Review

A bit later to the usual launch bonanza that is the weeks following the reveal of a new Apple iPhone, Twelve South eventually got around to launching new covers for the iPhone 14 toward the end of 2022. Of course, the SurfacePad delivers a unique take on the wallet folio form factor, with a slim design that adheres to your device, and today, we’re taking a closer look to see just how this sleek leather build stacks up.

Lately across 9to5 we’ve been boasting about just how good of an experience Apple’s latest iPads make as a full-fledged computer. To help in elevating iPadOS from just a glorified mobile operating system, today we’re taking a look at the new Magnetic iPad Stand from elago. Arriving with an iMac-inspired design, the accessory magnetically holds your iPad Pro in place in order to give it a more desktop-worthy home at your workstation.

Roccat’s latest budget keyboard embraces the trends in gaming with a 60% layout and bright RGB. While it cuts the price by utilizing membrane switches, at just $50 the Magma Mini might be the sweet spot for gamers on a budget. Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details. 

JBL just announced the new Pulse 5 speaker, a refreshed version of the brand’s flashiest way to listen to music. Much like its predecessors, this portable offering pairs battery-powered playback with integrated LED lights for a unique design that sets the JBL Pulse 5 apart from other speakers on the market.

Last month, Wyze announced three brand-new cameras – the Cam OG, Cam OG Telephoto, and Cam Pan v3. While the OGs are a more affordable return to the basics, the Cam Pan v3 is a complete upgrade over the v2. Be sure to hit the video below to see them in action. 

At long last, BIONICLE is back! Well, sort of. Today the LEGO Group launched its latest gift with purchase, and we’re going hands-on to see just how the modern-day remakes of Tahu and Takua stack up. Available now as a free add-on to select orders over $100, the latest promotional set has been long-awaited by fans of the heroes from Mata Nui. Now to see if the promotion is worth your cash, I’m taking a closer look at BIONICLE and its 2023 comeback.

With a move on the horizon, I’ve been figuring out just what combination of chargers and power strips were going to help me streamine the family room setup. UGREEN’s recent DigiNest Pro has tapped in just in time to save the day, delivering seven ports for topping off everything from my own personal everyday carry to friend’s smartphones and more. Below, I see how the entire package stacks up in this latest edition of Tested with 9to5Toys.

With another big update, Dice invited a bunch of people to a pre-release capture event showcasing the new class system in Battlefield 2042. In addition to this return to a beloved battlefield staple, the snowy map Breakaway has also seen a huge rework that keeps the action much closer, and there have been quite a few new and old items added back into the Battlefield mix. Be sure to hit the video to see some of the Battlefield 2042 3.2 updates in action. 

ModMics have been one of the most well-known ways to turn any pair of headphones into a gaming headset; we went hands-on with the entire lineup last year. For those who prefer IEMs (or in-ear monitors) to over-headphones, though, the brand-new Kimura may be right up your alley. Adding a microphone on an adjustable boom, Kimura comes in a few different flavors to fit most IEM needs, like the Kimura Duo we were able to get our hands on. Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details. 

At the start of the year, the LEGO Group released its latest version of Tony Stark’s Hulkbuster armor from the MCU. As a massive Iron Man fan and an even bigger enjoyer of the brick-built versions of the Golden Avenger, I finally picked up the kit to add to my collection. Comparing it to some of the previous versions, I go hands on below to see just why the new LEGO Hulkbuster is the best one yet.

After going hands on with the brand’s unique ALTI charging desk mat late last year, we have recently had a chance to to give Journey’s new Rapid TRIO 3-in-1 Wireless MagSafe Charging Stand a run for its money. The brand officially unleashed its new magnetic all-in-one charging and organization solution a couple weeks ago now with a familiar form-factor and design but with a few neat tricks up its sleeve as well. And, you’ll want to check out our review of the new Rapid TRIO 3-in-1 down below while it’s still available at 20% off for the launch phase. 

As one of its final releases of the year, Satechi in December released its new Duo Wireless Charger Power Stand. This unique offering delivers a complete charging station for your Apple kit in a design that can fit right in the palm of your hand, while also delivering a premium metal build. But is the final package premium enough to warrant the $100 price tag? Our latest Tested with 9to5Toys is on the case.

As its latest release for PC builders, the NZXT H9 is a dual-chamber PC case that offers massive expandability and glass on the front and side to showcase the internals of a build. Starting at $160 for the H9 flow and $240 for the RGB-laden H9 Elite, it’s the new top-of-the-line from NZXT. We got our hands on one with a few other new components to showcase the building process including a PNY RTX 4070ti. Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details.

