Conductor SEO tool review

If you want a platform that can do your SEO, content optimization, and website monitoring, all from a single tool, Conductor is a solid choice for you. It goes beyond just boosting traffic and offers various features to dominate your website in its niche. For the SEO part, you get a detailed competitor analysis feature where you can use various filters to compare another site head-to-head. Regarding content, Conductor delivers AI-driven recommendations for keyword insights, content attributes, and even your page health. But that’s not all. We’ll cover various powerful features of Conductor in this review and help you find the right way to utilize it.

• You can sign up for Conductor here.

Conductor: Plans and pricing

Unlike other SEO platforms, Conductor does not have any fixed paid plans for their services. It claims to deliver the perfect plan for its customers by customizing it according to their needs. However, you can expect a bunch of features under their premium plans.

The Intelligence plan comes with best-in-class keyword and audience research, in-depth competitive and content intelligence, and global rank tracking and market share analysis. You can even benefit from automatic performance and ROI reporting, actionable AI-driven suggestions, and seamless direct integrations with platforms like Drupal, Asana, and more.

On the other hand, the Conductor Website Monitoring plan, powered by ContentKing, helps you with continuous website monitoring. Along with that, you get intelligent prioritization of pages and issues, 24/7 dynamic monitoring, and real-time alerting customized with specific rules. It also provides critical technical SEO insights, detailed governance and compliance tracking, and live change tracking with audit trails. So, with these trial plans, you do get an idea of what’s in store for you.

• We've featured the best rank checking tools.

Conductor: Features

Explorer

(Image credit: Conductor)

Conductor's Explorer helps you thoroughly research keywords and your target audience. You can study search volume and take advantage of organic search, social media, and demographic data(with age, occupation, and location insights). With a few blinks, you can transform keyword and topic research into content outlines that can easily be shared with task management tools such as Asana, Trello, and Jira.

Furthermore, Explorer keeps an eye on and analyses your competitor's strategies. This involves monitoring the keyword's performance, content’s impact, and the backlinks profiles. Plus, you get assistance in selecting high-volume and low-competition keywords for your paid search campaign as well.

 Pages Report

(Image credit: Conductor)

The Keyword Details report from Conductor gives a thorough look at how well your web analytics data is performing in organic marketing. It shows year-over-year data, compares metrics, and gives insights on paid versus organic traffic for your domains and segments. These reports also show the ROI of your marketing strategy by combining multi-channel analytics, search data, and activity tracking into one view.

Plus, you get automatic tracking and reports on how campaigns impact ranking and revenue. Detailed insights on changes to your site, like title tags, meta descriptions, and heading tags, further enhance the useability of these reports.

 Keyword Research

Conductor's Keyword Research boasts over 20 billion keywords. This comes with data on search volume, competition, and trends. You can also choose from thousands of location and device combinations to see data in the most relevant search context for a specific keyword.

What really impresses us is that you can determine the level of competition for your keywords by analyzing the different types of results. This includes featured snippets, videos, or People Also Ask results. While this sounds good, do check all your ranking pages for the same keyword to make sure you’re not cannibalizing your own performance or chances of outperforming your competitors.

Content Guidance

(Image credit: Conductor)

You can create compelling, relevant, and optimized content by analyzing the top-performing content and identifying gaps. Conductor's Content Guidance comes with real-time AI-generated recommendations for keywords, readability, and structure. This makes sure that you follow industry standards and user preferences. For example, you can take a URL and use the tool to understand the shortcomings as well as advantages of your optimization.

Digital Presence

If you want to define and track the visibility of all your digital content across the Google SERP, social media, owned content, press coverage, and earned media, then the Digital Presence Tracking feature will take care of it. By tracking and analyzing your brand's performance, it offers a holistic view of your digital footprint. In addition, you get brand mention tracking and digital presence analysis to enhance brand reputation. Not to forget, Conductor's Website Monitoring is powered by ContentKing, which provides 24/7 real-time monitoring and alerting for optimal performance.

• We've featured the best SEO keyword research tools.

Conductor: Interface and in-use

The Conductor's interface is neat, intuitive, and easy to navigate. Its well-organized dashboard allows you to access important tools and insights. However, if you are new to the software, these features can be daunting.

Despite that, Conductor integrates seamlessly with a wide range of other platforms. For example, you can create, deliver, and optimize content with advanced design and UX capabilities by connecting your account with Adobe. Likewise, SEMrush improves online visibility management across various channels from a single platform, and Yext boosts business visibility with modern, AI-powered search capabilities.

Similarly, Google Analytics helps track organic content performance and provides detailed reports on website traffic. This is an added advantage, especially when using Google Workspace. It offers real-time monitoring and constructive insights into Google search results through Google Search Console.

Conductor even integrates with project management and collaboration tools like Trello, Jira, and Asana, streamlining workflow and productivity. Dragon Metrics improves ranking and automates reporting, while Talkwalker specializes in consumer intelligence for impactful brand analysis. All and all, there are plenty of tools to help you out with your SEO journey with Conductor.

• We've featured the best onpage SEO tools.

Conductor: Support

(Image credit: Conductor)

Conductor’s strength lies in their exceptional training and assistance. If you are new to the software, there’s a thorough onboarding program called Seamless Startup. It assures expert guidance on account setup and integration to meet your marketing targets. There is a Role-Based Mastery section that offers expert-led training sessions, focusing on equipping you with the essential skills related to the software.

To keep your team up to date, Conductor includes self-paced learning, live training sessions, and a knowledge base. You can also rely on FAQs, how-tos, and 24/7 Assistance from a global team ready to save your day with their in-product chat and email support.

Conductor: The competition

At times, you might need a tool with specific features to meet your marketing needs. So, Ahrefs, Moz Pro, and Semrush are all great options to consider instead of Conductor. They have their own set of special features and functions that cater to different aspects of SEO and digital marketing.

Ahrefs

If you are looking for strong backlink analysis and a detailed site explorer, Ahrefs is knocking at your door. The platform's strength lies in how it crawls the entire web 24/7 and stores petabytes (1PB = 1000TB) of information about live websites. It helps you to identify link-building opportunities and monitor competitor strategies. Ahrefs is also exceptional in keyword research, offering 28.7 billion filtered keywords and 110 billion keywords. It provides accurate search volume data and difficulty scores to assist you. Furthermore, Ahrefs' site audit tool makes it easy to identify and address technical SEO issues to enhance overall site health. You also get Directory listing, Access Management, API features, Pay by invoice, Audit log, Calendar view, Google Data Studio, and more.

Read our full Ahrefs review.

Moz Pro

If you're looking for a tool that is easy to use and focuses on community and education, Moz is the perfect choice. It offers metrics like Domain Authority (DA) and Page Authority (PA) that are commonly used to measure the effectiveness of websites and individual pages. With a 30-day free trial, Moz Pro delivers keyword tracking for Google US and International, Google Mobile, Bing, and Yahoo. It also offers valuable insights into keyword difficulty, SERP analysis, and search volume. On top of it, Moz Pro even has a link explorer to analyze backlink profiles and a Page Optimization Score for your target keywords.

