An Ideal Party Tool

BOSE S1 Pro is a high-quality Bluetooth speaker that offers excellent sound and a durable structure that lets you use it in almost any situation. This is a portable and highly versatile device, with a great set of features and enhancement options that rightfully position it at the sheer top among the best Bluetooth speakers out there. There is also solid connectivity, good compatibility, and a very good mixture of characteristics that make an excellent portable speaker.

Specifications:

Connectivity: Bluetooth and 3.5 mm analog connection
Driver’s size: 5 cm
Battery life: 11 hours
Weight: 7000 grams
Dimensions: Height 330 mm, Width 241 mm, Depth 284 mm

Features

In other words, other than the great sound with plenty of basses, BOSE S1 Pro also comes with multiple built-in sensors and a large number of aiming positions, offering the best possible experience, in almost any position. There is also a decent rechargeable, lithium-ion battery that provides some 11 hours of work, as well as both Bluetooth and wired connectivity that offers a reliable, low-latency performance, as should be the case with the device of this class.

Also, the Bluetooth connection has a wireless range of up to 9 meters, while the speaker comes fitted with the 3-channel mixer, with EQ controls on two channels, the ToneMatch processing function, and a dedicated channel for streaming from both wireless and wire-connected devices.

BOSE S1 Pro comes with an Auto EQ function, multiple inputs that include 2 combo XLR inputs, 3.5 mm and Bluetooth input, as well as TRS line output that should give you a decent level of versatility.

To make things even better, BOSE S1 Pro is also compatible with Android and iOS devices and can be easily controlled over the Bose Connect app that eases pairing with other Bose S1 Pro speakers and lets you create multiple surround sound configurations up to your wishes, and much more.

Usage

As mentioned earlier, BOSE S1 Pro has a powerful sound with a mighty bass, while the audio profile is well-balanced, which makes it ideal for different genres. Its only weakness is the lack of low bass, which proves to be insufficient for watching action-packed movies, making deep thumps and rumbles rather weak and unconvincing.

On the other hand, BOSE S1 Pro proves to be an ideal option for podcasts and similar materials due to the balanced mid-range sound and clear and accurate reproduction of voices, which can be crucial for this type of content.

BOSE S1 Pro allows easy pairing and provides a straightforward use, which makes it suitable for any age. Also, it is lightweight and has a carrying handle that makes it highly portable, while the good and reliable Bluetooth and wired connection allows for trouble-free streaming, letting you enjoy your favorite content in the best possible way.

Design

When talking about design, Bose S1 Pro brings a highly durable build; however, it doesn’t include any special protections such as dust, or water resistance. Most of its parts are made out of black plastic, while the front of the speaker comes with a steel grille that both protects the drive inside and brings a bit of class to the speaker’s looks.

The overall build is pretty small, with a many-angled shape, while the quality of the materials used seems pretty solid and worth the higher price tag.

Bose S1 Pro also comes with a 35mm pole cup at the bottom that allows its mounting on a speaker stand, multiple inputs and outputs, as well as the built-in three-channel mixer that gives it additional versatility.

Good

All in all, Bose S1 Pro presents a pretty good overall package and offers a well-balanced, loud sound, with easy multi-device pairing and a portable design that makes this speaker suitable for any purpose, whether that is a beach or house party, or you enjoying podcasts.

However, is the most important about this speaker is its great adaptability and ability to provide excellent sound, regardless of the surroundings or its positioning. Bose S1 Pro can be placed on a stand, table, or the floor, it can even be tilted in the back and still deliver an excellent performance.

Also, there is the three-channel mixer, with the ToneMatch feature that allows you to enhance the vocals, pianos, guitars, letting you have the best possible audio experience. In other words, Bose S1 Pro presents a complete product that offers the performance of the best bookshelf speakers.

Bad

Still, the fact remains that it has a bad soundstage performance and that its low-end output requires improvements. Also, the 11-hour battery life may be good enough for a party; nonetheless, if you look at the competition and see how much more autonomy they provide, you will see that the Bose S1 Pro’s 11-hour battery life is rather disappointing.

In addition, don’t forget that the Bose S1 Pro doesn’t offer any special protection against water, dust, or similar factors, which certainly isn’t a good thing to know.

Final Thoughts

However, if you observe the overall picture, it is obvious that the Bose S1 Pro brings an excellent value to the customer. Yes, it also costs a lot; nonetheless, for its high price you are getting excellent sound, multiple sound enhancements, and equally importantly, great portability.

In addition, this speaker can be successfully used for a variety of purposes, different content types, and even put in so many different positions, and still provide great audio.

In other words, if you are after one of the best Bluetooth speakers in the class that will give you everything you need and much more, Bose S1 Pro is the speaker to look for and a great option – of course, if the amount of money required for its purchase isn’t too much for you.

All in all, Bose S1 Pro is a great product, perfect for many users, and a device that certainly won’t disappoint you in any situation.

A Decent All-Purpose Headset

JBL T450BT is a budget-friendly headset, with a decent sound performance and great stability. This is an easy-to-use device, with a lightweight design and a solid 11-hour battery life that should give you reasonable autonomy. In other words, if you are after a solid multipurpose headset option, JBL T450BT is the device to seriously consider.

Specifications:

Connectivity: Bluetooth 4.0
Microphone Type: Built-in
Driver size: 2 x 32 mm
Sensitivity: 109 dB (1 kHz)
Impedance: 16 ohms
Frequency Response: 80 Hz – 18 kHz
Battery life: 11 hours
Weight: 300 grams
Cable length: 1.3 meters
Dimensions: Width 217 mm, Depth 46 mm, Height 182 mm

Features

JBL T450BT is an affordable and well-performing device that has its downsides; however, in general, it brings pretty good value for the money. It includes two 32mm drivers that deliver some serious bass, a built-in microphone, and a comfy build that should allow you to use this headset for a longer period.

In addition, JBL T450BT offers a straightforward use, Bluetooth 4.0 connection, and a weight of only 300 grams, which makes it very portable. Also, this headset comes with three-button controls for easier use and brings a well-balanced sound suitable for the most.
On the other hand, what isn’t that good is the build, which is cheap and flimsy; however, considering its price, it is somewhat expected.

Usage

JBL T450BT proves to be a very good multipurpose option. Therefore, it should be no surprise that it shows very good results in mixed usage, sports, and office work, and it is a good travel option. In other words, its simple, lightweight design, combined with ease of use and good performance, makes a winning formula and a product worth having.

It should be stated that the JBL T450BT provides a well-balanced sound, with strong bass and good mid ranges. However, its treble tends to be a bit too sharp, while the overall sound may lack consistency; nonetheless, for this price range, certain compromises had to be made.

Some of those compromises also include the lack of the proper noise isolation that may result in a bad sound in louder surroundings, as well as a bit tighter fit that will prevent this headset from falling during running or some other physical activity, yet may cause a bit of fatigue in a long run.

Also, have in mind that the JBL T450BT has a small soundstage that isn’t anything major; nonetheless, may be a problem for more neutral-oriented users that may find it problematic.

Design

As already mentioned, JBL T450BT isn’t among the best gaming headsets considering the build quality, and it brings a bit cheaper, plasticky build; however, for the price, that is the most you will get from both JBL and other manufacturers and you have to live with that or invest more money.

When talking about the design, the JBL T450BT brings simple looks, with small on-ear cups and a low-profile headband, without padding. JBL T450BT is also lacking a 3.5mm jack, which means that the only connectivity option is Bluetooth – which isn’t so great.

This headset is available in three color combinations (black, blue, and white) and it comes with three-button commands, on the device itself, for easier control that involves track-sipping, volume control, and call/music management. In addition, there is also a power button that allows for easy pairing, as well as a built-in microphone. Altogether, it’s a pretty good package.

Good

JBL T450BT has everything needed for the best budget headset. There is a solid audio performance, with strong bass, as well as a lightweight build, great versatility, and equally importantly, ease of use.

