Reviews

Laptops and tablets both have their own pros and cons when it comes to life on-the-go, but there are some interesting products that bridge that gap. Released in late 2020, the Lenovo Yoga 9i has some features that will make it appealing to those who want a versatile computer for work or home use. A 2-in-1, the Yoga 9i can fold itself backward to work in a tablet or tent mode making it great for travel, presentations, and more thanks to the garaged stylus. Packing a powerful 11th Gen Intel Core i7, the Yoga 9i is ready to work, as well. Be sure to hit the video below to find out more about the Lenovo Yoga 9i.

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.

Lately, we’ve been taking a look at some higher-end earbuds that look to go head-to-head with AirPods, but today, we’re moving onto the more budget-friendly end of the true wireless spectrum. The recently-released Tribit FlyBuds C1 enter with a more than impressive list of on-paper specs for the $70 price tag, but are they actually worth the cash? Our latest Tested with 9to5Toys dives in to take the earbuds and their 50-hour battery life for a spin.

As the popularity of 60% keyboards grows, we’re starting to see even more options from well-known brands like HyperX. Their latest addition is the HyperX Alloy origins 60. With robust build quality, clever layout, and some other nice features for a 60% board, it’s shaping up to be a solid choice in the compact keyboard world priced at $100. Be sure to hit the video below to see all the details. 

If you spend some time looking around at what microphones your favorite creators are using, chances are you’ll see a large dynamic microphone like the Sure SM7B a few times. While it sounds incredible for spoken voice, the $400 price tag can come with a bit of sticker shock compared to other viable options for dynamic microphones. At $199, the new Samson Q9U is looking to capture some of that market. With both USB and XLR outputs, mic monitoring, and internal shock mount, how does it perform? Be sure to check out the video below to hear for yourself. 

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.

We previously took a hands-on look at the new Bellroy iPhone 12 lineup of cases, and today, it’s time to review the new antimicrobial MacBook sleeve. We have started to see more and more brands introduce some kind of antimicrobial tech to their lineups of Apple gear accessories, and Belloroy is doing much of the same with a new family of gear featuring Swiss-engineered HeiQ V-Block — protection for fabrics against contamination from microbes — as well as a new Basalt colorway. Hit the jump for our latest Tested with 9to5Toys.

Today, Logitech is launching its latest gaming accessory, this time bringing a new pair of earbuds to a wide array of players. Entering as its G333 Gaming Earbuds, the new Logitech debut works with everything from consoles and smartphones to PC and arrives with a premium build despite its more affordable price tag. Head below for all of the details and some hands-on insight to the new releases.

While 60% layout keyboards are becoming more common, companies are trying to come up with ways to separate their offerings for consumers. Building off of the 4,000Hz polling rate on their flagship K100 we checked out recently, the brand-new Corsair K65 RGB Mini can operate at a ridiculous 8,000Hz polling rate. With a solid build, Cherry MX switches and a standard bottom row, it’s set up to be a solid choice in the compact keyboard market coming in at $110. Be sure to check out the video below to see all the details. 

March brought with it a collection of new LEGO creations, and today we’re taking a look at the newest pair of Star Wars Microfighters. Delivering two Hoth-themed builds, the latest addition to the collection arrives with miniature AT-AT and Tauntaun complete with two Original Trilogy minifigures. But is the 205-piece creation worth adding to your collection? Head below for a closer look and all of our thoughts on the new LEGO Hoth Microfighters.

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.

MagSafe debuted last fall as Apple’s latest and most novel way to refuel your iPhone 12. Since then, we’ve seen a collection of third-party accessories flood the market bringing similar magnetic charging features into your kit. Today, we’ll be taking a look at one of the latest offerings in the MagSafe-compatible sphere, with Aukey’s new 15W Magnetic Wireless Charger. Our latest Tested with 9to5Toys dives into whether you should add this more affordable alternative to your everyday carry or if you’re just better off going with the official Apple offering.

While cameras keep getting better and more powerful, many are also getting smaller and easier to use. Action cameras have always been a great option to quickly grab some beautiful footage, and the Insta360 Go 2 combines an incredibly small form factor with a variety of mounting options to make capturing a moment effortless. Be sure to hit the video below and check out all of the features of the Insta360 Go 2. 

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’s official Lightning cables have received a lot of flack over the years for how poorly they hold up to prolonged wear and tear, making third-party MFi offerings a go-to for many. Anker has time and time again rose through the ranks to deliver some of our favorite options out there, and the brand’s new Powerline III Flow cords continue that, but arrive with a new soft touch design and USB-C connectivity. Our latest Tested with 9to5Toys answers whether these unique cords deserve a spot in your charging setup or everyday carry.