Read our full Moz Pro review.

Semrush

Semrush goes beyond just SEO with tools for PPC, social media, and content marketing. One of its key selling points is its massive database, which boasts over 43 trillion links. This makes it the most up-to-date and extensive resource available. Semrush's keyword research tool is useful for in-depth information on search volume, keyword difficulty, and competitive analysis. That’s not all. Semrush even stands out in areas such as global databases, desktop, and mobile traffic data, search engine volatility by industry, brand mentions for PR, and social media engagement and traffic.

Read our full Semrush review.

Conductor: Final verdict

Conductor won the Gold Medal in the 2023 Search Engine Optimization Data Quadrant by SoftwareReviews. They have been improving their service since 2008, particularly their integration with popular tools like Adobe and Asana. Apart from detailed keyword research and real-time content guidance, their website monitoring feature truly meets the expectations. While Conductor is a top choice, there are other exceptional alternatives like Ahrefs, Moz Pro, and Semrush with better global database and user interface customization. But don’t forget that with free trial options, you can test Conductor anytime and see if it boosts your business.

• Check out the best online marketing services.

Read More

Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 robot vacuum review

Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 two-minute review

Product info

This model has slightly different names and product codes in different territories:

In the US:

Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum and Mop with XL HEPA Self-Empty Base RV2610WA

More basic model: Shark Matrix Self-Empty Robot Vacuum RV2310AE

In the UK: 

Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop RV2620WDUK

Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 Self-Empty Robot Vacuum & Mop RV2620WAUK

For this review, I tested the RV2620WAUK. There may be minor differences between different countries' models.

I’ve been testing robot vacuums for several years and, while I’ve long accepted that no robot will ever allow me to retire from manual vacuuming altogether, I’m forever hopeful one will come close! Shark has an excellent reputation in the vacuuming world, so I was cautiously optimistic when the Shark Matrix Plus Robot 2-in-1 landed on my doorstep.

Some might say the popular tech brand was late to the robot party, at least in the UK. Shark has had success with robot vacuums in the US for a while now, but only added them to its UK lineup in spring 2024. I tested the Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 Self-Empty, which can vacuum, mop and empty its own bin. Happy days.

As you might expect from Shark, this smart little robot packs plenty of techy features. A major highlight is its 360-degree LiDAR sensors. This light detecting and ranging technology is aimed at quickly and accurately mapping your home and navigating around obstacles and I can confirm the Shark’s works very well. It also has a special air blasting feature, which I haven’t encountered before, that blows out air to push debris away from edges and corners and into the path of the suction channel. Again, I was impressed.

Although it didn’t blow my mind, the mopping results were better than I’ve experienced from a robot in the past. Rather than just dragging a vaguely damp mop pad along the floor, the Shark Matrix Plus Plus’ mop pad oscillates as it goes (100 times a minute, allegedly), to mimic a scrubbing motion. Many people will also love that the bin unit the self-emptying vacuum discharges into doesn’t need to be emptied for 60 days. Unless you have two hairy kids and two hairy dogs that is – I didn't make it past two weeks. 

I tested the Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 on the ground floor of my four-bed home for a month. Although it wasn’t perfect and the app wasn’t as slick as I’m used to, I really did rate this robot, especially for those who are tight on money as well as time. I'd have no qualms about giving it a place on our best robot vacuum list. Read on for the full low down on my time testing the Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 robot vacuum.

Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 specs

Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 review: price & availability

• List price: $699.99 / £449.99 
• Available: US and UK

The Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 sells in the US for $699.99 on Shark’s own website. At time of writing, there are seven robots in the range, with the Matrix Plus being the third most expensive, behind two PowerDetect models that come with self-refill water reservoirs in the base and cost up to $999.99. The cheapest Shark robot you can get in the US is the Shark ION, which is just $279.99 but unappealingly basic.

There are just three robot models available in the UK, and the Matrix Plus 2-in-1 I tested boasts the most diverse spec. In the world of robot vacuuming, I’d say its £449.99 price tag is more than reasonable (even allowing for exchange rates, it’s a better deal than in the US), but you can save yourself £100 if you empty the bin manually and get the entry-level model that still mops but doesn’t self-empty. Or, if you mostly have carpets so want a robot that’s more focused on vacuuming, invest £50 more and go for the top spec Shark PowerDetect.  

Whichever side of the pond you are shopping for a Shark Matrix Plus, I’d say the brand has priced it very reasonably, especially when you consider most robots that include mopping capabilities, for example iRobot’s Roomba, cost $1k plus. It’s not entirely flawless, but the Matrix Plus 2-in-1 represents excellent value in terms of build quality, features and cleaning prowess.

• Value for money score: 4 out of 5

Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 review: design

• Low-key looks
• Compact base station
• Tricky mop insert

The Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 won’t blow your mind with its futuristic looks or striking shape, but it won’t scare the horses either. It’s black and round with a neat little base and sat under the table in our hallway just fine. It arrived nicely packaged, with a great deal of cardboard and other eco-friendly packaging and precious little plastic. 

(Image credit: Future)

Underneath, the design is also fairly innocuous, but I was a tad worried by the corner brush, which has just one brush arm, instead of the usual three-to-five I am used to seeing. The roller head had rubber fins – which tend to be good on solid floors – as well as carpet-friendly brushes, but there was only one roller, and some of the better robots I have tested have two. 

(Image credit: Future)

The base station (which measures H14 x W12 x D9 inches) only caters for dirt; there’s no water reservoir. But the bin capacity is generous and it’s easy to see when it’s getting full due to the vertical strip of transparent Perspex. It also clips in and out easily, as does the filter in the other side of the base station – a large, foam creation that needs cleaning under the tap once a month. I appreciated that the base station has a plastic disc the size of the robot, which is to protect wood floors from getting soggy when the mop attachment is in place.

(Image credit: Future)

On the top of the Shark Matrix Plus are just two buttons, one to power on/off and the other to start/stop, everything else is done by the app, which I will cover in depth lower down this review. 

(Image credit: Future)

• Design score: 4 out of 5

Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 review: app

• Good mapping skills
• Scheduling and spot cleaning
• No multi-maps 

To get started, I just had to pop on the side brush, plug in the base (then charge the robot for six hours) and download and connect the app. Do make sure you only connect it to a 2.4 GHz wi-fi network, I wasted about half an hour trying to connect it to my 5 GHz but that was my fault for not reading the instructions. In my defense, the instructions that come with the Shark Matrix Plus are not particularly enlightening, but are enough to get you set up (if you read them properly). 

