02 Feb
Blog

Chord Mojo 2 review: Sound so good, it may move you to tears

Chord Mojo 2 seen from top to bottom.

Chord Mojo 2

RRP $725.00

"The Chord Mojo 2 takes your smartphone or computer and turns it into an amazing sounding, amazingly powerful music machine."

benefits

  • Incredible sound

  • Powerful enough to drive most headphones

  • Multiple device connection options

  • Customizable lossless equalizer

  • Long battery life

disadvantage

  • The equalizer is complicated

  • MicroUSB charging is obsolete

  • No MQA file playback

I had a few people listen to the Mojo 2 DAC (digital-to-analog converter) with a pair of very special headphones, and one person really shed a tear as a particularly emotional song came to an end. This is the Mojo 2 effect. When you use it, you'll shop for new, probably ridiculously expensive, headphones, happily pay for Hi-Res streaming services, and take the time to just relax and listen to some fabulous-sounding music. The Chord Mojo 2 is very special indeed and I've been listening to it for about a month.

design and connections

If you've seen the first Chord Mojo, you'll realize that not much has changed. There are now four buttons on the front and a new USB Type-C port, but otherwise the little box is pretty much identical. There's also an optical/coaxial output and a pair of micro-USB ports, one for charging and the other for the USB Type-A adapter that's included. At the opposite end of the aluminum box you'll find two 3.5mm headphone jacks so you can listen in with a friend.

The Chord Mojo 2 features colorful buttons.Andy Boxall/Digital Trends

It's not what I would call a pocket DAC – although it's a bit smaller than the first Chord Mojo – at least by comparison to many of the thumb drive-sized affairs most people will think of. But it fits in a pocket if you really need to take it with you, and there's a battery inside that's good enough for around eight hours. But I don't really see it as an all-round product. It's best enjoyed at home, but the anodized black finish should prove durable when you're carrying it around in a bag.

Bring the Mojo 2 to life and the four buttons all light up different colors and change dynamically as you press them to activate different functions too. That's it for eye-catching design elements, though. This is a small black box that you will buy for what's inside, not what it looks like on the outside.

To get the audio from the Mojo 2 to your phone, use a USB Type-C to Type-C cable if you have an Android phone – it worked out of the box with my Galaxy S21 Ultra and OnePlus 9 Pro. If you have an iPhone, you'll need the Lightning-to-USB Camera Adapter, which costs $29 and plugs into the Mojo 2's USB Type-A to Micro-USB adapter. It's a bit messy and may require additional expense if you don't already have the right adapter, but you'll get over it if you listen.

life with mojo

Fair warning here, there will be some conversations that make me sound like an audiophile. It's the effect the Mojo 2 has on you. Before we get into how the Mojo 2 works and how it sounds, let's look at how it fits into your life. The Chord Mojo 2 turns your smartphone into an incredibly powerful music machine, but to fully exploit its talents you have to engage.

The Chord Mojo 2 next to an iPhone 13 Pro.Andy Boxall/Digital Trends

Chord says the Mojo 2 is designed to work with any pair of headphones, and while that's actually true, it's really wasted on an average pair of headphones. If you're planning on using the EarPods that came with a long-deprecated iPhone 6, don't worry. The Mojo 2 deserves great headphones, and so do your ears. It's also not really suitable for listening to music on the go. It's not overly heavy at 185 grams, but the many cables to fiddle with make it onerous, as does an accident that's imminent. There is no Bluetooth connection. So if you can't live without your wireless headphones, this isn't for you.

Then what is Chord Mojo 2? If, like me, you've often dreamed of building a really powerful music system at home with massive speakers, amplifiers, a pair of mega headphones and all the other high-tech add-ons, but then woke up and realized it you did Don't have the space or the money, the Mojo 2 is the answer.

During my month with the Mojo 2, I've indulged myself by plugging in some amazing headphones and it's been well worth it. I've used the Chord Mojo 2 with Sennheiser HD660S headphones, Jay's Q-Jays, Audeze iSine 20, Grado GS3000e and a pair of (dreamy) Focal Stellia. I've used Tidal, YouTube Music, Apple Music and my own collection for music, mainly with an iPhone 13 Pro but also with my Mac Mini M1 and Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra.

The Chord Mojo 2 turns your smartphone into an incredibly powerful music machine.

The fact that I'm using the Focal Stellia headphones – which cost $3,000 – may surprise you, but it gets to the heart of what makes the Mojo 2 so special. Much like Focal, Chord has pedigree and exclusivity, and the Mojo 2 is handcrafted in the UK by an audio brand with over 35 years of experience. The Mojo 2 easily drives Stellia using only the iPhone as a source, so it returns a high percentage of that dream home setup experience at a far lower price point and with no footprint.

Listening to the Mojo 2

The Mojo 2 delivers a sound you can almost touch with a glorious richness that's hard to describe. There's depth and clarity, but never uncomfortable fullness or harshness, no matter the music. You feel the instruments and voices and hear all the emotions that can sometimes be lost through inferior equipment and headphones. I demoed the iPhone/Mojo 2/Stellia combo to a few people and everyone was blown away by how it plays their favorite music. One person was truly brought to tears, which underscores the power of the Mojo 2 when paired with a fabulous pair of headphones and your favorite tune.

The Chord Mojo 2 features two headphone jacks.Andy Boxall/Digital Trends

I've never heard anything that didn't sound great. The glorious soundstage in Stravinsky's The Firebird Suite (particularly Infernal Dance of King Kaschei) is delightful, with the brass instruments overhead, the drums somewhere lower right, and every other instrument whipping around you in a wonderful, dizzying way. It's perfectly controlled, exciting and totally immersive.

The guitar-driven crescendo of Sky's carillon is executed to perfection, and Richard Burton's soulful voice draws you into Jeff Gordon's Eve of the War, which once again showcases the wide soundstage of Mojo 2 and Stellia. The bass pounding in Ive's Eleven and Iz*One's Sequence never overwhelms the vocals — an integral part of K-pop and J-pop — while the snares in both have a whip-like crackle and the highs of each performer's voice are crisp and free of distortion .

While the Focal Stellia are great, I understand they can be a financial drain, but the Mojo 2 made sure all the headphones I've tested it with sound fantastic. It gives them boldness and depth, a solidity that's lacking when headphones don't get the performance they want. Yes, there's more volume, but it always comes with clarity and sharpness. I've listened for hours because everything sounds exactly how I want it to and there's not a trace of distortion or discomfort.

The joy I get from listening to the Mojo 2 cannot be overstated.

What if you compare it to the original Mojo? When listening through the Audeze iSine in-ears, the Mojo's similarly full-bodied sound is immediately apparent, but the Mojo 2 has tons more power, significantly more bass response, vastly improved clarity and precision, and no hint of distortion at all. If you have a Mojo, it's totally worth upgrading. I also compared it to the cheaper iFi iDSD Nano Black Label and while I like the sound and was happy when paired with the Sennheiser HD660S, it didn't really have the power to drive the Focal Stellia headphones and it did lacked the wonderful, rich sound of the Mojo 2.

The joy I get from listening to the Mojo 2 can't be overstated and I don't think I haven't really explored the breadth of its capabilities.

adjustment

The major technical update from the original Chord Mojo and the secret to its incredible sound is the custom 104-bit, 705/768kHz UHD DSP. According to Chord, it's a world first because it offers a way to adjust tone across the entire frequency range without loss of quality. While it's possible, you'll need the instruction manual, a decent understanding of how to set up an equalizer, and a fair amount of patience to get it right.

The Chord Mojo 2 with headphones and an iPhone 13 Pro.Andy Boxall/Digital Trends

The setting of the low and high treble as well as the low and medium bass is possible and has 18 levels each. Bring up the equalizer and press the lit buttons to change the frequencies, and the levels are then represented by different button colors. The downside here is that when you do this you have to refer to the manual to understand the changed frequency and new value, and you need a very good visual memory as you don't get a clear representation of the levels as a whole on the device. It's very difficult to keep track of and I reset it many (many) times before pretty much settling for just the flat EQ with a touch more mid-bass.

If you still like to keep messing around with the Mojo 2's sound, the UHD DSP adds a cross-feed function to change the imaging. It's less distracting than the frequency setting as there are only three levels, but again you'll need to remember what the button's color means to understand the setting.

The Chord Mojo in a leather case.Optional leather case for the Chord Mojo 2 Andy Boxall/Digital Trends

A handy feature is that the power button shows you the sample rate of the file being played. For example, it glows red for a basic 44Hz file, green for 96kHz, light purple for a 32-bit 768kHz sample rate, and white for DSD 256. The Mojo 2 isn't MQA certified, which is unfortunate and it nailed it could have been virtually unbeatable in terms of file compatibility. It is surprising when several far cheaper DACs offer playback of MQA files.

battery and charging

Despite adding a USB Type-C connector for devices, the Mojo 2 doesn't charge, and you'll have to go back to medieval times with a MicroUSB connector. Yes, you get a cable in the box, but that's not the point. I want to charge the Mojo 2 with the cable I use today for my smartphone, tablet, Kindle, and pretty much every other device I own, rather than the type of cable I left on the bottom of a drawer years ago .

The connectors and ports of the Chord Mojo 2.Andy Boxall/Digital Trends

I've found Chord's estimate of eight hours of battery life between charges to be accurate. It's about the same as the original Mojo, which is a little disappointing, but still more than enough for multiple sessions per week. The better news is that the Mojo 2 doesn't get hot when charging, which seriously affected the original model.

price and availability

The Chord Mojo 2 is available now worldwide. It costs $725 in the US, while it costs £449 in the UK. You can buy it online from retailers in Chord's network, and some may also offer the Mojo 2 through Amazon, so it's worth checking out.

Our opinion

The Chord Mojo 2 is an extravagance, and it's a purchase that will likely lead to purchases of other extravagances, as its tremendous capability will encourage you to look for better headphones. It's not the prettiest audio kit you'll buy, the battery and charging technology is light years behind the phone it's likely to plug into, and you'll need to be fairly experienced (and patient) to get the most out of the equalizer -Function of the UHD DSP.

However, these are relatively small points considering how much it adds to the enjoyment of your music. Like fine wine, sound is delivered clean and full-bodied at almost any volume and from any source. It encourages you to take time to settle down and listen to music. Unlike Bluetooth headphones that crowd into a life on the go, the Mojo 2 is about taking your time from it all.

It's the spacious, high-quality, multi-component home audio system you've always wanted, only in a small, convenient and comparatively inexpensive box.

Is there a better alternative?

There are many DACs that vary significantly in price. If you are new to DAC/amplifiers, it is advisable to start with a cheaper model, e.g. Consider the $99 Helm Bolt DAC, which performed well in our most recent group test, or the $330 AudioQuest DragonFly Cobalt. Both can play MQA files and do not need to be charged.

How long it will take?

The battery is probably the only limiting factor to the Mojo 2's tech longevity, meaning you can indulge in peace of mind and don't expect to have to upgrade for many years to come. For some perspective, I was still regularly using the original Mojo, which is now more than six years old, until the arrival of the Mojo 2. The strong aluminum body and anodized finish should keep it looking good and relatively well protected, although there's no water resistance. You can buy a leather case if you want to give it a little more protection.

should you buy it

Yes. It's not a wise buy at all, but the same goes for any quality audio device and it's instead defined by the enjoyment you get from it and how amazing it makes your favorite music sound.

