Unboxing

In the box, you’ll find the following:

• Yari Pro Wireless Gaming Mouse
• StrikeSpeed Pro 8000Hz Polling Rate Charging Dock
• USB-C Data Cable
• 1 Set Grip Tape
• Quick Start Guide
• Warranty Card

Tech specs

Build quality and weight

Fantech Yari Pro comes in two colours (black and white), and the design is clean and understated. I like the red accents that peek through the scroll wheel and logo. The charging dock glows with a full RGB strip along the base. There’s a small LED indicator between the scroll wheel and the main buttons for battery/DPI status. It’s a clean look that won’t feel out of place on a desk setup for specifically designed for gaming, so it can also double as a work mice.

At 58 grams, it sits comfortably in the lightweight category. The shell feels solid as I encountered almost no flexing, creaking, or rattling when handling it. The surface has a decent coating that holds up just ok when your hands are slightly sweaty. Fantech also includes grip tape in the box, which is a nice touch and gives you an extra layer of grip security if you need it. The weight balance is also well done, nicely distributed in the middle.

Main buttons and scroll wheel

The main buttons uses Huano Transparent Green Shell White Dot switches, which are rated for 100 million clicks. They’re quite clicky and tactile, and feel a little heavier than the Aria II mouse that I’m currently using. Having said that they are still goof to spam in fast-paced games. The scroll wheel has a red-accented ribbed rubber texture that gives good grip and defined scroll notches. The two side buttons sit at a comfortable height and have a generous size, making them easy to reach with a thumb roll without having to shift your grip mid-game.

8KHz Ultrapolling Dock

Being the ‘Pro’ version, the Fantech Yari Pro comes with the StrikeSpeed Pro 8KHz wireless dongle that also charges the mice. Yari Pro is rated at up to 75 hours of playtime on a single charge. That’s among the best figures in Fantech’s current lineup though I’m think these numbers aren’t when using it at 8K polling.

It’s a pretty neat implementation: since the dock is both the charging station and the wireless receiver, you don’t have to worry about losing a USB dongle. Having the charging dock nearby makes charging very convenient as I simply set the mouse down on it when I’m done gaming. The pins latch on pretty well when trying to dock the mouse too. The magnets on the dock is super strong so you can remove the mouse with one hand, but this also means you have to make a conscious thought to align the mouse with charging pins when charging.

Shape and fit

Fantech Yari Pro is an ergonomic right-handed mouse. The overall size of the mice is slightly larger than what I’m used to for my 18 cm sized hand, where I usually deploy a relaxed claw grip felt. The shape has a prominent hump due to the ergonomic shape as it slopes quite steeply towards the rear. The left side of the mice also offers a sculpted thumb groove for your thumb to rest against.

I feel this mice might be more suited towards palm grip users or claw grip users who want a little more support. If you tried the Logitech G Pro Superlight 2 DEX mouse before, then you’ll find that the shape of the Fantech Yari Pro is very similar. In fact, I think the Yari Pro is modelled after the Superlight 2 DEX to provide an affordable option for those who like this shape.

The PTFE skates provide smooth, consistent glide across the cloth mouse pads which I usually use. Nothing exotic, but they do the job well and lean in more of the control category. Some might find the skates a tad thin, especially if you tend to press down hard on your mouse pad. If you want smooth skates for speed, you would likely need to get aftermarket skates.

Performance

Fantech Yari Pro is built around the PixArt PAW3950 Strike sensor, which Fantech markets as their top-tier sensor choice for this mouse. DPI adjusts up to 42,000, with five default steps of 400, 800, 1200, 1600, and 3200. In practice, the sensor tracks precisely and consistently. I didn’t encounter any jitter, drift, or spin-out during testing in FPS titles like Valorant.

As aforementioned, the 8K polling rate is delivered via the RGB wireless dongle. That said, like with other Fantech mice I’ve tested at 8K, the real-world feel between 2K and 8K is subtle for most players. I’d run it at 2K or 4K as a good middle ground between responsiveness and battery life.

As for software, Fantech has finally ditched their “one-app-for-one-mice” approach and went ahead to develop a web-based software. Simply type “qmk.top” in your Chrome browser, and the website should ask for permission to connect to the Yari Pro. The web app does look a little unpolished here and there, but the UI is simple and clean enough. In the web-app, you can customise buttons, DPI or macros, report rate, and more. I’m not sure if this will be single software that works across all Fantech mice, and only time will tell but I’m glad this is something that has been developed.

Conclusion

If you already like the shape of the Logitech Superlight 2 DEX, then Fantech Yari Pro could potentially an affordable option to consider. My experience has generally been positive and the PAW3950 Strike sensor, 8K wireless polling, 75-hour battery, and RGB charging dock in one package makes it a strong proposition.