There’s no doubt that the Oculus Quest 2 has been turning a lot of heads. The performance for the price point is taking VR to the next level and making it easier than ever to get started in VR with a high-quality headset. And we’re now starting to see some cool accessories becoming available as well, like the Anker Charging Dock for Oculus Quest 2. With specific battery covers for the controllers and a magnetic connection for the headset, the Anker Quest 2 dock is perfect for displaying and keeping the Quest 2 batteries topped off. Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details. 

Today, Marshall is unveiling the latest addition to its collection of retro-themed audio products. Marking the first time the brand is getting into the true wireless earbud space, the new Marshall Mode II arrive with all of the usual vinyl-wrapped stylings you’d expect, but also with transparency mode, a compact design, and up to 25-hour playback per charge. Head below for all of the details on the new unveils as we take a hands-on look at the latest that Marshall has to offer.

In their quest for total smart-home tech disruption, Wyze has once again delivered a quality product at an incredible price. The latest, the Wyze Bulb Color, comes in a four-pack with the pre-order price of $34 plus shipping and features a 91 CRI, voice control, and 1,100-lumen brightness. Following our announcement coverage, we were able to go hands-on with some in-use thoughts on these affordable RGB lights. Be sure to hit the video below and 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.

Today we are taking a hands-on look at the new felt AirPods case from Oakywood. Officially unveiled earlier this month, just after the brand’s MagSafe wooden cases hit, the new Oakywood felt AirPods cases feature merino wool exteriors with a handy keychain clip and a nice snap closure. We recently got a chance to put the Felt AirPods Case to the test over the last couple weeks and are now ready to feature it in our latest Tested with 9to5Toys review. Head below for a closer look. 

Lately, the trend in gaming mice has been how lightweight can you make them. With crazy-light offerings from Razer, Glorious, and Logitech, there are plenty to choose from. But, despite the light weight, they can get pricey. If you’re looking for a high-performing mouse on a budget, then the new Katar Pro XT from Corsair might tick the right boxes. Coming in at just $29.99, this updated mouse comes in at a reasonable 73g and feels great in the hand. Be sure to hit the video below and check out all the details. 

We’ve seen a large surge in companies offering WFH and other accessories for remote life as well as setting up streaming and content creation. The latest update from Razer is the new Kiyo Pro webcam. An updated version of the original Kiyo, it aims to offer advanced imaging and fidelity in both streaming and productivity situations. So how does it perform for the $200 price tag? Be sure to hit the video below and see it in action. 

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 originally been announced back at CES, Anker’s latest addition to its stable of Soundcore earbuds arrives as a true AirPods Pro competitor with a bevy of eye-catching features for the price. Centered around the oh-so-popular true wireless design we’ve all come to expect, you’ll find added active noise cancellation, up to 26-hour playtime, and plenty of customization. Not to mention a price tag of just $130. Head below for a quick look at the Anker Soundcore Liberty Air 2 Pro and a few hands-on thoughts.

From soundbars to massive surround sound systems, there are plenty of different ways to outfit a space for watching the latest movies with the latest in sound design. While they may take up more space, full-range towers like the Definitive Technology BP9060 are one of my favorite ways to both watch movies and listen to music. Don’t be fooled by the simple, elegant design, though. Under that sleek black fabric are eight drivers ranging from a 1-inch aluminum tweeter to a 10-inch powered sub with dual 10-inch bass radiators. And, the BP9060 can be expanded to wear a Dolby ATMOS module on top for an even more dynamic movie experience. Be sure to hit the video below and check out all the details of these tech-filled towers. 

We’ve covered the Glorious Model O Wireless before, but I feel that a follow-up review is in order. Typically, I have used ergonomic gaming mice in the past, like the wildly popular Deathadder lineup. But, after reviewing the Model O Wireless, I tried to go back to my old mainstay and it just didn’t feel right anymore. Two months later and I’m still using the Glorious Model O Wireless as my daily driver for editing and gaming. And at just $80, I’m even more impressed by what it offers for that price. Be sure to hit the video below to see all the details. 

Just over a year ago, we took a look at the pre-production version of the Drop Panda Bluetooth wireless headphones. Packed with high-end features like planar magnetic drivers and a THX AAA amplifier catered to audiophiles, they sound great and also feature a discrete design for use on go. Recently, we were sent a final production pair with the boom mic attachment that can enable the Panda to be used as a gaming headset. Be sure to hit the video below to hear how it sounds. 

To start the year, LEGO expanded its lineup of home decor kits with a pair of creations in its Botanical Garden collection. And with Valentine’s Day right around the corner, today we’re checking out the Flower Bouquet kit, which offers a brick-built take on a classic gift for the big day. With plenty of details and eye-catching techniques, be sure to head below for a closer look at the new LEGO Flower Bouquet and all of our thoughts on the unique display piece.

