Latest news with #reviewer
The Sun
2 days ago
- The Sun
Beats Solo 4 review: Great staying power, but are they a true upgrade?
BEATS has given its much-loved Solo headphones a refresh. Here are the headlines: same iconic look, better sound, longer battery. But this Beats Solo 4 review shows it's more of a subtle tune-up than a full-on upgrade. 7 BUY HERE The Beats Solo 4 landed in May 2024, part of a wider refresh across Beats' classic line-up. The update was long overdue — their predecessor, the Solo 3s, came out way back in 2016. Thankfully, the Solo 4s bring some solid improvements, with longer battery life, USB-C charging, and Spatial Audio, as well as that signature Beats look. Having reviewed some of the best noise-cancelling and best wireless headphones for running on the market, I was curious to see how the Solo 4s measure up. Sitting mid-range in the Beats lineup, they're not the cheapest, but far from the priciest. That puts them in an interesting spot: better in key areas than cheaper models, but not quite a full step above. This Beats Solo 4 review will settle who they're best suited for, and whether they're worth their price tag. Read on to find out. Pros: Spatial Audio for immersive sound Long-lasting 50-hour battery Easy-to-use physical controls Cons: No active noise cancellation Not water or sweat resistant Expensive at full price Rating: 7/10 How I tested the Beats Solo 4 7 I've spent the past couple of weeks with the Beats Solo 4, mostly seeing how they fare during my commute, dog walks, and day-to-day errands. I focused on the stuff that matters: sound quality, comfort, battery life, and design. Basically, how well they hold up to real everyday use. I've used Beats before; my Studio 3s from 2018 are still going strong, so expectations were high going into this. How much are they? At £199.95, they're on the pricey side, but much better value if you catch them on sale. Who are they best for? They're a great go-to for daily use and perfect for commutes, work, or winding down at home. They look slick, sound solid and last for ages on a single charge. What we loved: The sound is clear and balanced, with Spatial Audio adding nice depth. Battery life is excellent; 50 hours means days without charging. What we didn't: No noise cancelling, so not ideal in loud spaces. There's no water resistance either, so they're best kept out of the gym or rain. Considering their full price, they're a bit short on features. The Nitty‑Gritty First impressions 7 Beats Solo 4, £199.95 £149 from Amazon I didn't come into this blind. I've spent years with the Beats Studio3, so I had a solid feel for the Beats experience going in. Out of the box, the Solo 4 made a strong impression, with the new slate blue colourway feeling like a bold and refreshing change from the black or grey I'm used to. Like my old pair, they're lightweight but still feel sturdy, with just enough heft to come across as premium, not plasticky. The setup was painless. The Solo 4 popped up instantly in Bluetooth mode and connected without fuss. The move to USB-C charging is a welcome upgrade, especially since most of my other gear already uses it, so not having to hang on to another cable is a win. Does it deliver? 7 For nearly £200, you'd be forgiven for expecting noise cancellation. However, the Solo 4 skips it entirely, just like Beats' other non-Pro models. That keeps it from stepping on the toes of the Studio range, but at this price point, the omission stings. Still, they do a decent job of passively blocking out noise thanks to their snug fit. The Solo 4 now supports Spatial Audio, which adds a nice sense of depth, and there's seamless compatibility with both Apple and Android devices. Despite Beats sitting under the Apple umbrella, these use a Beats chipset rather than Apple's, which gives them more flexibility across platforms. I've used them for everyday listening and while out walking the dog. They stay put, feel comfortable, and do the job, but they're not built for the outdoors. 7 Beats Solo 4, £199.95 £149 from Amazon There's no water or sweat resistance, which rules them out for anything more intense than a stroll on a dry day. If you're planning to use them outside regularly, I'd look elsewhere. The odd bit of exposure is fine, but long-term, it'll take a toll and shorten the headphones' lifespan. The battery life is where the Solo 4 really shines, with a 10-hour boost over the previous model at up to 50 hours of playtime. I used them most evenings over the week and only had to charge once. A quick 10-minute top-up using Fast Fuel supplies around five hours of playback, which is ideal for last-minute dashes out the door. For an on-ear pair this compact, that kind of stamina is genuinely impressive. The Solo 4 loses points for me simply because they don't feel like a true upgrade to an eight-year-old product. You'll find options a fraction of the price offering ANC, and with no IP rating, the Solo 4 will always have limited functionality — both frustrating at this price point. Audio quality I've been testing the Beats Solo 4 for a while now, and having done my fair share of audio reviews, I know when something sounds good, and these certainly do. Beats are often known for their bass-heavy sound, but I found the Solo 4 struck a nice balance. Tracks do sound punchy, but deliver a well-rounded and enjoyable listening experience. For me, they sound like a premium option, which is exactly what you'd expect when you're paying for the Beats name. 7 Beats Solo 4, £199.95 £149 from Amazon BUY HERE One feature