Reviews

I love the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless – it’s absolutely packed with premium features that make it work in a wide variety of scenarios across multiple platforms. My only complaint in my original review was that the ANC nubs in the earcups were too prominent and ruined the comfort for me. Now in 2024, SteelSeries has released a white version of the $350 premium multi-platform gaming headset with much smaller ANC nubs! So it should be perfect now, right? Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details. 

Today we are taking a closer look at the new BANG!CASE for iPhone 14 Pro/Max and iPhone 15 Pro/Max. The interesting new iPhone cover debuted in mid-April courtesy of Bitmo Lab – an sspai and JSAUX brand – as what the company refers to as “the world’s first phone case with three customizable buttons.” It essentially adds a new button to your phone, acting as a sort of second Action Button you can customize to do any number of things. This high-tech approach to smartphone cases is also joined by an interesting clear case back to show of the tech required to run the button, some LED action, and you can still land one at 20% off ahead of launch next month. Head below for our hands-on impressions in the latest edition of Tested with 9to5Toys. 

Today we are taking a deeper dive on the JBL Soundgear Sense Open Earbuds. After more pricey models from Bose recently made headlines around here, we though it would be a good idea to check out the somewhat more affordable, let’s call it mid-priced options, and JBL’s Soundgears seemed a suitable candidate at $149.99 shipped. Dive into our hands-on impressions down below.

Satechi, today, is launching its first-ever Qi2 chargers for iPhone 15. I’ve been using them over the past few days and am already in love with the premium folding designs, 15W charging speeds, and the option to add in Apple Watch fast-charging for less than the competition.

We have featured deals on the KeySmart key organizers more than a few times around here, and now it’s time to give up some hands-on impressions. After coming away more than impressed with our time testing out the brand’s SmartCard Apple Find My wallet card tracker, today we are looking at the KeySmart iPro – an Apple Find My-equipped key holder that’s looking to add some peace of mind and organization to your EDC. Head below for more.

Traeger enthusiasts sold out the ModiFIRE Sear Grate in minutes when it debuted earlier this year. This is not the first cooking accessory that Traeger has added to its ModiFIRE lineup, and I’m sure it’s not going to be the last. As someone who does all the cooking and grilling in her family, I was eager to give the new Sear Grate a try on the Ironwood WiFi pellet grill as summer approaches. The team at Traeger sent over a ModiFIRE Sear Grate for me to try, and it did not disappoint. Keep reading to find out how my grilling and searing adventures turned out. 

Marshall has a new pair of headphones out, and I have been daily driving them for the past few weeks. The Marshall V headphones might not look all too different from their predecessors, but with a tried and true design, that’s hardly an issue. The newfound 100-hour battery life only makes these an easier recommendation, as well as everything else I highlight below.

Burton Goods re-launched earlier this year with a fresh collection of new leather goods for just about all of your Apple gear, from gorgeous MacBook and iPad cases, to its American full-grain Heritage Leather Apple Watch Strap you see here today. The Heritage, like the name suggests and falling in line with the rest of the gear in the lineup, presents a vintage-inspired leather treatment for your high-tech Apple wearable and we have had it on-wrist for the last couple weeks to give a run for its money. Head below for our hands-on impressions of the Burton Goods Heritage Leather Apple Watch Strap.

We have come away impressed with just about everything we have gone hands-on with from Aer. That includes its Pro Kit tech accessory organizer pouch, the City Tote Bag, and the Aer Travel Pack 3 I’m about to load up to head out traveling once again. But today we are turning our attention to its latest Aer Tech Sling 3 bag – we have been testing the carrier out for a few weeks and are now ready to dish up some hands-on impressions. Head below for the latest edition of Tested with 9to5Toys. 

Insta360 is back with its latest 360 action cam, the X4. Capturing immersive video in up to a crazy 8K 360° video, it’s been upgraded with a bigger battery and protection with removable lens guards. Combined with some of the easiest-to-use mobile editing features, Insta360 is delivering even more creative possibilities with its latest candy bar-sized camera. Be sure to hit the video below to check out all of the details. 

KeySmart, a brand perhaps best known for its Apple Find My key organizers, launched its SmartCard tracker last fall, and I was immediately intrigued. Many of the options in the Apple Find My-equipped, credit card-sized tracker category don’t feature wireless charging, if they even can be recharged at all, but KeySmart’s does. In fact, the brand claims to have the only wireless charging model on the market, as well as the thinnest at just 2mm, and it’s time to see if it’s worth the price of entry (spoiler alert, it very much is). My hands-on impressions are waiting down below. 

Sony is taking the wraps off its latest pair of headphones today with the reveal of the new ULT collection. The new ULT Wear headphones do far more than just simplify the naming scheme, with some booming bass, reliable ANC, and other frills like wear detection and Spatial Audio – all at $199.