Build quality and battery life

Right out of the box the TOZO Open EarRing has a pretty decent construction. Each earpiece weighs just over 5 grams and uses a two-part design: a rounded inner section that houses the 12mm dynamic driver, and an outer module that contains the battery and electronics. These are connected via a flexible loop that allows the EarRing to wrap securely around different ear shapes without requiring any piercing or in-ear insertion.

Materials are largely polycarbonate, but they feel sturdy when handling them. The flexibility of the connecting loop allows for repeated bending and adjustment without feeling fragile, and once clipped on, the EarRing maintains its shape well. The charging case is compact and solid, with a built-in LED display that shows remaining battery levels which is a nice touch at this price point. Charging is handled via USB-C.

Battery life is rated at up to 10 hours at moderate volume, which is pretty competitive for the category.

Fit and comfort

Comfort and fit is where the TOZO Open EarRing truly stands out. Because the earbuds do not enter the ear canal at all, there is none of the pressure, fatigue, or “plugged ear” sensation commonly associated with in-ear earbuds. They are really lightweight in your ears as well.

The flexible loop allows the EarRing to accommodate both small and large ears. There is some tension to the loop so once you dial in the fit, it really kind of just stays there. During my testing, the fit remained stable even with head movement, and they managed to stay quite steady even when taking them out for my runs. TOZO could in future versions, line the inner part of the earbuds will rubber or silicon so that it can stay more secure during workouts.

Sound quality

The sound quality of the TOZO Open EarRing is pretty decent for a pair of open-ear earbuds. It’s not the best I’ve heard but is good enough for the average user. The 12mm dynamic driver sits close to the ear canal and is angled in a way that directs sound more effectively into my ears. Volume output as a result is also stronger than average for open-ear earbuds, making them usable even in moderately noisy environments.

The overall tuning leans balanced with a slight brightness. Bass is present but understandably lacks the sub-bass depth of traditional earbuds. The midrange is clear enough, allowing vocals and instruments to come through cleanly without sounding too thin. I did find more complex musical can impact clarity and separation. Treble is airy, giving an open presentation, the high-hats aren’t too well defined. Overall, the TOZO Open EarRing still has above average sound as doesn’t sound thin like some other open-earbuds. Of course, manage your expectation accordingly if you have not used a pair of open-ear earbuds before.

App Support

TOZO offers a companion app for both iOS and Android, adding useful customization to the Open EarRing. Within the app, users can choose from a variety of EQ presets or create and save custom EQ profiles to better suit personal preferences.

The app experience is largely straightforward and also offers touch control customisation. There is even a setting to do some sort of water drainage which could be handy after every workout done with the Open EarRing.

Conclusion

The TOZO Open EarRing is a product that prioritises comfort and awareness that still offers decent sound quality to the extent as other open designs do. At ~S$63, it is a good entry price for one to test out the ear-ring concept of earbuds and explore the usability and comfort that comes with it.

Build quality and features

The Soundpeats C30 features a familiar stem-style design. The earbuds are rated IP54 for water and dust resistance, making them suitable for workouts and daily commuting. I have the black colour variant, and I quite like the combination of the grey and gloss-black combination. They are made from plastic and feel pretty nice in hand. Build quality also feels sturdy enough for regular use and consistent with expectations at this price point.

The charging case has an oval shape and has a unique faux-leather textured plastic finish, which does a good job of hiding fingerprints and minor scratches. Visually, it looks quite refined for a budget product. Charging is handled via USB-C, with no wireless charging support, which is expected at this level.

Overall, the Soundpeats C30 has a simple yet practical design style that prioritises practicality over flair. It’s not flashy, but it feels purpose-built for everyday use.

Controls and App

Touch controls are located on the outer surface of each stem and respond reliably. Playback, volume, and track navigation are all supported, and one of the highlights here is how flexible the controls are. Through the Soundpeats app, you can fully customise gestures, assigning different actions to single, double, triple taps, or long presses.

Feature-wise, it is quite comprehensive for a budget pair of earbuds. You can switch ANC modes, toggle multipoint connectivity, enable low-latency game mode or movie mode, run fit tests, customise EQ settings, update firmware, and even drain water from the earbuds if needed.

There’s also an Adaptive EQ feature that creates a personalised sound profile based on a hearing test. While results vary, it’s a nice option to have, especially if you don’t want to manually tweak EQ settings. Or you could simple choose from one of the many presets.

Fit and comfort

The Soundpeats C30 offers a comfortable and secure fit, thanks to its lightweight design and slim silicone ear tips. Once you’ve found the right tip size, the earbuds sit snugly in the ears and remain stable during walking or daily commuting.

