Review

Whether you’re crushing spreadsheets from home or crushing the competition in Battlefield 2042, having the right mouse can be a great addition to your setup. Covering everything from the best all-around budget mouse to high-end wireless gaming, we’ll take a look at some of my top picks in the mouse gift guide. Stick around and be sure to pick up the best mouse for the members of your house. 

While Battlefield 2042 has been out for a few weeks now, it’s already an evolving game. EA has been releasing multiple updates to both fix bugs and tweak the game in reaction to players’ feedback. Most players who have been able to play so far have had a bug-riddled experience. But does the gameplay make up for the shortcomings of the state of the game at launch? I got to play in the pre-release preview event and have put in about 30 hours since release. Below I’ll share some of my thoughts on my experience so far as a semi-casual player. Be sure to hit the video to see plenty of gameplay.

Projectors are a great way to get a massive theater-like screen in your home, but sometimes it’s inconvenient to mount them or place them at the back of a room where anyone walking around can block the image. That’s where ultra-short throw or UST projectors like the XGIMI Aura come in handy. A 4K laser projector, the Aura sits below a screen on a TV stand to create up to a 150” display while only being about a foot away from the wall and packing 2400 ANSI lumens, integrated Harman Kardon audio, and Android TV OS 10.0. While $2,500 is a lot, a competing TV panel would cost much more for the same size. Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details. 

Vissles is launching their latest keyboard, the ultra-slim, low-profile, clicky switch-wielding LP85 on Kickstarter. I was a big fan of the V84 that we got our hands on earlier this year, and was excited to try out the latest build. This time it’s a low-profile keyboard with clicky optical switches aimed primarily at Apple users with a reasonable price of $99 for early bird backers. There is also a version made for Windows, but the overall design mimics the Apple Magic keyboard. Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details. 

The Xbox Series X and S have been out for over a year now, and we’ve seen some great options appear for controllers. While there hasn’t been a new Elite to join the ranks yet, there are plenty of interesting third-party options. Let’s compare the ones we’ve gotten in our hands and take a look at the pros and cons of each model to try and find out which is the best Xbox controller. 

Epos is on a roll releasing their latest premium gaming headset, the H3Pro Hybrid. Featuring wireless audio along with ANC, this closed-back gaming headset is packed with features for those who want a multi-purpose pair of cans for the battle station and on the go. Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details. 

With a focus on photography, Moment has just refreshed its lineup of cases with some new styles for the iPhone 13. Arriving with vibrant designs, MagSafe integration, and drop protection, the real star of the show is support for Moment’s lineup of smartphone lenses. Our latest Tested with 9to5Toys review dives in to see just how these these fair as they augment your iPhone photography.

Logitech’s latest keyboard takes a unique approach by living up to its Pop name with a delightfully retro form-factor and unique colorways. But with customizable emoji keys and typewriter inspiration, does the design embrace form over functionality a bit too much? Our latest Tested with 9to5Toys review takes a closer look at the novel new Mac accessory.

Earlier this fall, SimpliSafe at long last launched its very first outdoor security camera. Arriving with some impressive specs like 1080p recording with a 140-degree field of view and magnetic mounting system, there’s certainly a lot to like. But does the baggage of a full security system deliver enough perks to be worth the hassle? We go hands-on with the SimpliSafe Outdoor Cam to see how it all stacks up.

The Twelve South BookBook for iPhone 13 has arrived, and we are finally ready to weigh in on the experience. Easily among the most anticipated and high-quality options to wrap your new Apple handset in, the latest edition of Twelve South’s staple vintage leather book-style cover is once again at the top of our list for the best options out there. This time around, the brand has implemented a handy magnet system with MagSafe compatibility, and it’s time to take a closer look in our Twelve South BookBook for iPhone 13 review. Head below for the latest entry to Tested with 9to5Toys series. 

With early access for eligible players starting this Friday, EA reached out to quite a few members of the press for a pre-launch review event this week. During this event, we got to try all-out warfare in the form of breakthrough and conquest with up to 128 players, the new extraction-focused hazard zone and even spent some time with the mashup game type portal. All in all, things felt much better than the beta and it was a blast to finally see what Hazard Zone will be like. Be sure to hit the video below to see Battlefield 2042 gameplay from all of these great modes. 

It is time to take a closer look at the OtterBox iPhone 13 PopSocket Case, or the Pro Otter + Pop Symmetry Series Antimicrobial Case, as it is officially known. OtterBox has been a staple in the iPhone protection business for many years, not to mention a mainstay in our yearly roundups of the best cases out there, so it’s time to see what its latest PopSocket-equipped iPhone 13 cover has in store. Head below for our OtterBox iPhone 13 PopSocket Case review in the latest entry to the Tested with 9to5Toys series. 