It is now time to take a closer look at the new Spigen MagSafe charger that just launched. Hitting Amazon and the official site under the radar over the last couple weeks, not only is the puck-style charger already on sale at under $20, but we thought we would give it a run for its already affordable price tag for review as well. Spigen has become known for delivering accessories that hit above their pay grade and it appears the new ArcField magnetic charger is no exception. Head below for our review of the new Spigen MagSafe charger as part of our latest Tested with 9to5Toys feature. 

Over the past few months, I’ve started taking a look at transparent charging tech as the trend picks back up from the early 2000s. At the top of the list of accessories that embody those nostalgic design cues is one of the latest releases from Shargeek, with its Shargeek STORM2 Slim power bank. Delivering more than just a slick, transparent design, the portable charger also comes outfitted with an eye-catching 130W output to charge all of the gear in your Apple setup away from home.

It’s time to take a closer look at the new SanDisk portable SSD, officially known as the PRO-G40. The SanDisk portable solid-state drive lineup is easily one of the best and most popular out there. Previously headlined by the generation 2 Extreme and Extreme Pro variants, the Western Digital brand updated its offerings last fall with new SanDisk PRO-G40 – one of the fastest models yet with its usual rugged sensibilities and modern spec sheet. We have been lucky enough to go hands-on with the new PRO-G40 over the last few weeks to give it a run for its money and detail the experience for prospective buyers down below. 

Being I’ve been slowly building out my sim rig for racing and drifting. The latest addition is the Buttkicker Gamer Pro which does just what its name would suggest – adds haptics in your seat thanks to a large transducer attached directly to a gaming chair or cockpit and an amplifier connected to a gaming console or PC. It can even be set up in multi-unit configurations. Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details. 

While we don’t tend to feature all that many full-on drum machines around here, the Erica Synths Perkons HD-01 is just so powerful and interesting I had to give it some air time. After spending more than a few weeks hands-on with the hybrid digital-analog sound maker, it was immediately clear that it sets itself apart from much of the competition in many ways while still providing content-creators, beat-makers, and home producers with a particularly powerful workhorse that’s so much more than just a drum machine. Head below for our impressions of the Erica Synths Perkons HD-01 as part of the latest Tested with 9to5Toys feature. 

Another year of LEGO is now one for the history books. While we’re gearing up to start covering all of the new creations come 2023, beforehand we’re taking a retrospective look at what this year already delivered. Ranging from new creations that take the throne of largest set to authentic recreations of both historic and cinematic marvels, you’ll want to head below for our best LEGO sets of 2022.

Today we are taking a closer look at the Mous MagSafe Wallet. Mous is probably best known for its protective iPhone cases that don’t really give off that heavy-duty look and feel, but rather something of a more refined look in many cases that fall into the casual or even dressy category. While its MagSafe Card Wallet isn’t overly robust or rugged, it certainly caught our eye with its supple, tumbled leather build and slightly more unique design than many of the vertical-oriented options out there. But is it the right choice for you? Head below to find out in our hands-on review of the Mous MagSafe Card Wallet as part of our Tested with 9to5Toys series. 

Update: While we haven’t narrowed it down to the top 5 yet for 2023, our roundup of the best iPhone 15 cases is now up.

As any avid 9to5Toys reader will know, we test and go hands-on with an inordinate amount of covers for Apple’s latest handsets every year, and it’s time to weigh in on the best iPhone 14 cases of 2022. While like most Apple gear accessory categories, the established brands and products tend to shine every year, this time around we have both a few mainstays and some new options that made their way to the top of the pack. If you’re looking to upgrade your case beyond the model you purchased at launch or just recently acquired a new iPhone 14 over the holidays, you’ll definitely want to take a closer look at our list of the best iPhone 14 cases to at least ensure your well-informed of some of our favorite options out there. 

They might not feature the stark white minimalism of the latest Apple buds, but Audio-Technica’s new ATH-TWX9 set is clearly looking to take on the AirPods Pro 2 to some degree. After debuting back in November, AT’s latest is loaded with noise-cancellation tech, spatial audio, a similar form factor, and built-in sterilization in the wireless charging case, not to mention a somewhat lofty price to match. It’s time to take a closer look at the Audio-Technica ATH-TWX9 as part of the latest Tested with 9to5Toys feature. 

If you saw my review of the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless, you may remember that comfort was my only issue with it. As a $350 headset, it has all of the bells and whistles, but I could also feel the ANC bumps in the earcups when wearing the headset in normal, everyday use. Wicked Cushions has developed a line of aftermarket earpads for many gaming headsets. When it announced a new pair of Wicked Cushions for the Nova Pro Wireless, I immediately purchased a set to see if it worked to make the SteelSeries headset my favorite of the year. Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details. 

Earlier this year, Marshall refreshed nearly its entire lineup of speakers from the portable offerings to models meant for rocking out at home. We already reviewed a pair of the battery-powered form-factors, and now ahead of the holidays are back to take a look at the brand’s latest at-home speakers. Wrapped in the iconic stylings you’d expect from Marshall, we’re going hands-on with its new III series speakers to see how the Acton, Stanmore, and Woburn stack up.