In addition, there is also a built-in microphone, a reasonable price, as well as multiple controls on the device itself that are another bonus to the overall great usability. There is also a decent battery life, a strong fit. Essentially, everything needed is there.

Bad

Unfortunately, the JBL T450BT doesn’t come without flaws. There are a few of them, in fact. In the first place, the poor noise isolation is causing issues in the louder surroundings.

Then, there is the flimsy build, as well as the tight fit that keeps the headset from falling off during sports activities, yet creates a bit of an unpleasant feeling in the long run. Also, there is a lack of wired connectivity and with that in mind, no 3.5mm jack that most users are seeking. In other words, there is still plenty of room for improvement.

Final Thoughts

Al in all, JBL T450BT has everything that the affordable headset should, yet it isn’t flawless. However, these issues aren’t deal-breakers for most users, yet it would be nice to have them fixed with some future iterations.

When talking about competition, JBL T450BT positions itself in the same class as Sony WH-CH510 Wireless, for example, which offers more accurate sound and a better battery life; nonetheless, it is less stable and has a weaker bass.

Another close competitor of the JBL T450BT is the Sony WH-CH500 that offers a similar build quality, with the difference that the Sony WH-CH500 has a better overall sound and comes with better sound isolation that rightfully positions in above the JBL headset.

Other than these two, JBL T450BT is also in close competition with the JBL Tune 510BT Wireless, which offers a similar value for the money, but has different characteristics, which makes both models special in their own way, and hard to position.

All in all, JBL T450BT is exactly what you need if you have a limited budget, yet want to experience a good sound. Therefore, if you are after the best headset in the budget-friendly market, you may be sure the JBL T450BT will fulfill your every need, and much more.

An Affordable, Well-Good Performing Headphones

JBL E55BT are decent-performing Bluetooth headphones that offer comfortable use and a respectable level of reliability for their low price. This is a headset with a very good battery life of 20 hours and a pretty good value for money that is one of its key selling points in the first place. Of course, have in mind that this is no top-class product and that there are numerous compromises; however, considering the price, what it delivers is more than reasonable.

Specifications:

Connectivity: Bluetooth 4.0, 3.5mm analog
Type of charging: over the micro USB cable
Microphone Type: Built-in
Driver size: 50 mm
Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
Impedance: 32 ohms
Sensitivity: 107 dB (1 kHz)
Battery life: 20 hours
Weight: 231 grams
Dimensions: Length 221 mm, Height 101 mm, Width 183 mm

Features

JBL E55BT offers balanced sound, with decent bass, due to its 50 mm drives and offers ease of use that is another thing that should be appreciated about this device. There are also integrated control buttons on the right ear cup, a built-in microphone, a one-button remote for wired listening, and even a detachable cable that adds to the device’s great usability.

As mentioned, there is also a Lithium-ion polymer rechargeable battery that requires only two hours for a full charge and has a great battery life that should give you some 20 hours of autonomy. Also, the JBL E55BT is a lightweight piece of equipment, with decent build quality and is available in five different colors that are another bonus to its versatility.

In other words, every essential is there; nonetheless, some more refined features are out of the picture, which is expected for its price range.

Usage

When talking about the overall performance, JBL E55BT proves to be a very good option and offers a pretty dynamic, refined sound, although not as rich as you may get with the best studio headphones available. In addition, there is also a powerful bass, strong high-mids, and a treble push that gives a nice level of details, yet makes the sound a bit bright.

In the midrange, it delivers a natural sound, including the vocals that sound clear and more than decent for the price.

To make things even better, JBL E55BT is very comfortable to wear and offers a secure fit that allows you to also enjoy some sort of activity while using it, without the fear of them falling off.

Bluetooth is also quite good and offers reliable performance, while the cable connectivity automatically switches headphones to the passive mode, saving battery and delivering more than pleasing results.

Unfortunately, although the JBL E55BT brings good sound isolation and prevents outside sounds to interfere with the overall experience, its influence in the opposite direction is rather disappointing and it won’t give you the deserved level of privacy. In other words, it allows for the person that sits next to you, to hear what you are listening to when the volume is at 70% or more, which certainly isn’t something to be appreciated.

Design

In the design department, the JBL E55BT doesn’t offer anything spectacular and brings mostly a plastic built that includes the cups, inside of the headbands, and even the pads. There is also a little bit of metal in the headband itself and a fabric covering it; however, the plastic dominates, which is more than understandable considering the price.

The earpads provide a soft feeling and are covered with leather imitation cloth, while the earcups are built out of matte plastic and decorated with the JBL logo in the middle. Similar to the earpads, the headband also offers great cushioning and guarantees a comfortable use, which is more than beneficial.

JBL E55BT is available in multiple colors (black, blue, green, red, and white), and offers built-in button commands on the right cup that seems cheap; however, they do the job. These buttons include the power/pairing switch with LEDs, volume buttons, as well as playback and call management buttons that, when pushed together, can be used for track navigation.

Also, there is a 3.5mm jack for the included wired cable and passive connection, and the micro USB connection on the left earcup that allows for easy charging. In other words, everything needed for trouble-free use is there.

Good

JBL E55BT offers quite a lot for its price and although affordable, has a nice collection of features and qualities that maybe doesn’t position its neck and neck with the best headphones on the market, but it definitely does place it within the best budget-friendly headphones.

There is powerful audio, with strong bass, clear vocals, and very good highs. Also, there is solid connectivity that includes both a reliable wireless Bluetooth 4.0 connection and an analog wired connection.

Not to mention that the JBL E55BT headphones are very comfortable to wear, even during long periods, and that the overall build is quite lightweight, which is certainly another bonus.

There are also easy-to-use commands on the device itself, and excellent battery life. In other words, everything needed for a pleasant user experience is there.

Bad

Unfortunately, the JBL E55BT has a few flaws, too. Luckily, they are nothing major; nonetheless, they do exist and involve the lack of noise cancellation and a carrying case. Also, there is no aptX or NFC support, while the music significantly leaks outside, which may be rather disturbing for many users.

In other words, there is a lot of space for improvements.

Final Thoughts

All in all, the JBL E55BT is probably the best model you can find for the price. The closest competition to the JBL E55BT are Audio-Technica ATH-S700BT and Sennheiser HD 4.40. These headphones offer a similar level of performance and build quality, yet also have their downsides.

Also, there is the Sony MDR-XB950BT that comes at a similar price; however, it offers much more bass, which, on the other hand, may not be the perfect fit for everyone.

All in all, JBL E55BT is exactly what it should be, a decent headset for a reasonable price.

A Well-Balanced Mirrorless Camera

Canon EOS R is a high-quality camera that brings a combination of excellent performance and multiple features that result in one of the best mirrorless cameras available. With this device, you are getting a high-quality sensor, great AF, and more importantly, excellent image quality in both still images and 4K and Full HD video footage. In other words, you get a complete product that does a serious job.

Specifications:

Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, and USB3.1
Sensor type: 30.3 MP Dual Pixel CMOS AF sensor
Image Processor: DIGIC 8
ISO: 100 – 40000
AF points: 5,655 Dual Pixel AF positions
Burst shooting: 8fps
Screen type: 801 mm Clear View LCD II
View mode: EVF with 3.69 million dots
Battery type: LP-E6N
Battery life: 370 shots
Weight: 580 grams
Dimensions: Width 136 mm, Depth 84 mm, Height 98 mm

Features

When talking about the Canon EOS R features, it should be noted that this is no play toy, but a highly capable camera that brings a long list of functions, options, and extras that make it a highly competitive product.

To begin with, there is the 30.3 MP Dual Pixel CMOS AF sensor, with 5655 manually selectable AF points, and the DIGIC 8 image processor that positions the Canon EOS R at the same level as the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV. Then, there is the built-in low-pass filter, 30fps 4K video footage (unfortunately cropped), 8fps burst shooting, as well as the great connectivity that includes Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, NFC, and USB3.1 connection.