Editor's Recommendations



28 Jan
Blog

Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G review: The sequel is never as good

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G is Samsung's latest budget flagship.

Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G

RRP $699.00

"The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G is the able successor to the S20 FE, but comes at a bad time with the S22 around the corner, making it harder to justify its value."

benefits

  • Powerful Specs

  • Solid cameras

  • Stunning 120Hz display

  • Well priced for a flagship

disadvantage

  • Touch screen issues

  • Battery just ok

  • Too much competition at its price

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G has a lot to offer. Last year, the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE was among the best Android smartphones of the year. The combination of specs and value made it an easy recommendation for people who might want to play in the Samsung space, and even the Samsung flagship space, but don't want to spend a four-digit number on it. Fast forward to today, and Samsung is trying to do the same, but something doesn't seem right. Actually, many things seem to be wrong. Let's start with the time measurement.

A long-awaited phone

The camera hump on the back of the Galaxy S21 FE (right) is less pronounced than the S21.Adam Doud/Digital Trends

The Galaxy S20 FE debuted in September 2020, approximately seven months after the Galaxy S20 series and four months before the Galaxy S21 series. Yes, there was a Note release, which is noteworthy (no pun intended) but not significant. This time, the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G comes out almost a year after the launch of the S21 series and just a few weeks before the launch of the S22 series. Not ideal, but consider the competition.

In the past, in the budget flagship space you typically had the OnePlus line of phones, an LG version or two, maybe a Moto "flagship" and the Pixel. OnePlus has achieved full flagship status, LG is out of the game, and Motorola, to put it politely, is targeting a different kind of demographic. But the Google Pixel 6 changed the game in late 2021 and remains one of our favorite phones of 2021. It's also $100 less than the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G.

Suffice it to say that there are many question marks surrounding the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G.

In 2020, the Galaxy S20 series was launched for $999 and up. The Galaxy S20 FE launched for $699, a whopping $300 cheaper than its closest flagship sibling. In 2021, the Galaxy S21 series launched at $799, making the S21 FE just $100 less and, as mentioned, $100 more than the Google Pixel 6.

Suffice it to say that there are many question marks surrounding the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G. I've spent the last 10 days on T-Mobile's 5G network, putting it through its paces. In short, I wanted to find out if, despite the imminent launch of the S22, the phone cuts the right rough edges to bring it up to the same value as its predecessor.

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G is Samsung's latest budget flagship.Adam Doud/Digital Trends

design and hardware

In terms of design, the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G doesn't really break the mold compared to its siblings. The camera bump on the back feels less intrusive, but that might be because my comparison device is the Galaxy S21 Ultra. As with the other flagships, the camera hump blends naturally into the back and side of the phone, but it lacks the S21's dual-tone approach and instead opts for a single body. It's prettier because there are no seams, but more boring when it's just a single color.

On the sides are a power button and volume rocker on the right, a single speaker port, a USB-C port, and a SIM tray. On the front, you get a gorgeous 120Hz AMOLED panel, which I'll detail below. There's a single punch at the top for the 32-megapixel selfie camera, and at the bottom is the same reliable under-display ultrasonic fingerprint sensor.

Inside the phone is a Snapdragon 888 processor. My review unit has 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, but you can opt for 8GB/256GB if you prefer. There's a 4,500mAh battery that supports 25W fast charging or 15W wireless charging. All in all, these are all respectable specs for a 2021 flagship. The only (barely) outdated hardware is the processor now that the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip is available. I don't blame Samsung for sticking with the Snapdragon 888, but I give it less of a pass since the S20 FE came out with the top-of-the-line processor back then.

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G is Samsung's latest budget flagship.Adam Doud/Digital Trends

display

One area Samsung hasn't skimped on is the display. This is a 6.4-inch 2400 x 1800 Dynamic AMOLED panel that's just a touch smaller than the previous generation but retains the same 20:9 aspect ratio. The phone is comfortable to hold and use with one hand, but I wouldn't mind if Samsung shaved off another third of an inch or so.

The display itself is beautiful, with amazing viewing angles and color reproduction. It's a 1080p panel, so not the highest resolution out there. That's not necessarily a bad thing, as a lower resolution will significantly increase battery life, especially when the phone is running at a 120Hz refresh rate. Personally, I can rarely tell the difference between a 60Hz and 120Hz refresh rate; it just doesn't impress me when it's there, nor does its absence bother me. You can (and probably will) have a different preference and more power for yourself.

I usually turn up the brightness so I can capture the rich detail of the games I'm playing or the movies I'm watching, but with the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G that just wasn't necessary.

In a surprising twist, I hadn't noticed how bright the display was until I was on day five or six of my review and realized I hadn't turned the brightness up at all, for nothing. This is unusual for me. While I typically use around 70% brightness on a phone, it's not uncommon to crank it up to 100% when watching videos or gaming. I usually turn up the brightness so I can take full advantage of HDR10+ and capture the rich detail of the games I play or the movies I watch, but with the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G that just wasn't necessary.

One aspect that Samsung continues to struggle mightily with is touch rejection around the edges of the screen. This is a flat screen, but accidental touches on the edges are annoying and render games like Call of Duty Mobile virtually unplayable. Only after adding a case does the situation improve, but it doesn't go away completely. Granted, my chubby sausage fingers are probably to blame, so your mileage may vary, but I'm sure I'm not the only one having the issue.

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G is Samsung's latest budget flagship.Adam Doud/Digital Trends

While I complain about the over-sensitivity of touch on the phone, allow me to also complain about the lack of touch sensitivity on this phone. This mainly occurred in gaming, but I found small touch targets extremely difficult to press, like buttons in Call of Duty Mobile or even small squares in games like Sudoku. Again, I know I have big fingers, but the Sudoku game in particular surprised me because I don't have this problem with any other phone.

Performance, battery life and connectivity

Overall battery life was below average considering the size. This is a 4,500mAh power cell, and I'd regularly go to sleep when the phone was hovering in the teens or single digits as a percentage. That's after a day of bouncing between four email addresses, Twitter, Discord, Reddit, Kindle, and the entire suite of Microsoft apps (Teams, Outlook, and more). This usually includes a lot of games on Call of Duty Mobile, Sudoku and other games here or there. This phone will get you through a full day's activities, but it can struggle in those final hours.

  • PC Mark Work 3.0 Performance: 13711
  • Geekbench (single/multi-core): 873/2284
  • GFXBench Aztec Ruins OpenGL: 27fps
  • 3DMark: 5062

In terms of performance, the phone packs a Snapdragon 888 with 6GB of RAM, which is enough to handle just about anything. I do notice very occasional stuttering during gaming sessions when I'm really picky, but overall I have no complaints. Connectivity seems really solid, or at least as solid as my phones in the T-Mobile signal dead zone where I live. I had no issues with dropped calls or spotty internet, neither of which manifested itself on my iPhone 13 Pro.

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G is Samsung's latest budget flagship.Adam Doud/Digital Trends

cameras and video

On the camera side, there's little difference between the S21 FE and the S20 FE. Both phones have three camera sensors for ultra wide, wide and telephoto lenses. The main and ultrawide cameras both have 12MP sensors, while the telephoto sits at 8MP. There are some subtle differences in what the newer cameras can capture, e.g. 1080p at 240 frames per second (fps), but overall you'll see little difference between the S20 FE and S21 FE on the rear.

Portrait mode is one of the best I've seen as it easily selects the edges of your subject while blurring the background.

In broad daylight, all cameras work quite well. One subtle difference I noticed was how the main camera seems to pick up brighter colors than the other two sensors at a warmer temperature. This is especially true for red wines, which tend to get oversaturated.

Portrait mode is one of the best I've seen as it easily selects the edges of your subject while blurring the background. If you look at pixels up close, you'll see that it's not perfect, but it's very good. This applies to both the 32-megapixel front camera and the back.

As for the video, it's pretty decent. There is no stabilization both during the day and at night. Especially at night you will see a little jerking when walking. The disappointing thing is that this feature is also present in the front camera. Previous Samsung phones I've reviewed two generations ago have always had rock-solid front-camera stabilization, making them ideal for vloggers who like to walk and talk to their camera. That's just not the case here and it's really disappointing.

You can definitely get some great snaps at night as long as there is ambient light. Both the ultrawide sensor and the telephoto sensor lose detail when you're looking at something that doesn't have sharp edges. This means that text is fine, but the texture of a statue is lost. That's not surprising given that low-light performance pushes most cameras to the limit, not just this phone. Video recording at night isn't great, but it's not terrible either. Useful footage will be the exception, not the rule, but you'll get lucky from time to time.

The zoom isn't great behind the 3x telephoto lens. The Galaxy S21 FE can zoom up to 30x hybrid, but you shouldn't use it unless you're looking for photos to use as models to practice your watercolor painting. The only exception to this rule is the moon. While the resolution isn't great for moon shots, Samsung's A.I. Scene detection can still give you a great handheld shot of the moon. It's a party trick, sure, but it's really impressive.

Overall, the Galaxy S21 FE's camera performance is slightly less capable than current competitors. Don't get me wrong, the cameras are still very good, but they fall short of the size found on the iPhone 13 or the Pixel 6.

software and features

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G comes with Samsung's One UI 4.0, which is based on Google's Android 12. For the most part, though, this is Samsung's show; Little here is recognizable as inherently Google. Yes, the software can make changes to the system UI based on your wallpaper, but most of the options available were muted blues and grays rather than the bright orange of the sunset in a photo I included in my wallpaper. It was a little unsettling.

It also lacks the animations that Google gives you when you turn your device on and off. In Android 12, when you press the power button to put the phone to sleep, the black swipe across the screen into the power button. When you wake up the phone, the opposite happens. It's just decorative, but I miss it when using phones other than my Pixel 6.

Much of the One UI is done right, however, with large labels for menus at the top of the screen and buttons accessible near the bottom; that's the default plan for One UI. One area that still needs improvement is the app drawer. It's a side-scrolling affair, which isn't bad in and of itself, but you can't scroll from the start of the menu to the end. Simply put, if you're on-screen with the ace and need to open Zillow, you've got a lot of side swipes in your future.

Of course, if you're like me and have all your apps organized in folders on the home screen, that's not a huge problem. One delightful feature Samsung is adding is the ability to add apps to folders in bulk, and everyone needs to copy that feature now! Some manufacturers do this; those who don't need to queue because it's a feature so incredibly useful it hurts to use phones that don't have it, including the Pixel 6.

Overall, I like One UI, but I prefer Google's approach over Android. From the animations to the theming to the app drawer, it just suits my style a bit more.

Our opinion

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE is in such a strange place that I'm having a hard time grasping it. Above all. The question I ask myself is why? Why does this phone exist? The next generation of Galaxy smartphones will be unveiled in just over two weeks at the time of this writing. There are worse ways to spend $700 on a smartphone right now. But that's not really a confirmation. Depending on where the S22 series lands in terms of price and specs, this can be a good deal, or it can be a questionable buy where a little extra cash can get you a lot more phone.

To be honest, while this is a really good smartphone for its price, Samsung would probably have been better off not releasing it at all, or launching it right next to the S22 as a 'budget' alternative.

Is there a better alternative?

Yes. Both Android and iOS have better alternatives to this phone depending on your tastes. Neither the Google Pixel 6 nor the iPhone 13 Cameras have the optical zoom feature, so that's a point for Samsung. But both phones outperform the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G in many ways, including software, camera processing and design. This phone is just too little, too late.