that stood out in practice was the physical controls, cleverly hidden in the ear cup. A single press of the Beats logo pauses or plays your music, two presses skip to the next track, and three take you back to the previous one. Adjusting the volume is just as simple; press above the logo to increase it and below to lower it. It's an intuitive setup that feels natural to use and has the bonus of being glove-friendly, unlike touch controls. How much are the Beats Solo 4? The Beats Solo 4 hit shelves in May 2024 with a retail price of £199.95, making them a cheaper alternative to the flagship Studio Pro headphones, which go for a hefty £349.99. For those looking for premium sound without breaking the bank, the Solo 4 strikes a solid middle ground. You can now grab them at a discount, with Amazon slashing them by 25%, bringing the price down to just £149 for the Matte Black colourway. Where to buy Beats Since Beats is part of the Apple family, you can grab the Solo 4 directly from Apple, but you'll often save by shopping elsewhere. They're stocked at most major retailers; Amazon, Currys, and Argos all have them listed, often with rotating deals, so it's worth shopping around for the best price. Here's where to look: Beats Solo 4 alternatives If the Beats Solo 4 isn't quite in budget or you're after more features for less, there are plenty of solid alternatives worth a look. The Sony WH-CH520 stand out as an affordable option, offering quality and noise-cancelling for under £40. Another pick is the Soundcore Q30, a well-rounded choice that are currently going for £54.99 on Amazon. They promise impressive sound specs and three noise-cancelling modes, making them a steal for the price. For something a bit more unconventional, there's the Philips TAA6219BK. Their solar-powered design is pretty innovative and might appeal to eco-conscious buyers, especially for outdoor use. They may not have the premium polish of the Solo 4, but for casual listening, these options deliver strong performance without the big spend. The Beats Solo 4 are slick, well-made headphones that deliver where it counts for everyday use. The 50-hour battery life is a real win, and the sound is clean, balanced, and easy to enjoy whether you're commuting, working, or just relaxing. But the upgrade fell short, and they're not the most feature-packed option out there. There's no active noise cancellation, and without any water or sweat resistance, they're not ideal for workouts or unpredictable weather. At full price, they feel a bit steep for what you get. But if you're after something comfortable and reliable, with battery life that goes for days, they're a solid pick, especially if you can catch them on sale.
The Independent
2 days ago
- General
- The Independent
The best can openers that make light work of tough tins
A good can opener is an essential kitchen accessory that you won't appreciate until you don't have one. Whether you're looking to crack open a tin of tomatoes for a pasta dish or need to open some meaty chunks for your dog's dinner, there is nothing more frustrating that a tin opener that is difficult to use or leaves behind jagged edges. Can openers come in a range of styles with various price points. From classic metal models to handles designed for those with limited grip strength, choosing the right tin opener for you depends on your own needs and preferences. As a keen cook, I've tested my fair share of kitchen appliances and gadgets, so I know exactly what separates a great tool from one that's just taking up drawer space. When it comes to can openers, I've learned to look beyond the basics. I test for smooth, safe cuts, how comfortable the grip is during use, how easy it is to clean, and whether it works reliably over time without jamming or slipping. After years of hands-on experience, I know which features actually make your life easier and which ones are just marketing fluff. So, whether you're looking for a reliable everyday can opener or one that will support your specific needs, my tried-and-tested picks have you covered. How I tested I tested these can openers the way most people actually use them – at home, in the middle of busy weeknight dinners and lazy Sunday meal preps. I opened everything from standard soup cans to stubborn, oversized tomato tins, sometimes one after another, just to see how each opener held up when put to work. Some went straight into rotation for weeks as I wanted to know not just how well they worked fresh out of the box, but whether they stayed sharp and didn't make a simple task more frustrating than it needed to be. I tested against a strict set of criteria including: ease of use, comfort, cutting performance, build quality, durability, and extra features. Ease of use: This was a top priority during testing because a can opener should make life easier, not more frustrating. I paid close attention to how quickly and smoothly each opener attached to the can, whether it locked into place securely or needed fiddling. I also looked at how much effort it took to turn the handle or crank with the best gliding through lids effortlessly. Comfort and grip: I also paid special attention to comfort and grip, as this is especially important for anyone with arthritic hands or limited wrist strength. A good can opener should feel secure and stable in your hand without causing strain. I looked at the handle size, shape, and material, giving bonus points to those with soft, non-slip grips that felt great even during longer use. Cutting performance: Even the most comfortable can