video to see more. 

Back to continue their disruption in the smart home market, the Wyze floor lamp is positioned to be an affordable option for those who want to add a little light to their workspace. Priced at just $30 + shipping, the lamp features a remote along with app control and smart dimming that can recall brightness settings at different times throughout the day. Be sure to hit the video below to see all the details. 

You’re reading Tested with 9to5Toys, where we explore everyday tech essentials that make life a bit easier. Browse through our entire guide for all of the latest reviews, and sound off in the comments below if there’s something you’d like to see featured.

Thunderbolt and USB-C docking stations have long been the go-to solution for those who want the perks of a desktop workstation setup and the freedom to work away from the desk. And with the launch of Apple’s latest M1 Macs last year, Thunderbolt 4 hit the mainstream. Today, we’re taking a look at the new Anker PowerExpand 5-in-1 Mini Dock, the brand’s first Thunderbolt 4 offering, which arrives with a future-proof design that’s ideal for MacBook setups. But is it worth the more premium price tag? Our latest Tested with 9to5Toys answers that and more.

Celebrating the 40th anniversary of an iconic day in space exploration history, LEGO launched its new Space Shuttle Discovery set at the beginning of the month, and now we’re taking a hands-on look. Stacking up to 2,354 pieces and complemented by a Hubble telescope payload, we’re looking into whether the LEGO Group’s most expensive NASA-Inspired creation to date is worth its $200 price tag. Head below for all of the details.

True wireless earbuds on the affordable end of the spectrum are rarely known for their sound quality and rarely offer any support for tweaking the EQ. Monoprice is shaking things up a bit though by teaming up with Sonarworks for the Monolith M-TWE that incorporates profiles with SoundID to create a personalized sound signature to fit your specific sound preferences. Matched with other great features like ANC and ambient modes, the Monolith M-TWE with SoundID earbuds has a lot to offer for the $99 price point. Be sure to hit the video below to check out all the details. 

Last month, Cricut announced the Mug Press, an all-new addition to its lineup of Infusible Ink offerings. Taking on the roll of an Easy Press, the Mug Press is built to provide an even amount of heat all the way around a mug in order to properly transfer a design and bake it in. So how easy is the Mug Press to use, and what sets it (and the mugs) apart from other systems? Let’s take a look in our hands-on review of the Cricut Mug Press.

Tribit is out with the latest addition to its portable Bluetooth speaker lineup, and today we’re taking a hands-on look to see just how its new StormBox Pro stacks up. Complete with a water-resistant design, this offering arrives with 24-hour playback, 360-degree audio, and impressive sound fidelity for its size. Now available for purchase, you’ll want to head below for all of the details and more insight from our review. 

Lightweight mice have been all the rage recently, and Corsair’s latest, the Sabre RGB Pro, seeks to set itself apart from the crowd with impressive performance as part of Corsair’s Champion Series of peripherals. With up to 8,000Hz polling thanks to the Axon hyper-processing technology, the Sabre RGB Pro was recently tested with the lowest mouse latency in NVIDIA’s Reflex Latency Analyzer. With a comfortable ergo shape and priced at $59.99, it’s shaping up to be a great choice for competitive gamers. Be sure to hit the video below and check out all the details.

While there’s a good chance that you’ve heard of THX in reference to certification on audio hardware, today THX is announcing their first-ever consumer product. As a longtime industry titan for certifying that audio meets certain criteria, THX is bringing its expertise in audio to the mobile market. Taking everything they’ve learned and using a third-party certification, the new THX Onyx is a cross-platform DAC amp that can deliver high-fidelity audio from a mobile device with MQA studio-quality streaming. So how does it perform for the $200 price point? Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details.

You’re reading Tested with 9to5Toys, where we explore everyday tech essentials that make life a bit easier. Browse through our entire guide for all of the latest reviews, and sound off in the comments below if there’s something you’d like to see featured.

After taking a look at the brand’s latest MacBook sleeve, we are now diving into the Bellroy Tech Kit. The latest entry in its gear accessory organizer lineup features the same antimicrobial tech found on the MacBook sleeve alongside providing a home for all of your chargers, cables, power banks, and more. In today’s Tested with 9to5Toys we are taking the Bellroy Tech kit for a hands-on spin to see if it’s worth the price of entry. All of the details are down below.