The stem length is moderate and doesn’t feel intrusive, and the rounded shape of the earpiece allows for extended listening without pressure buildup. Comfort remains consistent even during longer sessions, making the Soundpeats C30 suitable for workdays, travel, or casual exercise.

Sound quality

The Soundpeats C30 has a distinctly warm and slightly dark sound signature. The low end is prominent, with boosted lower mids and mid-bass that give music a full, weighty presentation. Bass notes hit with enough impact to feel satisfying, while sub-bass extension is controlled rather than overwhelming. Midrange performance leans warm, with guitars and pianos sitting slightly recessed. Vocals though sounding full, don’t always sit front and centre. Treble is restrained, focusing mainly on vocal clarity rather than sparkle, which offers less excitement but keeps the overall presentation fatigue-free.

Despite the subdued top end, the sound doesn’t feel too dull. There’s a decent amount of separation at moderate volumes. That said, the soundstage can occasionally feel enclosed. I found that with ANC turned on, the sound is tad darker with less punchiness. It’s not that obvious unless you really cycle through both modes. But given most people will likely listen with ANC turned on, it is worth mentioning.

ANC & Transparency performance

Active noise cancellation on the Soundpeats C30 is solid for its price. With Adaptive ANC enabled, constant low-frequency sounds like air conditioning, engine hum, and electronic noise are reduced effectively, making a noticeable difference during commutes or indoor use. Traffic noise reduction is decent rather than class-leading. Lower-frequency sounds are handled well, while higher-pitched noises such as car horns or clattering cutlery still come through to some extent. There are ANC modes such as Indoor and Outdoor, but I found the Adaptive mode delivers the best balance and is the most reliable option.

Transparency mode is actually offers solid performance for its price. Use it to allow surrounding sounds like traffic to come through when needed. And it is actually quite natural sounding so you don’t get those overly processed inputs where certain are overly-emphasised.

Battery life

Battery performance is a strong point for the Soundpeats C30. With ANC enabled, the earbuds deliver around 7.5 hours of playback on a single charge, extending to about 10 hours with ANC turned off. And with the charging case, the total listening time extends to 52 hours which would comfortably last you a full work week. Fast charging is supported, with a quick 10-minute top-up providing roughly 3 hours of playback.

Pairing, connectivity, and latency

The Soundpeats C30 uses Bluetooth 6.0 and connectivity has been very stable during my time of testing. Multipoint pairing is supported, allowing you to stay connected to two devices simultaneously, though enabling certain features like LDAC disables multipoint and low-latency modes. Video playback is well-synchronised on my iPhone 16 Pro when testing it on the YouTube app. Game Mode reduces latency further, making it suitable for casual gaming.

Conclusion

The Soundpeats C30 delivers a well-rounded experience that focuses on comfort, battery life, and practical ANC performance. Its warm, smooth sound tuning won’t appeal to those chasing sparkle and punchy treble, but it works well for long listening sessions and everyday use. If you’re looking for a simple set of earbuds that offers ANC and has solid battery life, Soundpeats C30 is a good shout.

Build quality and design

The TOZO PA2 features a compact, pill-shaped design that’s noticeably smaller and lighter than the PA1. Its body is wrapped in a textured mesh fabric that improves grip and helps prevent it from slipping off smooth surfaces, while the rubberised ends provide a degree of shock absorption when placing it down or carrying it around.

All the controls: power, Bluetooth pairing, volume, play/pause, and EQ are integrated cleanly into the rubber housing and are easy to locate by feel. The buttons are responsive without being overly stiff, making them practical to use outdoors. A detachable strap is included in the box and is genuinely useful for hanging the speaker on a bag or carrying it around by hand.

The PA2 carries an IPX8 water-resistance rating, allowing it to withstand submersion in water, making it a solid option for poolside use or outdoor trips where weather can be unpredictable. Overall build quality feels reassuring for a speaker at this price, with no obvious weak points in daily handling.

Battery life and connectivity

TOZO rates the PA2’s battery for up to 25 hours of playback at 50% volume, which is achievable under moderate listening conditions. I’ve used it for about a week daily and found that I only needed to charge this at the end of the week. It also has an auto power off feature to save battery when idle.

Charging is handled via USB-C and takes around two to three hours from empty. The speaker can also be used while charging, which adds to its practicality. There is no 3.5mm input, so Bluetooth is the only playback option. Bluetooth 5.3 provides a stable connection, and pairing is quick and painless. Once connected, the PA2 reliably reconnects to the last paired device and maintains a solid signal within typical indoor and outdoor ranges.

Sound quality

For its size, the TOZO PA2 delivers impressively loud output from its 16W (2 × 8W) speaker setup. It has no trouble filling small rooms or outdoor spaces, but like many compact speakers, it sounds best when kept below maximum volume.