In addition, Canon EOS R is compatible with both Windows and Mac Operating Systems; it supports ISO from 100 to 40000 and offers plenty of movie modes, picture styles, and others allowing you to find the perfect setup without a huge effort.

Also, Canon EOS R is fitted with a solid LP-E6N battery that should allow you for around 370 shots, has a 3.69 million dots EVF and offers multiple handy options, such as Face Detection and Tracking, HDR, Multiple exposures, RAW image processing, etc. These features do make the difference and allow this device to fight the best digital cameras out there.

Usage

The usage of the Canon EOS R is straightforward and provides a similar experience as the other Canon DSLR or EOS M cameras. There is a decent level of customization, while the interface itself is pretty intuitive and easy to use.

One of the 38 functions can be assigned to the majority of the buttons, while the existence of the multi-function bar provides additional functionality and presents one of the most distinctive Canon EOS R features; however, it may not be the best fit for many.

Although the front dial positioning is pretty similar to the Canon DSLRs setup, the dial itself may be hard to reach for many, while the ergonomics of the other buttons, as well as the rear dial, are thankfully much better, allowing smooth use.

Captured images provide a good dynamic range, with accurate colors, while the low-light performance is on par with the best cameras of the class.

Design

The overall build quality of the Canon EOS R is pretty good, and it incorporates both dust and drip resistance, while the body itself presents a combination of alloy body, and polycarbonate and fiberglass parts that are the key reason for this camera’s premium looks.

As mentioned earlier, Canon EOS R offers a similar button setup as the recent Canon DSLRs, with the addition of the M-Fn Bar on the rear end of the camera, and has a weight of only 580 grams, which makes it highly portable and suits its smaller build perfectly.

Canon EOS R is also fitted with a USB C socket for battery charging and has one SD memory card slot that supports the UHS-II protocol. On its back, there is also an 801 mm Clear View LCD II touch screen, while above it, there are the 3.69 million dots EVF, with 0.71x magnification, allowing for easy eye-level viewing.

Good

Canon EOS R has so much to offer. It offers a decent level of customization; it is fitted with an excellent 30MP sensor and it provides the impressive 5655 focus positions. Both images and captured videos are of the finest quality, while the excellent connectivity provides additional options and makes this camera a highly versatile one.

In addition, Canon EOS R is also equipped with a high-quality viewfinder and an interesting M-Fn Bar. Also, there is the DIGIC 8 processor that guarantees premium performance and allows for the C-RAW compressed Raw format, while the interface is pretty smooth and intuitive, offering ease of use.

Canon EOS R offers a comfortable grip; it has a very precise AF and provides great flexibility that rightfully positions it neck and neck with the best cameras available.

Bad

Unfortunately, all this praise doesn’t mean that the Canon EOS R has no flaws. In the first place, there is no in-body stabilization and its 4K videos are cropped, which certainly isn’t the perfect option. Additionally, there is only a single SD card slot, while the dynamic range and noise performance, although good, are still a bit behind the competition.

In addition, Canon EOS R battery life requires improvements, along with the burst shooting, while the Dual Pixel AF shows signs of unreliability during video capturing. In other words, there is still room for improvement.

Final Thoughts

All in all, Canon EOS R is a mirrorless camera that has a lot to offer, among others, a reasonable price that positions it perfectly between the cheaper Canon EOS RP and the more refined Canon EOS R5, which is simply a supreme device.

In other words, if you are after one of the best mirrorless cameras out there that will give you an excellent level of performance, yet won’t go too deep into your pocket, Canon EOS R is the perfect device and the camera that will fulfill your every expectation, and much more.

A Perfect Tool for Outside Partying

Ultimate Ears Boom 3 is a fair-priced, compact Bluetooth speaker that brings a powerful sound and excellent durability that rightfully positions it among the best Bluetooth speakers available. This is an easy-to-use the device, with great looks and a 360-degree sound that makes it suitable for any sort of outdoor activity, whether that is a beach party, or you being alone with your thoughts.

Specifications:

Connectivity: Bluetooth
Drivers size: 5 cm
Battery life: 15 hours
Weight: 608 grams
Dimensions: Height 184 mm, Diameter 73 mm

Features

Ultimate Ears Boom 3 is a more mainstream-oriented Bluetooth speaker, with a limited number of features, and is devoted mostly to users looking for fun and joy, while the true audio experience is not in its main focus.

Of course, that doesn’t mean that the Ultimate Ears Boom 3 brings a terrible sound. Its sound is crystal clear and loud, offering a pleasant user experience; however, the sound itself isn’t as refined, which means that the true audiophiles should certainly look for something else.

Ultimate Ears Boom 3 is a wireless Bluetooth speaker, with a lightweight, 608-gram build and great durability features that involve a dust-proof rating, as well as the IP67 water-proof rating that allows its use in almost any surroundings, including the beach, shower, and similar.

This is a micro-USB-charged device, with a pretty decent 15-hour battery life, and more importantly, great pairing capabilities that allow its pairing with up to eight Bluetooth-enabled source devices (it can be connected with up to two devices at the same time). Also, this device is compatible with the other UE Boom and Megaboom speakers and can create a surround sound system with up to 150 of these devices, creating a unique surround experience.

Ultimate Ears Boom 3 has a wireless range of some 45 meters and comes with four different presets. Also, it has a customized tuner and supports wireless charging; however, such activity requires the purchase of a separate charging dock, which certainly isn’t great.

Usage

When talking about the usage, Ultimate Ears Boom 3 is super-easy to use. There are the basic functions on the device itself, such as the play/pause function, skipping songs, yet most importantly, a magic button that can be assigned a certain task, such as switching between the playlists, or that it allows streaming from the services such as the Spotify, Amazon Prime Music, or Apple Music.

Of course, for something like that, you will need an intuitive dedicated app that offers straightforward use and multiple settings, as well as the ability to turn your Ultimate Ears Boom 3 into an alarm clock, for instance. Also, it should be mentioned that the Ultimate Ears Boom 3 allows for easy pairing, allowing for multiple setups, while the audio performance itself creates clear and loud sound, perfect for parties and gatherings.

Unfortunately, the general quality of the sound isn’t of the highest level, which is most notable in the bass that is lacking the punch and high ends that can get distorted at high volumes. In other words, the overall audio performance simply isn’t up to the high standards, which is somewhat expected considering the drive’s size of only 5cm and the size of the speaker.

Design

The design department is where the Ultimate Ears Boom 3 shines, bringing the cylindrical build that can fit into a large soda can, allowing you to hold the speaker in the same places as you would hold your soda can or water bottle.

Its small size and lightweight nature make it super-portable, while the shimmering two-tone fabric, available in four color combinations (Dusk, Lagoon Blue, Sunset Red, and Ultraviolet Purple) makes this speaker unique and eye-catching when placed next to the other best Bluetooth speakers.

Ultimate Ears Boom 3 brings a durable build and is fitted with the basic functions on the device itself, such as volume buttons and the three additional buttons for on/of, as well as playback controls.

Inside of it, there are the two 5-cm drivers and two 10-cm passive radiators, while the device itself is highly protected and comes with the IP67 waterproof rating, dust-proof rating and, according to the claims of the Ultimate Ears, it can also stand a fall from one-meter height or more; however, that is not confirmed.

Good

Everything needed for a good beach party is here. There is a loud and clear sound, great durability, even great portability, thanks to the Ultimate Ears Boom 3 608-gram weight and small height of only 18 cm.

On top of that, these Bluetooth speakers allow for easy pairing with up to eight source devices, as well as the creation of surround sound that can be consisted of up to 150 UE Boom and Megaboom speakers. In addition, Ultimate Ears Boom 3 also has a competitive price; it has a two-year warranty and presents a complete product that is neck and neck with the best boomboxes out there.