There are plenty of affordable true wireless earbuds out there, but often, they sacrifice some feature or quality to keep the price down. But, the EarFun Free Pro boasts ANC, wireless charging, and Bluetooth 5.2 with a low-latency mode among other features. Normally priced at $60, with the 20% off code below they come in at just $48. So, how do they sound and feel for that crazy price? Be sure to hit the video below to see all the details. 

Well known for their tank-like protective gear for mobile devices, OtterBox now offers accessories for gaming on the go. With a controller shell, gaming clip, carrying case, and of course their own easy-grip gaming case for mobile devices, OtterBox now offers hearty products to make mobile gaming easy and secure. Be sure to hit the video below and check out all the details. 

Today, the new LEGO Ninjago City Gardens kit is officially available for purchase, and we’re going hands on with the latest creation. With a vibrant build bustling with detail, over 5,600 pieces, and stacking up to over 29 inches tall, is the latest expansion to the Ninjago City worth the cash? Head below for a closer look and all of our thoughts on the LEGO Ninjago City.

With working from home and digital learning both becoming more common, companies are looking for ways to offer affordable tools to make both of those easier. ClearOne, who specializes in audio and visual communication devices, is out with a new entry-level webcam. With all of the features needed for quality video, the plug-and-play ClearOne Unite 10 makes staying connected easier and comes in at a very reasonable $70. Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details. 

As the amount of creators rises, so does the availability of affordable tools. There are well-established standards for high fidelity USB microphones like the Blue Yeti lineup, but if you want something different or are on a budget, there are other options like the Movo UM700. With a Yeti-like design and a simple but robust feature set, the $100 UM700 is great for content creation like podcasts and streaming. Be sure to hit the video below to hear how it sounds for yourself. 

Now that we’ve gone hands-on with all four of the new LEGO Star Wars builds for the winter of 2021, it’s time to take a look at the entire collection as a whole. With three creations from the Original Trilogy and a new build-out of The Mandalorian, we’re seeing which of the latest kits is most worth your cash and how everything stacks up. Head below for a closer look at how all of the new LEGO 2021 kits compare and to see which is the best of the batch.

Gaming with wireless audio is, of course, more convenient than wired variants, but often, true wireless earbuds suffer from a laggy connection thanks to Bluetooth technology. Enter the EPOS GTW 270 Hybrid. With Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity for mobile devices and a USB-C wireless adapter for low-latency gaming on compatible devices, it takes the convenience of portable wireless audio and adds the low-latency performance needed for competitive gaming. Be sure to watch the video below and check out all of the details of the EPOS GTW 270 Hybrid. 

As mobile gaming becomes more popular, more companies are jumping on the opportunity to create controllers that turn your phone into a console-like experience. We took a look at the Razer Kishi for iPhone recently, but today we have another similar option from a company called Backbone. With all of the dedicated buttons you would find on a console controller and an app that integrates friends, video captures, and quick launch options, the Backbone One is a great way to up your mobile gaming experience. Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details. 

We’ve reviewed all but one of the new LEGO Star Wars 2021 sets so far, with only the most affordable remaining. Now for today, we’re taking a look at the latest addition to LEGO’s collection of Microfighters, with a refreshed version of the Millennium Falcon. As the latest version of the fastest ship in the Star Wars universe, how does this compact model stack up? Head below for all of the details on the LEGO Millennium Falcon Microfighter.

While I enjoy exercising outdoors, Indiana winters aren’t the best for outdoor activities. And it will probably be a while until I’m comfortable going into a gym. Enter the exercise bike. While there are great connected options, those can be expensive, and there are more affordable options on Amazon if you aren’t ready to invest a ton into at-home fitness. With a familiar spin bike design, The Ancheer exercise bike is simple with some nice features for $500 and is often on sale for much less than that. Currently, there is a promotion on the co-branded FUNMILY version that brings the bike down to a very reasonable $280. Be sure to hit the video below and 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.

Chances are, you’ve seen some of elago’s Apple Watch and iPhone accessories we’ve featured here over the years. While there are plenty of add-ons that feature fun and nostalgic designs, elago has also made a push into the more premium side of this product category. The new elago M5 stand for iPhone and select tablets. With a brushed metal design that looks right at home next to Apple’s Pro displays, there’s a lot to like here. Head below for a quick overview and a few hands-on thoughts.

Expanding on the impressive lineup of gaming headsets for all different budgets and platforms, the HyperX Cloud Revolver brings a high performance wired gaming headset in two different variations. Stick with the 3.5mm version for a deep, wide soundstage or take it up a notch with the 7.1 USB audio controller. Be sure to hit play on the video below to see and hear more about that HyperX Cloud Revolver 7.1 headset.

