Review

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 recently going hands-on with the brand’s new felt MacBook and iPad sleeves, it’s time to take a look at the Oakywood Desk Shelf. The handmade wood and steel shelf is designed to sit atop your desk to raise up a pair of monitors or to add some additional organization space to your work area. After putting it to use for a couple weeks now, we are ready to weigh in as part of the latest Tested with 9to5Toys review. Head below for a closer look. 

After being released earlier in the year, Satechi finally got in on the USB-C GaN chargers with its own collection of new offerings. Arriving with premium designs and up to 108W of power to refuel your entire Apple kit, our latest Tested with 9to5Toys review is checking in to see if these are worthy upgrades to your charging setup. Head below for a closer look.

Roccat’s latest headset, the Syn Pro Air, borrows some audio tech from Turtle Beach to edge out the competition. With Superhuman Hearing mode, 3D Audio, and Game Spatializer, this headset can help you hear game-critical sounds when they matter the most, all in a sleek wireless package with plenty of battery life. At $150, how does this new headset perform? Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details. 

At the start of the month, the LEGO Group launched its latest collection of kits, and notably, the new Marvel Infinity Saga collection. While we’ve been working our way through the lineup already, it’s time to turn our attention to arguably the most important relic from the MCU, the Infinity Gauntlet itself. Stacking up to nearly 600 pieces, the chrome gold-plated set assembles the Thanos’ signature accessory in its full glory. Head below for a closer look and all of our thoughts on the new LEGO Infinity Gauntlet.

Portable projectors are a great way to take your favorite movies and shows with you. Depending on budget and size limitations, there are some great options for a variety of scenarios. The XGIMI Halo is kind of in the middle with an $800 price point compared to other smaller portable projectors, but with a bright 1080p image, Harman Kardon audio, and smart control via Android TV 9.0, it’s a great addition to an outdoor adventure or even a living room. Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details. 

The latest wave of new LEGO Star Wars creations just dropped yesterday, and today we’re taking a look at one of the just released builds. As the latest iteration of Boba Fett’s iconic starship, the new LEGO Slave 1 enters with over 590 pieces in order to deliver a downsized version complete with two notable minifigures. Head below for a closer look at the build, how it compares to previous versions, and our thoughts on whether it’s worth adding to your collection.

Fluance has built a reputation for premium-sounding hardware at an affordable price. We’ve taken a look at one of the turntables, a portable speaker, and the earlier version of the speakers we’re looking at today. With great sound, a few upgrades of the previous generation, and a reasonable $250 price tag, Fluance is poised for another hit with the Ai41 powered bookshelf speakers. Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details. 

Having been announced earlier in the year, fans of the iconic sitcom Seinfeld have long been waiting for Jerry, George, and the rest of the gang to make their brick-built debut. Now at long last, the LEGO Group has launched its first Seinfeld set, and we’re taking a hands-on look. Packed with plenty of details, references, and all of the hilarity you’d expect, our latest reviews dives into just how brick-worthy this $80 creation is. Head below for all of the details.

When it comes to fast-paced gaming, one of the most important factors in keeping up with the action can be a high refresh rate. One of Monoprice’s latest monitors, the Dark Matter 27-in monitor packs 240Hz for one of the smoothest displays if your computer can push it. Coming in at $300, it’s an affordable way to help get an upper hand against the competition. Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details. 

Earlier this year, the LEGO Group announced a series of kits that would be re-creating iconic moments from throughout the MCU in its Infinity Saga collection. While we already took a look at the Guardians’ Ship, today we’re diving in for a hands-on review of the wave’s second-largest creation. Due out on the first of next month, we’re seeing if you should spend your cash to bring the LEGO Endgame Final Battle set to your collection when it launches on August 1. Head below for all of the details.

As standing desks become more common, there is a huge variety of companies offering similar products across a wide variety of price ranges. One company, Flexispot, is offering some affordable options when compared with similar competitors like the wildly popular UpLift adjustable desks. At just $590 for this 72” x 30” Flexispot Pro Series standing desk, it’s a great way to add some ergonomics to a home office or studio. Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details. 