Bad

That, unfortunately, doesn’t mean that the Ultimate Ears Boom 3 comes without any downsides – there are some. In the first place, that is its not that great audio performance, as well as the lack of a microphone that presents sort of a standard for the devices of this type, especially in this price range.

Another thing that presents a not-that-beneficial aspect of the Ultimate Ears Boom 3 is its wireless charging feature, which is great by itself; however, when you need to buy an additional charging dock to get it, things simply don’t seem right.

Final Thoughts

To sum up, Ultimate Ears Boom 3 is a pretty good Bluetooth speaker, with excellent usability, great durability, and solid performance that won’t impress you; nonetheless, it will bring you a good enough audio experience, suitable for small parties or small gatherings, which is the main goal of the Bluetooth speakers in the first place.

An Excellent Entry-level Gaming Keyboard

Razer Cynosa Chroma is a budget-friendly gaming keyboard that brings a decent performance and offers excellent RGB lighting that is neck and neck with the best gaming keyboards out there. This is a beautiful keyboard, with all the necessary stuff, although it is revoked of any extras, such as dedicated keys, and fully committed to the entry-level market and players that have a limited budget, yet want to have a proper gaming experience.

Specifications:

Form factor: Full-size
Connectivity: Wired (USB 3.0 or 3.1 Type-A)
Keyswitches: Mesh Gaming-Grade Keys
Number of keys: 104 programmable keys
Software Type: Razer Synapse 3
Onboard storage: No
Media keys: Yes
Cable length: 2 meters
Weight: 943 grams
Dimensions: Width 463 mm, Depth 154 mm, Height 31 mm
RGB lighting: 16.8 million color Chroma RGB lighting

Features

Razer Cynosa Chroma has everything that you need for proper gaming, such as 104 fully programmable keys, excellent customization options, as well as the ability to manage up to ten commands simultaneously, with the help of the built-in key rollover anti-ghosting.

In addition, there is also the Razer Chroma lighting, with the ability for individual backlight of each of the 104 keys, and the Chroma Workshop that allows synchronization with the popular games, and a large base of devices from more than 30 manufacturers. Also, there is the Hypershift function that allows for Macros creation, as well as the excellent Razer Synapse 3 software that will let you adjust even the smallest detail on your keyboard with ease.

Usage

That should be no surprise since the Razer Synapse 3 presents one of the most user-friendly software solutions out there, due to its redesigned and intuitive UI that does make a difference.

When talking about the usage of the keyboard itself, the first thing you will note is that it is super quiet, while the mesh switches provide a smooth feeling, with a decent actuation, as should be the case with a proper gaming keyboard.

However, that should be no surprise since the Razer Cynosa Chroma’s membrane switches provide a much deeper travel than the regular membrane switches; therefore, they deliver a much better gaming experience. Unfortunately, that doesn’t mean you will end up with the same level of responsiveness with a mechanical keyboard, yet you will get the most you can from a membrane-based keyboard.

In other words, the Razer Cynosa Chroma keyboard is a decent device that is very good for general use and typing, due to the switches’ light feeling, as well as a pretty good gaming tool. However, this goes only if you aren’t already spoiled with the highly responsive mechanical switches, in which case, you may consider the Razer Cynosa Chroma’s keys a bit too mushy for your taste.

Design

When it comes to the design, Razer Cynosa Chroma sticks to the main goal of the keyboard – to be simple, and as a result, it offers traditional looks, with the addition of spill-resistant characteristics, and a durable build that also includes solid membrane switches that allow for up to 80 million clicks.

Razer Cynosa Chroma is a full-sized keyboard, although a bit more compact than the competition. It is built mostly from black plastic and it is fitted with 104 fully programmable keys that can be individually backlit, as the Razer Chroma lighting.

Unfortunately, Razer Cynosa Chroma’s basic build means that there are no media or dedicated macro buttons, not even a USB pass-through, which means that the more demanding users might feel a bit disappointed.

Good

Of course, that doesn’t mean that the Razer Cynosa Chroma is a bad keyboard – it isn’t; however, this keyboard is built for an entry-level gaming market and as such, it needs to have an affordable price, which means that certain savings had to be made here and there.

Luckily, these actions haven’t ruined it – they helped create one of the best budget gaming keyboards on the market, a device that offers solid performance, good customization features, and impressive RGB lighting. To make things even better, Razer Cynosa Chroma is a very quiet device, with probably the best membrane switches on the market, great following software, as well as handy features such as Hypershift, as well as the Chroma Workshop, that will let you fulfill its gaming potential to the max.

In other words, this is a device that has a lot to offer for its price and as such, it needs only good complementary pieces, such as the best budget mice to show you its true value.

Bad

As mentioned earlier, the number of Razer Cynosa Chroma downsides isn’t the shortest one; however, the price is what dictates many things and as a result, certain assets have to be removed to make the savings. The features such as dedicated macro and media keys, wrist rest, as well as mechanical switches all had to go away.

However, what is the most important is that the resulting product is still pretty good, regardless of the cuts, and presents a pretty solid gaming solution. However, one thing that doesn’t have that much with the savings, and would have helped, is the ergonomics – it is rather disappointing that and should be improved with the future releases.

Final Thoughts

All in all, Razer Cynosa Chroma is what it is supposed to be, and that is an efficient gaming keyboard at a budget price. No, this keyboard won’t blow you away, yet it will do its job pretty well.

To be exact, Razer Cynosa Chroma will give you a similar value as the HyperX Alloy Core RGB keyboard that offers a similar level of features and performance and has dedicated media keys, while the Cynosa Chroma offers more customization options.

Another pretty similar device is the Razer Cynosa V2 that also offers a similar experience and in addition, has dedicated media keys, yet costs slightly more. In other words, you may be sure that the Razer Cynosa Chroma will give you everything that you need for a pleasant gaming experience, and more importantly, that won’t drastically impact your wallet, which is maybe the most important aspect of any device in these turbulent times.

A Webcam Perfect for Video Streaming

Razer Kiyo is a unique-looking webcam, with an excellent 1080p image quality and a handy lighting ring that makes it an ideal option for video streaming on Twitch, YouTube, and similar services. This is easy to use, with plug-and-play functionality and great compatibility that allows it to work with a variety of devices, including Windows and Mac-based devices, Android, Xbox One, and many others.

Specifications:

Connectivity: USB2.0
Image Resolution: 4MP
Video Resolution: 1080p
Video encoding: YUY2/MJPEG or H.264
Field of view: 81.6 degrees
Compatibility: Windows, macOS, Xbox One, Chrome OS, Android

Features

Razer Kiyo is a great device, dedicated to capturing a sharp and detailed image and their easy streaming on the needed services. This is the webcam that supports 30fps 1080p, as well as 60fps 720p video capture and can create still images of 2688 by 1520 pixels.

Razer Kiyo has an 81.6 degrees field of view, USB2.0 connectivity, and comes along with a built-in ring light that works very well in both bright and darkroom surroundings. In addition, this webcam is fully compatible with the Razer Synapse 3 software that provides multiple presets and settings changes, such as enabling/disabling autofocus, changing the focal distance, and many others.

When talking about the OBS software, you will be glad to know that Razer Kiyo supports all of them and that its best results show with the OBS or XSplit that is also recommended by the Razer, and that it is compatible with all sorts of video conferencing services, making it a good conference tool as well.

Usage

Simply, Razer Kiyo is a highly versatile device that offers great compatibility and allows for easy use, no whether it comes to the Synapse 3 settings changes, video conferencing, or streaming, which is the key objective of this webcam. In other words, Razer Kiyo offers a straightforward use; therefore, no matter your age, or tech education, any task should be managed without a hassle.

Its picture quality is great, images sharp, and with a lot of details, while its exposure is well-balanced. The included ring light brings excellent brightness, although it’s maybe too bright, which can be easily changed and adjusted to your preferences, with the help of the twist-ring around the camera.