How long it will take?

Samsung covers its phones with a typical one-year warranty. The Snapdragon 888 processor and plastic construction help it last through a normal 24-month phone cycle. While the plastic back doesn't feel as premium, it handles drops and bumps better. The processor and main memory should also be future-proof for at least that long.

should you buy it

No. Simply put, the Google Pixel 6 is a better phone in almost every way, and it's $100 less. If you prefer the iPhone, the iPhone 13 is no problem either. Don't get me wrong, this is a very good phone, but it comes at an odd time. The only reason you should buy this phone is if you absolutely want a Samsung flagship but don't want to buy a nearly a year old phone in the Samsung Galaxy S21, yet another more expensive brand new phone in the S22. That's an oddly specific set of criteria, but that's also Samsung's bread and butter – a phone for all budgets.

Editor's Recommendations



05 Jan
Blog

Shure Aonic 40: Sound This Good Should Be More Comfortable

Shure Aonic 40 ANC headphones.

Shure Aonic 40 hands-on test: Sound this good should be more pleasant

RRP $ 250.00

"A better headband would make these headphones hard to beat."

benefits

  • Slim design

  • Excellent sound quality

  • Very good call quality

  • Tons of EQ adjustments

  • USB-C digital audio input

disadvantage

  • Uncomfortable with prolonged use

  • No bluetooth multipoint

  • No wear sensors

Shure's latest wireless noise-canceling headphones, the $ 250 Aonic 40, debuted today at CES 2022, and Digital Trends was fortunate to have both hands-on (and audible) use of the new cans before their official unveiling. The judgment? Great sounding customizable headphones that are held back from receiving rave reviews due to an uncomfortable headband design and lack of bluetooth multipoint.

Heavy headphones

Shure Aonic 40 ANC headphones.Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

Shure's stylists did a dazzling job of making the Aonic 40 look sleek. Whether in the black or white version, the shaped, one-sided auricle forks give this box a really elegant and slim profile. You will get people's attention. But despite their slim appearance, they're actually quite heavy at 11 ounces. To put that number in perspective, the Sony WH-1000XM4 weighs 8.9 ounces and the Bose QuietComfort 45 weighs just 8.4 ounces.

Just because a number of doses are on the heavy side doesn't mean they are necessarily uncomfortable. After all, Apple's AirPods Max are a whopping 13 ounces, but stay comfortable thanks to their innovative mesh headband and excellent clamping force.

Shure Aonic 40 ANC headphones (headband details).Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

The Aonic 40 should also be comfortable – it holds your head with just the right amount of pressure and the headband is wrapped in a soft but grippy silicone rubber. Unfortunately, the headband is narrower than most and the part that touches your head is even narrower. Under that layer of rubber is not enough of the padding Shure used.

This all comes together to create a pressure comb that I found passable for the first 30 minutes, but very uncomfortable afterwards. After two hours I couldn't take it anymore. I wondered if it was just me and asked my daughter to try them out. It wasn't 10 seconds before she yanked it off her head and said, "No!"

Another small point of criticism: Our test device had very loose swivel joints on the ear cups, which gave the headphones an inferior feeling.

Satisfactory sound

Man wearing Shure Aonic 40 ANC headphones.Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

The comfort issue may not be a problem for everyone and I hope when you buy them you won't mind because once you listen you won't want to take them off.

I was impressed with the level of accuracy and detail Shure put into their Aonic Free True Wireless earbuds, and the Aonic 40 are just as satisfactory. Right out of the box, you get very clear high frequencies and a warm but balanced midrange that reveals many details that fewer headphones can hide.

And unlike the Aonic Free, which might sound a bit cold or harsh at times, the Aonic 40 has a more resonant sound signature. But regardless of whether it is real wireless earbuds or full-size headphones, Shure's insider tip is the ShurePlus Play app. Inside you will find one of the most customizable EQ interfaces on the market. It has useful presets that can quickly change the Aonic 40's tonal character, like Bass Cut, Treble Boost, and Loudness, but it also has a manual mode that gives insane control to those who love to get under the hood.

Even better, if you really like one of the built-in presets but just want to tweak it a little, you can duplicate it, adjust it, and save it as a new preset. Absolutely brilliant.

The Aonic Free comes with an analog cable if you need to connect it or want to use your own digital to analog converter (DAC). You can also use the supplied USB-C cable as a direct digital interface for computers and smartphones, so that the headphones' integrated DAC can handle all difficult tasks. It even works while charging, which few headphones can claim. With support for AAC, aptX, and aptX HD bluetooth codecs, the Aonic 40 checks some of the most important boxes for wireless audio.

Delete calls

Shure Aonic 40 ANC headphones.Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

Shure says calling the Aonic 40 is a strength, and I tend to agree. Even when walking on some very busy streets, the microphones managed to keep most of the unwanted noise at bay while my voice remained perfectly clear. Wind noise was noticeable at times, but never a deal breaker. They don't capture quite as much natural response as JBL's outstanding Tour One, but they're more than sufficient for phone calls or video meetings.

Speaking of video calls: The Aonic 40 lacks a very important function for anyone who has to jump back and forth between a computer and a phone: Bluetooth Multipoint, with which you can connect your sockets to two devices at the same time.

With Shure, you can activate a red indicator LED when you are on a call. It would be the perfect way to let others know that you shouldn't be bothered even when you're not speaking, except that it's hidden in the bottom of the left earcup where it's unlikely to be noticed unless you are take a good look at it.

Noise cancellation and transparency

Shure Aonic 40 ANC headphones in carrying case.Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

As a series of noise canceling cans, the Aonic 40 successfully takes away external noise. You get three ANC levels – easy, normal, and max – but I couldn't see much of a difference between them so I kept them at max the whole time. It's strong enough that you can hear callers or podcasts clearly even in fairly noisy situations, but they're not quite as magically quiet if you can't hear anything like the Bose Noise Canceling Headphones 700 or the Apple AirPods Max, but on the other hand, you are significantly cheaper than these models.

The ambient mode (Shure's name for transparency) is excellent. Fully adjustable and accessible while on the phone, almost convincing yourself that you are not wearing headphones. A special button on the right earcup allows you to switch between the ANC modes. I found it a bit awkward to use, but I love the way it works: a single click takes you from the ANC to ambient mode and then back again, while a long press turns both modes off. It's a much better user interface than other ANC headphones – where you usually choose what that button does in an app rather than giving you all the options.

Controls

Speaking of controls, they're pretty standard: a single button on the left earcup serves as dual power / bluetooth pairing control, while a three-button cluster on the right earcup is used for play, volume, skip tracks, answer / end calls. A dedicated button on the right earcup takes over the ANC and microphone mute during the call.

They're easy to use as long as you're not wearing gloves – but the buttons are too small and too close together to be precise without bare fingers.

One feature we're seeing more and more in wireless headphones is the inclusion of wearing sensors, which automatically pause the music when you take them off your head. Sony's WH-1000XM4 has this, as does Apple's AirPods Max, but it's not limited to high-end models – Wyze & # 39; s excellent and affordable $ 70 Wyze headphones got it too, but Shure didn't add it to the Aonic 40.

Battery life

With 24 hours of playtime, the Aonic Free is pretty safe. This is more than the AirPods Max or Bose Noise Canceling Headphones 700 (20 hours), less than the Sony WH-1000XM4 (30 hours) and about the same as the Bose QC45 (24 hours). .

We would have preferred Shure to have added more juice to these cans, but considering how heavy they already are, maybe it was the right decision.

Conclusion

When you consider the Aonic 40's competitive price of $ 250 and its many great features, they should be a slam dunk pick. But this uncomfortable headband makes us pause. However, if you have the chance to try them on and the narrow headband doesn't bother you, then you should seriously consider them.

Editor's recommendations



13 Nov
Blog

Technics EAH-AZ60 Review: Shockingly Good Sound And Silence

Technology EAH-AZ60.

Technics EAH-AZ60 in the test: Terrifyingly good sound and silence

RRP $ 230.00

"With fantastic sound and noise canceling, the AZ60 are among the best headphones you can buy."

advantages

  • Excellent sound quality

  • Excellent noise cancellation

  • Hi-Res audio support

  • Hands-free Alexa

  • Bluetooth multipoint

disadvantage

  • No wireless charging

  • No in-ear sensors

We were pretty impressed with the Technics EAH-AZ70 noise canceling True Wireless earbuds. They sounded great and had great noise cancellation. But at $ 250 they were expensive. And a bit bulky. So if Technics could address this problem and maybe even add some extra functionality, that would make the AZ70 even more attractive. Apparently, Technics said "challenge accepted" because its latest project, the $ 230 EAH-AZ60, does just that. How much better are the new earbuds? Let's check them out.

Still challenging, but now slimmer

Technology EAH-AZ60.Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

The first thing that strikes you about the AZ60 is how much smaller it is than the AZ70. I'm not sure how this is possible as they still weigh the same (7 grams per earbud) but have better battery life and one more microphone per earbud (eight total). Definitely well done Technics. They no longer stick out of your ears, and when you sit them side by side with other earbuds in the $ 200-300 range like Sony's WF-1000XM4 or Jabra's Elite 85t, the AZ60s are actually a bit smaller.

The charging case is also much smaller. No AirPods Pro small, but very slim and very practical. What hasn't changed is the styling. Whether you get the black or silver version, the AZ60 has a sleek design with polished and brushed accents that look very high quality – the perfect antidote to Apple's ubiquitous white plastic buds. With IPX4 protection, they even turn your daily training into an upscale event.

Smaller buds = comfortable fit

Man wears Technics EAH-AZ60.Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

It might seem obvious, but smaller earbuds generally offer a more comfortable fit. But not always. Sometimes a strange shape can cause pressure, and sometimes the box doesn't contain enough eartip sizes for your particular ear shape. Fortunately, the AZ60 doesn't suffer from either of these problems.

Their rounded contours completely fill the conchas of my ears, but do so without any discomfort. And with seven sizes of silicone earbuds to choose from, most people should be able to find something that works for them. After several hours of use, my ears definitely needed a break, but I was never bothered by these buds.

It can be that quiet

Technology EAH-AZ60.Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

We found that the AZ70 has excellent Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), and the AZ60 is just as impressive. The current gold standard is the Bose QuietComfort earbuds, but the AZ60 are so good that I can hardly tell the difference between the two products. This applies to both consistent, booming noises like the bathroom fan standing two and a half meters from my desk at home, as well as inconsistent noises like traffic or conversations. They say silence is golden. Well, if silence is what you're looking for, the AZ60s are gold and more.

These earbuds also have a transparency mode and you can easily switch between it and ANC with a long press on the right earbud. It's not quite as magically clear as the AirPods Pro, but it lets in a lot of sound – more than enough for heightened situational awareness. There's also a setting in the Technics Audio Connect app that can set the transparency mode to only enhance voices to make it easier to chat with others.

Sweet sound

Technology EAH-AZ60.Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

The AZ60 retains Technics' energetic sound signature with incredible clarity in the mids and highs. It's the kind of precision with which you can hear details in your favorite tracks that smaller earbuds or headphones usually obscure. In the opening bars of Sia's Saved My Life, which include notes played on a piano, you can actually hear the sound of the damper pads rising and falling on the piano strings. If you hear Sweet Jane the Cowboy Junkies from their Trinity Session album, you can hear the faint echo of the drums from the recording room. This precision creates excellent stereo imaging and a soundstage that invites you to reach out and touch the instruments.