opener is useless if it struggles to open a can cleanly, so I looked at how easily and smoothly each model pierced the lid and whether it cut all the way around without stopping, slipping, or leaving jagged edges. A good can opener should glide through the metal with minimal effort and produce a clean, safe cut every time. Durability: A can opener needs to hold up over time, not just work well out of the box. I paid attention to the materials used, how solid each opener felt in hand, and whether any parts wobbled, bent, or loosened with repeated use. A well-built can opener should feel dependable from the first use to the hundredth. Why you can trust IndyBest reviews Rachael Penn is a journalist who specialises in lifestyle, tech and food and drink. She has been writing product reviews for IndyBest since 2021, covering a whole range of home and kitchen appliances, from the best toaster for your morning slice to the best microwaves. For each review, Rachael prioritises quality, high performance and, of course, affordability. The best can openers for 2025 are:
CNET
28-06-2025
- CNET
After Years of Testing Wi-Fi Routers, Here's the Best Spot for Your Mesh Router
When it comes to optimizing your internet connection throughout your home, router placement is key. So you might want to reconsider before hiding your mesh system. The truth is, most Wi-Fi routers are pretty ugly. Your first impulse is probably to tuck your router away and hide ugly cords to reduce clutter. But if you've noticed your Wi-Fi struggling in certain rooms, it's worth rethinking your router placement -- even with a mesh system. As an expert, I've been testing and reviewing router performance for years, and I've found that few things are as critical to Wi-Fi speeds as the location of your router. While a traditional Wi-Fi router sends out a signal from a single point in your home, a mesh system uses multiple devices to emit signals from various points. That makes it more like a team of routers that work together to relay your traffic back to the modem. It's a much better approach to home networking, particularly in large, multistory homes, where a traditional, single-point router will likely leave you with dead zones in the rooms that are farthest away. Still, location is everything when setting up your router and satellite extenders, which are also sometimes called nodes (or Points if you use Nest Wi-Fi). Their specific location significantly affects the system's performance. Internet is already expensive, with over 63% of US adults paying $195 or more on average, so if you've invested in a mesh router system, you should be getting the speeds you're paying for. Here are some guidelines to keep in mind as you go. (You can also check out our tips on the best location for your Wi-Fi router and how to protect your home Wi-Fi network from hackers.) Where is the best location to place your mesh router? Mesh routers and other Wi-Fi devices perform their best when they're located out in the open, and up off of the ground. Netgear First, you'll want the main router, or the mesh device wired to your modem, to be located as centrally in your home as possible. That's the same approach you'd take with a single router, and the reasoning is the same: Routers put out Wi-Fi signals in all directions, so placing your router in a central location within your home will maximize your connection. Locating local internet providers That goes double for mesh systems, where the strength of the connection near your nodes will largely depend on the strength of the incoming signal from the main router. A stronger connection between the two will help ensure you're getting the fastest Wi-Fi speeds throughout your home. Your options for moving the router might seem limited by the location of your modem and the incoming wiring for your home's internet connection, but an extra-long Ethernet cable can come in handy here, allowing you to move the router away from where the modem sits if necessary. If that's impractical or you'd prefer to keep the cables to a minimum, you'll at least want to move that main router out into the open, preferably as high off the ground as possible. This guide from Asus highlights a mesh rule of thumb -- for the best performance, try to keep each device in your setup no more than two rooms away from another one. Asus Move those extenders around Once the main router is situated in the best spot possible, you'll want to pick out good spots for the extenders. With most systems, you can connect each device to the main router with an Ethernet cable for the fastest speeds possible, but most people prefer to connect everything wirelessly to reduce clutter. Since Wi-Fi is slower than Ethernet, you'll want to be extra strategic about where you place the extenders throughout your home. To learn more, read our guide on the difference between a Wi-Fi vs. Ethernet connection. Again, out in the open and off the ground is your best bet for a clear signal, but you'll also want to consider the layout of your home, as physical obstructions between the main router and the extenders can slow things down. Generally speaking, a good rule of thumb is to try and keep the devices in your mesh setup no more than two rooms away from each other. The thickness and material of your walls can interfere with your Wi-Fi signal, especially if they're built with dense materials like brick or concrete, which can make it difficult for Wi-Fi signals to penetrate. You'll also want to watch out for electronic interference from TVs and other large appliances. If