A new king of summer speakers has been crowned. Sony just revealed the new ULT Field 1 portable speaker and I’ve been using it for the past few weeks. It packs everything that I can ask for from a Bluetooth offering while including some features I wasn’t even sure I should be asking for. All in a colorful package that makes the most of its $129 price tag.

Today, Logitech is out with the latest esports-focused gaming peripheral, the Pro X 60 keyboard. Making even more room for big mouse swipes than the TKL from last year, the Pro X 60 embraces the popular compact 60% keyboard layout but adds speed and some of the most robust key mapping we’ve ever seen via KeyControl in Logitech G Hub. At $179 is the new Logitech Pro X 60 going to be the go-to esports gaming keyboard? Be sure to hit the video below for all of the details. 

Today we are taking a closer look at the new Harber London Rugged MacBook Briefcase. This one entered the brand’s sizable collection of Apple gear accessories and bags back in February as its latest premium, all-in-one, business-meets-EDC tech carrier. It, like all Harber London gear, costs a pretty penny, and now we are ready to see if the handmade, premium materials, and fine craftsmanship match the price tag. Head below for our hands-on review of the new Harber London Rugged MacBook Briefcase as part of our ongoing Tested with 9to5toys series. 

While the $380 Astro A50X has been out for a few months now, it wasn’t until the latest firmware update that it started working as intended for me. I’ve been using it on my live streams from the sim rig, but the HDMI switching never worked between my Xbox Series X and Philips Momentum 55 monitor. But now that it’s working, it’s about time I finished up my full review of this neat but very niche product. Be sure to hit the video below for all of the details. 

The ECOVACS DEEBOT X2 lineup is one of the more high-end, powerful, and intelligent systems out there in the robotic vacuum world. While the base models have been out in the wild for some time now, ECOVACS is officially launching the new ECOVACS DEEBOT X2 Combo today – an enhanced version of the DEEBOT X2 system complete with a larger docking station to accomodate the add-on hand vacuum system. I have had a chance to give it all a try around my place for the last couple weeks, and you’ll find my impressions and thoughts on the just about perfect cleaning experience below.

World Backup Day has arrived and, like every year, is reminding you that it’s time to be smarter about your data. Whether it’s beloved family photos, Time Machine backups of your Mac, or your expansive media server, having plan in place to ensure all of your data is protected is crucial. NAS plays an important role in this, and today for the occasion, we’re taking a look at what three different models from Synology bring to the table to join all of the price cuts now live on hard drives and more. Head below for all of our World Backup Day NAS recommendations, tips, and tricks.

Wyze is out with its latest feature-packed budget home security camera, the Wyze Cam v4. With a long list of upgrades in addition to the standard specs we’ve come to expect with Wyze cameras, it’s a welcomed update to the three-year-old Cam v3. Be sure to hit the video below and check out all the details. 

WITHit, a brand that’s new around these here parts, creates a wide range of Apple watch bands, straps, and more. But it was its metal – stainless steel and titanium – models that caught my eye a few weeks ago. Despite the inherent price tag titanium fetches in this product category (or any one for that matter), many of them looked fantastic to my eyes and, in many cases, undercut the prices on some of my favorite options out there. So, naturally, I decided to reach out and give them a run for their money and share my thoughts with the 9to5Toys crowd. Head below for my hands-on review of the WITHit Titanium Band for Apple Watch. 

Back during CES 2024, Positive Grid – makers of the fantastic smart Spark guitar amps – debuted the latest edition to its lineup with the Spark LINK wireless guitar system. After getting a chance to go hands-on with its fantastic little intelligent guitar amp-meets-Bluetooth speaker-meets audio interface devices previously, I couldn’t wait to give the new wireless guitar system a run for its money. Now finally out of the pre-order phase and available for purchase, head below for our hands-on impressions of the new Spark LINK wireless guitar system. 

The Displate wall art has indeed been around for a while, but I thought it was time to see if they are truly as good as they sound. Alongside a constantly growing collection of new designs to choose from, the Displate mounting system, at least on paper, seemed to be the easiest possible way decorate my space and home office without damaging the walls or needing to get any tools involved. The short form version of this review is that they do indeed deliver on that promise, but you can get a full rundown of what to expect down below. 

Today we are taking a closer look at Journey’s latest power bank, known as the Rapid GO 10,000mAh Wireless Kickstand. This model adds a few extra touches to your traditional power bank setup, including MagSafe connectivity, an integrated kickstand and finger loop grip, as well as the ability to charge three devices at once. The question is, does it make sense to score a new power bank without Qi2 tech just to save some cash? Head below for our hands-on impressions of Journey’s Rapid GO 10,000mAh Wireless Kickstand Power Bank. 