What is even better is that the Razer Kiyo brings great low-light performance even without the light ring, which rightfully positions its neck and neck with the best streaming webcams available. Therefore, no matter how you plan to use this camera – for video calls, streaming, or something else, you may be sure you will get the perfect image.

However, its audio quality is something completely different and is in the class with built-in laptop microphones that are delivering soft and muffled sound, which is a big no-no, especially for this price. In other words, if you need good quality sound, you will need to get an external microphone that will make all the trouble go away.

Design

In the design department, Razer Kiyo brings an excellent look, with great attention to details and a rather unique appearance that rightfully separates it from other high-quality webcams.

Its combination of a small lens in the middle of the glossy black plastic, lens-textured disk, with status LEDs on the top and a Razer logo bellow, and the translucent white ring that is surrounding it, gives this webcam exclusive looks, offering a premium feel. Also, the very good movement of the camera that includes the up and down tilting and the foldable bottom, as well as the ability of the camera to be paired with tripods, makes this webcam an ideal solution for any sort of task, including the professional ones.

This webcam also comes with a built-in 1.5 meter USB cable and presents a well-built device, as should be the case with prominent streaming webcams such as this one.

Good

Razer Kiyo has good looks, and before anything else, it provides an excellent picture quality in both still and video images. In addition, its low-light performance is impressive and can be additionally enhanced with the built-in ring-light, while the webcam allows its use with almost any device, due to its great compatibility, as well as its plug-and-play functionality.

Also, Razer Kiyo can be easily adjusted with the help of the Razer Synapse 3 software, letting you see the finest details, while the streaming software, such as OBS or XSplit, work flawlessly with it, offering great usability of the device.

In other words, everything needed for a premium experience is there, except for the mic that simply isn’t up to the class of this device.

Bad

Simply, this is a major disadvantage and downside of the Razer Kiyo – the mediocre microphone that offers muffled sound and has no purpose if you are into professional streaming. This device only offers a great opportunity for creating high-quality videos, while the poor audio performance demands an additional microphone if you have any intention of using this webcam for serious work.

Final Thoughts

All in all, Razer Kiyo is one of the best streaming webcams you can find on the market, without any doubt; however, only if you are observing just its video and image quality that are among the best in the class. In the case you are also including its audio into the equation, the overall conclusion changes drastically and instead of a great device, this webcam turns into just a decent one.

When talking about the competition, Razer Kiyo is neck and neck with the webcams such as Logitech HD Webcam C920 and C922 that provide a similar level of performance; however, lack the lighting and offer the more classical appearance that isn’t anything bad, yet gives the Razer Kiyo a slight edge in the design department.

In other words, if there was a better microphone, the Razer Kiyo would probably be the best of the best among the streaming webcams. This way that simply isn’t the case. Nonetheless, if you are willing to pair it with a pro mic, you will be more than pleased with the results and end up with the perfect tool for video conferencing, streaming and have many other opportunities that this device brings to the customer.

Speaking of gaming rigs, and especially gaming laptops, the main thing you must understand is that they don’t come cheap. The price of high-end components skyrocketed, especially graphic cards, hence this laptop will put a big dent in your bank account, as it retails for more than $1500.

However, it must be noted that the Predator Helios boasts impressive hardware under the hood, things like a 10th gen Intel 6-Core i7-10750H CPU, a GeForce RTX 3060 6GB GPU, 16GB of RAM/512 GB SSD, and even a gaming-centric FHD IPS 144Hz display.

What does it mean? Well, to put it simply, the Acer Predator Helios 300 is not only an excellent gaming rig, but it can also be used for productive (as in money making) purposes, like video editing and graphic design, which makes it the best of both worlds.

So, you can spend a ton of money on this toy under the pretense that, at some point, you’ll start making money with it. This is a cool argument to use if it is your parents sponsoring your shopping endeavors.

Before proceeding with the review, always remember to take proper care of your gaming laptop if you want to prolong its life, and to do so, we would recommend you to read this article carefully.

What it is

Acer managed to insert firmly into the “best bang for the buck” market niche due to its reasonably priced products. The Predator Helios is a true-blue gaming laptop, which offers an interesting mélange of muscle, storage potential and screen speed for all your gaming needs.

It’s also true that buying a high end gaming laptop is more expensive this year than it was in 2020, and that’s due to cryptocurrency miners who are buying GPUs like there’s no tomorrow, hence the relatively steep price of this Acer machine, which costs $200 more compared to last year’s model.

The main difference between the Predator Helios 300 of last year and the current one is the Nvidia’s GeForce RTX 30 Series “Ampere” graphics. Truth be told, this GPU is much better as it dramatically improves gaming performance, and that’s why this laptop won a lot of awards this year.

Serious Gaming Laptop

The Acer Predator Helios 300 looks and feels like a gaming beast, due to its all-black chassis, aggressive rear-cooling vents and, most importantly, its red/turquoise (is that a color?) backlit Predator logo staring at you on the lid.

However, the design of the Predator is rather mainstream than radical, at least compared to Alienware stuff, which means it could be safely taken at work without raising eyebrows. Basically, the Acer is designed for a more mature vibe in order to appeal to a mass audience, and that’s a big plus in our book.

The Predator Helios 300 is average in size for a 15.6 gaming laptop, as it measures 0.9’’ by 14.3’’ by 10’’ (HWD), and weighs 4.85 pounds, which is respectable yet acceptable for its screen real estate. Always remember kids: heavy is good, heavy is reliable; and by the way, the Alienware R4 weighs more, 5.3 pounds respectively.

In terms of build quality, the Helios 300 boasts a partial aluminum design, but we would’ve loved a full-aluminum style, just like similarly priced rivals. Aluminum is great for dissipating heat, and also lasts forever compared to plastic, but that’s how life is.

To be more precise, the Helios 300 uses aluminum for the palm rest, the lid and keyboard deck, which means it’s not impressive in terms of build quality, but it’s decent. The chassis has good torsional rigidity, with minimal flex (the same goes for the lid), and speaking of the lid, you can open it with one hand.

Display

Display quality is a deal-breaker in a gaming/productivity laptop, but the Helios 300 really shines in terms of image quality. Everything looks great on the high-refresh-rate 144 Hz FPS screen, and the laptop can easily reach triple digit frame rates in Esport games.

The FPS panel has wide viewing angles, ample brightness, an anti-glare coating and it’s rated at covering 100 percent of the RGB color space, for vibrant visuals and silky smooth pictures.

Keyboard

Since the word of the day is colorful diversity, the same goes for the true RGB keyboard, with 4-zone RGB. You can use Acer’s PredatorSense application to control the RGB thing for each zone, and there’s even a dedicated physical button on the number pad that starts the app.

It’s true that you don’t have per-key backlighting customization, which is available on more costly gaming rigs, but the endless colors on four zones should be more than enough for the average gamer. The app also allows you to save profiles.

The keyboard is gaming-focused, with a long enough throw, and a thicker border on the arrow key clusters as well as on the WASD, which makes them appear brighter. However, the typing experience is not the best out there, or, to put it differently, it’s not great, not terrible.

Touchpad

Acer chose a smooth surface buttonless touchpad for the Helios 300, which makes it very easy to use and very precise due to its stiff physical key action that obliterates accidental presses. If you want to use an external mouse, like real gamers do, you can disable the touchpad easily by pressing Fn + F7.

Connectivity

The 10th gen Comet Lake CPU does not support Thunderbolt 4, yet the laptop offers a more than adequate port selection, including 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports@5 Gbps on the left side, a Killer E2600 2.5Gbps Ethernet jack, and an audio combo jack.

You also get a Killer AX1650i wireless card, which supports Killer DoubleShot Pro, Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5. Basically, the laptop can prioritize game traffic over Ethernet, while the Wi-Fi can be used for anything else.