It’s time to go hands-on with the Teenage Engineering TX-6 mixer and interface hybrid music machine. The TX-6 is much more than just a mini mixer. It certainly does sum individual audio signals/inputs into a single stereo output, six to be exact, like any good mixer should, but it can also act as a sort of audio hub on-the-go, completely tether free, for on-site recordings, live music sets, DJing, and one of the most feature-rich portable audio interfaces out there. Connecting to your DAW over USB-C for 12-track multi-track recording – it is also MFi certified for use with iPhone – plus you’ll find a built-in, albeit relatively basic, drum machine/synthesizer and a series of both standard issue workhorse and more boutique FX that can be used on all of it. Head below for a closer look.

Whether you’re looking to score some extra juice for your iPhone 14 on-the-go or need to lock-in a last-minute gift, Anker makes some of our favorite chargers here at 9to5Toys. Recently the company sent over its latest lineup of MagSafe power banks, and today we’re going hands-on with three different models to see how each of the new releases stack up and compare to other models on the market.

After hearing about the high-end Focal Bathys Bluetooth ANC headphones launch, I was curious how they would stack up against some competition. With other high-end options from Bowers & Wilkens, Apple, and Sony, what is the best pair of Bluetooth ANC headphones? Well, that answer might a bit complicated. Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details. 

Nostalgic tech is making a comeback to close out 2022, and today we’re taking a look at a charger imbued with all of the charm of a classic Macintosh. Having launched earlier in the year, the recent Shargeek Retro 35 arrives with the latest GaN III tech to power your entire Apple setup with an eye-catching design.

After an interesting few months in the graphics card space, AMD is finally releasing its new flagship cards, the Radeon RX 7900 XTX and 7900 XT. AMD’s numbers were impressive, but how do they stack up against current competition?

If the cost of a Wi-Fi-enabled smart deadbolt has turned you away in the past, Home Depot might have something that could be of interest. The $100 Defiant Wi-Fi Deadbolt is available in a variety of styles and comes with a Hubspace smart plug that unlocks Wi-Fi control. It sounds like an affordable way to get a Wi-Fi deadbolt installed in your home, but how does it perform for that price? Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details.

I’ve been seeing more and more coverage of IEMs, or in-ear monitors recently, both for music and for gaming. And while there are some great entry-level and affordable options out there, when Beyerdynamic announced the new $1,000 Xelento Remote 2nd Gen in-ear headphones, I knew I had to reach out and see if I could try a pair. While they certainly aren’t for everybody, the overall experience was different from what I expected. Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details.

We’ve been reviewing a collection of iPhone cases since the new 14 series launched earlier this fall, and today we’re checking out one of the more unique covers to hit the market. Sporting a minimalistic design that wraps your iPhone 14 Pro/Max in a polished aluminum case, the new Arc Pulse bumper case arrives as a more daring take on protecting Apple’s latest smartphone.

SANDMARC makes one of the best leather iPhone 14 cases out there in my opinion, and it’s time to take a closer look. In our continued effort to give hands-on impressions of as many iPhone cases as possible to give folks a better idea of what they are spending their money on, one of the best is on the slate today. There are a few really standout, clean, and handcrafted leather cases we have already touched on this year, but SANDMARC’s wireless charging, MagSafe-compatible leather iPhone cases really set themselves apart from the many options in the category. Hitting just about all the most important form and function design cues alongside an industrial-inspired metal camera array cover, head below for our Tested with 9to5Toys feature on the brand’s new Pro Leather iPhone 14 cases. 

Earlier in the month, Case-Mate revealed its new USB-C charger lineup that arrive to deliver a unique twist on your typical wall adapter. Sporting four different retro colorways that all sport translucent casings to show off the 30W power tech inside, the new Case-Mate Fuel Brites Charger lineup merges modern function with turn of the century form-factors. I was instantly hooked on the designs and am checking out just how these new chargers stack up down below.

It’s officially Cyber Monday here at 9to5Toys, and many of the mainstream retailers have already kicked up a number of promotions. This year, you’ll find discounts on the latest from Apple, Google, Amazon, and many other top brands, all at the best prices ever ahead of the holidays. Down below, you’ll find our Cyber Monday deal hub for the week, which will be constantly updated with all of the latest offers in one central location. Head below for all of the best Cyber Monday deals and more.

Expanding on its stylized collectible hard drives, today Seagate is announcing new FireCuda options for fans of Star Wars. Three new designs featuring Darth Vader, Han Solo, and Luke Skywalker also incorporate customizable RGB lighting for a fun collectible external hard drive. Coming in at $110 for a 2TB capacity, it won’t break any records for performance, they’re stylish hard drives that any Star Wars fan would appreciate. Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details. 