HTC’s Vive Pro 2 pushes the boundary when it comes to resolution and frame rate, but how does the rest of the experience stack up against a more entry-level, do-it-all VR headset? Let’s talk about some of the differences and similarities between the Vive Pro 2, which costs $800 just for the headset, and the standalone Quest 2 that comes in at $300. Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details.

Apple’s MagSafe wallet entered last year as one of the more exciting iPhone 12 accessories, but was of course paired with a premium price tag to match. The folks at CASETiFY are now looking to deliver much of the same form factor but with a faux leather build that doesn’t skimp out on the quality. Now we’re taking a hands-on look at the new accessory to see if the trade-offs are worth the more affordable price tag. Head below for all of the details on the CASETiFY MagSafe Wallet in our latest Tested with 9to5Toys review.

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 featuring the new magnetic Cable Wrangler recently, it’s time to take a closer look at the Smartish MagSafe Gripmunk Case for iPhone 12. This new version of the Smartish classic carries the “super grippy” sides the brand’s previous-generation sheaths are known for as well as protective corners, an overall slim fit, and compatibility with Apple’s magnetic charging and accessory platform. Head below for our Smartish MagSafe Gripmunk Case review in the latest Tested with 9to5Toys feature. 

Continuing its line of products that step away from the battlestation, Razer’s new Opus X takes the ergonomic design of the older, more expensive Opus and simplifies the headphones while coming in at a more affordable price point. With a comfortable, lightweight design, low-latency Bluetooth, and ANC, the Razer Opus X is packed with features for the $100 price point. Be sure to hit the video below to check out all of the details.

If you have any experience playing on a console with a wireless controller, chances are you’ve had to do a quick battery swap at a time that isn’t quite ideal, and then you lose connection and have to reconnect your controller to your system. Well, Otterbox’s latest charging accessory, the Xbox Power Swap controller batteries, helps to remedy that by providing a continuous connection to your console, even when swapping batteries. Hit the video below to see a short hands-on demonstration.

Today, Klipsch is out with two new sound bars, entering at some of the higher tiers of its stable of home theater audio offerings. The new flagship Klipsch Cinema 1200 is joined by the slightly lower-end Cinema 800 to bring Dolby Atmos into your setup complete with wireless subwoofers and up to 5.1.4-channel packages. With home theaters having more value than ever, we’re taking a hands-on look at the new Cinema 1200 to see just how good of a movie night experience Klipsch can deliver with its latest sound bar. Head below for all of the details.

Today, Anker is expanding its stable of charging stations with a new 3-in-1 offering that can refuel all of the gear in your Apple setup. Entering with a desktop- and nightstand-friendly form-factor, the new Anker PowerWave Go delivers a unique design that lets you go from refueling gear at home to charging on-the-go thanks to a convertible 10,000mAh power bank with integrated Qi charger to go alongside the dock itself. Now we’re taking a hands-on look at the latest charger, so head below for all of the details and our thoughts.

Earlier this year, the LEGO Group released the latest version of the galaxy’s most lovable droid, R2D2, as the more detailed recreation yet. Now we’re finally getting to take a hands-on look, to see just how authentic the most recent iteration is. Complete with over 2,300 pieces, the build packs in plenty of details alongside some working features. Head below for a closer look and all of our thoughts on the new LEGO R2-D2.

Today is the launch date of the latest Zelda title on Switch, with Nintendo bringing the contentious Skyward Sword to its hybrid console for the first time. Even more interestingly for many Hyrule fans, Nintendo also took today as an opportunity to launch a pair of all-new Skyward Sword Joy-Cons, complete with a unique color scheme and plenty of details straight out of the series. We’re now taking a hands-on look at the latest Switch controllers, which you’ll find all of the details on down below.