Qi2 is one of the biggest things to happen in smartphone charging since MagSafe launched to start off the 2020s. But how does the new, open standard compare to Apple’s own 15W implementation? Below, I explore how the specs line up on paper and how the chargers in each category actually compare from my own hands-on experiences.

With more direct drive wheelbases hitting the market, the search for the best sim racing cockpit continues. We’ve tried the Playseat Trophy and the new entry-level GTRacer from Next Level Racing but now we’re taking things up a notch with the GT Omega Titan. While not the top-of-the-line cockpit that the Scottish company sells, it’s a solid choice for a sim-racing cockpit and has been a great upgrade for my live streams. Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details. 

ESR just recently launched its new 3-in-1 Qi2 Charging Stand, and I’ve been using it with my Apple setup for the past week. It might not be the most premium option on the market, but it’s the most affordable way to enjoy 15W speeds with a desktop form-factor, AirPods power pad, and Apple Watch charger.

The Scanwatch 2 is one of Withings’ newest hybrid smartwatches, and it features more information on your health within the Withings app than my Apple Watch provides within Apple Health. Available for $349.50, the Scanwatch 2 can detect potential health problems, assess your respiratory system, and of course, provide you with health and activity metrics. I’ve had mine for about a month, and I have been impressed with everything the Scanwatch 2 has to offer. Keep reading below the fold to learn more.

Battlefield Season 7 is right around the corner, and like most updates, EA/Dice invited members of the press and creators to take a sneak peek and try out what’s coming up in a “capture event.” While we couldn’t try out everything that will be released throughout the full season, we did get to try the new maps, and most of the new weapons, and get a feel for some of the other core changes made to gameplay coming in Battlefield 2042 Season 7. Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details. 

Turtle Beach is no stranger to gaming peripherals and even sim equipment with a variety of flight accessories. Now, with the VelocityOne Race, Turtle Beach is entering the racing world. Coming in at $650, VelocityOne Race works on PC and Xbox and comes with everything necessary to hit the track including a direct drive wheelbase, a wheel with paddle shifters, pedals with a load cell brake, and even a button box. But with more competition than ever in the sim racing world, is it worth the price tag? Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details. 

The affordable Blink smart home gear ecosystem is getting a brand new piece of kit today with the introduction of the next-generation Blink Mini 2 smart camera. Delivering enhancements across the board over the previous-generation model while maintaining the same simple setup and easy-to-use live monitoring experience, the Blink Mini is launching at $39.99 for indoor use-only and $49.99 for outdoor use when bundled with the Blink Weather Resistant Power Adapter. Hit the jump for more details and some hands-on impressions.

Some of you might remember our coverage of the RocketBook Sticky Notes some time ago when they first landed on Kickstarter, but they are back and officially launching everywhere starting today. Rocketbook, for those unfamiliar is a brand best known for its smart reusable writing companions – traditional-looking notebooks that deliver a real pen and paper experience, but with the ability to be wiped clean and used endlessly after you beam your handwritten notes to the cloud, email, or over Apple Messages to a friend. The company decided to take its technology and user experience to the old sticky note format, offering up an “endlessly” reusable mini sticky note with the same digitization potential as the pages of its notebook lineup. Head below for more details. 

The newest expansion to the Pokémon trading card game launches later in the month. I got sent some of the new Temporal Forces packs ahead of time, which feature fresh artwork from the Paldea region, new Paradox Pokémon, and the return of ACE SPEC cards.

After getting a chance to take a hands-on look at the brand’s latest LOC8 passport holder wallet, today we are turning our attention to the Journey iPhone Apple Find My MagSafe wallet. The Journey LOC8 MagSafe Finder Wallet features much of the same design approach as the passport holder, including both the material construction and the built in location tracking, but with an iPhone-ready form-factor and built-in kickstand action. Head below for our hands-on impressions as part of the latest entry to the Tested with 9to5Toys series.

NZXT is out with its 2nd generation of peripherals, the Function 2 and Function 2 MiniTKL keyboards, as well as the Lift 2 Symm and Lift 2 Ergo mice. They’ve taken feedback from the 1st generation and honed their offerings. But will they find their place in today’s highly competitive gaming peripheral market? Be sure to hit the video below to find out all about them.

Skullcandy today is launching its latest pair of earbuds. The company has been keeping things fresh in the true wireless space over the years with some unique and even ultra-affordable models. But now, it is pushing forward with a new focus – sustainability. The new Skullcandy EcoBuds focus on recycled materials but also go as far as to ditch the battery from the charging case.