Today, the latest additions to the Pokémon franchise are finally launching with Scarlet and Violet now being available for purchase. We’ve spent the past week journeying through the new region of Paldea to see how the latest stacks up, detailing its bold new approach to open-world game and new mechanics to performance issues and everything in-between.

As a novice sim racer, I bounce between Assetto Corsa on my PC and Forza Horizon 5 on my Xbox Series X with my kids; having a mobile setup that doesn’t take a lot of time to configure is crucial for me to actually get some seat time in. But with the power of the Logitech Pro Wheel and Pedals, something sturdy is also critical – enter the Wheel Stand 2.0 from Next Level Racing. With tons of adjustability and solid metal construction, it’s been a dependable way for me to have a repeatable sim racing setup without sacrificing massive floor space in my studio. But it does come with a few quirks. Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details. 

As we near the upper limit of PCIe Gen 4 speeds, the Samsung 990 Pro SSD, a definitive SSD that boasts read/write speeds faster than most of its competitors. If you can’t hold off a year or so before Gen 5, this is the perfect choice for gamers, content creators, and professionals.

With Black Friday just around the corner and the possibility of some great deals, I wanted to take a few minutes to go over some of my favorite peripherals of 2022. While most of these are gaming related, these are also things that I often use in my day-to-day video workflow. Be sure to hit the video below to see my favorite gaming peripherals of 2022 and what to keep an eye out for this deal season. 

We’ve been combing through the best of the best iPhone 14 series covers since launch earlier this fall, and today we’re taking a look at one of our favorite brands here at 9to5Toys. CASETiFY has earned a name for itself over the years for pairing durable cases with slick designs and even collaborating with iconic properties, but today we’re checking out the former. The new CASETiFY Bounce iPhone 14 Case arrives with a unique build that puts protection first while still sticking to a slim form-factor.

NZXT’s new H5 case replaces the older H510. It keeps the simple and clean design language that has made the 5-series from NZXT popular but makes a few changes to the build process. A larger mesh mount on top allows more cooling options, cable management has been optimized, and a new GPU-focused 120mm fan made the new H5 an appealing case for me to try out. Are these updates worth the $95 price tag NZXT is charging for the H5 Flow? Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details. 

This fall has seen all three smartphone ecosystems release new flagship earbuds with Apple, Google, and Samsung all delivering some of the most compelling bids yet. But for something a bit more stylish and platform-agnostic, Sennhesier is applying it’s usual audiophile approach to the recently-released Momentum 3 earbuds. Delivering a different take, the fabric-wrapped charging case comes complemented by some notable features we’re taking a hands-on look at below.

After an eventful day of action yesterday, Overwatch League is onto the final day of play with the 2022 Grand Finals. But before the latest champion can be crowned, we have the semifinals match between San Francisco Shock and the Houston Outlaws, the winner of which will be taking on the Dallas Fuel for all of the glory. 

Overwatch 2 just arrived last month and if you missed my original launch day coverage, there’s so much to be excited about for the next-generation of team-based shooter from Blizzard. On the competitive side of the game, today are the final days of the Overwatch League 2022 season and we’ll be reporting in all things Grand Finals live from Anaheim, California. With four exciting matches, we’re breaking down what to expect from the games and detailing post match interviews.

Today we are taking a hands-on look at the new Casely iPhone 14 cases. The brand has become one of the more popular options among our readers looking for vibrant designs, colorful patterns, and artistic approaches to protecting and otherwise decorating their Apple handsets. It’s latest collection launched not 24 hours after the new iPhone 14 models were unveiled with a special exclusive 30% promo code for 9to5Toys readers, and now that the brand is currently offering a notable buy one get one FREE on most of its offerings, it seems like a fitting time to weigh in with our hands-on impressions. Head below for more details in the latest Tested with 9to5Toys. 

For most, given the option, wireless headsets are more convenient. You can freely move around a space without worrying about unplugging a cord and never have to worry about cable noise. Remembering to charge them frequently, though, can sometimes cause issues. The Roccat Syn Max Air has an elegant solution with a sizable RGB-wielding dock that will top off the headset. Combined with Aimo-RGB and deep audio customization, the $250 Roccat Syn Max Air has a lot to offer but is it worth the price? Be sure to hit the video below to find out. 

Journey launched its new ALTI wireless charging desk mat for the first time a couple weeks ago. Looking to standout from the plethora of other desk mats out there, Journey’s ALTI delivers a reversible solution with a modular design, built-in wireless MagSafe charging, and some other interesting tricks tucked under the vegan leather surface. We had a chance to give it a run for its money over the last couple of weeks or so and now it’s time to weigh in as part of the latest entry in the Tested with 9to5Toys series.