(Image credit: Future)

Compared to other robots I have tested, the SharkClean app is pretty basic and rather annoying. Hopefully there will be upgrades as Shark gets its head around robot life. It is basic in that it doesn’t allow you to schedule specific rooms or more than one clean per day, it doesn’t let you choose how the robot cleans (perimeter-first works best for our pet-filled home), and you can’t change the power levels once it’s working.

The annoyances generally iron out, but they can be frustrating. Mainly I found it slow to connect, which is annoying when you’ve decided to pop a clean going before you jump in the car. The cleaning reports didn’t always record/save, and I found it hard to move between actions. For example, if it was returning to base, I couldn’t get the app to show me the maps so I could plan the next job. Sometimes the map disappeared completely, or the app froze, and once or twice it wouldn’t acknowledge that we had a robot in the house at all! 

The other downer that didn’t bother me, but might you, is that it will only map one floor. I am happy to use my cordless vacuum upstairs (where it lives) and have never been one for carrying robots up and down levels but if you want to use the robot on multiple floors, you’ll only be able to map one of them. 

It's not all bad news though. The actual map the Shark Matrix Plus created was perfect first time and was created really quickly – in less than 10 minutes. I also found it very easy to add rooms, as well as rugs (to prevent wet carpets in mopping mode) and create a schedule for each day (to coincide with the school run). 

• App score: 3 out of 5

Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 review: performance

• Good at corners and edges
• Quieter than advertised
• Mopping a bit basic

Using in vacuum mode

The Shark Matrix Plus comes with the regular vacuum cleaning insert installed, which has a small bin and filter inside and automatically empties its payload back at the mother base. I needn’t have worried about the measly single-arm corner brush, as it did an excellent job of getting dog dander and dust bunnies out from along the skirting boards and corners of cabinets etc. 

(Image credit: Future)

Shallow enough to get under all our freestanding furniture, including the sofas and the kitchen kickboards, the Shark Matrix Plus also had no problem climbing onto chunky rugs or over the wooden thresholds between rooms, many of which have thwarted less agile robots.

Being largely open view with level flooring throughout the ground floor, our home is the perfect setup for robotic cleaning. But I was also hugely relieved to discover the Shark Matrix Plus could hoist itself over the legs of the lounge chairs in our kitchen, which have grounded every other robot I’ve ever hosted. This meant I’d have to lift the heavy chairs onto the sofa out of the way or go and rescue the robot and restart it mid-clean. I was delighted the Shark Matrix Plus glided over them with barely a grunt.

(Image credit: Future)

Another genius benefit of the Shark Matrix Plus is its ‘Matrix’ cleaning system, which essentially means it cleans back and forth and then up and down, in a grid-like pattern. The difference between that and a simple back and forth clean was significant. You can only use Matrix if you’re doing one room, presumably because it takes more time and power, but I liked to use it on the living room because that’s our only carpeted room and the results were much better.

You can also Matrix Clean a 5’ x 5’ area without the app, which is great for random spills. You need to carry the robot to the spot, then press and hold the start button for five-to-seven seconds until it says, ‘starting spot clean’. 

Image 1 of 5

(Image credit: Future)

Image 2 of 5

(Image credit: Future)

Image 3 of 5

(Image credit: Future)

Image 4 of 5

(Image credit: Future)

Image 5 of 5

(Image credit: Future)

I used this spot cleaning function to test the Shark Matrix Plus on an area of flour and oats. As you can see from the photo gallery above, the results were average. It cleared most of the flour, except in the grooves between the wood planks, and left just a few crumbs of oats. I still had to get out my cordless to finish the job, and I only used the low power setting to get the flour out of the grooves, suggesting that my cordless is better than the Shark Matrix Plus, even on its lowest power setting. Annoyingly, there was quite a lot of flour and oats left around the base station when it returned to empty the bin, and I had to get the cordless to clear that up, too. 

(Image credit: Future)

As I work from home, I really appreciated how quiet the Shark Matrix Plus was, my decibel meter recorded just 46 dB in the low power mode, which is the one I mostly used on our hard flooring. This is similar to the sound of bird calls or in a library and was much lower than Shark’s official rating, which presumably has to include the bin emptying sound level. Being so quiet meant I could have it running around in the background when working, except during Zoom meetings, without feeling distracted or annoyed. It is indeed much louder when emptying the bin into the base station, but it’s very short-lived.

On the point of bins, I did love having the extra capacity of the base station as my usual robot requires daily emptying. However, it fell far short of the 60-day emptying schedule advertised – I found two weeks was about the longest I could leave it. 

Our carpets and rugs are all low pile (upstairs, too), so I can’t tell you how well the Shark Matrix Plus might manage on a thick pile rug, but it did well on our wool carpet in the living room and the jute rug in the kitchen. I mean, it’s hard to say how deep down the clean was, but I didn’t feel the need to get another vacuum out afterwards. 

(Image credit: Future)

Using in mop mode

Before mopping, I first had to add rug zones to my map, so it didn’t soak the rugs or carpets. This was pretty easy to do, until it got to the exploration run, which you’re meant to do to make sure you have got the rug placements right. The Shark Matrix Plus wandered close to where I’d marked the kitchen rug, and then went a bit mad, zig-zagging all over it. I decided I didn’t have the patience to worry about it and sent it back to base.

(Image credit: Future)

Once the module is in, the Shark Matrix Plus automatically recognizes it is mopping and – this bit is amazing – it will vacuum and mop at the same time. I’ve only tested one robot vacuum that claimed to mop and was disappointed to discover that it really couldn’t. That other model barely made my floors damp, let alone cleaning them, and because it had to go round and vacuum first, it also took a lifetime to do a terrible job.

By contrast, the Shark Matrix Plus did a much more thorough job and you could see trail marks where it had been, which showed decent coverage. The pad oscillates over the surface, which presumably picks up more dirt than just sliding along. The mop pad was reassuringly dirty when it was done, too. As most of our ground floors are real engineered wood flooring, I also appreciated that the Shark Matrix Plus didn’t flood them in water as that would almost certainly damage them. Oh, and it also managed to find, and skip past, the rugs. 

(Image credit: Future)

In truth, the results didn’t compare with what can be achieved with an actual mop, and it didn’t get very close into the corners or skirtings, but it was good enough for a mid-week freshen up before getting the mop and bucket out on Saturday morning. 

• Performance score: 4 out of 5

Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 review: battery life

• Plenty of power
• Charges quickly

The battery life ranges from about 85-110 minutes, depending on what power mode you have it on. This isn't anything to rave about, but it only needed one quick recharge when covering our ground floor in max power, which took around 131 minutes (including charging time) to do all six rooms and the hallway (which the Shark app says is 112sq m worth of cleaning). Once recharged, it would return to the spot it left off and merrily resume cleaning. 

The official Shark stats say the battery takes six hours to fully recharge, but I found it only took about three so perhaps it wasn’t completely empty whenever it went back to base. Either way, I had no complaints about the battery life. 

• Battery score: 5 out of 5

Should you buy the Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1?