LEGO’s latest lineup of Star Wars builds launched at the beginning of the month with four new creations headlined by the X-Wing we took a look at last week. And to go alongside the Rebel’s iconic starfighter, there’s also a reimagined version of the TIE Fighter, which we’ll be getting our hands on today to see how the newest version of the Imperial starfighter stacks up. Head below for a closer look and all of our thoughts on the new LEGO TIE Fighter.

Fnatic, the e-sports team turned peripheral provider, has been honing their offerings and taken a lot of feedback from the STREAK to put into the design of the miniSTREAK. A portable TKL board, the miniSTREAK features a sleek, compact design, per-key RGB, a wrist rest with three different positions, and a competition mode to keep the focus on the game. Be sure to hit the video below to see and hear all of the details. 

LEGO kicked off 2021 by launching a collection of new kits, including a handful of new Star Wars models. Today, we’re starting to go hands-on with the entire lineup of builds from a galaxy far, far away by taking a look at the latest version of the X-Wing. After receiving an all-new, more affordable design and some exclusive new minifigures, how will LEGO’s most recent attempt at the classic starfighter stack up? Head below for a closer look and all of our thoughts on the new LEGO 2021 X-Wing.

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.

Incipio’s organic iPhone case lineup made from eco-friendly materials is back again for Apple’s latest handsets. Designed to protect the planet and your new iPhone 12, the Incipio Organicore iPhone 12 cases leverage plant-based and biodegradable materials to offer a sustainable product, right down to the packaging. Today we are taking a closer look at the company’s 2020 lineup of eco-friendly iPhone cases in our latest Tested with 9to5Toys. 

You’ve already got the RGB peripherals, but what about your chair? Sure, you might have a high backed gaming chair, but does it have RGB? If you opt for the Vertagear SL5000, it could, thanks to the new RGB Upgrade Kit. Is it unnecessary? Absolutely. But, if you’re looking for a way to make your stream or content stand out, there’s not much else like this, but it also comes with a hefty price tag. Be sure to watch the video to find out more. 

Bluetooth keyboards are often uninspiring to use and lack the design and feel of a full-size mechanical keyboard. But, Cooler Master has a trick up their sleeve with the SK622. With both a Bluetooth 4.0 and removable USB-C connection, this low-profile 60% keyboard with RGB comes in at $120 and makes it possible to get a great feeling keyboard away from the home office. Be sure to hit the video below and see all the details.  

Throughout December, we’ve been counting down to Christmas with LEGO’s Advent Calendars. And now that the big day is finally upon us, we’re culminating our coverage with a look at yet another festive creation. And this time, it’s a limited-edition version of one of the most iconic vehicles from a galaxy far, far away. The LEGO Christmas X-Wing brings some Santa stylings into a fan-favorite starfighter from the Star Wars universe with exclusive figures and plenty of holiday charm. Head below for a closer look.

Razer has released the Kaira and Kaira Pro headsets and Wolverine V2 wired controller, and they’re aimed at players who want more control on the new Series X and S. Taking technology from their PC line of gaming headset and refining the design of their console controllers, the new suite adds some great options for those looking to get more out of their Xbox Series X|S gaming experience. Head below to watch the video and see all the details on the Razer Kaira Pro and Wolverine V2. 

With its heritage of high-quality projectors, BenQ is out with another great option for the home theater. The BenQ TK850 can push 3,000 lumens, support 4K UHD, HDR10, and project a clear image up to 200 inches. Coming in at $1,499, it is an investment, but projectors are a great way to get a huge high-quality picture that goes beyond what flat panels are capable of. Be sure to check the video below and see all the brilliant details of the BenQ TK850.

Synology has long been one of our favorites in the NAS game, and today we’re taking a look at one of its latest releases. Whether you’re thinking about securing your data in the new year or want to build out a capable Plex server, the new DS1520+ delivers high-end performance at a reasonable price point bolstered by five hard drive bays and four Gigabit Ethernet ports. Head below for all of the details as we review Synology’s DS1520+ NAS and put it to the test.

After spending some time with quite a few headsets for the new Xbox Series X and S, I wanted to run through what I like, what I don’t like, and which one I reach for most often. There are pros and cons to each headset, so bear in mind that just because I like one over the other doesn’t mean that it’s the best choice for everyone. If you need Bluetooth connectivity, value the utmost in competitive sound clarity, or just want the best sounding headset, these are all things to take into consideration, and I try to highlight those throughout this comparison. So which is the best headset for Xbox Series X and S? Be sure to hit the video below and see all the details.