Elgato is one of the biggest names in streaming accessories, but is stepping into a new field with their first webcam deemed the Elgato Facecam. Featuring 1080p60 recording through a Sony Starvis CMOS sensor, it’s packing some great features for the $200 price point. Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details and how it compares to the similarly priced Razer Kiyo Pro. 

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.

It’s time to take a look at the new Smartish magnetic cable organizer. Known as the Cable Wrangler, this small tabletop stump sits atop your desk (or anywhere else you might want some cable organization) to hold your cables neatly in place with its built-in magnet. The fabric-wrapped magnetic cable organizer even ships with some simple “collars” to effectively magnetize your existing cable collection. And we are about to take a closer look at the whole thing in the latest Tested with 9to5Toys review. 

Diversifying its audio lineup, the new Razer Barracuda X aims to deliver a versatile wireless headset that works on everything from PCs to Android devices. Featuring some tech from the popular BlackShark V2 line, the Barracuda X is priced at $99 and delivers a high-performance headset. Be sure to check out the video below to see all of the details.

Satechi recently launched its latest iPad accessory, combining a desktop perch and a 6-in-1 USB-C dock with its new Stand and Hub. Looking to match the iPad Pro with a premium aluminum build, we’re taking a hands-on look at the recent release to see just how good of a desktop companion the hybrid accessory can offer. Head below for all of our first impressions on the Satechi Stand and Hub.

Chances are, if you’ve looked for budget earbuds in the past, you’ve probably heard about EarFun. We’ve reviewed many of its wallet-friendly offerings in the past, with one of my favorite being the Free Pro. Today, we’re talking about the new EarFun Free 2. Priced at just $50, the EarFun Free 2 sits right in line with other budget-minded wireless earbuds. Be sure to check out 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.

Earlier in the year, we took a hands-on look at one of Twelve South’s latest wallet cases, and our readers’ reaction was mixed, to say the least. While the BookBook stylings aren’t for everyone, the brand’s new SurfacePad for iPhone 12 looks to be a much less polarizing way to store ID cards, cash, and more with your handset. Sporting an ultra-thin design comprised of leather, our latest Tested with 9to5Toys review looks to see just how much more of a people-pleaser the new Twelve South MagSafe SurfacePad case can be.

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.

Earlier this year, Nomad launched its latest collection of Apple Watch bands to deliver a series of premium offerings. Comprised of either titanium or steel, the latest releases look to match Apple’s in-house styles at more affordable price tags. So does Nomad deliver? That’s what we’re finding out in our latest Tested with 9to5Toys. Head below for all of the details on Nomad’s Titanium Apple Watch Band.

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.

Just ahead of summer, Oakywood launched its new felt MacBook and iPad sleeves featuring an eco-friendly leather alternative known as washpapa. After being pleased with our hands-on experience with the brand’s felt AirPods case as well as its walnut and polycarbonate iPhone 12 Bumper Case, it’s now time to dive into the new washpapa felt MacBook and iPad sleeves in the latest Tested with 9to5Toys review. Head below for a closer look. 

RGB can be a polarizing topic. Some people love adding more colorful lighting to their setup, and some might think it’s an eyesore. But however you feel about it, Govee has been providing some great accessories and options for those who are looking to paint their spaces in color. Check out the guide for the latest and greatest deals from Govee. Alongside everything from immersive TV backlighting to kits for cars, the Govee Glide Wall Light is just one of the most recent offerings that easily attaches to a wall to pop some color. Be sure to hit the video below to see all the details. 

LEGO’s Infinity Saga collection imagines several iconic moments from throughout the entire Marvel universe, and the lineup’s flagship creation enters as one of the most detailed kits of the year. Delivering the most authentic recreation of the Benatar to date, the LEGO Guardians’ Ship arrives as one of the year’s most awaited builds. Not slated to launch in the United States until August, we’re taking an early hands-on look to see just how impressive the upcoming model actually is. Head below for all of the details.