Buy it if…

You hate emptying bins

As I own a robot that requires emptying every single day, I can assure you that you need a self-emptying base station.

You have hairy housemates

The roller is anti-hair-trapping and it works well. There were a few hairs around the middle after a month’s testing but nothing like what I’m used to seeing wrapped around my robot’s rollers. It also has proper HEPA dust filtration.

You want zero drama

Of all the robots I have tried, this was the least needy. It never once got stuck or lost, nor sent me a distress message to say it had ‘fallen off a cliff’ (when in reality it was just straddling the doormat). 

Don’t buy it if…

Tech stresses you out

The app is glitchy and unreliable and not terribly informative, either. There may have been swearing…

You want to clean upstairs, too

The mapping currently only covers one floor level, so choose wisely.

You’re OCD about dirt

Like most (possibly all) robots, the suction power isn’t comparable to manually operated vacuum cleaners – use it for daily maintenance cleaning, then do a ‘proper’ vacuum on the weekend. 

Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 review: also consider

Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1

The Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 and Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 are both powerful robot vacuums with mopping capabilities, but they differ in key areas. The AI Ultra excels in smart navigation and AI-powered obstacle avoidance, while the Matrix Plus offers a better clean thanks to its multi-surface brushroll and Matrix Clean

Read our full Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 review

Narwal Freo X Ultra

The Narwal Freo X Ultra and Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 both offer advanced vacuuming and mopping, but they've very differently priced. For the extra loot, the Narwal Freo X Ultra offers self-cleaning mop pads and autonomous water management, ideal for hands-free maintenance. 

Read our full Narwal Freo X Ultra review

How I tested the Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1

• I used this vacuum in my own home for a month
• I vacuumed carpets and vacuumed and mopped hard floors
• I recorded the sound levels using a Decibel Meter App

I used the Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 to clean the ground floor of our four-bed, Victorian family home for a month, using it every day on all our downstairs floors, which include terracotta and porcelain tiles, engineered timber, wool carpet and three rugs. The total area is around 120sq m.

I checked out every feature on the app, and did Spot cleans, Matrix cleans and mopping runs. I liked being able to pick specific rooms, so I could just get the main kitchen and hallway done quickly, but mostly I scheduled the robot to work while I was out of the house, so I could arrive home to nice clean floors throughout.

During testing, I used the decibel meter on my iPhone to monitor noise levels and conducted a test to see how the vacuum coped with flour and oats on hard flooring. 

As part of my job as a journalist specialising in kitchens and bathrooms, I’ve been reviewing vacuum cleaners for publication both online and in print for several years now. I’ve tested lots of robot vacuums, and currently own an Anker by Eufy Hybrid X8, which I like well enough, but I liked the Shark Matrix Plus more. 

Read more about how we test

First reviewed September 2024

Read More

LG 32-Inch UltraGear OLED review: This is the 4K OLED monitor of my dreams

LG 32-Inch UltraGear OLED: one-minute review

I’ve been waiting a long time for a monitor like the LG 32-Inch UltraGear OLED. With a brilliant OLED display and a gorgeous 4K resolution, backed up by an ample 240Hz refresh rate and brilliant picture quality, this LG monitor makes OLED technology a must-have for anybody who plays PC games or bases their home life around their computer desk. 

There’s a noticeable quality difference between OLED and IPS monitors when playing cinematic and competitive games alike on a computer, and with this thing sitting on your desk you’re bound to get bang for your buck on the picture quality front.

But while we can celebrate LG for bringing the cost of an OLED monitor down with the 32GS95UE-B, let’s be honest with ourselves – $1,199 / £1,199 / AU$2,399 is still expensive for a monitor no matter how impressive the tech is. 

Those looking more greater image depth and HDR performance may also want to look elsewhere, as the LG's peak brightness doesn't reach the retina-searing heights of similarly priced Samsung and Alienware models. My biggest bugbear though? Surely we can give peripherals better names than difficult to understand numbers and letters.

LG 32-Inch UltraGear OLED: price and availability

(Image credit: Zachariah Kelly / Techradar)

• How much does it cost? $1,199 / £1,199 / AU$2,399
• When is it available? Available now
• Where can you get it? LG directly and technology retailers in the US, UK and Australia

It’s tough to find a cheap 32-inch gaming monitor – especially one with an OLED panel (with prices often starting well above $800 / £800 / AU$1,000) – but the LG 32-Inch UltraGear OLED offers a sensible price-to-cost ratio for enthusiasts. It’s kind of a rarity, considering that it ditches an ultrawide profile and a curved screen for a more standard design, while most OLED monitors elect to have at least one of the aforementioned traits.

Similar monitors are available from Gigabyte and Alienware with significantly lower costs, with the closest competitor being the Samsung Odyssey G8 OLED G80SD (with a listed price of $1,299 / £1,099 / AU$1,999). 

LG 32-Inch UltraGear OLED: Design

(Image credit: Techradar / Zachariah Kelly)

LG 32-Inch UltraGear OLED Key Specs

Screen size: 32-inch
Resolution: 3,840 x 2,160
Brightness: 275 nits full screen, 1,300 nits max HDR
Color coverage: 98.5%
Response time: 0.03ms
Refresh rate: 240Hz (4K) / 480Hz (1080p)
HDR: DisplayHDR True Black400, HDR10
Features: FreeSync Premium Pro, NVIDIA G-Sync, Dual Mode, Pixel Sound, 1 x HDMI, 1 x DisplayPort, 1 x Headphone out, 1 x USB-A upstream, 1 x USB-A downstream

An achilles heel of many gaming displays is the design – thick bezels, beefy stands and a focus on big, obvious branding offen make a monitor look cheap and overdesigned. This is in no way a problem for the LG 32-Inch UltraGear OLED.

It’s tempting to head this section off with ‘it’s a big black rectangle with a pentagonal stand’ but we can entertain the monitor more than that. It’s a premium design language that LG and Samsung alike have been leaning into with their high end monitors. 

It’s mature to the point of only having the ‘UltraGear’ and ‘LG’ brand signifier in the front of the pentagon stand, without any branding on the actual display bezels. There’s RGB lighting on the back, allowing you to shine numerous colors onto the wall behind. If you know this feature isn’t for you,  it’s easily turned off through the monitor settings. 

Cables can be fed through the back of the monitor easily thanks to a neat cable management system, and you’re able to raise the panel quite high up off the base.,It would be nice if it could go lower, but we’re being quite picky. The monitor can swivel, tilt and pivot as well if you want to adjust the pitch of the display.

The panel is extremely premium, too. It’s polished with an anti-glare coating that only shows a warped reflection at most in low-light or reflective light situations. This is quite remarkable for an OLED display, as the technology, inherently, can’t go particularly bright. This means it can occasionally suffer in bright rooms, but as I found during testing in my office-bedroom – which is filled with light at all times during the day – I was able to play games with little issue.