At moderate levels, the sound is clear and well-balanced. Bass presence is respectable for a speaker of this size, offering enough weight for casual music listening without overwhelming the mids. Vocals and instruments come through cleanly, making the PA2 suitable for podcasts and vocal-heavy tracks as well.

At higher volumes, the sound remains mostly composed, though clarity and bass control are best maintained below roughly 70% volume. This is also where the speaker feels most natural and less strained. The ability to tweak the sound using EQ settings helps fine-tune the balance depending on the genre or listening environment.

App and other features

The TOZO companion app adds useful functionality without feeling bloated. Its main purpose is sound tuning, allowing you to select from preset EQ modes or create your own custom profile. Battery level information is also visible within the app, which is helpful during longer listening sessions.

Stereo pairing is supported, allowing two PA2 speakers to be linked for true left-right separation, though this only works with another PA2. The built-in microphone enables hands-free calling, and call quality is acceptable for casual use.

Conclusion

At ~S$63, the TOZO PA2 represents strong value for a compact Bluetooth speaker. It’s portable, water-resistant, loud for its size, and offers sound customisation through its app. Compared within TOZO’s own lineup, the PA2 trades some power against the PA1 for a smaller, more portable form factor and improved water resistance. If portability and ease of use matter more than outright volume, the PA2 is the more practical option. Overall, the TOZO PA2 is a well-rounded budget speaker that performs best when expectations are set realistically. It’s not aimed at audiophiles, but for everyday listening, travel, and outdoor use, it delivers a balanced and dependable experience at its price point.

Build quality and battery life

The GROOVE OWS FT21 features an open wearable design with over-the-ear hooks that keep the earbuds securely in place. The earbuds are decently lightweight, and the case that holds the earbuds are incredibly unique as there is no cover to keep them enclosed. Instead, they are held on strongly by the magnets which does the job well. Eye-catching for sure, but not sure if will give that much protection for the earbuds especially you tend to just chuck your earbuds in a bag.

Finecoustic claims the Finecoustic GROOVE OWS FT21 are sweat and splash resistance, but there aren’t any official IP rating for it. Got caught in some light rain while using them and so far they are still working fine. Controls are touch-based, located on the outer surface of each earbud. Personally, I’m not a fan of touch controls as accidental inputs like pausing music or skipping tracks are hard to avoid. Physical buttons would have been a more reliable choice especially if fitness was part of the product’s intended use case.

Battery life stands at around 8 hours of playback on a single charge, with the charging case extending total listening time to roughly 45 hours. It charges via USB-C.

Fit and comfort

In terms of fit, Finecoustic GROOVE OWS FT21 feels secure and really does stay in-place due to the firm shape of the ear hooks. That said, the fit is not particularly flexible or malleable. The ear hooks don’t offer much adjustability, so while they fit my ears well enough, they may not be as versatile across different ear shapes and sizes.

Comfort is generally good due to the lightweight construction, but the lack of adjustability means the earbuds rely heavily on whether their default shape suits your ears. If it does, they’re comfortable for long sessions. If not, there’s limited room to fine-tune the fit. For me, it works well.

Sound quality

I would say sound quality isn’t GROOVE OWS FT21 strongest suit. As with most open-ear designs, bass performance is lacking due to the lack of a seal. While the earbuds offer decent clarity at higher volumes, the overall presentation sounds thin and somewhat distant. There’s a noticeable lack of bass weight and depth, which makes music feel less engaging, especially during high-energy workouts.

Midrange performance is acceptable for podcasts and casual listening, but music lacks body and fullness. The sound doesn’t feel particularly immersive, and compared to some competing open-ear models, it comes across as less refined. These earbuds prioritise awareness and comfort over audio performance, and it shows.

Conclusion

The Finecoustic GROOVE OWS FT21 is a straightforward open-ear option built with workouts in mind. It is a decent first foray into the open-earbuds space with a secure fit and good battery life. If situational awareness and stability matter more to you than audio depth or punch, the GROOVE OWS FT21 can get the job done.

Build quality

The XTAR L8 is made primarily of plastic, but it feels solid and well assembled. The vertical charging design allows the batteries to be hidden beneath a magnetic lid, giving the charger a clean and minimal appearance that fits well on a desk or shelf.

The magnetic lid aligns easily and stays firmly in place, while still being easy to remove when accessing the batteries. Overall, the build quality is good, and the design clearly prioritises neatness and everyday usability over a purely utilitarian look.

