Review

The holiday shopping season is right around the corner, and now 9to5Toys is making it easier than ever to stay up to date on some of our latest and greatest coverage. Ranging from the best deals in our most popular product categories to news and reviews, we’ve got you covered with several new email newsletters. Sending only the most notable coverage to your inbox every day, you’ll want to head below for all of the details.

As the popularity of bubbly drinks grows, so do the options for making your own at home. Sodastream has long been a household name for home-brewed fizzy drinks, and now they’re out with the latest iteration of their soda makers. The SodaStream Terra makes the process a little bit easier and comes in basic colors that fit in any kitchen while starting at $99.99. Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details. 

Best known for their pre-built gaming PCs and cases, NZXT is stepping into the audio realm with their brand-new Capsule microphone. A USB mic with a sleek design, the NZXT Capsule was designed to be a plug-and-play streaming mic with a 25mm cardioid capsule tuned for speech. Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details and hear a comparison with some other popular streaming mics. 

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.

Even with the picture quality of new TVs getting better and better, the internal speakers on even the latest releases are just no match for a dedicated system. I’ve recently been testing out the newer Hisense HS218 Soundbar, which arrives with an affordable price tag attached. But does it actually make a difference for movie night? That’s what our latest Tested with 9to5Toys looks to answer.

Today, Anker is expanding its stable of USB-C chargers with some of its more colorful and compact offerings yet. Delivering 20W of USB-C PD power in a compact design, the new Anker Nano Pro chargers arrive in four unique colors. Head below for all of the details on the new releases and a hands-on look at what to expect.

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.

GravaStar might not be the most well-known speaker brand out there, but it’s certainly one of the more unique. After seeing a photo of its recent Venus speaker online, I knew I had to try one out for myself, which leads us to our latest Tested with 9to5Toys review. Packed with a futuristic, mecha-inspired design, we’re taking a closer look to see just how eye-catchingly unique the GravaStar Venus Speaker is.

There’s no denying the importance of audio for gaming. Cues for enemy positions are critical to staying on top of the competition. Turtle Beach’s Recon controller combines quick action buttons with deep audio customization to bring EQ control and SuperHuman Hearing to any wired headset. And it’s only $60. Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details. 

As the popularity of portable power stations grows, we’re seeing more offerings and competition from companies. The Aukey PowerZeus 500 packs a ton of features, and at just $407, it comes in at a more affordable price point than the wildly popular Jackery Explorer 500. Be sure to hit the video below and see all of the details of the Aukey PowerZeus 500.

After a batch of new LEGO sets launched as part of the summer lineup at the start of the month, we’ve been reviewing all of the new Star Wars sets throughout August. Now that the dust has settled on the collection, we’re looking at seven of the builds to see which stand above the others. Head below for a closer look at how all of the new LEGO Star Wars summer 2021 kits compare and to see which is the best of the batch.

Marketed as “earthproof” true wireless sport headphones, Jaybird Vista 2 takes some features and design from the first generation and adds even more for 2021. Now featuring ANC, a “surround sense” ambient audio mode, and a more robust IP68 weatherproof rating, the Jaybird Vista 2 has plenty of features on paper to make it a great pair of true wireless earbuds. But how does it fare in real-life use? Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details. 

At the start of the month, Klipsch launched its very first pair of true wireless earbuds, complete with active noise cancellation. Having entered with a lofty $299 price tag to match the equally premium design, we’ve spent the last week with the brand’s latest to see the new Klipsch T5 II ANC Earbuds were worth the wait. Head below for all of the details in our latest review.

For their latest headset, the Corsair HS80 RGB Wireless packs a slick new design, all-new drivers, and includes a license for Dolby Atmos. Coming in at just $150, it’s at a much better price point than the $270, top-of-the-line Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT that we reviewed earlier this year. Be sure to hit play on the video below and check out all the details.

With games getting bigger and bigger with each passing update, adding some extra storage to your next-gen console might be necessary in the near future. While the Seagate Expansion Card is hands down the best performing option for Xbox, one of the latest from Western Digital, the WD Black D30 SSD game drive is a nice bridge and can also be more versatile than what the Seagate drive has to offer. Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details. 

Entering as the only set in the LEGO Star Wars summer 2021 lineup centered around the Original Trilogy, Darth Vader’s Meditation Chamber arrives with an eye-catching build geared towards collectors. But with a more premium price tag to match, is it worth adding to your collection? Head below for all of the details in our hands-on review.

Razer is diving deeper into the world of keyboard customization with its latest accessories. While they’ve had PBT keycap sets available for a while, today Razer is announcing their new PBT + coiled cable sets, Phantom keycap upgrade set, and ergonomic wrist rests for mini and tenkeyless, and full-sized keyboards. Razer sent over a bunch of these sets for us to take a look at, so be sure to hit the video below and see how you can make a custom Razer keyboard. 

For the longest time, console gamers were locked to only being able to play with friends on their platforms. But, with more titles adopting crossplay, now might be the time to consider picking up a more versatile headset for your console. Warzone, Fortnite, the new upcoming Battlefield 2042, and Destiny 2 are all games that either currently support crossplay, or plan to in the near future. With a headset that features Bluetooth, the doors open up to more ways to communicate with teammates by using apps on your phone like Discord. So let’s take a look at some of the best options for Bluetooth headsets on Xbox. Be sure to hit the video below to see all the details. 

You’re reading Tested with 9to5Toys, where we explore everyday tech essentials that make life a bit easier. Browse through our entire guide for all of the latest reviews, and sound off in the comments below if there’s something you’d like to see featured.

Greenworks has long been one of the most popular electric tool brands around these parts at 9to5Toys, with its selection of mowers particularly being some of the more standout offerings on the market. Now, after sharing discounts over the years, Greenworks offered to send over one of its latest releases so we can offer some additional insight. As my first foray into electric tools, our Tested with 9to5Toys review dives into a closer look at the Greenworks 48V Electric Lawn Mower.

Twelve South has now unleashed its new PlugBug Slim – the latest iteration of its lauded wall charger in a particularly slimline form-factor. Featuring the brand’s usual minimalist approach with clean lines and light “12” branding, the thin PD wall outlet adapter sports USB-C connectivity, a fold-out plug, and can push 20-watts of juice to anything that can handle it. After going hands-on with the new Twelve South PlugBug Slim ahead of today’s official launch, we are now ready to give our impressions of the latest 20-watt PD adaptor. Head below for a closer look. 

Following up the other LEGO kits that just launched at the start of the month from The Mandalorian, we’re now taking a hands-on look at yet another build from the series. Stacking up to nearly 500 pieces, the Imperial Armored Marauder arrives with some exclusive minifigures and quite the noteworthy build. But just how good of a value is the new release? 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.

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.