LG 32-Inch UltraGear OLED: Features

(Image credit: Zachariah Kelly / Techradar)

The big sales pitch of the LG 32-Inch UltraGear OLED is its ‘dual mode’ functionality. At the press of a hotkey (located conveniently under the monitor), this monitor can switch between 4K 240Hz to 1080p 480hz. The first is more ideal for those after more cinematic, graphically beautiful gameplay, albeit at a lower framerate, while the second is intended for high octane competitive gamers after smooth frames.

We can err on the critical side with this feature and note that 4K 240Hz gameplay, at its height, would be difficult for even the most expensive gaming computers to reach in gorgeous single player games like Cyberpunk 2077 and Star Wars Outlaws. I would even go as far as to say that 240Hz is not just difficult to attain but is also very much overkill – 144Hz will suffice for a story-rich game.

The flipside of the feature makes much more sense to me – 1080p gameplay at 480Hz for fast-paced games where you want to see more frames rendered in a second. I can see the benefit of this in a game like Counter Strike 2 and League of Legends – but those high frame rates may even be seen as unnecessary by a competitive gamer. Leveling with you, dear reader, that’s not me – I prefer a pretty picture to a consistently smooth one (though I do like my frames to be above 60FPS). The monitor has a smart cleaning process for when it doesn’t detect an input, refreshing the pixels to avoid burn-in – a common issue with OLED monitors. 

The monitor also comes with FreeSync Premium Pro and Nvidia G-Sync. It has a Display Port, HDMI, headphone jack, USB (downstream) and USB (upstream) ports, with support for a 100 x 100 mm wall mount. Satisfying me as someone who likes to watch stuff on their computer in bed, the monitor also has built-in speakers and comes with a Displayport and HDMI cable in the box.

LG 32-Inch UltraGear OLED: performance

(Image credit: Zachariah Kelly / Techradar)

The LG 32-Inch UltraGear OLED’s display is matte – not glossy like you’d expect from most displays. The extreme blacks and darker shades that the OLED pulls off in use – and when turned off – are so deep that you’ll at most see a rough reflection of yourself, but not enough to ruin the experience. 

That’s an OLED panel’s entire deal and it leads to better performance on every front – deeper blacks equals  better contrast – the difference between the darkest and brightest parts of an image.

And at the 32-inch size, I’ve found this monitor to be the best way to experience a lot of cinematic games. Star Wars Outlaws and Warhammer 40K: Space Marine II both play exceptionally well on the monitor and look much more gorgeous on the OLED screen than my previous 32-inch Gigabyte M32Q monitor. 

TV shows like The Acolyte and The Bear look equally impressive – particularly The Bear for its attractive use of color sharpness in central objects amid a bland palette. The LG 32GS95UE-B aces it on color clarity.

The speakers are pleasantly surprising, too. I was expecting sound that peaks too readily and sounds washed out, but the 32GS95UE-B performs just about as well as any TV without a separate speaker system. This can be chalked up to LG’s ‘Pixel Sound’ feature, which provides a directed sound experience without any external speaker system.

The monitor performs relatively well on brightness and HDR – though both could be better at this pricepoint. The maximum brightness (1300nits) and enhanced darkness clarity doesn’t fare much better for content than just using the display with HDR disabled (275nits standard luminosity).  

And while it doesn’t fit into any other category in Techradar’s review format, I’ve just got to say it – this name, the LG 32GS95UE-B, is just letters and numbers. They have meanings obviously but it’s extremely difficult to communicate to a customer – so much so that LG just calls the display the ‘32" UltraGear OLED Dual Mode 4K UHD’ on its website, and hence why we’ve been naming it interchangeably throughout this review. Less letters and numbers please.

Should I buy an LG 32-Inch UltraGear OLED?

Buy it if...

Don't buy if...

Also Consider

LG 32-Inch UltraGear OLED: Report Card

How I tested the LG 32-Inch UltraGear OLED

As soon as I received this monitor, I got to work unpacking it and setting it up. Pulling it out of the box was easy, as was the process of putting the stand together (no tools were needed, as everything slots and screws into place by hand). As my main space in my home is my bedroom-office, this monitor was switched on at almost all hours whenever I was home. To avoid burn-in, the panel was often turned off for cleaning when not being used.

The main use of the monitor was for gaming using a separate headset. I played a variety of games, including Caravan SandWitch, Team Fortress 2, What The Car, Star Wars Outlaws, Warhammer 40K: Space Marine 2, Forza Motorsport and Forza Horizon 5.

I also used the monitor for watching Twitch streams, YouTube videos and lots of TV shows, including The Bear and The Acolyte.

• First reviewed September 2024

Read More

Dell Latitude 7350 business laptop review

Dell has long been a staple in the business workspace, known for delivering reliable, high-performance laptops that cater to the needs of professionals across various industries. The Latitude series, in particular, has been a go-to for companies looking to equip their employees with devices that are both robust and versatile.

Recently, I reviewed the Dell Latitude 7350 Detachable, a powerful 2-in-1 device that impressed with its flexibility and portability. Now, this laptop is the standard Dell Latitude 7350—a more traditional laptop that promises the same level of performance but with the stability and feature set expected from the best business laptops.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

Dell Latitude 7350: Unboxing and First impressions

The Dell Latitude 7350 comes in minimalist, professional-looking packaging, and it is clear from the beginning that this is more professional than some of the laptops I look at. That could be because of the simple logo, the color, the form factor, or whatever it may be; it's clear that this laptop is meant for business. Upon unboxing, the first thing that surprised me was how light and sleek the device was. It feels very light and portable, which would be fantastic for those daily commuters or those in and out of physical meetings all day, walking from place to place. The Latitude 7350's build quality feels premium, with a sturdy hinge mechanism and smooth finish. All around, this laptop looks and feels great out of the box.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

Dell Latitude 7350: Design and Build Quality

Specs

Processor: Intel® Core™ Ultra 5 135U, vPro® or Intel® Core™ Ultra 7 165U, vPro®  
RAM: 16GB or 32GB LPDDR5x, 6400 MT/s (Onboard)
Storage: 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB M.2 PCIe Gen 4 NVMe SSD  Display: 13.3” FHD+ (1920x1200) IPS, Anti-Glare, No-Touch, 250 nits or 13.3” QHD+ (2880x1920) IPS, Touch, 500 nits  Graphics: Integrated Intel® Graphics, Core™ Ultra 5 or Ultra 7
Battery: 3 Cell, 57 Wh, ExpressCharge™ capable
Ports: 2x Thunderbolt 4.0 with Power Delivery & DisplayPort (USB Type-C), 1x USB 3.2 Gen 1 with PowerShare, 1x HDMI 2.1, 1x Universal audio jack, Optional: SmartCard reader, uSIM card tray
Connectivity: Intel® BE200 Wi-Fi 7 (2x2), Bluetooth® 5.4 Technology, Optional: 5G or 4G LTE  
Webcam: 1080p at 30 fps
Operating System: Windows 11 Pro  
Dimensions: Ultralight Laptop: 11.77 x 8.38 x 0.69 inches, 2.18 lbs (0.989 kg) or Aluminum 2-in-1: 11.77 x 8.39 x 0.70 inches, 2.86 lbs (1.297 kg)

The Dell Latitude 7350 Business Laptop features some customizations regarding the chassis and LCD panel. The two main chassis options are an ultralight magnesium version in a deep blue and a more durable aluminum variant in a more typical gray. The ultralight model weighs just 2.18 pounds (0.989 kg), making it one of the lightest business laptops on the market. While slightly heavier, the aluminum chassis offers more durability and additional features like a SmartCard reader, which may be a deal breaker for some.