Solo Stove is most known for its line of popular smokeless fire pits; however, it also has an incredible lineup of tabletop fire bowls fueled by a Smokeless Gel Fuel. Solo Stove sent me their newest creation, the Cinder Tabletop Bowl. It can be used indoors or outdoors and claims to bring elegance and ambiance to any gathering while also being a quick and easy s’more-making machine. Keep reading to hear more about my hands-on experience with the Solo Stove Cinder Tabletop Bowl! 

Update: Razer has now debuted a Quartz pink edition of it latest Seiren V3 Chroma RGB USB Microphone. It is now available for purchase at $10 more than the standard black at $139.99 shipped. 

Update: The new Razer Seiren V3 Chroma RGB USB Microphone is now available for purchase at Amazon for $129.99 shipped. 

Update: Today’s new Razer Seiren V3 Chroma mic is also launching alongside the more affordable Razer Seiren V3 Mini at $60 as well. More details below.

Today, Razer is unveiling the latest addition to its lineup of streaming mics with the new Seiren V3 Chroma. The current lineup of Seiren mics didn’t see any updates for CES this year alongside the brand’s new Blade gaming laptops, but the new model is now joining the mini entry-level model, the clip-on BT variant, the Seiren V2 X, and the flagship V2 Pro. Pulling from the look and feel of the existing lineup, the latest model features a similar, albeit modernized form-factor, with a larger capsule covered in vibrant customizable Chroma lighting. Head below for more details and some of our hands-on impressions of the new Razer Seiren V3 Chroma mic.

Today we are taking a hands-on look at the new Burton Goods leather iPhone wallet case. As some 9to5Toys readers will know, Burton Goods rose out of the ashes of the now defunct Pad & Quill brand to deliver a fresh take on beautiful, handcrafted leather Apple gear accessories. The brand launched a fresh batch of leather goods to dress up your MacBooks, iPads, Apple Watches, and iPhones in style, and it is now time to take a closer look at the Burton Goods Modern Pocket Book Wallet Case as part of the latest Tested with 9to5Toys entry. 

If you’ve been waiting for a MagSafe power bank that can actually dish out full 15W speeds, Anker has finally delivered. The newest addition to its MagGo lineup launched in January with Qi2 tech, and I have been daily driving it with my iPhone 15 Pro.

Peak Design and Nomad announced their latest collaboration last month, and today it’s time to take a hands-on look at the new Rugged iPhone 15 case. Nomad is one of our favorite accessory makers and we pretty consistently come away impressed with the Peak Design kit, including the Everyday Zip camera backpack we just went hands-on with, so we had high hopes for the new Nomad x Peak Design Rugged Case. Made to combine the design approach from both teams while providing a protective solution that supports Peak’s ecosystem of adventure-ready accessories, head below for our hands-on impressions of the new crossover collaboration. 

For me, 75% layout keyboards strike the perfect balance of functionality and a small gaming-friendly footprint. While they’re still not as common as full-size, TKL, or even 60% keyboards, we are starting to see the number for 75% layouts growing from big-name brands like Razer, Glorious, and now Corsair with the K65 Plus. Wireless, hot-swap, packing multiple layers of sound dampening, and coming in at just $160, the Corsair K65 Plus has a lot going for it. Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details. 

Today we are going hands-on with the new Journey Apple Find My Passport Wallet. The brand has found itself bringing its design approach and penchant for creating accessories for all of your Apple gear to the Find My-equipped space with its latest LOC8 lineup. Today we are taking a look at the passport wallet holder, but the family of gear also features a MagSafe wallet and item trackers, all of which with hidden internal batteries and mini speakers to support Apple’s location-tracking Find My network. Head below to dive into our impressions of the Find My passport wallet and for a notable 20% discount on it.

Last fall, mophie launched a MagSafe charger that dared to extend what’s possible from the 3-in-1 form-factor – quite literally. I’ve been using the new mophie Telescoping 15W MagSafe Stand for the past few months, and have fallen for its adjustable design and premium build.

Today we are taking a closer look at the latest leather alternative iPhone case from MUJJO. We have become huge fans of the brand over the last few years – its iPhone 15 genuine leather cases are best in class, landing atop our roundup of go-to iPhone 15 covers at the tail end of last year. The same can be said for its wonderful real-leather MagSafe wallets that match the cases perfectly – here’s our hands-on review of those. And now it’s time to see if the brand making some of our favorite real leather cases can also create the best leather alternative iPhone case as well. Our hands-on impressions of the MUJJO MaizCase are waiting below. 

Just last month, ESR announced and quickly began shipping one of the very first Qi2 car mounts. The company was quick to send one over to me, and I’ve been using it for the past few weeks. At just $36, the spoiler of this review is that Qi2 is finally getting to shine as the perfect merger of affordable pricing and high-end features.