The bass response is tightly controlled – always there when you need it, but never overwhelming. It's a bit too controlled for my taste, but purists looking for a balanced or neutral sound would likely disagree. The Audio Connect app gives you several options for changing the EQ with four presets and one that you can adjust via a five-band slider. For me, the unadulterated factory tuning was the most satisfying. The Dynamic preset adds a generous amount of emphasis to the entire spectrum, but it boils over the high frequencies, making cymbals and other sibilants too sharp.

It's also worth noting that the AZ60 is one of the few wireless earbuds you can buy that support Sony's LDAC bluetooth codec, which in theory should enable Hi-Res wireless audio if you can with an LDAC enabled Pair your phone (currently Android models only). as Apple does not support LDAC). As a test, I swapped back and forth between an iPhone 11 (AAC codec) and a Pixel 5 (LDAC) with various lossless audio tracks from Tidal HiFi. There is indeed a difference, but it is incredibly subtle. LDAC creates a smoother sound signature that attenuates some of the higher frequencies. There's a little more detail too, but you have to be very careful to hear it.

But whether you use LDAC or not, the AZ60 delivers incredible sound quality. In head-to-head comparisons with Sony's $ 280 WF-1000XM4, Master & Dynamic's $ 299 MW08, KEF's $ 230 Mu3, and Grado's $ 259 GT220 – all top notch audio performers – the AZ60 can hold its own, which makes it an exceptional value considering its price and other features.

Double dip devices

The AZ60 lacks Google Fast Pair or Apple's one-tap pairing, but that's no big deal. The first time you pull the buds out of their case, they'll go into pairing mode and from there you just select them from your device's bluetooth menu. Once paired, the connection is reliably strong and consistent. I found myself up to 15 meters from my phone outdoors, but sometimes only 6 meters when walking between floors.

But what I really like about the AZ60 is its ability to make multi-point Bluetooth connections – a rarity among true wireless earbuds. In this way you can connect the headphones to your phone and, for example, your PC at the same time. You can stream music from your computer and when your phone rings just stop the music and take the call – the AZ60 switch seamlessly, with just a split second in the audio. If you're multitasking between devices (and who doesn't these days?) This is a super handy feature.

Delete calls

Speaking of taking calls, the AZ60 is very suitable for making calls. However, note the settings in the Audio Connect app. It offers an option to increase background noise reduction, and I have found that doing so can significantly reduce the clarity of your voice under certain circumstances – which is the opposite of the intended effect. Using the regular settings is probably all you need.

The earbuds are equipped with what Technics calls "JustMyVoice" – a fourth microphone used to detect speech – which the company claims can isolate and amplify words and minimize ambient noise. It seems to work, but I'd argue that Jabra's Elite 7 Pro is still better for calling in noisy environments.

A little help, Alexa?

Screenshot of the Technics Audio Connect app.The AZ60 lets you activate your phone's built-in voice assistant, but if you're an Amazon Alexa fan, you can use Amazon's AI. instead of this. The advantage of this is hands-free access to the wake-up word – just say "Alexa, …" followed by any of the usual commands you might need, including phone functions like volume ("Alexa, volume, 50%") or playback (" Alexa, (Play / Pause) "). While this is slowly becoming a more common feature, we've only seen it on a handful of earbuds like the Sony WF-1000XM4, JBL Tour Pro +, and of course Amazon's Echo Buds.

Total control

While I'm not a huge fan of touch controls, Technics did a really good job with the AZ60's touch sensors. They are responsive, easy to type precisely, and offer a small tone for every successful tap. The Audio Connect app allows you to tweak any gesture to perform any of the available activities (play / pause, skip tracks, volume up / down, ANC / transparency, voice assistant, answer / end call and microphone mute). I've only seen this level of customization on the Jabra Elite series and it's a fantastic integration from Technics. Technics also offers a Find My Earbuds option that tracks the last known whereabouts of your buds and lets you turn on a chime so you can find them.

The only thing missing are in-ear sensors that automatically pause / resume music playback when you remove or reinsert the earbuds.

Sufficient power

Technics EAH-AZ60 charging case.Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

The only thing that is average about the AZ60 is the battery life. You get roughly seven hours per charge (give or take 30 minutes if you use ANC or not) and the charging case can extend that to 24-25 hours of total playtime. This is neither extraordinary nor unacceptable – most people will find it perfectly adequate for a full day.

There's a quick charge option, but it's not particularly noteworthy: 15 minutes will give you 70 or 80 minutes of extra usage.

As with any earbuds or headphones that enable the LDAC codec, using this feature will drain the battery much faster, so a single charge of the earbuds will reduce the life of the earbuds to 4.5 hours of use if you also turn on ANC.

This brings us to the only other feature that Technics has omitted: wireless charging for the case.

Our opinion

Great sound, impressive ANC, comfortable and secure fit, high-resolution LDAC support and tons of features – all at a price that beats most of the competition. Yes, we are big fans of the Technology EAH-AZ60 and we think you will be too.

Is there a better alternative?

There are only two other products to consider before purchasing the Technics EAH-AZ60:

$ 280 Sony WF-1000XM4: This is the upgrade selection. It has everything the AZ60 can do, plus wireless charging, Alexa or Google Assistant of your choice, and in-ear sensors that automatically pause music when you speak or when you remove an earbud. But the earbuds are bigger and less comfortable, especially for people with smaller ears.

$ 200 Jabra Elite 7 Pro: These earbuds don't have the exceptional sound quality of the AZ60 (although, in fairness, they still sound really good) or the Alexa speakerphone, but they cost less, are smaller, and more convenient, plus they're completely waterproof, and have on-ear sensors and wireless charging.

How long will they last?

This question is always difficult to answer, but with an IPX4 rating and what appears to be a very good build quality, they should last for many years. Panasonic backs Technics' true wireless earbuds with a one-year warranty.

Should you buy it?

Absolutely. They're one of the best sets of true wireless earbuds we've ever tested.

Editor's recommendations



22 Oct
Blog

Eufy HomeVac H30 Review: Good Things Come in Small Packages

The Eufy HomeVac H30 with 2-in-1 crevice nozzle and handle attachments.

Eufy HomeVac H30

RRP $ 199.99

"The Eufy HomeVac H30 has a strong suction power, but has a somewhat unfriendly design that complicates the attachment process and is not easy on the wrists."

advantages

  • Strong suction power

  • Slim and easy to store

  • Convenient charging station

  • Infinity comes with wiping accessories

disadvantage

  • Uncomfortable grip

  • Attachments can be difficult to use

  • Low battery life

Chaos can manifest itself in the blink of an eye. Maybe you filled up the cereal bowl and some flakes fell on the kitchen floor. Or maybe the cat decided to get creative with the litter spread across the homestead. And let's not forget the cobwebs on the ceiling that don't belong on your Halloween diorama.

While today's leading upright vacuum cleaners are built for the kind of roll-up sleeve that cleans the whole house that many of us take to weekend days off, a cordless handheld vacuum is the perfect solution for the little clutter that pops up out of nowhere – the kind of rubble that simply cannot be avoided until Saturday.

One such wireless companion is the Eufy HomeVac H30. It is designed for light, fast performance and comes with numerous attachments (some good, some not so good). I was able to put the H30 to the test for several weeks. That's what we think of Eufy's bite-sized cleaner.

Out of the box

The HomeVac H30 is available in three different model levels: Venture, Mate and Infinity (our test model). The fundamentals remain the same across the three levels, with appendices being the compromise from unit to unit. The Venture Series ($ 160) comes with a 2-in-1 grout cleaner and multi-surface tool. The Mate ($ 180) adds a motorized brush for removing pet hair. The flagship Infinity ($ 200) comes with everything you get with the Venture and Mate, along with a stick attachment and hard floor head for quick mopping (plus disposable mop heads). All H30 models are available in both black and white.

The Eufy HomeVac H30 with 2-in-1 crevice nozzle and handle attachments.Michael Bizzaco / Digital Trends

When I unpacked the H30 Infinity, I also received a replaceable lithium-ion battery, charging station, and wall-mounting accessories for hanging the charger (not required).

draft

I was immediately impressed with how light the H30 felt. Designed to be gripped with one hand, the entire vacuum weighs just 1.78 pounds. In terms of dimensions, the H30 measures 16.7 inches wide, 3.5 inches high and has a depth of 2.9 inches. As for the grip, it honestly took me a minute or two to get used to holding the H30. It's clear where to reach, but when you point the vacuum cleaner down to vacuum up dirt, the angle in the wrist area feels a little strange. Throwing up a cleaning attachment will help reduce the angle you have to dive into, but it doesn't completely eliminate the discomfort.

The Eufy HomeVac H30 vacuums oats from carpets.Michael Bizzaco / Digital Trends

The controls on the H30 are front and center and easy to understand. There is a power switch, a toggle switch to toggle between Eco and Max suction power (more on this in the next section) and a trash can button that unlocks the trash can. In addition, there are three LED indicators above the power button that show how much battery life is left.

When emptying the H30, be sure to position the vacuum cleaner over your garbage bag. After unlocking the container, you need to slide it all the way forward to release it from its rail. After emptying it can be a little difficult to lock the container back onto the absorbent body, but not overly.

The Eufy HomeVac H30 with mop attachment.Michael Bizzaco / Digital Trends

One of the very first things that caught my eye was how small the trash can actually is. At 250 grams, it is one of the smallest tank sizes that you will find on every cordless vacuum cleaner. Got a discarded bowl of lucky charms to clean up, foremilk? You may need to empty the container once (or twice).

The cleaning attachments all do their jobs well but feel incredibly cheap.

The Infinity comes with a variety of attachments including a 2-in-1 grouting tool, motorized brush head, and an extended handle and cleaning head for reaching ceilings and floors. While useful, my overall impression with these add-ons isn't a great one. Once locked up, they all do their job well, but they feel incredibly cheap and some of them are downright painful to attach to the H30 body. Other than a few box art pictures, there are no instructions to teach you how to connect things.

power

Eufy's patented TriPower system is an integral part of every H30 model. It's a technical innovation that effectively transfers more power from the battery to the vacuum motor and provides more suction power when you need it most. But how can that be transferred to the real world? Pretty seamless.

I also liked the possibility of plugging the power supply unit directly into the battery instead of having to dock the entire vacuum cleaner (with the battery connected) to the charging station.

In Eco mode, the H30 delivers a suction power of up to 12 kPa. With just the 2-in-1 grouting tool attached, the vacuum cleaner pulled dried oats out of my plushy dining room carpet excellently. I actually found that when switching the vacuum to Max mode (for up to 16 kPa suction power) it was more difficult to get the oats. That was until I switched to a new test environment.

With the stick and hard surface attachments locked in place, the H30 worked like a champion in Max mode and in just a few passes sucked up all of the oat flakes that I had placed on the kitchen laminate. The eco mode with the same attachments was also good, but a little weaker.

The Eufy HomeVac H30 is used to clean a couch.

I'll be the first to admit that I have hypersensitive hearing and generally have problems with loud devices, but my goodness, the H30 whines. Even in the eco setting, the noise of the simply running vacuum cleaner is rather high. It's by no means industrially loud, but it's certainly not as quiet as I expected (considering its small size).

If you spilled something quickly that needs mopping up, I'd honestly recommend paper towels and your cleaner of choice instead of the H30's mop head and pads. Yes, that's a nice consideration, but I found the attachments and pads difficult to work with. In my cleaning test, the H30 cut through some of my deliberately spilled lemonade, but the sticky residue stayed around.