The right edge harbors USB Type-A and Type-C ports of the 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gbps) variety, and you can charge devices on these babies even when the laptop is shut down. Acer also provided HDMI 2.0b and mini DisplayPort 1.4 video outputs, which is nice.

Performance

Gaming performance is on par with what’s expected from what’s under the hood, but the Helios 300 features built-in GPU overclocking via a Turbo button, even if the laptop gets noticeably louder in Turbo mode.

Speaking of which, the Turbo augmentation will provide an 8 to 10 percent jump in performance, and that’s not bad. The battery will last 7 and a half hours, which makes the laptop more than practical for traveling.

Miscellaneous stuff

There are no biometric features in the Helios 300, the likes of face recognition or fingerprint reader. The 720p webcam is of average quality and lacks a privacy shutter, but you can always use a piece of duct tape if you want to prevent Mark Zuckerberg from spying you while watching Anime.

Joke aside, this is not a business laptop, hence it’s kind of normal for Acer to not obsess over security features, in order to keep the price down. As in, we don’t hold the lack of security features against them.

On the bright side, the laptop has good-sounding speakers, and the two heavy-duty fans we told you about do a great job with keeping the laptop cool during extended gaming sessions. The best thing about the cooling design is that it keeps the noise down, as Acer did a bang-up job with minimizing motor and fan whine noises.

You can also control fan behavior from the PredatorSense app, which is kind of cool. Another thing worth mentioning is that end users can easily upgrade the Helios 300, as the laptop provides quick access to its 2x M.2 SSD slots (one occupied from the factory) and the 2.5-inch drive bay.

The RAM is also easy to upgrade, as the system accepts up to 2x 32 GB modules (it comes loaded with 2×8 GB from the factory). This trick is impossible in soldered RAM laptop models.

Bottom line

The 2021 version of the venerable Acer Predator Helios 300 offers solid performance and a smooth 144 Hz display, good port selection and a cool overclocking button, which makes it stand out against its similarly priced rivals. If you can get over the partial metal design and the lack of security features, you’ll end up with a great deal.

Even if it may be hard to believe given its size, this is basically a desktop replacement that can be carried anywhere, i.e. if you can live with the price tag, which is ample, you’ll end up with a fantastic laptop powered by Intel’s latest mobile CPUs.

Speaking of which, this particular model comes with an 11th gen CORE i7 1165G7 CPU, 16 GB of RAM, 1 TB SSD (!), Alexa built-in if you care about that, and a fantastic 11 hours battery, not to mention a gorgeous 16’’ WQXGA (2560×1600) display.

The cherry on the cake is this: despite its stellar specs and huge 16:10 display (okay, we are exaggerating a little bit for dramatic effect), this laptop weighs less than a 13’’. The only thing that we can complain about is the design, which is a little boring for a laptop from the future, but we’re only cherry-picking.

What is it

The LG Gram is built to maximize screen real estate without sacrificing weight in the process. To give you an idea, this laptop has the same screen size and resolution as a MacBook Pro 16’’, but due to its state-of-the-art magnesium alloy chassis, it weighs an incredible 1.16 kg or 2.6 lb, which is way lighter than the MacBook.

To be more precise, it’s 1.6 lb lighter and this is nothing short of amazing. The 16Z90P is also the latest iteration of the LG Gram, which makes for LG’s ultra-thin and light laptop range. There are also 14’’ and 17’’ variants as well, but the 16’’ hits the sweet spot in our book.

Moreover, the LG Gram 16 (2021) is an Intel Evo-certified laptop, which means it’s the next step in laptop design.

Specs

• CPU: 2.8GHz Intel Core i7-1165G7 (4-core, 12MB Intel Smart Cache, up to 4.7GHz with Turbo Boost)
• Graphics: Intel Iris Xe Graphics
• RAM: 16GB LPDDR4X (4,266MHz)
• Screen: 16-inch WQXGA (2,560 x 1,600) IPS LCD
• Storage: 1TB SSD (PCIe, NVMe, M.2)
• Ports: 2x USB-C with Thunderbolt 4, 2 x USB-A 3.2, 1x HDMI, 1 x microSD card reader, combi audio jack
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0
• Camera: 720p webcam
• Weight: 2.62 pounds (1.18kg)
• Size: 14.01 x 9.58 x 0.66-inches (355.9 x 243.4 x 16.8 mm; W x D x H)

Short Overview

At first sight, and especially after you pick it up for the first time, you’ll be flabbergasted with how light this laptop is. Until you physically hold it, you won’t really comprehend how incredibly light this machine is in real life. The 16’’ screen offers more than enough workspace without becoming too big, and since we’re talking Intel Evo, the Gram works smooth in everyday tasks.

Everything loads instantly, and even Windows 10 boots very fast. Due to its built-in fingerprint sensor, you can log in just by pressing the power button, and we must say that as far as productivity goes, this is a very accomplished laptop, i.e. it’s perfect for productivity-oriented people, or even for students shopping for something cool for school.

The laptop has no less than four Thunderbolt ports, which translates into future-proof cutting-edge support for high-end peripherals and storage. There are plenty other ports though, including full-size HDMI and USB for older devices, which is very nice on LG’s part.

Battery life is another strong point of this laptop, as 11 hours of autonomy is kind of hot for a 16’’ Windows 10 running machine. Speaking of battery life, don’t forget to read our article about how to care for your laptop’s battery.

As we already told you, we only complain about the dull design of this laptop from the future, and the preinstalled bloatware/software, which often spams pop-up messages trying to persuade you into buying nonsense subscriptions.

Design

As the Gram name suggests, this LG laptop’s main selling point is its incredible 2.6 pounds of weight, which makes it arguably the lightest 16’’ machine on the market. As we already told you, the LG Gram is almost half the weight of the Apple MacBook Pro (16’’ 2019 model).

The laptop can be effortlessly carried around in one hand due to its ultra-low weight, and if you carry it in a backpack or a bag, you will forget it’s there. The LG Gram is proof of concept that you don’t have to settle for a 13’’ laptop if you want something feather-light, and that screen size doesn’t matter in terms of overall weight.

The caveat to all these impressive features is the price, but if you can live with that, it doesn’t get any better than the LG Gram. Another thing to contemplate is that despite its lightness, this laptop is far from delicate. The Gram boasts a full metal chassis with impressive torsional rigidity, and passes the MIL-STD-810G military standard for durability.

So, don’t let its lightness full you: this baby is hard as a rock, as it’s built from the same material used by the aircraft industry. You can make spaceships from magnesium alloy, which means the LG Gram can survive drops and knocks, as well as dust, vibrations and high/low temps without breaking a sweat.

The laptop measures 14.01 x 9.58 x 0.66-inches (355.9 x 243.4 x 16.8 mm), i.e. it’s far from being compact, but will fit any bag without issue.

Connectivity is top-notch, including 2x Thunderbolt 4 USB C ports, 2x USB 3.2 and a microSD.

Display

The 16’’ display is also a big selling point for the LG Gram, due to its high resolution, 16:10 aspect ratio and thin bezels. Image quality is awesome, and the 2,56t0 x 1,600 WQXGA resolution panel supports 99% of the DCI-P3 color gamut, which makes it ideal for video editing.

Speaking of which, the laptop meets and exceeds the industry standard used by video editors, which means color reproduction is highly accurate, not only bright and vibrant.

Keyboard

The keyboard is more than adequate for avid typists, i.e. it’s comfortable, ideal in size and has almost perfect key travel; obviously, the keys are backlit, but you can’t change the light color.

Performance

The laptop boasts Intel Evo certification, and performs nicely in daily tasks, such as web browsing, document creation and so on. The 16:10 ratio screen is perfect for portrait documents, even if it’s kind of reflective due to its glossy finish.

Keep in mind that the LG Gram is not designed to be a gaming laptop or a workhorse, but for general use, it’s just awesome. For example, you can perform video editing in 4K resolution with ease, as well as photo editing, which makes this laptop a worthwhile investment for both work and school.