Features & Usage

Most battery chargers place batteries horizontally and are often limited to four slots. The XTAR L8 takes a different approach by charging batteries in a vertical orientation and offering eight charging slots in a single case. By default, it supports AA rechargeable batteries, including both 1.5V lithium-ion and 1.2V Ni-MH types. AAA batteries are also supported using the four included adapters, allowing you to mix AA and AAA batteries during the same charging session.

Each of the eight slots has its own LED status indicators on the lid, showing the charging progress of individual batteries. This makes it easy to monitor charging at a glance without removing the lid. The XTAR L8 is powered via USB-C, which adds to its convenience, as it can be powered by a wall charger, computer, or power bank. This makes it suitable not only for desktop use but also for travel.

As with other XTAR chargers, the L8 includes intelligent charging features such as multi-stage charging and protection against overheating. There is no display or detailed charging data, but the charger is clearly designed to be simple and reliable rather than feature-heavy.

XTAR 1.5V AA 3960 Rechargeable Li-ion Battery

The XTAR L8 was tested with XTAR 1.5V AA 3960 rechargeable Li-ion battery. At first glance, the XTAR 1.5V AA 3960 looks like a normal AA battery, but the positive terminal has a small LED indicator that lights up when tapped. It’s a simple idea, but also one that immediately makes sense. Instead of guessing whether a battery is half-full or nearly dead, a quick tap gives a visual indication of the remaining charge. In practice, this feels far more useful than I initially expected.

With a rated capacity of 2500mAh, these batteries are clearly aimed at medium- to high-drain devices, and they have been in my Aqara smart door lock so far no issues. XTAR rates the 1.5V AA 3960 for over 1,500 charge cycles, which, if even close to accurate, makes these batteries a long-term investment.

Charging speed is another area where XTAR 1.5V AA 3960 stands out. A full recharge takes around 2.5 hours, which is noticeably quicker than many traditional rechargeables. While I did not need to charge it yet, this makes it easier to top up batteries between uses rather than planning charging cycles far in advance. Especially for my use case of smart door lock, the faster charging reduces friction and makes rechargeables more practical overall.

Conclusion

Overall, the XTAR L8 is a practical and thoughtfully designed charging solution. The combination of charging and storage works extremely well, and its clean design means it doesn’t need to be hidden away in a drawer when not in use. The only limitation is that it can only charge up to eight batteries at a time, which may not be enough for users with heavy battery usage. That said, at around US$30, the XTAR L8 offers good value for money for anyone looking for a tidy, easy-to-use AA and AAA battery charger that looks good on a desk.

Unboxing

Here’s what you’ll find in the box:

• TOZO OpenReal headphones
• Charging cable
• User manual

Tech specs

Build quality and features

The whole of TOZO OpenReal headphones is covered in a soft silicon material in a matte black colour. Only the area where the speakers drivers are located are made from plastic. The design is very simple as well, with just the TOZO logo located at the speaker area.

The overall headphone has a dense feel which translate well to its build quality. I couldn’t really find any info on the water resistance rating, but seeing after seeing advertised images of it being soaked in water, I’m assuming it can handle water and sweat well. I’ve worn the TOZO OpenReal for a few running sessions and they are still working fine so far.

Controls

TOZO OpenReal uses a combination of touch and button controls. The touch controls are located on the right side headphones. It is easy to reach (if I have my thumb to find the end), reactive to touch, and not accidentally triggered when adjusting fit. The button controls are located further back (when wearing it), and they are okay to use. There are slight nubs on the button to give you an indication of its existence,

The combination of controls grant you the ability handle media controls (such as volume, and track skipping). You can find a summary of the button controls in the image below:

Like on the TOZO Golden X1, the TOZO OpenReal also has support from the TOZO app, but the customisations are limited to the EQ settings. There are many stock presets available to choose from, or you can always create your own. The EQ presets does create a noticeable change in sound signature compared to the stock.

Fit and comfort

The fit of the TOZO OpenReal is very similar to most bone conduction headphones out there. The fit relies heavily on the curves along the speaker drivers to hook on to your ear. I got a good fit with the TOZO OpenReal even with spectacles on. Comfort is pretty good as well as the 30 grams weight of the TOZO OpenReal doesn’t create much pressure on my ears. I like using the TOZO OpenReal for runs as it doesn’t have the thumping sound that you get when listening to music with earbuds.

Having said that, I can definitely feel that there is something being hooked on my ears, just that it isn’t uncomfortable. One thing to note is that the neckband just hangs freely and there is no way to adjust it. As such, I cannot recommend using this if the back of your head is going to be resting against something (eg. gym bench), as it will cause the headphones to dislodge from its fit. I used the TOZO OpenReal for casual runs and the fit remained intact and secure without any hint of moving out of position.

Sound quality

Looking at how the TOZO OpenReal is an open-ear type of headphone, I had expectations that the sound was likely going to be on the thinner side without much bass impact. However, I was pleasantly surprised that the over sound signature is actually rather balanced, without any frequency feeling noticeably lacking.