Battery life

The H30's 2500 mAh rechargeable lithium-ion battery isn't the most powerful on the market. Built for up to 20 minutes of use in Eco mode and only 10 minutes in Max mode, you want to get your cleaning done quickly.

Low battery capacity is not a foreign concept in the world of handheld vacuum cleaners, but when you consider that it takes up to four hours to fully recharge the battery, the reduced run time can be a nuisance for some users. Fortunately, you can buy extra batteries to swap out while cleaning.

As far as charging is concerned, I also liked the option of plugging the power supply unit directly into the battery instead of having to dock the entire vacuum cleaner (with the battery connected) to the charging station.

price

The Eufy HomeVac H30 Infinity (the flagship model) typically retails for $ 199 but is currently out of stock. The H30 Venture (including 2-in-1 grout tool and multi-surface tool) costs $ 159, and the H30 Mate (2-in-1 grout tool, multi-surface tool, motorized brush attachment) can cost $ 179 US dollars can be purchased.

Our opinion

As a quick-grip, quick-to-clean cordless vacuum cleaner, the Eufy HomeVac H30 sucks up dirt well for which you don't want to pull the large stand out of the closet. It's also perfect for cleaning cars, between sofa cushions, ceiling corners and other hard-to-reach nooks and crannies. From a design standpoint, it's not the most convenient handheld to wrap your paws around, and some of these add-ons can be quite a chore.

In terms of pricing, I think $ 199 is a bit high for the Infinity, with $ 169 sounding a bit more reasonable to me.

Is there a better alternative?

I think so. the Black + Decker Max handheld vacuum cleaner has a nozzle that can be adjusted by 200 degrees and the 20 volt battery offers unbelievable suction power. As with the HomeVac H30, the charging station can also be used to store all of your attachments.

There are those too Hai Wandvac. The Wandvac is similar in size and shape to the HomeVac H30, can be easily hung and comes with a multi-surface pet hair tool.

How long it will take?

With the option to buy multiple batteries, I can see that the HomeVac H30 will last for several years. Plus, Eufy's hassle-free warranty protects your H30 for up to two years.

Should you buy it?

If you desperately need a handheld vacuum and the business of your choice has no other choice, I think it wouldn't be a bad idea to go home with the Eufy HomeVac H30. If there were other options I would suggest buying a different model – mainly to save some money (and gain some convenience).

Editor's recommendations



06 Oct
Blog

Bose QuietComfort 45 Review: More (And Less) Of A Good Thing

Man wears Bose QuietComfort 45 noise-canceling headphones.

Bose QuietComfort 45

RRP $ 329.00

"The most popular headphones from Bose have a larger battery, but leave out some functions."

advantages

  • Super comfortable

  • Very good noise cancellation

  • Very good sound quality

  • Can be connected to multiple devices

disadvantage

  • No wear detection

  • No EQ settings

When Bose launched its $ 379 Noise Canceling Headphones 700 (NC 700), many wondered if the company had abandoned its time-honored QuietComfort 35 II (QC 35 II) design, which was by the time the NC 700 was released Flagship cans with active noise cancellation.

It turned out those fears were unfounded when Bose unveiled its $ 329 QuietComfort 45 (QC 45) earlier this year. But the QC 45 isn't your typical upgrade. Bose definitely made improvements, but also removed some features.

Has Bose removed too much? Let's check them out.

What's in the box?

Bose QuietComfort 45 noise canceling headphones with case and accessories.Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

Bose continues to do a good job with the packaging – the QC 45 box will be very easy to recycle on site thanks to its sleek but sleek cardboard box. The only exception are the foam inserts, with which the headphones cannot be moved during transport. Inside you will find the QC 45, a USB-A to USB-C charging cable, a 2.5mm to 3.5mm analog cable, and a zippered carrying case. Once again, Bose has chosen not to include its $ 9 airplane adapter, an odd choice given the loyalty of the QuietComfort line among air travelers.

draft

Bose QuietComfort 45 noise-canceling headphones.Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

With the QC 45, Bose focused on evolution, not revolution. Because if you want something completely different, that's what the NC 700 is for. Aside from a few minor changes, the QC 45 is indistinguishable from the QC 35 II – you get the same fold-flat hinges and lightweight but sturdy construction – even the physical controls are identical, including the slide switch for power / bluetooth and playback Controls on the right earcup and the action button on the left.

The biggest change concerns the materials. Gone are the suede-like Alcantara material from the inside of the headband, instead the same synthetic leather has been used that Bose uses for its ear pads. The synthetic leather probably wears better than the Alcantara, but it also slides a little more on the head. This is an important consideration if you typically carry full size cans in the gym.

The ear cushions take the perfectly comfortable middle ground between firm and soft.

The ear pads have also been redesigned. They're just as comfortable, but Bose has swapped out the wrinkled pillows on the QC 35 II for a silky-soft set that is more like the pillows on the NC 700. While this has the effect of making the QC 45 look more like the competition from Sony and JBL, I applaud the move as I've never been a fan of the wrinkled look.

Bose has also gone for a slightly more conservative finish on the plastic, which is now almost matte, as it has lost some of the satin sheen of the older model. Even the logos of the ear cups have been highlighted more discreetly, with a discreet silver finish replacing the raised metallic lettering.

For some people, simply switching from MicroUSB to USB-C charging (which Bose should have used on the QC 35 II) is enough to consider the QC 45.

Comfort, controls and connections

Bose QuietComfort 45 noise-canceling headphones.Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

The QuietComfort line of headphones has always been one of the most comfortable over-ears you can buy, and the QC 45 continues that tradition. The ear cushions take that perfectly comfortable midway between firm and soft, while the size and shape of the ear cups make these cans the few that don't put any pressure on my ears. They're comfortable even with glasses on.

The headband exerts just enough clamping force to hold everything where it is needed. It also prevents the tape from creating a pressure point on your head. Oddly enough, the QC 45 is actually a bit heavier than the QC 35 II – 8.5 ounces versus 8.3 ounces – but you would never know. I still think the NC 700s are more comfortable overall (although they're a hair heavier at 8.9 ounces), but the difference is marginal.

I still can't understand why Bose designs its cans to sit flat against your collarbones with the ear pads facing up rather than down (like Sony does) which is much more convenient.

Wireless stability and range are excellent both indoors and outdoors.

There's not much to say about the controls – they are exactly what you need, and they work really well. The three buttons on the right earcup let you control calls, playback, volume and skip tracks, while the action button on the left lets you toggle between Active Noise Canceling (ANC) and transparency mode.

But there are two big differences between the QC 45 and the QC 35 II: First, the action button is no longer configurable to work with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. In fact, Bose has completely abandoned these two voice AIs, leaving you with everything built into your phone. If you want the extra power from Amazon or Google, you have to go for the NC 700.

And there are no longer multiple ANC levels. You only get the two modes – ANC and Transparency (more on that later).

I'm torn at the slider power button. On the one hand, you never switch it on accidentally, which is easily possible with the NC 700. On the other hand, you always run the risk of using a mechanical slide switch for a function that is as strained as electricity when it wears out, which probably explains why there are several guides on the internet that show you how to fix a broken power switch Replace QC 35.

The sound is really pleasant and suits all genres except the most bass-heavy genres.

The only thing missing is wear detection – the headphones' ability to tell when they're on your head. The Tour One from JBL has this function, as does the WH-1000XM4 from Sony. Even some very affordable noise-canceling models like that Wyze headphones got it. But Bose hasn't yet given its buyers the option to automatically pause music when they take off their headphones.

Connecting the QC 45 is a breeze, whether in Android or iOS, and it's even easier to use the Bluetooth multipoint capability to connect a second device such as a computer at the same time. Just slide the power button a little further and wait for the message that you are ready to pair with a second device. Wireless stability and range are excellent both indoors and outdoors. Do you have a Bose soundbar or wireless speaker? The QC 45's SimpleSync feature allows you to easily connect them to these other devices.

All current Bose headphone products, such as the NC 700, QuietComfort Earbuds, Bose Sport Earbuds and the new QC 45 use the Bose Music App instead of the Bose Connect App. The Music app gives you the same ability to update firmware, adjust settings, and view important information like remaining battery life, but it's not as full. You will no longer be able to access Bose's Music Share feature, which allows two compatible Bose headsets to share a single stream of audio from a phone, and there will be no “Find My Product” option. These features may not matter to you, but it's still strange that they go away.

Sound quality

Man wears Bose QuietComfort 45 noise-canceling headphones.Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

After spending time with many Bose products – speakers, soundbars, headphones, and earbuds – I believe there is a “Bose sound”. At its core, it's a nice balance of frequencies – not quite the "flat" or neutral sound that some audiophiles crave, but close. The bass is never missing in the formula, but neither does it trample its way through the songs like an elephant in combat boots. And at the top end there is that extra boost of energy, a brightness that fluctuates on the verge of sharpness but never makes you flinch. In short, the Bose sound is really enjoyable and suits all genres except the most bass heavy. And the QC 45 embodies the Bose sound.

This is great news if you like the sound of it, but if you don't, the company doesn't understand you very much. There's no way to customize the QC 45's EQ in the Bose Music Companion app, which you can do with the NC 700 and the company's wireless speakers.

Noise cancellation and transparency

Bose QuietComfort 45 noise-canceling headphones.Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

Bose fans already know how good the company's noise-canceling technology is. This is why so many of them bought previous QuietComfort models. The QC 45 does not set a new standard for ANC, but improves your usability, which is arguably more important. You still get the same pleasant silence as the cans filter out unwanted noise, but now you can toggle between full ANC and full transparency (called by Bose Aware mode) almost instantly using the action button on the left earcup.

Neither ANC nor transparency are quite as good as what you get with the Bose NC 700, and the QC 45 lacks the clever bells and whistles of Sony's WH-1000XM4 like speech recognition (which can automatically activate transparency mode when you start talking) . but that doesn't stop them from being a great range of noise-canceling cans.

Call quality

Compared to the QC35 II, the QC 45 should enable superior voice calls thanks to the integrated fourth microphone. That may be true, but they're still not as good as the NC 700 for phone calls.

External noise is effectively canceled, but the algorithm Bose uses to do this can sometimes interfere with your voice, especially when that external noise becomes particularly loud. When it's quieter, your callers will hear you with perfect clarity. However, whether in quiet or noisy environments, the QC 45 will make it sound like you're two or three feet from the microphone, which is unusual. This doesn't affect clarity, but it does tend to take away the low frequencies from your voice that add warmth and resonance.

If calls are a big factor, choose the NC 700 or JBL Tour One instead, which offer the best call quality of any full-size headphone I've tested.

Battery life

Bose headphones have never broken records in battery life, but the QC 45 outperforms both the QC 35 II and the newer NC 700 with 24 hours of continuous use (versus 20 hours). A very good quick charge will give you three hours more if you charge the headphones for 15 minutes.

The remaining battery life is announced when you turn it on, which is especially important if you are about to make a long Zoom call and are unsure whether the battery will last. You can also keep an eye on the battery using the Bose Music app.

Our opinion

The Bose QuietComfort 45 uses a proven formula and makes some much-needed improvements like longer battery life, USB-C charging, and easier / faster control of ANC modes, but some people might be missing the features that Bose left out.

Is there a better alternative?