Dell offers multiple display options, including a 13.3-inch FHD+ touch and non-touch, as well as a QHD+ 2-in-1 variant, all with a 16:10 aspect ratio for enhanced productivity. This is in addition to the multiple variants of the Latitude 7350 already, meaning there are plenty of options for this laptop to be customized to your needs.

The keyboard features a mini LED backlight with a Copilot key, enhancing power efficiency and workflow speed. With the Copilot key, Microsoft's AI is a keystroke away, ready to help you with a boost of productivity when used correctly.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

Dell Latitude 7350: In use

The Latitude 7450, the non-2-in-1 variant, is powered by Intel’s latest Core Ultra processors. It offers options ranging from the Core Ultra 5 135U to the Core Ultra 7 165U, making it highly capable for most business applications. I've had the opportunity to use this laptop for the last few days as my primary machine to get work done, and I have a lot of thoughts.

The Latitude 7350’s battery life is impressive, with more than 10 hours of use on a single charge and a basic daily workload. By the third day, I stopped worrying about bringing a portable power station because I was confident in my battery life.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

I greatly appreciated the lightweight nature of this little 13-inch computer. It has been easy to grab and go while still being large enough for most of my work. For those things that I wish I had more screen real-estate for, I can easily plug into any of the best business monitors with the available ports and get to work.

These days, with the nature of what I do, most of my meetings are virtual. The Dell Latitude 7350 makes these meetings super easy, especially if those meetings are on Zoom or Microsoft Teams (sadly not Google Meet or others, yet). The Latitude 7350 has a collaboration touchpad, meaning that at the top of the standard touchpad are soft buttons in Zoom and Teams to help with effortless collaboration. These controls help with screen sharing, muting, turning the camera off, and showing or hiding the chat window. The collaboration features are top-notch and help make virtual meetings on this laptop a breeze.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

Dell Latitude 7350: Final verdict

The Dell Latitude 7350 is a formidable choice for business users who need a lightweight, powerful, and secure device. A solid alternative to some of the best Lenovo ThinkPad laptops, its high price point is justified by the extensive customization options and premium features, making it a worthwhile investment for those who can afford it.

If you are looking for a quality, lightweight, powerful laptop and happen to have a lot of virtual meetings, this laptop should be on your list of computers to consider.

---

For more productivity hardware, we've tested the best business computers and the best business tablets.

Read More

Sihoo M76A-M101 ergonomic office chair review

The Sihoo M76A-M101 Ergonomic Office Chair is a lightweight, minimalist chair with one standout feature. It has a clean and simple look, making it suitable for almost any working environment. It is designed to accommodate nearly any body size. My primary team member who uses this chair is 5'1", and it fits her perfectly. What's impressive is that I can also sit comfortably in this chair. Unlike some of the best office chairs designed only for taller individuals, this one can appeal to a wide range of people. Whether you’re short or tall, this chair adjusts to fit your body perfectly, providing the comfort and support needed for long hours at the desk.

Sihoo designed this chair to be lightweight for easy maneuvering, and the breathable mesh keeps you cool even during intense work sessions. Sihoo also added a unique coat rack on the back of this chair. Initially, I thought it was a gimmick, but it turned out super helpful, especially here in Central Illinois, United States, where I live, since the seasons are so dramatic. Coats are needed for a good chunk of the year -- winter, spring, and fall.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

Sihoo M76A-M101: Unboxing & first impressions

The Sihoo M76A-M101 comes securely packaged, with all parts neatly organized. The assembly process is straightforward and took about 21 minutes from chair opening to sitting in the chair and adjusting the settings. The chair’s lightweight design is immediately noticeable, making it easy to move even before assembly. Once out of the box, the chair appears modern and sleek, with a design emphasizing functionality over flair. The mesh material feels durable and breathable, and the adjustable components move smoothly. The armrests have a notably cheap feeling; however, they still fulfill their duty. The chair cushion is comfortable, and the backrest is supportive. All around, this is a simple chair. And sometimes, that's precisely what you need — a chair, not a space station.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

Sihoo M76A-M101: Design & build quality

Specs

Material: High-quality mesh, sponge cushion
Color: Grey
Weight:
Dimensions:
Chair Height: 107 - 125 cm / 42.1 - 49.2 in
Chair Back Height: 61 cm / 24 in
Seat Depth (back to front): 48 cm / 18.9 in
Seat Width: 47 cm / 18.5 in
Chair Depth: 69 cm / 27.2 in
Armrest Height: 22 cm / 8.66 in
Seat Height from Ground: 40.5 - 48.5 cm / 15.94 - 19.1 in
Warranty: 3 years

The M76A-M101 chair by Sihoo is designed with ergonomics in mind. It features a sleek, double-jointed headrest that easily adjusts for neck support, and a larger, higher backrest that enhances overall back comfort. The lumbar support is also highly adjustable, ensuring that users can find the right fit for their lower back. This has proven true for taller and shorter users, which is impressive for such a simple chair.

Despite its lightweight nature, the chair feels sturdy. The flip-up armrests are a convenient addition, especially for those who need to fit the chair under a desk or prefer a more open seating space. Although they could drop down and raise like some other popular chairs, flipping them back entirely gets the armrests out of the way, which is helpful in some settings. The breathable mesh used for the backrest and seat ensures that the chair remains cool and comfortable, even during long periods of use. The seat cushion is soft yet supportive, made from a thick sponge wrapped in high-quality mesh.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

Sihoo M76A-M101: In use

The Sihoo M76A-M101 ergonomic office chair has been great to use. As mentioned, my team has been using this chair for nearly two months now. This chair shines in its adjustability. The headrest, armrests, and lumbar support can all be customized to the user’s preference, ensuring a comfortable seating experience. The chair also offers a 120° recline for when you need a quick break and need to kick back.