Bass is clear and present, with a good amount of punch and depth to it to give the song warmth and liveliness. Having said that, don’t expect too much sub-bass rumble. Midrange is natural sounding with any body to it to not sound thin. Vocals and instruments manages to stay fairly forward in the mix despite the speakers drivers not directly pushed into my ear canal. Treble is slightly veiled but remains clear and fun to listen to.

It’s actually quite impressive that the TOZO OpenReal is able to produce a sound signature that does fall prey to usual open-ear limitations of airy thin sound. The overall sound is quite immersive and full.

Microphone quality

Microphone on the TOZO OpenReal is surprisingly good. Voice production is clear, a tad distant, but retains a good amount of natural warmth to it. In noisy conditions, TOZO OpenReal is able to remove a large chunk of the noise whilst keeping my voice forward and clear.

Battery life

TOZO OpenReal is rated to last up to 14 hours of play time on a single charge, which was rather sufficient for my use case – about 20 to 25 running sessions. The only drawback of the TOZO OpenReal is the use of its proprietary charging port via magnets, due to its need to keep it as water resistant as possible.

If you need to juice up the TOZO OpenReal quickly, you’d be glad to know that there is fast charging available. And charging it for an hour will bring it back fully to 100%. The TOZO app will give you an accurate percentage of the remaining battery life.

Pairing, connectivity, and latency

TOZO OpenReal is equipped with the latest Bluetooth 5.3 and pairs to my iPhone very quickly as one unit. During my time of testing, I did not encounter any connection issues or dropouts. There was also no audio-video lag experienced as well when watching YouTube on my iPhone 11. There isn’t multi-point pairing, but I’d say is ok for this price point.

Conclusion

If you’re not a fan of how bone conduction headphones sound, the TOZO OpenReal is a rather compelling option as it offers an open-fit earbuds type of sound in a fit that works best for sporting usage. The TOZO OpenReal is solid option when it comes to active use cases of running or cycling and don’t want to sacrifice audio quality.

Build quality and design

Creative Stage Pro‘s size is compact, measuring just under 22 inches wide, it fits comfortably beneath most monitors or mid-sized TVs. Its design feature curved edges and bronze-accented side panels that give it a touch of style that you don’t usually find at this price point. The front metal grille covers the full width of the soundbar, with a slight upward angle to direct sound toward your ears. This was actually thoughtful detail for desktop use. I like to overall matte design as it gives it a more premium feel to it.

There is a built-in LED display at the front to show volume levels, source input, and sound mode. The buttons on top of the soundbar handle essentials like power, volume, input selection, Bluetooth, and toggling SuperWide mode. Alternatively, you could also make all these adjustments with the included remote control.

As for the subwoofer, it keeps things simple with its front-ported, side-firing design standing about 16.5 inches tall and under 5 inches deep, so it doesn’t take up much floor space. The power cable is hardwired so you can’t replace it separately. Overall, both the soundbar and subwoofer feel solidly built, with none of the creakiness you might expect from an entry-level set.

Connectivity and controls

For a budget-friendly system, the Creative Stage Pro does have a good amount of connectivity options. You get HDMI ARC, Optical-in, AUX-in, USB-C audio, and Bluetooth 5.3. The HDMI ARC port supports CEC, allowing you to control both the TV and soundbar with a single remote, a nice convenience that worked nicely with my Apple TV remote as well.

The USB-C input works well with both my PC and Mac setups, while Bluetooth provides quick pairing for wireless playback from my iPhone. Switching between inputs is smooth, though one small quirk is that the Stage Pro doesn’t remember the previous settings made for each input. So, if you like the SuperWide mode for your desktop and another setting for your iPhone, you’ll need to toggle them manually when switching. The remote control is compact and functional, giving you quick access to bass and treble adjustments, sound modes (Movie, Music, Vocal, Gaming, and Off), and playback controls when connected via USB-C or Bluetooth. I found the HDMI connection to be louder than expected.

Sound quality

For a 2.1 system in this price range, the Creative Stage Pro sounds surprisingly full-bodied. The 160W peak power output provides more than enough headroom, and I rarely needed to push the volume beyond the halfway mark when watching movies. The subwoofer brings satisfying weight to movie explosions and game effects, though it doesn’t dive deep into sub-bass territory. You’ll get punch and warmth, but not the room-shaking rumble of a larger driver. The midrange is slightly boosted, which helps speech come through clearly in movies and TV shows. It can sound a bit forward at times, but that’s preferable to muddy vocals. The treble is crisp and detailed, adding sparkle without becoming harsh but I do find that at very high volumes, it can start to sound a little sharp.