Final word

If you can live with the price tag, this laptop is the best ultra-lightweight machine on the market, easy to carry around, highly portable and packs a lot of heat under the hood so to speak. However, the LG is not suited for gaming, as its integrated graphics cannot deal with modern titles.

A Serious Voice Command Sound Speaker

Bose Soundbar 500 is another soundbar from the Bose family of speakers that offers good connectivity, solid performance, and ease of use that make it suitable for a large number of users. This is a sleek-looking device, with voice controls and good streaming capabilities that will help you stay tuned to your favorite services. In other words, everything needed for a pleasant user experience is there.

Specifications:

Connectivity: Bluetooth 4.2, Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and Apple AirPlay
Controller Type: Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa
Control Method: Voice
Inputs: HDMI-ARC, Optical, USB
Output power: 45W
Weight: 3175 grams
Dimensions: Length 102 mm, Height 45 mm, Width 800 mm

Features

Like its other siblings, Bose Soundbar 500 doesn’t come on the cheap side, and it requires that you go deep into your pocket to acquire it; however, it has a lot to offer if you are willing to make such an investment. To begin with, there are the voice controls and the support for both Alexa and Google Assistant. Also, there is a custom, noise rejecting, 8-mic array, and good connectivity that involves Ethernet connection, Bluetooth 4.2, Wi-Fi, and Apple AirPlay that will help you play the services such as Spotify, Amazon Music, Pandora, Deezer, and many others, with ease.

In addition, this soundbar also comes with the accompanying Bose music app that offers an intuitive interface and ease of use, as well as the HDMI port with an ARC compatibility.

Bose Soundbar 500 is a slim speaker device, with support for DTS and Dolby Digital, and the upgradeability that allows its pairing with speakers, wireless subwoofers, and satellites, preferably from the Bose offerings that are giving the best possible results when combined with it.

Usage

When talking about the usage of the Soundbar 500, you should know that this device brings a well-balanced, neutral sound and that it is fitted with a dialogue enhancement feature that makes the dialogues very clear and accurate, making this soundbar an ideal option for voice-oriented content such as audiobooks, podcasts, sitcoms, etc.

Although small, this soundbar sounds good and offers a decent bass punch, which is surprising since it comes without a subwoofer. Its sound is pretty wide, it doesn’t lack the low ends, and can get pretty loud.

Of course, the lack of the subwoofer doesn’t come without consequences, and is the most noticeable with the bass-heavy content that certainly doesn’t bring the best out of the Soundbar 500, forcing a lot of audio compressions.

Where the Soundbar 500 shines and is neck and neck with the best soundbars out there, is the ease of use and the ability to control the system in three different ways: with the help of the remote, over the voice controls, or through the highly intuitive Bose Music app. In other words, whatever you want to do with this app, you will be able to do it in a matter of moments.

Design

In the design department, Soundbar 500 brings a minimalistic approach, with simple lines, and only two buttons on it (microphone mute button and voice assistance on/off button). The overall build is solid, and it presents a combination of metal grills on the sides and the front, and plastic on other sides, including the matt-finish top.

When it comes to the inputs, there is one HDMI port with ARC support, Optical input, USB and Ethernet port, as well as a connection for additional speakers.

The accompanying remote has a matt rubber finish; it is run by two AAA batteries and it offers a plenty of functions that should make the overall use as sleek as possible. There are buttons for Power, Volume, Music, Bluetooth, TV, forward, backward, and even six buttons for memorizing your favorite radio stations or streaming services.

Good

Everything needed for a pleasant user experience is here: sleek look and good build quality. Audio is well-balanced, with rich lows and detailed highs, while the dialogues are clear and accurate.

In addition, there is also the support for voice controls (Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa), good connectivity that includes, among others, Apple AirPlay, good upgradeable capabilities, and excellent streaming support. Altogether, there is a pretty good combination of features and positives, as should be the case with one of the best soundbars available on the market.

Bad

Unfortunately, that doesn’t mean that Soundbar 500 has no flaws, because it does. To begin with, it is expensive.

Also, it has only one HDMI input; it has no Atmos support, and it lacks sub-bass, which certainly isn’t appreciated at this price level. In other words, it has its drawbacks that you can live with; however, the question remains: is it worth it?

Final Thoughts

Soundbar 500 has a lot to offer. There is the Alexa and Google Assistant integration, excellent app, pretty good, clear audio. All the important pieces are there.

Yes, the fact remains that the bass needs a bit more push, but let’s be honest, a device like this one is usually bought in a combination with additional speakers, subwoofers, and other equipment. This means that the overall performance depends on the other components as well, and if you choose to pair it with the complementary pieces from the Bose portfolio, you may be sure you are getting some serious stuff – a system that is neck and neck with the systems such as Samsung HW-N950, Sonos Playbar, as well as Sony HT-Z9F with satellites.

In other words, if you are seeking just a soundbar that will upgrade your multimedia experience, you may be sure that the Soundbar 500 will manage it. However, have in mind that other devices simply offer more for the price.

On the other hand, if this soundbar is just a part of a larger system, you may be sure you will get the best performance possible and a respectable system that will fulfill your every need.

A Soundbar that Won’t Leave You Indifferent

JBL Bar 5.1 is a solid mainstream soundbar that creates a pleasant sound experience thanks to its strong bass and high power output, which settles it somewhere in the middle among the best soundbars on the market. This is a pretty large system that offers good connectivity, wireless music streaming support, and true 4K compatibility that makes pairing it with today’s best TVs super easy. Therefore, if you are after a soundbar that delivers a pretty good mixed usage and a punchy mid-range performance, JBL Bar 5.1 is more than a good choice.

Specifications:

Connectivity: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, Chromecast, and Apple AirPlay
Frequency Response: 40-20000 Hz
Driver size: 250 mm
Output power: 550W
Battery life: 10 hours (730 mAh)
Dimensions: Bar – Length 98 mm, Height 58 mm, Width 1016 mm; Subwoofer – Length 305 mm, Height 440 mm, Width 305 mm

Features

JBL Bar 5.1 offers a pretty good package; however, it has its weaknesses that are mostly presented in the absence of certain features, such as the Dolby Atmos support, and lack of inputs, such as the Auxiliary and Coaxial inputs that are sort of a standard on the soundbar systems.

On the other hand, JBL Bar 5.1 brings an impressive 550W power output and a modular construction that helps with the ideal positioning of the system. Also, this soundbar offers a 250mm wireless subwoofer, with excellent bass, as well as wireless surround speakers that bring 10 hours of autonomy. In addition, there is also great connectivity that involves the traditional Bluetooth connection and the 2.4GHz wireless, as well as Chromecast and Apple AirPlay, that should help with streaming and allow you to enjoy your favorite content with ease.

This soundbar comes with 4K connectivity, Dolby digital support, and a simple-to-use remote. There are also three HDMI inputs with ARC support, as well as the implementation of the JBL SoundShift function that allows an instant change between your TV sound and the sound of your tablet, phone, or some other device.

JBL Bar 5.1 uses a ‘Multibeam’ technology and the room calibration feature for enhancing the audio experience, including the surround sound. Also, it brings a solid combination of features that maybe aren’t up to the standards of today’s best soundbars, but they are still bringing a pretty decent audio experience.

Usage

Where the JBL Bar 5.1 shows its best sides is certainly its performance. As mentioned, this soundbar is a perfect option for mixed usage, because it brings clear and accurate dialogue, which makes it ideal for movies, as well as a punchy, boomy sound characteristic for heavy music, especially bass-heavy tracks, such as EDM.

Unfortunately, its sound isn’t the most balanced one, and it has a problem with layered sounds; however, it sounds much bolder than is the case with the competition and offers punchy, mid-range audio. Since there are only two EQ presets, its customization capabilities are limited, while on the other hand, its good connectivity, including Chromecast and Apple AirPlay, allows for easy streaming of podcasts, audiobooks, etc.