If you're not stressed about having a MicroUSB charging cable on hand and want to be able to access the Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa through your headphones, you can save a few bucks and still get a great set of ANC headphones with the $ 299 QuietComfort 35 II.

If call quality is high on your list, then you should check out the very good ones JBL Tour One. They're not quite as convenient as the QC 45 and don't work as well with ANC, but they do offer hands-free access to voice assistants. They also have better battery life.

If you can afford it Bose noise canceling headphones 700 have many of the same features that the QC 45 left out, such as voice assistants, variable ANC, EQ controls, and great call quality.

How long will they last?

Bose products are very well built and the QuietComfort 45 is no exception. These cans should be used for many years, and even if the ear pads are worn out, you can easily purchase a replacement set. Since they lack any official water resistance rating, avoid getting them wet. Bose backs its powered products like the QC 45 with a one-year warranty.

Should you buy it?

Yes sir. The QC 45s are a worthy, albeit small, upgrade to the legendary QuietComfort headphones from Bose, which make them even better travel and music companions.

Editor's recommendations



14 Sep
Blog

Logitech G435 Gaming Headset Review: Too Cheap to Be Good

The Logitech G435 gaming headset on a stand.

Logitech G435 gaming headset

RRP $ 80.00

"The Logitech G435 is a wireless gaming headset that sacrifices too much to be affordable."

advantages

  • Wireless Lightspeed connection with Bluetooth support

  • Easy

  • Comfortable for long gaming sessions

  • Payable

disadvantage

  • Feels cheap

  • Disappointing sound quality

  • Not a boom mic

When looking for the best gaming headset, it's easy to fall into the trap of wanting wireless connectivity. With one less cord, the workspace is really tidy, and it's nice to be able to get up without taking off the headset.

However, the feature significantly increases the price due to the need for a wireless radio, electronics, and battery. However, this is not the case with the Logitech G435 Lightspeed. You won't find a cheaper wireless gaming headset – at least not one from a well-known brand.

Unfortunately, the G435 is cutting too many corners to reach this price point, leaving you with a headset that doesn't feel like it's worth $ 80.

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Thin headband of the G435 gaming headset from Logitech.Niels Broekhuijsen / Digital Trends

When it comes to design, the first thing you notice about the G435 is that it is extremely light. It only weighs 165 grams, which is absolutely nothing for headsets, especially wireless ones. For comparison: Razer's Barracuda X weighs 250 grams, which is considered light, and something high-end like Corsair's Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT weighs 382 grams, even lighter than the 240-gram Logitech G335.

So yes, the G435 is very light indeed. But the quality of workmanship is a problem with a headset for this lamp. There is no getting around it: The G435 feels thin and cheap. The plastic parts are all thin, there are no beautiful materials and the headband looks full, but is just a plastic frame with a fabric cover.

I feel like if I held the headband in my fist it would just be strong pressure to snap. This is not good. Logitech only markets the light weight as a benefit, but it feels like it was a decision to cut costs, and it shows. The heavier Logitech G533 looks and feels higher quality and can be picked up at a discount for less than the newer G435.

However, I cannot deny the advantages of an ultra-light headset. The light weight and soft fabric ear cups of the G435 make it one of the most comfortable headsets I've ever worn. It's also surprisingly comfortable to rest on your neck.

The ear cups don't pivot to lie flat on your chest, but since there's no protruding microphone and it's surprisingly small, your chin won't collide as much when you turn your head.

characteristics

Beamforming microphone on Logitech's G435 headset.

When it comes to features, it's no surprise that the G435 isn't very featured. But that doesn't mean it's shabby. The headset supports various spatial audio codecs including Dolby Atmos, has an optional volume cap of 85 decibels to protect your ears, and the dual beamforming microphones work together to reduce background noise.

And yes, that means the G435 doesn't have a boom mic, as is common with gaming headsets. Boom microphones provide sharper, clearer audio quality compared to the smartphone-grade quality that beamforming microphones offer. It's a surprise to see Logitech leave it out here as even the G335 includes one.

The G435 is charged via the USB-C port, and a fully charged battery has a lifespan of 18 hours. Controls are just as easy: there is an on / off button, volume control and a microphone / mute button.

Controls of the G435 gaming headset.Niels Broekhuijsen / Digital Trends

The primary connection method for the G435 is via the included 2.4 GHz Lightspeed dongle, but you can also use it with Bluetooth devices in a low-latency mode – this combination does it not only with PCs, but with PlayStation devices and mobile phones can be used.

That's pretty cute considering the vast majority of gaming headsets don't support Bluetooth and you often have to jump on something like the SteelSeries Actis 9, which costs a whopping $ 200.

Sound quality

Logitech G435 gaming headset ear pads.

The actual test of the headset naturally depends on the sound quality. The G435 is still packed with 40mm drivers, which sounds promising, but in practice I wouldn't expect any acoustic miracles from the G435. There's a lot of bass and some detail at the top, but the headset lacks something in the middle section – I'd describe the sound profile as hollow.

The sound lacks the "fullness" that makes you turn up the volume for the satisfaction you want. So it is good that it is equipped with a volume limiter.

But then again, this is a $ 80 wireless headset. Great sound quality was never the primary goal, and the acoustics are good enough for casual gaming. However, if you are a competitive gamer you may want to look for something a little more revealing sound so you don't miss your opponents' steps as they sneak up on you.

Our opinion

The Logitech G435 Lightspeed has a lot to offer, such as light weight, comfort and Bluetooth support. However, unless you absolutely need a wireless headset for under $ 80, I'd stay away from that and spend the same budget on a wired pair.

With the need to squeeze a wireless radio, control module, and battery into the tight budget, Logitech had to make concessions on build quality and sound quality. They take off too much of the overall experience, and while it's wireless, the G435 doesn't feel like $ 80 headphones.

Are there alternatives?

The next alternative is Razer's recently launched Barracuda X gaming headset, which costs $ 20 more. While it doesn't support Bluetooth, it offers better processing and sound quality, plus a proper microphone, and looks better for outside the home. It's more expensive, but well worth the extra effort.

The Logitech G533 is also a good choice. Although it originally sold for $ 150, you can currently pick it up at Retailers for only $ 74.

If you're shopping wired on the same budget, the entry-level HyperX Cloud II headset offers much better build quality and sound quality.

How long it will take?

Although the G435 should last two to three years if carefully cared for, its fragile construction is an accident or a rage that is far from snapping into place.

Should I buy it?

If you really need a $ 80 headset, don't buy a wireless headset. Too much of the budget goes into the wireless radio, electronics, and battery, and with that budget it is better to buy a wired headset.

Editor's recommendations



13 Sep
Blog

Deathloop Review: Live, Die, Repeat, And Look Good Doing It

The hero of Deathloop shoots an enemy with two handguns.

Deathloop Review: Live, Die, Repeat and Look Good Doing it

RRP $ 60.00

"Deathloop is an incredibly stylish stealth action game that builds on Arkane's strengths, even when some of his creative gambling games fail."

advantages

  • Creative premise

  • Impeccable style

  • Shooting feels great

  • Fun forces

  • Lots of customization options

disadvantage

  • Objectionable multiplayer

  • Frustrating roguelite systems

  • Laughing AI

Every time Arkane Studios develops a game, it learns something new. His catalog is full of fascinating titles that build on each other's best ideas and further refine the strengths of the developers' level design. Deathloop is thematically a fitting next chapter for the studio. It may be a completely new IP, but it doesn't start from scratch. It's the product of an iteration – a process that encourages creativity in our favorite games.

The exclusive PS5 console draws a clear line through the story of Arkane. It's a first-person shooter that delivers exuberant action and supernatural stealth ala, ala Dishonored. It's also a time warp game where players experience the same day over and over and resort to the roguelite experiments in Prey's Mooncrash expansion. Prey himself owes Arcane's debut to Arx Fatalis (and System Shock from 1994, if we want to go beyond Arcane canon), making Deathloop seem like the culmination of several development loops. Decades of trial-and-error procedures are combined in a well-executed package – which, however, still leaves room for improvement.

Deathloop is a stylish spy thriller that features excellent shooting, satisfying powers, and gripping mystery powered by the game's addictive Groundhog Day premise. However, frustrating multiplayer mechanics and immature roguelite progression systems are already making me think about how this game will affect an even closer sequel. The cycle never really ends, does it?

A visionary project

Deathloop can be a little tricky to explain on paper. It's the latest entry in a burgeoning time warp genre that has become a bizarrely popular video game premise in recent years. A very confused and reluctant hero, Colt wakes up in the seaside town of Blackreef and quickly finds that he has to relive the same day over and over again. To make matters worse, that loop includes being chased by Juliana, who seems pretty pissed off with everything Colt has done in the past, who knows how many loops are ahead of him. After a brief introduction, Colt learns how to break the loop: he must murder the eight "visionaries" who created them.

Easier said than done, especially since Colt only has one day to land eight hits. The catch is that players will have to repeat as many times as necessary on the same day, dig up more information about each target, and come up with a perfect murder plan. It's an ingenious setup that puts as much emphasis on information gathering as it does on actually executing a hit. Imagine if Hitman 3 tasked players with defeating all of its villains in one domino-like move. This is the ultimate joy of Deathloop – a dozen hours of scouting makes up a slim 20-minute schedule.

Colt contemplates a flowchart of visionaries in Deathloop.

Arkane builds on this spy movie premise, and that is most evident in the style of the game. Deathloop is a '60s-inspired pulp novel full of bright colors, creative retro-future design, and comic-book-like text that pops up on screen. It's a vivid departure from the muted browns and blues of the Dishonored series.

The cast of characters is just as diverse, with Colt particularly shining as the reluctant hero of the game. He's unhappy on his first round, but convincingly transforms into a confident mastermind in the last. It's a strong voice from Jason E. Kelley that mirrors the player's own journey as they slowly come up with a plan that would make Danny Ocean jealous.

When players stop to marvel at Arcane level design skills, they effectively envelop the joint. Technical admiration is also an important mechanic.

Aesthetics set it apart from Arkane's previous titles, the studio's strengths are still very much present. This is most evident in Blackreef's design, which doubles what the studio does best. There is always more than one way to sneak into a place, be it by finding a security code, climbing a roof, breaking through a ventilation shaft, etc. I have often sneaked through a building just around one that was still stealthy Input to discover point that I could use in my next loop. When players stop to marvel at Arcane level design skills, they effectively envelop the joint. Technical admiration is also an important mechanic.

Spy thrill

Action is as strong as exploration here, which shouldn't come as a surprise given the studio's pedigree. Stealth machete kills are incredibly satisfying, and guns feel downright fantastic to fire. Every weapon has a real sense of power, from a nail gun that can fire precise headshots in one hit, to space-clearing machine guns that feel like you're operating a serious power tool. While I've always tried to take a covert route, I was rarely upset when a plan went wrong – just a great excuse to show the Blackreef residents why they should be grateful that I operated in the shade.

Speaking of Colt's enemies, it must be noted that the visionaries hired some of the darkest muscle the video game world has to offer. Enemies are weirdly forgotten, which takes some of the tension out of the stealth gameplay. I could approach up to two people talking, killing one from behind, dropping their body directly into the other's line of sight, and still seemingly not attracting their attention. Call it a Bethesda Tax.

Colt attacks enemies in Deathloop.