Creative Stage Pro’s defining feature is its SuperWide DSP processing, which comes with three settings: Near, Far, and Off. Near mode is tuned for close-up listening, like when using it at a computer desk, while Far mode expands the audio for larger spaces or TV viewing. For movies, the SuperWide Far setting helps to open up the soundstage as though you have speakers that are placed wider apart, but the midrange clarity does suffer a bit. Near mode has the same feel as the Far mode but only if you are sitting around 1-1.5 arm’s length away as the immersion seems to be closed off in a bubble within a distance range. Any further and the sound will start sound diffused.

Clarity is actually the best sounding without SuperWide enabled, so I’d only opt for SuperWide when watching movies as the overall audio feels more immersive. I wouldn’t use SuperWide for music as the balance between the bass and mids can feel a little weird at times. Overall, the sound quality is solid for its price but won’t be as good more expensive models like the Sonos Beam.

Conclusion

For S$199, the Creative Stage Pro delivers quite a lot of value. It’s compact, easy to set up, and capable of producing loud and pretty immersive audio. The SuperWide modes add versatility, making it suitable as an audio option for a gaming setup or a bedroom TV setup. While it lacks extras like Wi-Fi streaming or Dolby Atmos support, the Stage Pro nails the fundamentals. If you’re looking for an affordable soundbar to upgrade your desktop and TV audio, the Creative Stage Pro is an option to look at.

Build quality and battery life

The Soundpeats Clip1 feels like a well-designed product. It has a slim clip-on design that is constructed from lightweight yet sturdy materials, with a reinforced 0.6mm memory wire that maintains its shape even after flexing. At just around 5 grams per earpiece, the Clip1 feels very lightweight, but still has a build that feels solid and high quality. Battery life is pretty good as well with up to 8 hours of total playtime on a single charge. There is also support for fast charging that gives 2 hours of use from just a short 10 minutes top-up.

The Soundpeats Clip1 are rate IPX5 waterproof rated so they are suited for exercise use. I like the overall matte finish of the earbuds as they keep fingerprints off. The case though is slightly glossy but doesn’t seem to attract much fingerprints. The charging case is rather thick actually so while it is pocketable, it can create a bulge in your pocket.

When it comes to controls, Soundpeats Clip1 uses touch controls which isn’t ideal for workouts. There is no controls for single tap to prevent accidental touches, so your media controls are handled via double and triple taps.

Fit and comfort

Comfort is a key strength of the Soundpeats Clip1. Thanks to its memory wire frame and clip-on design, it fits securely around the ear without pressing into the canal. This makes it ideal for users who dislike in-ear seals.

For those that liked how the Soundpeats POP Clip fit in your ears, the Clip1 should feel right at home. The Clip1 is a decent earbud to use for running as it didn’t fall out during my test, but it also wasn’t the most secure. I’d still opt for earbuds that has an ear hook.

Sound quality

Soundpeats Clip1 is equipped with a 12mm dual-magnet drivers with PU and titanium-plated diaphragms, and aims to deliver a balance of power and precision. I would say that it kind of achieved what it wanted to as audio is a clean and full-bodied which is particularly impressive given its open-ear format. There is a good amount of thump in the bass only if you enable to “Dynamic EQ” mode or you can use “Bass Boost” EQ preset, but I found that to muddy the mids a little.

Vocals come across crisp and instruments remain distinct. This is one of the best sound I’ve heard from Soundpeats open-ear type of earbuds so far. There is also support for Dolby Audio (if you device supports it) and LDAC (up to 990kbps, 96kHz/24bit).

App Support

There is apparently a newly redesigned SOUNDPEATS app complements the earbuds with useful customization options. You can fine-tune EQ settings with the in-app presets or design your own, and edit the touch controls if the default ones is not what you like. Multi-device connection is also supported, letting you switch seamlessly between phone, tablet, or laptop—useful for those constantly moving between work and play.

The new app looks way cleaner and feels more polished to use. There is also a useful drainage function that tries to flush out any excess moisture around the earbuds if you use if for workouts/running.

Conclusion

The Soundpeats Clip1 is an impressive addition to Soundpeats’ growing clip-on earbuds category. It strikes a compelling balance between comfort, stability, and a good sound. For those that are looking for a comfortable, open-fit wireless option that sacrifice on the sound department, the Soundpeats Clip1 are worth a look.

Design and Handling

Both the Dreame V50 and Dyson V12s have very similar design language, which are built with manoeuvrability in mind. The Dyson V12s is slightly lighter at 1.5kg vs the 1.6kg of the Dreame V50. The operation aspects are also largely the same where you have single-press power button, no more trigger style power unlike some of Dreame’s older vacuums. The distance between the grip and the power button is a little far so those with smaller hands may find it hard to press the power button while holding on the Dreame V50 with a single hand.