you're sticking a mesh extender in the kitchen, resist the urge to hide it on top of the fridge; move it away from your appliances altogether. Most mesh systems come with companion apps that include placement guides for your devices, signal strength checks, and other diagnostic tools to help you make sure you've got everything in the best spot possible. Screenshot by Ry Crist/CNET Furniture can also block Wi-Fi signals, so if you have anything large or bulky between two of your mesh devices, consider relocating it. Aquariums are another classic antagonist for your mesh setup, as Wi-Fi has difficulty transmitting through water. The best way to ensure that your mesh network is as well-connected as possible is to open its app and check the signal strength of each device, which is something most systems offer. You can also find system-specific guidance online at the links below: Avoid these dead zones If you've got a back corner of your home where the signal drops out, it might be tempting to stick a mesh extender smack in the middle of that dead zone to boost your speeds. In a lot of cases, that'd be a mistake. Remember, like your phone or laptop, your mesh extenders need to connect wirelessly with the main router in your setup. If that back corner is a dead zone for your phone or laptop, it'll likely be a dead zone for your mesh extender too. The better approach is to place that extender adjacent to the dead zone in a spot where it'll have an easier time connecting with the main router. In some cases, that might be halfway between the dead zone and the main router, but you might need to experiment a bit. Hit the sweet spot, and the Wi-Fi signal it puts out should be a healthy one, and one that'll extend into the dead zone to bring it back to life. A good speed test will help you understand how your Wi-Fi is holding up from room to room. James Martin/CNET Run a speed test Apart from the diagnostic tools in your mesh router's app, the fastest way to check on your system's performance is to run speed tests. There are plenty of free services online that we recommend, any of which will tell you in a minute or less the upload and download speeds on whatever device you're using. However, our top recommendation is Ookla thanks to its consistency and reliability. This is also a tool that we often use to determine speeds offered by different internet providers. (Disclosure: Ookla is owned by the same parent company as CNET, Ziff Davis.) For the best intel, grab your laptop or phone and run multiple speed tests in each room of your house where you need a usable Wi-Fi signal. Ultimately, you should have a good ballpark sense of where speeds are the steadiest and where they dip. From there, you could try moving your extenders to try and balance things out, or you could consider buying an additional extender to fill in any gaps. Either way, your home should be all set with a strong signal wherever needed. Running a speed test can help you figure out the best spot to put your mesh router. Chris Monroe/CNET Other considerations for your mesh router Just remember that your mesh router can only offer speeds that are as fast as what you're paying for from your ISP. If speeds are widely insufficient in your home, then it might be time to consider upgrading to a faster plan (and it might be worth seeing if your ISP will let you try a faster plan for a few days to see if that is, indeed, the problem). Your ISP might also be able to provide you with an updated modem that'll bring better, faster speeds to your mesh system to begin with. Can't hurt to ask. If speeds still seem slower than you'd like, and your ISP isn't the answer, there are a few other things you can try. For starters, if your provider's modem is a gateway device that doubles as a router, you'll want to disable its Wi-Fi network so that it doesn't interfere with your mesh system's Wi-Fi network. Speaking of interference, it's possible that a neighbor's Wi-Fi network is interfering with yours. To remedy that, hop into your mesh router's app and look for channel settings that let you tune your network to a different part of the Wi-Fi airwaves, potentially steering away from whatever channel nearby networks use. You'll also want to ensure that your mesh system's firmware is updates, which should be easy to check within its app. For more, check out our picks for the best Wi-Fi 6 routers, and how to find free secure Wi-Fi wherever you go. Mesh router placement FAQ Where is the best mesh node placement? The best place for your mesh router nodes depends on the layout of your house and whether there are any dead zones. Additionally, you'll have to decide if you want to connect your mesh nodes with an Ethernet cable, for the fastest possible speeds, or wirelessly. If you opt for an Ethernet cable connection, you'll be more limited with how far away you can place the nodes, but a good rule of thumb is to keep the mesh nodes no more than two rooms away from each other, away from blockage from bulky furniture or electronics and in an upraised position. Instead of placing your mesh node in the middle of a dead zone, try placing it adjacent to or near the dead zone. That way, your node will still be close enough to your main mesh router to carry the signal. ...Read more Does mesh make internet faster? A common misconception about mesh routers is that they make your overall internet speeds faster. A mesh router network is perfect for ensuring consistent speeds throughout the house -- and keeping any dead zones to a minimum -- but they won't necessarily bring faster speeds. Like a standard Wi-Fi router, mesh router systems can only deliver the speeds that you're paying for from your ISP. Updated router equipment, optimized router location and an Ethernet connection are ultimately the easiest ways to get faster internet speeds. ...Read more What is a major disadvantage of a mesh network? One of the major downsides of a mesh router system is its high price: High-performing mesh routers tend to be more expensive than traditional Wi-Fi routers. If you're trying to boost your Wi-Fi, you should exhaust other options before investing in a brand-new mesh router system. Additionally, mesh routers tend to have fewer ports for connecting USB jacks or Ethernet cables, and some don't have any extra ports at all. ...Read more