Colt also receives Dishonored-like supernatural powers which are an absolute joy to tinker with. Colt gains plates every time he kills an enemy, which gives skills like a teleporting blink and the ability to link multiple enemies together and take them all out by killing one. In addition, each plate can receive multiple upgrades, expanding the usefulness of each energy. In my final loop, I was a stealth machine that could teleport behind a visionary, quietly murder him, become invisible, and flee before a guard could find out what had happened. And that's just a style of play. I could have just equipped more aggressive plates and defeated swarms of enemies with a literal flick of my wrist.

Action is as strong as exploration here, which shouldn't come as a surprise given the studio's pedigree.

Weapons have equippable mods too, but things have a twist: players have to "infuse" items to hold them between the loops. Grab enough money and you will be able to keep weapons, plates and mods permanently … otherwise you will lose everything in the morning. It's a roguelite mechanic that encourages players to explore Blackreef rather than simply following target markers, but it can cause frustration. I was struggling to maintain the game's telekinesis power and only permanently locked it on my penultimate loop. While the system makes sense for mods that drop randomly while defeating an enemy, it's annoying to work through a story beat for a specific weapon or power just to get it back to base and not have the money to do it keep.

Colt shoots an enemy off the feet in Deathloop.

The roguelite dynamic can feel a little underdeveloped at times, although Arkane is careful not to make it too overwhelming. Colt gains three lives every time he enters a new area or jumps forward in the day, so players can experiment, die, and try again without wasting a run. Deathloop encourages players to put themselves in a dire situation and test the limits of their power. If that goes terribly wrong, there is always an option to try Plan B.

Interruption of the loop

The experimental mechanics are appropriate, because Arkane throws ideas against the wall and sees what sticks to Deathloop. Some of these ideas really land, as they do with the game's stylistic choices. But others are not quite as successful.

That brings us to the bizarre multiplayer component of Deathloop, which is easily the most polarizing aspect of the game. Players can play as Colts rival Juliana and “protect the bow” at any time. In the process, a player can literally invade someone else's game (friend or random stranger) and try to kill them. Similar mechanics appear in some of the Souls games, though it's a startling addition here.

Juliana grins in Deathloop.

For one thing, the game never offers a good reason to play as Juliana. There's little ambiguity about whether or not the loop is good or bad, so there's no real narrative motivation to stop Colt. It is a pure grief tool that encourages players to sabotage a real person's single player experience for laughter and rewards that don't carry over to Colt.

Playing as Juliana isn't that much fun either. The only major difference between her and Colt is that she can dress up as an NPC to trick players. I spent a lot of time wandering aimlessly around the map for minutes just to find Colt. As soon as I did we would have a shootout that lasted seconds. Additionally, I found it difficult to even get into a friend's game as there are (luckily) rules about how many times a player can be attacked per cycle. My friend kept showing up as "unavailable" even when playing an intruder free game. It hardly seemed worth the fuss.

On the Colts side, Juliana invasions worsen. I broke into a house in one run and spent 10 minutes carefully sneaking past cameras and guards. Suddenly a message appeared on the screen informing me that Juliana was on the hunt. Within a minute she stormed into the room and started throwing grenades, which ruined my plan. The first time it was kind of weird … and then it happened again. And then again. To make matters worse, Juliana "locks" the level exits each time they enter, which means Colt has to go to a location and manually unlock it before he can leave. Why should I want to go through another player, let alone experience it for myself?

It is purely a grief tool that encourages players to sabotage a real person's single player experience for laughs or small rewards.

It doesn't help that the mode feels ripe for tampering. When testing it with a friend I got some quick kills on Colt and a ridiculous amount of experience for it. In one game, I unlocked dozens of items, including high-level weapons and mods. It would only take a few such runs to leave Juliana in an overwhelming condition and devastating strangers.

There is also no way to unsubscribe from it. Switch to offline mode and the game will just randomly throw in a computer controlled saboteur. The only way to bypass the mechanics was to switch to Friends Only mode (since I was playing an early copy, I didn't have any friends to drop by). It just feels like a forced system meant to add arbitrary replay value to the mix.

It's a frustrating idea, although it's hard to be too upset. Arkane has always been known for its single player experiences and it is clear that the studio wants to expand its toolset here. The mode is a bit of a failed experiment, but I see it as a first draft of something better. In 10 years, I wouldn't be surprised to write a review on a new arcane game that expands the ideas of Deathloop, just as I am writing here about how Deathloop expands Dishonored.

And the loop goes on.

Our opinion

Deathloop isn't afraid to take experimental turns, and a lot of them pay off. It's a stylish action game that is entertaining in every aisle. Players never have to choose between clandestine exploration and frantic shootouts; You are encouraged to approach a situation in as many ways as possible in order to contrive a perfect crime. It's less successful when it comes to its forced multiplayer component, though it's hard to blame Arkane Studios for trying something new. There is no innovation without iteration.

Is there a better alternative?

Dishonored 2 is a little more consistent in the end, even if Deathloop creatively dwarfs it. Hitman 3 is also a killer option for those who want a pure stealth game.

How long it will take?

It takes around 10-15 hours to hit, depending on how long you spend exploring side lanes. Multiplayer adds game time, although it's hard to imagine a lot of people getting too involved with this site.

Should you buy it?

Yes sir. Despite its uneven creative gambling, Deathloop is a confident stealth action game with an excellent sense of style.

Editor's recommendations



09 Sep
Blog

Razer Basilisk V3 Review: Not Revolutionary, But Still Good

Razer Basilisk V3 top overview

Razer Basilisk V3

RRP $ 70.00

"The Basilisk V3 from Razer is an all-rounder gaming mouse."

advantages

  • Tons of RGB

  • 10 + 1 programmable buttons

  • Optical switches

  • Great 26K sensor

  • Quality cable

disadvantage

  • Heavy for a wired mouse

  • More attractive competition

Razer makes a lot of gaming mice, and the Basilisk is one of its most admired offerings. Today the company is releasing a new, updated variant: the Basilisk V3. Razer has slightly updated its design, adding a new sensor and a freely rotating scroll wheel, and even added a little more RGB to be on the safe side.

This isn't the Basilisk Ultra wireless – the Basilisk V3 comes with a traditional cable – but that means it's only $ 70. The third iteration of the Razer Basilisk isn't revolutionary, but the upgrades mean this standby mouse is still one of the best wired mice you can buy.

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A front view of the Razer Basilisk V3 with the side buttons and RGB.

Starting with the design of the mouse, Razer has kept the shape of the mouse largely identical to the previous one – a slightly ergonomic right-handed gaming mouse that is great for palm and claw grips. With a medium size, unless you have particularly small hands, chances are good that this pointer will make you prone to a claw grip, especially in play.

Weighing in at 101 grams, the mouse is a bit heavy by today's standards, especially for a wired mouse. The advantage here is that Razer didn't shave the shell to make it ultra-light, so the mouse instills confidence in the build quality. The middle is made of textured plastic with some shiny elements, while the left thumb rest and right handle are made of a nice, grippy rubber material.

Previously, the Razer logo and scroll wheel were lit like they are here, but the V3 adds an RGB strip along most of the mouse's bottom perimeter, creating a sort of under-lighting effect that looks pretty dashing.

A look at the plush cord of the Razer Basilisk V3.

And then there is the cable that can be the elephant in the room for many gaming mice today. That's not the case here as Razer did a good job with it. Companies have relentlessly developed their wireless technology over the past few years to get rid of the cable, but that doesn't mean cable evolution has stopped: the Basilisk V3 has a thick, pretty braided cable, but it's extremely light and oh so flexible, that you hardly notice your presence. Yeah, you see it, but it doesn't look that bad.

The main competitor of the Razer is the G502 Hero from Logitech, a mouse with almost identical design and functionality. In terms of shape at least, although the dimensions are nearly identical, the G502 is a bit fuller and has more angular edges – it's not as round as the Basilisk V3, and I prefer it. But there is very little in it, and if you don't have the two next to each other, you can't tell which one you like more.

Buttons and sensors

A bottom view of the Razer Basilisk V3 with sensor and slippery pads.

The Basilisk V3 is powered by Razer's 26K DPI Focus + sensor, and while there's no situation where I can recommend games at this type of DPI, it's a good sensor. It's responsive and tracks accurately with no acceleration. Tracking is said to be accurate at up to 650 IPS, and while I haven't tested that number, I personally play with a low DPI and the V3 was more than able to keep up with my fast flicks over long distances.

The Basilisk V3 is a mouse fast enough to keep up with you, the gamer.

Meanwhile, under the main left and right buttons, Razer has implemented its second generation optical mouse switches, which is another factor that adds to the Basilisk V3's gaming pedigree. Although conventional buttons are very fast, the advantage of an optical switch is that the mouse controller does not have to consider debouncing, which leads to faster actuations – as soon as the button is pressed and the optical signal is interrupted, the actuation signal is sent to the PC.

Combine that with the mouse's 1000Hz polling rate and you can be sure that whatever leads to your in-game death, it isn't the mouse.

Other properties

But the fun with the Basilisk V3 doesn't end there. One of the most important upgrades that I personally really appreciate is the scroll wheel. It now spins freely at the touch of a button, making navigating large text and websites a breeze. The catch is that the V2 mouse's adjustable resistance is gone, but I'd say this is a justified compromise.

A side view of the Razer Basilisk V3 with purple RGB.

The second highlight of the Basilisk V3 is the hypershift button – a button directly in front of the thumb that briefly lowers the DPI when pressed. Think of this as some sort of sniper mode, and when you press it, you can aim more accurately to aim your shot. The button has been redesigned from the V2 mouse to a more subtle implementation.

In the meantime, all of the buttons on the mouse are fully customizable, and there's a button at the bottom to toggle through different profiles. This last feature is ideal when you play multiple types of games and need completely different mouse assignments. For example, you may need a low DPI profile for FPS shooters who have specific buttons assigned to throw grenades or switch to your melee weapon, but then want to switch to high DPI and other button assignments for strategy games. It's all easy to configure in the Razer software, and the button below makes switching between them a breeze.

Gaming performance

A view showing the top of the Razer Basilisk V3.

To test the gaming performance of the Razer Basilisk V3, I jumped straight into Insurgency Sandstorm as this is a realistic first person shooter game that is ideal for testing a gaming mouse. With my friends we play this game as a team of people against the highest possible number of bots – a real challenge – and the Basilisk V3 has more than kept up with my gameplay.

My usual go-to mouse is the Logitech G Pro X Superlight, and while the Basilisk V3 didn't quite go with it, it wasn't far from it either. Every new mouse takes getting used to, and the Superlight is both much lighter and wireless – but also twice as expensive and as feature-rich as a piece of cardboard. This is a strong argument in favor of the Basilisk V3.

Our opinion

Razer's Basilisk V3 might not be a huge update, but its newly shaped hypershift button, free-spinning scroll wheel, updated sensor, and added RGB component make it interesting and certainly worth considering.

It's not a mouse to get excited about, but it's a good all-rounder and, thanks to its scroll wheel and semi-ergonomic shape, a good option for both gaming and general desktop use.

Are there alternatives?

The main competitor is Logitech's G502 Hero, which has a very similar shape. While it doesn't have as many RGB or optical switches in it, it has two more programmable buttons, tunable weights, and a more modern, angular design. It's also often discounted to just $ 50, making it a more compelling option overall and making it one of the best gaming mice out there.

In the meantime, Corsair's Nightsword RGB may be better suited if you have a Corsair-themed setup. It also has a ton of RGB and a similar set of features.