Forza Horizon 5 is out today, and while some have had early access with premium packages, the majority of racers will be getting on today, thanks to Game Pass Ultimate. Microsoft and Xbox sent over a pretty unique press kit complete with a limited-edition Forza Horizon 5 controller, license plate frame, and a “road trip” candle that doesn’t smell like any road trip I’ve been on before. Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details.

Anker’s new MagGo Folding MagSafe Power Bank launched at the end of last month, refreshing its existing and quite popular model in the process with a built-in stand. But does the new version continue its predecessor’s reign of being a must-have iPhone 12 or iPhone 13 accessory? That’s what our latest Tested with 9to5Toys review dives in to answer.

DJI and Zhiyun might be two of the most well-known names for gimbals, but Manfrotto is joining the ranks with the MVG220 and MVG460. While it might be more well known for tripods and monopods, adding gimbal stabilization to its products portfolio is a natural move for Manfrotto. We got our hands on the smaller MVG220 and gave it a spin. Be sure to hit the video below and see it in action.

Oakywood — makers of gorgeous wooden tech and desktop accessories — launched its OakyBlocks and wooden wireless charger just last month, and it’s time to take a closer look. The lineup consists of a range of walnut or oak wood desktop accessories including the Qi-enabled wireless charger on display today as well as the Large Tray seen in our recent Gunnar review, a pen tray, phone stand, sticky notes holder, and more with magnetic modular designs. You can learn more about the entire lineup in our launch coverage, but be sure to head below for our Oakywood wooden wireless charger review in the latest entry to the Tested with 9to5Toys series. 

Today we are taking the Gunnar blue light glasses for a test drive. I thought it might be a good time to at least try some of these protective glasses out, considering how many hours per week I’m staring at a screen, and the Gunnar brand is an obvious place to start. The company makes use of patented blue light protection lens technology while offering up a wide range of frame styles to meet your personal tastes. After giving the Gunnar Menlo model blue light glasses a run for a few weeks now, it’s time to weigh in as part of the latest entry to the Tested with 9to5Toys series. 

Anker is throwing their hat into the ring of smart eyewear with the Soundcore Frames. Featuring a unique design that allows for swapping frames out quickly, these new glasses use built-in speakers for an open-air listening experience. Following our announcement coverage, we got to go hands-on with the new shades and quite a few different frame styles. Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details. 

Glorious has completed their lineup of mice with wired and wireless versions of their four designs. We’re taking a look at the Model O- Wireless today, but they’ve also opened up pre-orders for the Model D- Wireless. Be sure to hit the video below to check out all of the details of this tiny wireless gaming mouse. 

Marshall finally launched its first pair of earbuds with active noise cancellation, and we’re taking a hands-on look to see how the new Motif ANC stack up. That’s alongside the more affordable Minor III earbuds, which provide a cost-effective alternative. With stylish design in tow on either pair, which one is more worth your cash? Head below for all of our thoughts.

DJI is rethinking the action camera with the brand new DJI Action 2. Featuring a magnetic modular design, the camera works well on its own, but can be quickly augmented with a variety of modules and attachments. Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details of DJI’s latest action cam.

While not as well-known as peripheral giants like Razer and SteelSeries, Pwnage is growing its lineup of offerings with some very unique features with the Symm 2 and Wireless Symm 2. While spec-wise, these mice line up nicely with the competition from Glorious and Razer, the customizability of the Pwnage Symm 2 is what sets it apart. Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details.  

Last month, Amazon officially announced its new Kindle Paperwhite 5, delivering its latest e-reading experience. Now, ahead of the first round of pre-orders shipping tomorrow, we’re taking a hands-on look at Amazon’s latest e-reader to see just how much of a difference its new 6.8-inch screen and USB-C port make. Head below for all of the details.

Earlier this summer, ANYCUBIC launched its new Vyper 3D printer with a series of features that seek to lower the barrier of entry to getting in on the hobby. Headlined by an auto-leveling bed that takes the tedium out of zeroing in a calibrated printer, our latest Tested with 9to5Toys review is putting the new release to the test.

Nintendo finally launched the long-awaited Switch OLED, delivering the latest iteration of its hybrid console. Now after putting it to the test, we’re diving in to see if a more immersive screen and other improvements are actually worth the cash. Head below for all of our thoughts.

Following the release of the H3 and H3 Hybrid headsets, Epos is back with a more premium headset to replace the GSP 500/600 line. The new Epos H6Pro comes in open or closed acoustic flavors with a great assortment of colors, but it carries a hefty price of $180 for a wired headset. So what does it have to offer for that price? Be sure to hit the video to see all the details. 