I briefly mentioned it before, but the most unique part of this chair is the coat rack. Specifically, having a coat rack on the back of your chair has proven helpful if used in an office or a home office. Even in warmer months here in Illinois, the coat rack has come in handy for a rain jacket, and soon, it will come in handy for a winter jacket. This helps keep the jacket off the backrest and, therefore, not have you lean back on the coat, especially if it's wet. It’s a small but thoughtful addition that keeps your workspace tidy by providing a place to hang your jacket or even a hat.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

While working in this chair, we found the flip-up armrests super helpful. Flipping up these arms while using the chair with some desks has made it easy to slide the chair under the desk.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

Sihoo M76A-M101: Final verdict

The Sihoo M76A-M101 is a well-rounded ergonomic office chair that delivers on comfort, adjustability, and practical features. Its lightweight build and easy assembly make it an attractive option for both home and office use. While the coat rack might not be essential for everyone, it’s a nice touch that adds to the chair’s overall functionality. If you’re looking for a versatile chair that fits a range of heights and needs, the Sihoo M76A-M101 is worth considering.

---

Looking to brighten up your workspace? We've reviewed the best standing desk and the best office desk models you can get.

Read More

Logitech Keys-to-Go 2 portable keyboard review

The Logitech Keys-to-Go 2 is a keyboard that I was excited to try but genuinely thought would be gimmicky since I already operate my day-to-day without a travel keyboard, and until seeing the Keys-to-Go 2, I did not feel as though I was missing out. However, there was something about how Logitech made this portable keyboard that I knew I had to try, and it may answer some questions I had yet to ask.

In short, the Logitech Keys-To-Go 2 is an ultra-slim, travel-friendly Bluetooth keyboard designed for portability without sacrificing functionality. It's ideal for students and professionals looking for a compact typing solution that can work with any Bluetooth-enabled device.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

It offers a significant redesign from its predecessor with improved durability, scissor-switch keys, and a protective flip cover. Additionally, this keyboard gives Mac and Windows-specific keys, which gives it extra utility as one of the best office keyboards around, working wonderfully with either operating system, smartphones, iPads, or Windows tablets (and while I have not tried it personally, I would assume this works well with ChromeOS and pretty much any Bluetooth device that can pair with a Bluetooth Keyboard).

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

Logitech Keys-to-Go 2: Price and Availability

The Logitech Keys-to-Go 2 has three color options: Graphite, Pale Gray, and Lilac. The pricing is honestly pretty great at only $80. It's available to buy just about anywhere, and you can purchase through Logitech or Amazon.

Logitech Keys-to-Go 2: Unboxing and First Impressions

At first glance, I stole the keyboard; I was shocked at how small yet capable this keyboard looked. I loved that it's so thin and lightweight while also having a sleek, protective, built-in, flippable cover to add durability. Though the keyboard is (sadly) not rechargeable, Logitech is kind enough to send pre-installed batteries so I can get to work immediately.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

Logitech Keys-to-Go 2: Design and Build Quality

Specs

Dimensions: 9.8 x 4.1 x 0.17 inches
Weight: 0.48 pounds (222 g)
Key Mechanism: Scissor-switch keys with 1mm key travel
Connectivity: Bluetooth Low Energy, supports up to 3 devices
Compatibility: iOS, iPadOS, Android, Windows, ChromeOS, macOS
Battery Life: 36 months with 2 CR2032 coin cell batteries
Colors: Graphite, Pale Gray, Lilac
Other Features:
  - Full row of function/media keys
  - Protective flip cover
  - Spill-proof, durable design with recycled materials

Logitech proved that this was a portable, lightweight keyboard in their design. The overall footprint is a mere 9.8 x 4.1 x 0.17 inches, which is tiny yet large enough to have a functioning keyboard. For reference, it's only slightly more compact than the standard Apple Magic Keyboard (see photo). The protective cover protects the keys if the keyboard is tossed in a bag and doubles as a stand to elevate and slightly angle the keyboard.

The keycaps are pleasant and smooth to type on. While it is a compact and smaller-than-average keyboard, I only notice fatigue if I type for extended sessions. And, even there, I can't entirely blame fatigue on the keyboard as I also have arthritis in my wrists, so any kink compared to what I am used to can cause accelerated fatigue. With that in mind, I will say that the arrow and punctuation keys are a bit cramped, but nothing terrible.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

Logitech Keys-to-Go 2: In Use

As mentioned above, I was not in the market for a portable keyboard. I have tried having a keyboard in my everyday carry bag a few times, which has always felt overkill. I've got a good thing going with my daily and highly productive setup that fits beautifully in my Nomatic Navigator backpack. When I saw the Keys-to-Go 2, I knew I had to try it. I now wouldn't have to worry about a case for a keyboard adding extra bulk, all to protect a keyboard from getting damaged in my bag in the first place. All around, it felt silly. But, with the Keys-to-Go 2, Logitech has included a flap that protects the keys while elevating the keyboard slightly when folded back.

I was off once I hooked up the Bluetooth nodes to my MacBook Pro, iPad Pro, and whatever laptop I was testing that day (it rotates regularly) utilizing the three Bluetooth nodes. I propped my laptop up with a Moft case or adhesive stand and got to work. There was something about having even a bit of separation and the ability to prop my laptop up to an angle that would make utilizing the built-in keyboard very uncomfortable, which made working that first day incredible. I got so much done it blew my mind. The keyboard helped immensely, and I stayed comfortable all day long. In the days following this first day of amazement, I could do something similar with my iPad Pro. Yes, I have a magic Keyboard case that I will usually use when I take my iPad somewhere as my only or primary computing device for the day (or hour). However, this time, I took my iPad and the keys-to-go 2, and honestly, it was a great experience. I set up my iPad using my Moft folio case and got to work without skipping a beat -- I even gained a function row of media controls this way, compared to the Magic Keyboard.

Now, for some of the negatives. I don't love that the keyboard is slightly cramped. I see that as an issue for some people. Further, I don't love that this is not rechargeable. Granted, the battery is supposed to last quite a long time, but the ability to recharge with USB-C would still be great (maybe for Keys-to-Go 3?). Other than that, though, this keyboard has been fantastic and has made for a beautiful addition to my backpack that I barely even notice is there because of its tiny size, lightweight design, and cover, so I don't have to worry and remind myself that it is there in fear of breaking it.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

Logitech Keys-to-Go 2: Final Verdict

The Logitech Keys-to-Go 2 is ideal for users seeking a portable, durable, and highly capable keyboard. It's compact and responsive, has three Bluetooth notes, a full-function row of keys, and a Mac/Windows layout. While I wish it had a rechargeable battery, it lasts a long time, and I have had no issues. If you're traveling, use a tablet as your primary device, or want a portable keyboard for some other reason, you need to check out the Logitech Keys-to-go 2.

---

Looking for more peripherals? We reviewed the best MacBook Pro accessories.

Read More

Twinkly Strings review: striking smart string lights that aren't just for Christmas

Twinkly Strings: two-minute review

The Twinkly Strings are smart LED string lights that you can use to decorate your Christmas tree or drape anywhere else in your home that's in need of a little festive cheer. Once you've mapped their position using the Twinkly app, you can set them to a solid color, take your pick from dozens of animations, or even use them to create a picture (either a preset from the app, or one of your own).