Yahoo
28-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Home Depot is selling a 'powerful' $219 DeWalt oscillating multi-tool set for just $99, and it 'works perfectly'
Autoblog aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission. Home Depot is selling a 'powerful' $219 DeWalt oscillating multi-tool set for just $99, and it 'works perfectly' originally appeared on Autoblog. Autoblog aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission. When it comes to power tools, most of us stick with the name brands we know and love. That's why we were excited to find that Home Depot is having an awesome sale on a set of DeWalt tools that you need to check out. Right now, the DeWalt 20V Max XR Cordless Brushless Oscillating Multi-Tool Set is on sale for just $99. Originally priced at $219, you can save 55% on this must-have bundle that will help you cut, sand, grind, and scrape in hard to reach areas. This power tool offers 57% more runtime than similar brushed tools due to its powerful, cordless, and brushless motor. It features a dual-grip variable-speed trigger and three-speed selector that allows you to choose the speed setting based on the project you are working on. That means you can use the device to cut anything from drywall, wood, and pipes, or for sanding and painting preparations. If you are switching between various projects, don't worry, the quick-change accessory system lets you change blades and attachments with ease. One reviewer wrote, "Excellent tool for small jobs. It's strong and very useful, I recommend it." Another added, "Great tool. Works perfectly."A third shopper said, "Great tool and very handy for many different jobs." The set includes the oscillating tool, universal accessory adapter, two blades, a charger, a battery, and a kit bag to keep everything nice and organized. The tool itself features a bright LED light that illuminates dark workspaces and hard to reach areas, allowing you to cut and sand accurately. Another customer wrote, "I'm happy to add this tool to my collection. It's very powerful, precise, and easy to handle. I love that the charger, battery, case, and a couple of blades are included." If you've been waiting to update your toolbox, now is the perfect time. Add this $99 DeWalt Oscillating Tool Set to your cart ASAP to save 55%. Home Depot is selling a 'powerful' $219 DeWalt oscillating multi-tool set for just $99, and it 'works perfectly' first appeared on Autoblog on Jun 26, 2025 This story was originally reported by Autoblog on Jun 26, 2025, where it first appeared.
Auto Blog
27-06-2025
- Business
- Auto Blog
Home Depot is selling a ‘powerful' $219 DeWalt oscillating multi-tool set for just $99, and it ‘works perfectly'
Autoblog aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission. When it comes to power tools, most of us stick with the name brands we know and love. That's why we were excited to find that Home Depot is having an awesome sale on a set of DeWalt tools that you need to check out. Right now, the DeWalt 20V Max XR Cordless Brushless Oscillating Multi-Tool Set is on sale for just $99. Originally priced at $219, you can save 55% on this must-have bundle that will help you cut, sand, grind, and scrape in hard to reach areas. DeWalt 20V Max XR Cordless Brushless Oscillating Multi-Tool Set, $99 (was $219) at Home Depot This power tool offers 57% more runtime than similar brushed tools due to its powerful, cordless, and brushless motor. It features a dual-grip variable-speed trigger and three-speed selector that allows you to choose the speed setting based on the project you are working on. That means you can use the device to cut anything from drywall, wood, and pipes, or for sanding and painting preparations. If you are switching between various projects, don't worry, the quick-change accessory system lets you change blades and attachments with ease. One reviewer wrote, 'Excellent tool for small jobs. It's strong and very useful, I recommend it.' Another added, 'Great tool. Works perfectly.' A third shopper said, 'Great tool and very handy for many different jobs.' The set includes the oscillating tool, universal accessory adapter, two blades, a charger, a battery, and a kit bag to keep everything nice and organized. The tool itself features a bright LED light that illuminates dark workspaces and hard to reach areas, allowing you to cut and sand accurately. Another customer wrote, 'I'm happy to add this tool to my collection. It's very powerful, precise, and easy to handle. I love that the charger, battery, case, and a couple of blades are included.' If you've been waiting to update your toolbox, now is the perfect time. Add this $99 DeWalt Oscillating Tool Set to your cart ASAP to save 55%. About the Author Victoria Garcia View Profile