Adding to the extensive line of smart lighting and RGB products, the Govee Starpal Pro packs immense color customization with a built-in battery. This portable lamp features RGBWW lighting, smart controls like sleep times, and voice assistance control. With a 3350mAh battery, the Govee StarPal Pro desk lamp is ready to add some bright and colorful light in any location. Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details.

Today we are taking a hands-on look at the new CASETiFY iPhone 13 MagSafe Impact Case. The brand has always stood out for its wild, Instagram-ready designs, and this year’s collection is no different. The 2021 lineup features a number of recycled options as well as a stronger focus on environmentally-conscious designs with MagSafe compatibility entering the fray on just every model available. Today’s we are diving in with a review of the CASETiFY iPhone 13 MagSafe Impact Case in the latest entry to the Tested with 9to5Toys series. 

When it comes to rigorous outdoor activity, if you’re going to be wearing a watch, you want one that can take the abuse of harsh conditions. That’s what Amazfit has aimed to provide with the T-Rex Pro. A tough watch ready for any adventure, the Amazfit T-Rex Pro has 15 military certifications for durability and features GPS with all of the necessary sensors to track your activities. Be sure to check out all of the details below. 

Today we are getting hands-on with the CYRILL Brick vegan leather iPhone 13 case. CYRILL – a Spigen sister brand – launched its new iPhone 13 cases lineup just after Apple announced its latest handsets with a series of MagSafe-ready options as well as its Cecile flower designs and its Classic Charm crossbody option. But for today, we are diving in with the CYRILL Brick vegan leather iPhone 13 case in the latest entry to the Tested with 9to5Toys series. 

Earlier this year SteelSeries released their new competition-focused Prime lineup of peripherals, and now we’re seeing the next additions in the form of the Prime Mini and Prime Mini Wireless mice. I ended up using the Prime Wireless as my main after reviewing that mouse, so needless to say I was pretty excited to check out the Prime Mini Wireless. Would it become my new main? Be sure to hit the video below to see all the details. 

Today, Nanoleaf is expanding its collection of the smart home wall accent lighting with its most unique addition to the lineup yet. Sporting much of the same modularity we’ve come to expect from the brand, its new lights deliver a slash of multicolor lighting to your wall with HomeKit support in tow. Head below for a hands-on look at the new Nanoleaf Lines and all of the details.

Today, we are diving in headfirst with a hands-on look at the new Spigen iPhone 13 Ultra Hybrid Mag case. This case joins the rest of the wide-ranging Spigen iPhone 13 lineup, including its MagSafe-ready Armor Case with Air Cushion we reviewed previously, as the brand’s clear, magnetic offering boasting that all too familiar MagSafe logo on the back. While we have seen our fair share of similar-looking cases from other brands, it’s time to see how Spigen’s clear iPhone 13 Ultra Hybrid Mag case stacks up in the latest Tested with 9to5Toys. 

As technology gets more powerful and affordable, we’re seeing some great ways to get into home surveillance without spending a fortune. We’ve checked out plenty of Wyze’s products in the past, but today we have the Abode Cam 2. Coming in at $35, it can stand alone or be combined with other Abode products for a complete home surveillance system. So let’s dive in and take a look at the Abode Cam 2. 

Despite being one of the more popular brands in the iPhone car mount game, iOttie was still one of the last brands to get in on the MagSafe action. So when it unveiled the new collection of Velox accessories, I was excited to see if the delay was worth the wait. Our latest Tested with 9to5Toys review goes hands-on with the new Velox MagSafe Car Mount to see just what iOttie has delivered after all this time.

We’ve covered a few portable drives from WD_Black in the past, but today we have one of their NVMe drives. The WD Black SN750 SE Battlefield 2042 limited edition comes with the drive as well as a PC download code for the full game. And starting at $90 for the SSD and the game together, it’s a great way to get some fast storage as well as the latest title in the Battlefield franchise. Be sure to hit the video below to check out all of the details.

There’s no denying the benefit of having an extra-wide monitor at your desktop for working from home, but the benefits exist in the gaming world as well. While not all games and resolutions benefit from a picture twice as wide as the standard 16:9 ratio, they can lend themselves to a more immersive experience. We got the opportunity to check out the Sceptre Nebula 44-inch monitor and see how it performs in both working and gaming environments. Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details. 