The overall build quality of the Dreame V50 is sturdy and well constructed as well. If you’ve owned a Dreame vacuum before, the overall feel of the machine and type of plastic used feels reminiscent. In terms of maintenance, I like how the entire dust cap can but detached from the vacuum so that you can drive the dirt deep into your bin when emptying it.

Suction Power and Cleaning Performance

Dreame leverages on its 130,000 RPM motor which is capable of delivering up to 210AW of suction power. You can get this raw power of suction when Turbo mode is on. In comparison, the Dyson V12s has a 125,000RPM motor that has a suction power of 150AW. During my use the Dreame V50, having the strong suction power comes in handy especially when vacuuming the carpets.

Both the Dreame V50 and Dyson V12s default cleaning brush head, the Soft Roller Brush and the Fluffy Optic cleaner head respectively, have LED illumination technology that helps to reveal dust on floor that is typically not obvious to the naked eye. Both also have intelligent dirt detection that automatically adjust suction strength based on the level of dirt.

One feature built into the Soft Roller Brush of the Dreame V50 is its Tangle-Cut motorized blades, where it can help to cut through human and pet hair during vacuuming so that maintenance of the roller brush is kept to the minimum. After a few cleaning runs, I did notice that there is almost no signs of tangled hair on the roller brush of the Dreame V50. Dyson requires you to use its Motorbar cleaner head or Hair Screw Tool if you want you need a de-tangle feature but this also means you lose the LED illumination feature.

Both brands provide an assortment of cleaning tools to help with all sorts of cleaning. For the Dreame V50, you these extra set of tools below:

1. Motorized Mini Brush: Designed for upholstery and fabric surfaces, this powered mini head helps remove dust, dander, and pet fur from sofas, beds, and car seats.
2. Soft Dusting Brush: A gentle bristle attachment that works well on shelves, window frames, and electronic surfaces. It captures fine particles and dust without scratching, ideal for delicate cleaning tasks around the home.
3. Combination Tool: A flexible two-in-one nozzle made for edges, corners, and narrow spots that are hard to reach such as between furniture gaps or behind appliances.

Wet Cleaning System

The Dreame V50’s AquaCycle 2.0 system (optional attachment) blends sanitising electrolysis with a three-stage cleaning process that washes, vacuums, and separates waste water all at once. In the first stage, a multi-jet spray mechanism distributes clean water evenly across the roller brush, allowing it to loosen sticky stains and dirt as it rolls. The next stage combines steady suction power with a scraper to lift away loosened grime and moisture, leaving a dry, streak-free surface behind. Finally, a dual-chamber waste tank filters and isolates solids from liquid residue to prevent contamination and simplify disposal.

The AquaCycle 2.0 also has the ability to auto-detect the level of dirt and stain to automatically adjust the cleaning intensity. For example, when it encounters tougher or dried-on marks, the system boosts both suction and brush pressure to lift them more effectively.

The Dyson V12s Submarine relies on its Submarine wet roller head to achieve similar wet-floor cleaning. The roller uses a steady supply of clean water to wash floors and channels dirty liquid into a waste tray directly behind it. This design keeps moisture contained within the roller assembly, ensuring that no water reaches the vacuum’s main bin.

While both use separate clean and dirty water systems, Dreame’s AquaCycle 2.0’s added functionality of adaptive cleaning intensity makes wet cleaning feel slightly more seamless and automated. Having said that, the wet cleaning power of the Dreame V50 doesn’t feel as strong as a dedicated wet vacuum like the Dreame H14 for example. You can definitely clean off food stains and spills easily but it doesn’t feel as powerful as a standalone wet vacuum. But of course this is purely from my eye and feel test, and did not test scientifically.

I feel the Dreame V50 and the AquaCycle 2.0 system would be best suited for a household that already relies on a robot vacuum to do mopping, so the AquaCycle 2.0 system can come in handy when you want to perform some sort of floor mopping in a pinch. The combo feels more like 1.5-in-1 rather than a 2-in-1.

Conclusion

If you want to avoid the hassle of owning two separate vacuum cleaners, you can opt to get a product such as the Dreame V50 together with its AquaCycle 2.0 system. This way, you have to ability to do both dry and wet cleaning with a single device. Dreame V50 is more affordable than the obvious competitor of Dyson V12s Detect Slim Submarine, but is better on paper in terms of longer battery life, adaptive wet cleaning, and hair tangle management. My usage of the Dreame V50 has been positive so far, and you can consider it over the Dyson if you have a strict budget. Especially if you intending to replace an old vacuum, you can trade that in for additional S$120 off!