The accompanying remote is super easy to use and offers only the basic functions, while the soundbar comes with only the essential functions such as power, volume, and input, which goes along with the minimalistic nature of this soundbar.

All in all, JBL Bar 5.1 has enough power and capabilities to deliver a decent audio performance in a large or crowded space, making this device suitable not only for home use, but for smaller events and celebrations as well.

Design

In the design department, JBL Bar 5.1 doesn’t bring anything major, mostly because its whole concept is a minimalistic one. This is the approach that is used on the soundbar, subwoofer, and the remote, and as a result, it offers a device with clean lines and only basic functions, such as the power button, volume up/down button, and so on, that can be found on both the soundbar and the remote.

JBL Bar 5.1 has an excellent build quality and offers good connectivity that involves Optical Audio In, three HDMI ports, an Ethernet port, as well as a USB connection. The soundbar’s outside is made of good quality, matt, silver plastic that brings more of a premium touch and is fitted with a discrete JBL logo on the top-middle of the device. In the front, there is the display, hidden under the dotted grill, which is another addition to its classy looks, while the soundbar itself is pretty compact, in contrast to the boxy, large-sized subwoofer.

Good

All in all, JBL Bar 5.1 is a pretty good device, with plenty of attributes, such as great wireless connectivity features, easy setup, as well as the outstanding 550W output power. On top of that, this soundbar is using multiple advanced technologies, such as the Multibeam and SoundShift, that should improve the audio performance and make the overall usage much easier.

Also, this soundbar brings a strong bass, good surround sound experience, and clear audio that makes this system suitable for a whole variety of usages. In other words, this is a well-balanced system that should be suitable for most users.

Bad

Yes, the fact remains that there is no Dolby Atmos support and that there are only two EQ presets that limit the customization. Also, there is no aux-in, or the dialogue enhancement feature, yet, its performance is still pretty good, and the overall usability doesn’t suffer because of these issues.

However, another not-that-welcome thing is the size of the JBL Bar 5.1 subwoofer, which is pretty large and limits where you can place it, while the creation of compression artifacts at max volumes is another not that beneficial thing that certainly isn’t a deal-breaker, yet may present an issue for some users.

Final Thoughts

In other words, JBL Bar 5.1 is a decent device that offers better performance and features than, for instance, the more affordable Yamaha YAS-209. However, more expensive models with Atmos support, such as Sonos Arc, simply bring much more to the table.

JBL Bar 5.1 is somewhere in the class with the Samsung HW-Q60T that offers a similar setup and features, yet brings more EQ presents and better audio format support; nonetheless, it lacks the playback options, room correction, and doesn’t offer the same level of audio performance. Simply, this soundbar is, as mentioned earlier, well-positioned in the middle of the offerings, delivering a pretty good combination of features and performance. Therefore, if you want something that will bring you a lot of versatility and usability, JBL Bar 5.1 is more than a solid option.

Three Mice for the Price of One

Razer Naga Trinity is one more high-performing gaming mouse from Razer that combines great efficiency, speed, and versatility into one of the best gaming MMO mice out there. This is a large, comfortable mouse, with great ergonomics, and most importantly, a swappable side panel that allows you to have a mouse with 9, 14, or 19 fully programmable buttons, giving you an incredible level of adaptation and a perfect tool for MMO or FPS games.

Specifications:

Form factor: Right-handed
Connectivity: Wired
Sensor: Razer 5G
Maximum Polling Rate: 1000Hz
Buttons: 9, 14, or 19 programmable buttons (depending on the configuration)
Switches type: Mechanical
On-board memory: Yes
DPI: 16,000
Maximum Acceleration: 50G
Weight: 120 grams
Dimensions: Length 119 mm, Height 68 mm, Width 43 mm
RGB lighting: RGB Chroma

Features

Razer Naga Trinity is a one-of-a-kind device that should satisfy a large portion of gamers, by delivering three different mice for the price of one. To make things even better, this mouse also brings a whole bunch of features, such as Razer Synapse 3 compatibility and great customization at the same time, quiet operations, as well an impressive Razer 5G 16000 DPI optical sensor that brings much-needed efficiency and precision. Also, there is the low latency, great build quality, and excellent paw grip, however, only for those with larger hands.

Razer Naga Trinity is fitted with solid PTFE feet, a scroll wheel with 24 steps, and it offers DPI adjustment from 100 to 16000. On top of that, it comes with a HyperShift function; it supports up to 42 programmable inputs and has everything that one of the best gaming mice should.

Usage

Razer Naga Trinity is very comfortable to use and feels good in hand; however, its larger size may present a serious obstacle for users with smaller hands. The mouse itself is very fast, due to low latency, and is a real pleasure to use it, especially for MMO titles, due to the 42 programmable inputs and 19 physical buttons.

The buttons themselves are stable and offer a good feeling, due to their mechanical nature, while mouse wheel that’s a bit wobbling may present the only issue.

Razer Naga Trinity offers very good customization options that can be easily managed with the help of the Synapse 3 software, while the swappable side panel helps in finding the perfect configuration, and is very easy to change.

On the other hand, if you are seeking an office or travel mouse, or a device for light gaming, this mouse will give you a good performance, but many other models will offer more for the money, are less bulky, and have much lower weight, which is one of the most important aspects for travels, as well as for an office mouse.

Design

When talking about the design, at the first glance, Razer Naga Trinity doesn’t offer anything spectacular. There are three Chroma-powered RGB lighting zones (on the logo, side buttons, and the wheel), as well as good ergonomics. The overall build is pretty good and the mouse has a sturdy structure, even though the it is entirely made of plastic, while its right-handed orientation harms its otherwise pretty good versatility a bit.

However, these are all just side things, the major feature on the Razer Naga Trinity is its swappable side panel with 2, 7, or 12 buttons that truly makes the difference and presents the key feature of this mouse. These side panels are locked with the help of a strong magnet that keeps them well-positioned and you just need a bit of pulling to change them.

Other than the changeable side panel, Razer Naga Trinity also has a traditional left and right button, middle-click button, DPI button, and the tilting wheel. In other words, everything needed for a gaming-oriented mouse is there.

Good

Simply, Razer Naga Trinity is an excellent device with great customizability, excellent build, and most importantly, great performance. There is an efficient and precise 16000 DPI sensor, low latency, and a pretty good overall build.

Good customization software combined with RGB Chroma lighting and multiple button configurations, including the 42 programmable inputs, makes the Razer Naga Trinity a highly adaptable device and the level of customization and options that is almost incomparable with any other gaming mouse. In other words, this device is what most gamers would want to see laying down on their precious gaming desk.

Bad

Of course, that doesn’t mean that the Razer Naga Trinity is without flaws, because it isn’t. However, these downsides don’t represent anything major and involve a lack of wireless connectivity, and it’s a bit larger size, which makes this mouse inappropriate for users with smaller hands.

Also, its 2.1-meter cable is a bit stiff, while the mouse itself feels a bit heavy, although it weighs only 120 grams, which isn’t much. In other words, its weaknesses are more than acceptable and more than reasonable for one of the best mice out there.

Final Thoughts

All in all, Razer Naga Trinity is a great mouse that maybe costs more than the other wired gaming mice, yet it offers three different products in one, which justifies its price that is still much lower than you would pay for three separate devices.

When compared to the competition, Razer Naga Trinity positions itself above the mice such as the Razer Naga X, and is somewhere in the class with the Logitech G502 HERO, although it offers more buttons, and better customizability than it, which is a serious advantage, especially if you are into MMO gaming.

In other words, Razer Naga Trinity is a serious gaming mouse, with only minor flaws that don’t make a true difference. Therefore, if you are after an excellent gaming mouse, especially for MMO games, the choice is pretty simple. Also, if you are not devoted to only one genre and like to use your mouse for a wide range of purposes, from gaming to office work, this mouse is the one that will fulfill your ever