For the latest 9to5Toys Tested review we take a hands-on look at the new Spigen iPhone 13 Mag Armor Case. Spigen is among the best third-party brands out there with affordable options for Apple’s new handsets every year, and the 2021 lineup is no exception. Today we’re zeroing in on the brand’s magnetic Mag Armor Case, but you’ll likely have noticed its offerings featured in our “best of” roundup for years now, and rightfully so. Its cases are typically better quality than the price tags might suggest (especially with the far more affordable Amazon listings) and it’s now time to check out the 2021 Spigen iPhone 13 Mag Armor Case in the latest Tested with 9to5Toys review. Head below for a closer look. 

Nomad’s new leather MagSafe cases dropped right after we saw the iPhone 13 hit the scene and are now shipping to those who have picked up Apple’s latest. If you’re still searching for that perfect everyday driver case, we’ve gone hands-on to see if Nomad’s new collection of iPhone 13 MagSafe cases continue to be the best leather option out there. Head below for all of the details in our latest Tested with 9to5Toys review.

After recently taking a hands-on look at the MagSafe ArcField Wireless Charger, today we are diving in on the Spigen 40W Dual USB-C Wall Charger. Known as the ArcStation Pro 40W Wall Charger, this is Spigen’s tiny-GaN wall charger with up to 40W output, USB-C ports, and compatibility with 20W MagSafe gear. While expensive direct, pricing on Amazon is quite digestible considering the dual output here, and with iPhone 13 out in the wild now, we thought it was a fitting time to take a closer look. Head below for our Spigen 40W Dual USB-C Wall Charger review in the latest Tested with 9to5Toys. 

Speck’s iPhone 13 case collection landed shortly after the new handsets were unveiled, and we are now ready to dish up some hands-on impressions of the new Speck iPhone 13 Presidio Perfect-Clear Case. Speck’s iPhone accessories have been a mainstay in our yearly roundups for years now, and it’s time to find out whether the new Presidio Perfect-Clear Case lives up to the brand’s reputation. Head below for our Speck iPhone 13 Presidio Perfect-Clear Case review in the latest Tested with 9to5Toys. 

While RGB generally goes hand-in-hand with gaming peripherals, it can be a polarizing subject. If you’re a fan of adding some color to your setup, though, then the SteelSeries Ghost edition is probably going to tickle your fancy. With a clean design and bright RGB, the SteelSeries Apex 7 TKL and Aerox 3 Wireless Ghost Edition will light up any desktop. Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details.

Now that its 2021 case collection has been unveiled, it’s time to take a hands-on look at the LifeProof SEE iPhone 13 case. Now complete with magnetic MagSafe charging capabilities, LifeProof’s SEE line features an environmentally conscious design with the brand’s usual attention to creating a safe and secure home for your precious Apple handset. Head below for our LifeProof SEE iPhone 13 case review in the latest edition of Tested with 9to5Toys. 

Deliveries have been landing with 9to5 writers nonstop since the new Apple handsets were announced, and we are now ready to take a hands-on look at the new Totallee clear iPhone 13 case. After taking a closer peek at the brand’s popular minimalist lineup for iPhone 12, and coming away quite impressed, we are now ready to weigh in on the Totallee clear iPhone 13 case in the latest Tested with 9to5Toys review. 

Today, Amazon is virtually taking the stage to unveil a host of new devices and services. While September has already been quite eventful with new Fire TV unveils and Kindle releases, we’re expecting this event to focus on the Echo and Alexa smart home lineups of Amazon’s stable. We’ll be updating this post throughout the event with all the details on Amazon’s latest products and more announced today.

Expanding on their current lineup, the HyperX CloudX Stinger Core Wireless takes a familiar design and cuts the cord with Xbox wireless for a simple headset. Featuring a lightweight design, flip to mute microphone, and easy-to-find controls, the HyperX CloudX Stinger Core Wireless is a mouthful to say, but keeps things simple and sounds great. How does it stand out at the $100 price point? Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details. 

Today we’re taking a quick hands-on look at the Spigen ArcField Magnetic Charger — the brand’s take on the puck-style magnetic wireless charger. Now regularly sitting in a much more affordable category than when it first launched, we recently had a chance to give one a go for a few weeks to see how it stacks up these days, just in time for the new iPhone 13. Compatible with all of Apple’s magnetic handsets, today’s Spigen ArcField Magnetic Wireless Charger review is the next entry in our Tested with 9to5Toys series.

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.

Anker’s collection of PowerWave accessories provide more affordable alternatives to Apple’s first-party chargers, and today we’re taking a look at one of its latest. Arriving just in time to pair with new iPhone 13 handsets, our latest Tested with 9to5Toys dives in to look at the new PowerWave 2-in-1 MagSafe stand from Anker to see just how it delivers as a nightstand or desk upgrade.