They come in four lengths: 26.2ft (100 LEDs), 65.6ft (250 LEDs), 105ft (400 LEDs), and 157.5ft (600 LEDs). I tested the 400 LED set, but 250 LEDs would have been ample for my 4ft tall Christmas tree. The LEDs arrive divided in two bundles as shown in the images below, so I hung one set around the tree and the other across the room.

I tested the Twinkly Strings RGB lights, but there's also an RGB+W version, which could be a good choice if you're planning to have the lights up all year round and would therefore enjoy more subtle white lighting at different color temperatures outside the festive period. The RGB lights are available with black or green cables, and if you opt for the RGB+W version, then you can also opt for clear cables that will be less obtrusive when installed more permanently.

The lights are positioned on springy, zig-zag-shaped wires, which are easy to hang and position. They don't become tangled as easily as conventional string lights; the shape of the wire makes them easy to bundle up once you're done, then secure each bundle with the Velcro tie included in the box. Although I had the black version, the wires weren't very visible when tucked among the tree branches. 

Image 1 of 3

I tested the 105ft Twinkly Strings with RGB LEDs (Image credit: Future)

Image 2 of 3

The strings are divided into two bundles connected by a length of cable, which allows you to spread them out more easily (Image credit: Future)

Image 3 of 3

The zig-zag shape of the cable allows it to stretch (Image credit: Future)

Once you've draped the Strings to your liking, open the Twinkly app on your phone (you'll need to create an account if you haven't used it before), switch on the lights and hold the button on the controller until the light turns turquoise. The app will then be able to find the lights, and you can connect them to your home Wi-Fi network. This worked perfectly during my tests, as it did with the Twinkly Line LED strip that I also tested recently.

When that's done and you've installed any necessary firmware updates as prompted, you'll be asked to use your camera to map their layout so that the software can assign the correct color to each bulb to create gradients, patterns and pictures. There are two ways to do this: Easy Mapping, which requires a simple straight-on view of your lights, works fine if they'll mostly be viewed from one angle; and Advanced Mapping, which uses images from multiple angles, and would be useful if you've positioned your Christmas tree in the center of the room or wrapped the lights around something outdoors.

There are two ways to map the Twinkly Strings: Easy, which only requires a front-on view of the lights, and Advanced, which uses images from various different angles (Image credit: Future)

Simple mapping worked just fine for my tree, which was against a wall. Interestingly, the software was able to deduce where the lights on the back were positioned well enough to project a smooth gradient onto the wall, as you can see in this review's main image.

The various preset animations work well, and you can create a playlist that will store them on the Strings' in-line controller, so you don't have to open the app each time you want to change them. Pressing the button on the controller will cycle through your saved options, and holding it will switch them off.

You can save your favorite light settings to the Twinkly Strings' controller as playlists (Image credit: Future)

Some of the preset animations can be synced to music, as indicated by a musical note beside its name. This uses input from your phone, or from the Twinkly Music sound sensor dongle, which is available to buy separately. It would be nice if there was a microphone integrated into the controller, particularly since the Music dongle requires a USB power supply and the lights will already be using one of your electrical outlets.

I also experimented with using the Twinkly Strings to display a picture, but my tree was too small for this to work well. You could get the general idea, but there weren't enough lights visible at once to create a "canvas" with a sufficiently high resolution. It would be much more effective on a larger tree using the full complement of lights.

The Twinkly Strings work with all the major smart home platforms, and I had no issues at all connecting them to Google Home. The app found them immediately and added them to my living room. I was then able to use them like any other smart lights, and create automations that would turn on all the lights in the room at once with a voice command (such as "Merry Christmas"), or at a particular time.

Once you've chosen an animation in the Twinkly app, you can see how it will be mapped to your lights and make changes (Image credit: Future)

If you only have room for a smaller tree (under 4ft) then you may find that the smallest size (26.2ft) is too long, so you might prefer to opt for the shorter Twinkly Dots.

Covering extra large areas isn't a problem, though. While you can't add extensions to the Twinkly Strings, you can group multiple Twinkly products via the app and use them all together as a massive "canvas". 

Twinkly Strings: price and availability

The Twinkly Strings are available globally direct from Twinkly, or from third-party retailers such as Amazon. The price depends on the length of the string, and whether you opt for the RGB or RGB+W lights.

These prices are around a third less than the equivalent Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance Festavia string lights.

Govee (Twinkly's main rival for the best smart lights on a budget) doesn't have a product that's an exact equivalent – its Christmas String Lights are more like the Twinkly Dots, with LED beads inside a flexible tube that can be wrapped around objects.

The lights are very attractive in use, and the various sparkling animations are particularly festive (Image credit: Future)

Twinkly Strings: specs

Should you buy the Twinkly Strings?

Buy it if

You want lights you can use all year round

The Twinkly Strings can be used indoors or out, and the RGB+W version have clear cables that will blend into your decor when not in use – they'll be practically invisible until you're ready to get in the party mood.

You like to go all-out at Christmas

One of the biggest advantages of Twinkly's smart lights is the ability to connect multiple devices together via the app and use them all together to create a massive display. 

Don't buy it if

You only want to liven up a small area

Even the shortest Twinkly Strings is 26.2ft long, with 100 bulbs, and it can't be cut to length. If you want to jazz up a smaller area, the Twinkly Dots may be a better choice. They come in a 9.8ft version with 60 LEDs.

You want to keep it classic

The Twinkly Strings offer so many fun options, it would be a shame not to make the most of them by experimenting with colors, animations, and sound reactivity. They can do a classic twinkling effect, but if that's all you want then the smart Strings will be overkill.

Twinkly Strings: also consider

Still not sold on the Twinkly Strings? Here are two other options you might want to consider.

Nanoleaf Smart Holiday String Lights

Like the Twinkly Strings, these festive lights are a more affordable alternative to the Philips Hue Festavia strings. They only come in one length, but it should be suitable for a typical 6ft Christmas tree. Unlike many smart string lights, these are Matter-compatible to help future-proof your festive setup.

Read our full Nanoleaf Smart Holiday String Lights review

Govee Christmas String Lights

These lights take the form of LED "beads" encased in a clear, flexible cable. They're easier to drape than conventional string lights – but the cable is quite noticeable, particularly on a small tree. They're bright and vibrant, though, and make a fun display.

Read our full Govee Christmas String Lights review

How I tested the Twinkly Strings

To test the Twinkly Strings, I wound one half of the 105ft length around a 4ft artificial Christmas tree, and strung the other half across the length of my living room. I used the Twinkly app for Android to connect them to my home Wi-Fi network. and tested both the simple and advanced mapping options to address the LEDs.

I used them together with the Twinkly Line LED strip, connecting the two devices in the Twinkly app, where I could control them as a single device. I also connected them to my Google Home setup and created custom automations to control them.

Read more about how we test.

First reviewed September 2024

Read More