To promote their big upcoming movie Space Jam: A New Legacy, Warner Brother has teamed up with Xbox to create a classic arcade-style game and release three specially designed wireless Space Jam Xbox controllers. Warner Brothers and Microsoft sent over a care package with all three designs and some other special treats for us to check out. Available July 8 for $70 on Amazon and the Microsoft Store, these controllers boldly display color themes found in the movie. Be sure to hit the video below to check out all of the details.

With a rich history working with Sennheiser for gaming audio, Epos has developed some great-sounding headsets but is now branching out into some other audio products with the B20 streaming microphone. With a sleek modern design, built-in audio out, and plenty of physical controls, the B20 seems to be a great choice for creators and streamers, but at $200, how does it perform? Be sure to hit the video below to check out all the details.

After first sharing my thoughts on the over-promised productivity of Amazon’s all-new Fire HD 10, I was challenged to take the companion keyboard accessory for a spin to see if that changed the outcome. After writing this entire review on the tablet, it’s safe to say I may have been at least a little bit too hard on Amazon’s latest release. But how far does the new Bluetooth keyboard go towards turning the Fire HD 10 into a productivity powerhouse? Head below for 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.

There are loads of under-desk headphone organization systems available on Amazon and elsewhere, but today we are taking a closer look at the affordable 6amLifestyle Headphone Hanger. The particularly low-cost solution sells for not much more than a couple cups of coffee, but the question is, does it actually hold up and do what it’s supposed to as well? Head below for the latest Tested with 9to5Toys to find out. 

While the world of mechanical keyboard keeps growing, one trend that has been picking up traction is the ability to hot-swap switches. With typing being such a tactile experience, being able to change the sound and feel of a keyboard can make work and play even more fun. Companies like Glorious PC Gaming Race, Keychron, and Drop all have great options, but there are other contenders out there like more affordable options like the Vissles V84 that we’re looking at today. With hot-swap MX-style switches, Bluetooth connectivity, a robust build, and a typing experience that might be the best I’ve tried in a pre-built keyboard, there is a lot to like about the V84. Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details and hear these switches. 

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.

Out with its second generation, Amazon has made some small upgrades and updates on two of its Alexa-powered smart displays. The Echo Show 5 and Show 8 2nd gen both offer increases in camera resolution, though more updates will be noticeable on the larger screen. Be sure to hit the video below to take a peek at which one might best fit your needs. 

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.  

No strangers to smooth camera moves, Zhiyun’s new Smooth-Q3 3-axis gimbal provides impressive stabilization for a phone with a ton of features alongside it. Everything from a rotating light on top of the gimbal to smart follow features within the app make it easy to grab some great shots. And while it is a bit more expensive and larger than the 2-axis Smooth-XS we took a look at recently, the $89 Smooth-Q3 seems to be a worthy upgrade if you want to ditch the selfie stick for some better stabilization. Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details. 

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.

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.

Mesh Wi-Fi systems are a great way to get seamless Wi-Fi throughout a large home. While they may sound difficult to understand and install, TP-Link makes it pretty easy with its Deco line of mesh systems. We took a look at the Amazon Choice for “Wif-Fi 6 mesh system,” the Deco X20 last year, and now have our hands on the $280 TP-Link Deco X68 — one of the latest systems. Rated at speeds up to 3600Mbps (though you’ll probably never see that) with enough range to cover a 5,500-sq.-ft. home, an easy-to-follow installation guide, and a robust app, it’s a great way to upgrade a home Wi-Fi system for better signal coverage. Be sure to hit the video below to check out 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.

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. 

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.

SteelSeries’ latest lineup is aimed directly at competitive players with a simple design. The SteelSeries Prime line includes a new wired Arctis headset that borrows tech from the well-known Arctis Pro along with three brand-new mice for various budgets and needs. We got to go hands-on with the Arctis Prime headset as well as the Prime, Prime+, and Prime Wireless mice to see how they perform. Be sure to hit the video below to check out all of the details.