How long it will take?

Under normal circumstances, the Basilisk V3 should last at least about five years. Razer's warranty covers it for two.

Should I buy it?

Yes sir. If you're looking for a new gaming mouse, are looking for a good jack of all trades, and are looking for something that will fit a Razer setup, the Basilisk V3 is an excellent buy, although it might be worth waiting for can be reduced to $ 50.

Editor's recommendations



06 Sep
Blog

Motorola Moto Edge 20 Pro Review: Very Good at Being Average

Moto Edge 20 Pro on a desk.

Motorola Moto Edge 20 Pro review: a phone that is very good on average

RRP $ 900.00

"The Motorola Moto Edge 20 Pro does not make the most of its specification, so it is clearly average, and without a flashy design, the reliable software and good battery life are simply not enough to get it past this point."

advantages

  • Easy to use, reliable software

  • Good battery life

  • High refresh rate screen

  • Periscope zoom on the camera

disadvantage

  • No wireless charging

  • Inconsistent camera

  • Mono speakers

I remember checking out the Moto Edge in mid-2020 and really liked the design and screen, which excited me to try out the new Moto Edge 20 Pro. However, it seems that Motorola has decided to move away from almost everything that made the previous model a winner and hit the average street instead. It then set the price for a good measure. In other words, there is a lot to be done to impress.

Before we get into too much detail, it's worth talking about Motorola's naming and marketing of the latest Moto Edge series. In the US, you can only buy the Moto Edge (2021), which is known everywhere else as the Moto Edge 20. The Moto Edge 20 Pro we are reviewing here is a higher-end version of this phone that is currently available in the UK

With that resolved, let's talk about the Moto Edge 20 Pro.

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The Motorola Moto Edge 20 Pro may be the highest spec model in the new Edge range, but don't think that it will automatically turn heads when it comes to design. It shares the same working-day, functional, but uninspired ethos seen on the company's affordable phones without you falling for the phone in any way. I feel nothing for the Moto Edge 20 Pro when I look at it, which won't be a problem for some, but for others it will push them into the waiting arms of OnePlus, Realme or Samsung.

Moto Edge 20 Pro hand-held, viewed from behind.Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Its chassis is made of an aluminum alloy and Gorilla Glass 5 covers the screen and back so it has the correct references, but the flat panel display makes it look old and the platter sides make it uncomfortable to grip. Worse, they give the Moto Edge 20 Pro an impressive trick that feels thicker than the 8mm case suggests. It's also not nice to put a square camera lens over two round ones.

There are a couple of weird design choices too. The fast fingerprint sensor is housed in the power button rather than under the display, which will likely lower the overall cost, but it's placed quite high on the body and may not naturally fall under your thumb if you have small hands. On the opposite side, but at the very top of the case, is a Google Assistant button. That said, I didn't accidentally push it, but since I never pushed it on purpose either, I wonder why it's there in the first place.

Fingerprint sensor of the Moto Edge 20 Pro.Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

On the positive side, the Moto Edge 20 Pro is light at 185 grams, and in addition to the Midnight Blue version seen in our photos, a vegan leather model is available, which may give the phone more personality. Otherwise, there isn't much here that inspires me to grab the Moto Edge 20 Pro, especially when beauties like the OnePlus Nord 2 and the Samsung Galaxy A52 5G exist.

Screen and audio

Motorola has spared nothing when it comes to the specification of the screen. It's a 6.7-inch OLED panel with a resolution of 2400 x 1080 pixels, a refresh rate of 144 Hz and HDR10 + support. The 19.5: 9 aspect ratio makes it wider than the 20: 9 aspect ratio of the 6.7-inch OnePlus 9 Pro. It spends most of the time at maximum brightness, but I could still easily see it outside on bright days.

Moto Edge 20 Pro screen.Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

When watching videos on the phone, it turned out that the sound is too quiet for my personal taste. It's not as vivid or as full of life and color as the OnePlus Nord 2's screen, and observing the cloudy and wet weather conditions in Carfection's Ferrari Roma test highlights its slightly dull quality. There is no setting to change the performance of the screen other than a normal or saturated color mode.

Google Assistant button on Moto Edge 20 Pro.Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

It's certainly not bad, and the warmer tone benefits the skin, for example, but it's just not as flashy a performer as some of the competition. It will be more disappointed with a mono speaker that, while powerful, does not deliver the sound, bass, or enjoyment that a good stereo setup does, as is common with other similarly priced smartphones. The screen responsiveness is also a bit strange as the screen sometimes senses swiping up and down as a left to right swipe, which is annoying when using the phone with one hand. The 144 Hz refresh rate is very welcome, but I don't see any difference from a 120 Hz screen.

camera

All of the Motorola Moto Edge phones launched this year – the Edge (2021) / Edge 20, Edge 20 Lite, and Edge 20 Pro – have 108-megapixel main cameras, but here on the Pro it is supported by a 16- MP wide-angle camera and an 8MP periscope telephoto camera with a 5x optical zoom. This makes the Edge 20 Pro quite unusual, as periscope zoom cameras are rarely used outside of very high-end phones like the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra.

The camera module of the Moto Edge 20 Pro.Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The photos taken are inconsistent, and every few good photos will result in pretty bad photos, especially in low light. There is a significant difference in color balance and dynamic range between the main and wide-angle cameras. Pictures taken with 5x zoom use optical image stabilization, and the results are better than with 5x digital zoom in that it shows more details and better dynamic range, but it doesn't come close to the Galaxy S21 Ultra. Motorola is promoting a 50x super zoom mode, but it really shouldn't have because there is no stabilization at all and the image in the viewfinder is constantly moving. When you take a photo, you get a nice, pixelated approach to the subject.

Low light is surprisingly bad, as even in early morning shady conditions the 108MP camera with an aperture of f / 1.9 caused blurring that most other cameras would have no problem with. There's a fixed focus macro mode that can make it difficult to take a decent photo, 8K video recording at 24 frames per second, and a dual capture mode that uses both the front and rear cameras to capture video at the same time . The 32-megapixel selfie camera takes pleasant photos with natural skin tones even when the beauty mode is switched on.

The camera of the Moto Edge 20 Pro is typically Motorola. It has many features and some desirable technologies, but the execution isn't good enough to get the most out of them.

Software and performance

The Moto Edge 20 Pro uses the Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 processor, which is a warmed-up version of the older Snapdragon 865 processor and is more efficient. The Snapdragon 870 might not be the best Snapdragon 888, but you probably won't notice a huge difference from day to day. I've played Asphalt 9: Legends with no issues, it's very fluid and fast, and I've multitasked as always, which undoubtedly helped by the 12GB of RAM inside.

Asphalt 9: Legends played on the Moto Edge 20 Pro.Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Android 11 is installed and like most of their phones, Motorola doesn't add too much, which means that it is similar to Android on a Google Pixel phone. There are some gesture controls like shaking the phone to activate the flashlight. Peek Display replaces the usual and preferred always-on screen with a tap-to-wake system. I like the way you can see more details from notifications by tapping and holding icons, but I would prefer that the basic information be shown all the time. Apps worked without errors, notifications are delivered as expected, and the phone has worked normally for all of my time.

Motorola is also pushing its desktop mode, which it calls Ready For, on the Moto Edge 20 Pro to include the required USB Type-C to HDMI cable to use it in the box. It's a nice touch. Ready For also works wirelessly if you have a compatible screen. It works similarly to Samsung DeX in that it displays a Windows-like start screen that is designed to increase productivity. Also, like DeX, it may not work with all smart TVs (it didn't connect to my Sony Android TV, for example) and to take full advantage you will need a bluetooth keyboard and mouse, as well as a controller if you want to play games to play.

The standby mode of the Moto Edge 20 Pro.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Moto app options of the Moto Edge 20 Pro.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Browser displayed on Moto Edge 20 Pro.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Apps screen on the Moto Edge 20 Pro.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Calls on the Moto Edge 20 Pro are decent, but I didn't find the speaker very good. The voices weren't as clear as I expected, and background noise on the caller's side seemed more disturbing than normal. This is a 5G phone if you have coverage near you, with two 5G SIM slots plus Wi-Fi 6 on board and NFC for Google Pay. Small things aside, the Moto Edge 20 Pro gives you everything you could want in a high-end phone – cleanly designed, reliable software, and lots of power – with features like Ready For that may be helpful to some.

battery

The 4,500 mAh battery is a bit smaller than we've come to expect from smartphones lately, but if you don't squeeze the phone very hard, it just gulps power. On a few days with very little use, it stretched to three days for me, which very few other phones do. Play games and watch videos and this becomes two days of usage that are still good.

Charging port on the Moto Edge 20 Pro.Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Motorola's 30W TurboPower charger is included, and while a 10-minute zack apparently provides nine hours of operation, according to Motorola, it doesn't get 100% as fast as the quick chargers that came with the OnePlus Nord 2 or that Realme GT. The Moto Edge 20 Pro doesn't have wireless charging, which is unfortunate.

Price and availability

The Motorola Moto Edge 20 Pro is priced at £ 650, or around $ 900. It is available now in the UK through Motorola's online store. You'd have to import one to own it in the US and there doesn't seem to be any immediate plans for Motorola to officially launch it.

Our opinion

There's nothing wrong with being clearly average, which is a good thing because that's what sets the Moto Edge 20 Pro apart. It has a design that won't hurt your eyes or arouse your senses, a decent camera that takes photos that you'll never say wow, and a pretty screen that just can't quite keep up with the competition. Good battery life and reliable software aren't enough to go beyond that.

I haven't had any major issues with the phone at all, but the little annoyances add up without much to make worth the effort. Why Motorola abandoned the cool design and cascading screen of the Moto Edge (2020) is a mystery. This may be Motorola's top smartphone released so far this year, but it hasn't really been covered on the red carpet, and this is an issue as Motorola hasn't price-tagged it in the average range. Phones that don't seem average at all are yours for a little less than it costs to pick up the Moto Edge 20 Pro. At a time when competition is incredibly fierce in all areas of the phone world, the average is quickly forgotten.

Is there a better alternative?

Yes, and for less money. If you're in the UK, the OnePlus Nord costs £ 2,400, or around $ 550, has a visually nicer screen, more attractive design, powerful camera and quick charge. You're missing out on the periscope zoom, but it's not worth the significant extra cost you pay for it. The Samsung Galaxy A52 5G is priced at $ 500 and is officially available in the US and the UK and is similarly excellent.

Alternatively, the Realme GT is worth a look at £ 450 or around $ 620 and has a Snapdragon 888 chip, fast charging, and a decent screen and camera. The $ 450 Google Pixel 5a has its perks too, with a good camera, IP67 rating, and great software. It misses the high refresh rate screen but is much cheaper.

The OnePlus 9 Pro costs a little more, $ 969 or £ 829, and if you can afford it, it's a better buy. The Hasselblad camera has received software updates since its inception which have greatly improved it, it has the latest Qualcomm processor, great software with extended support and a well-engineered design.

How long it will take?

Motorola intends to provide two major Android software updates and bimonthly security updates for the Moto Edge 20 Pro for two years. The phone has a splash rating of IP52, which means it's fine in the rain, but not so much if you drop it in the bathtub. It comes with a basic translucent TPU case in the box for extra drop protection. You can safely buy the Moto Edge 20 Pro and expect it to last two years.

Should you buy one?

No. It can't quite deliver on the promise of its specification, and there are better alternatives for less money.

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