A phone getting hot and losing battery are two different symptoms with one cause in common: your phone is working hard. If you want it to cool down and last longer, you should ease up on whatever you’re doing.

Of course, if you’re not doing much, there could be something more serious at play, especially if it happens frequently. In this instance, it’s time to get customer support involved.

But before we get to that point, here are some common intensive activities which could cause your handset to get excessively warm and drain the battery fast, and some iPhone tricks (or whatever handset you have), to help bring the temperature down. 

Possible reasons for phone battery drain

In short, anything that’s especially intensive for the phone can cause the internals to heat up, and drain the battery as they work harder. To make matters worse, extreme temperatures can also lead to problems with phone batteries, meaning you’ll not want to make a habit of letting your handset run hot. 

The two most likely offenders are screen brightness and apps. For the former, it’s very easy to accidentally override the default adaptive brightness and have it set searingly bright all of the time. You might also want to reduce the amount of time it takes for your phone to switch off the screen when not in use.

For apps, intensive games and streaming services are the big offenders in terms of heat generation as they require the mobile GPU for the former and an active internet connection for the latter. 

You can weed out big battery draining offending apps in your phone’s settings however. On iPhone, go to ‘Settings’ > ‘Battery’, and then scroll down to ‘Battery Usage by App’. On Android it varies mildly from manufacturer to manufacturer, but it will be something like Settings > Battery > Battery usage, where you can look for a section with a breakdown of app power hunger.

Once located, you can exit the offending apps. They shouldn’t be causing problems in the background, but some do and sometimes force closing them is the only way. On iPhone swipe up from the bottom of the screen and then flick upwards on the apps you want to close. On Android, go to ‘Settings’ > ‘Apps’ > [App name] > ‘Force stop’.

It’s also worth considering location. If you’re in a rural area with poor phone reception, the handset has to work doubly hard to check in and get signal. There’s not a great deal you can do here, other than relying on WiFi more or changing carriers to a company that offers better coverage.

There are a few other things to consider. Does your phone have a software update available? Overheating and battery drain might be a known issue that’s been patched so it’s worth checking. Additionally if you use a case, it may be worth removing it and seeing if the problem goes away. If it does, you might need something less bulky and more breathable.

As well as these pointers, sometimes a good old fashioned reset can do wonders. If your phone is running hot, turn it off completely, let it cool down and then turn it back on again. Hopefully everything will have returned to normal.

When to get customer support involved

If none of the above seem to help, or your phone is getting hot and losing battery even without any heavy-duty use, it’s likely time to get the manufacturer involved. Get in touch with them or your carrier and see what they can do for you, if you’re still under warranty.

Even if you’re not, it could just be that your battery is no longer holding a charge like it used to, and that can usually be replaced with a fee (it’s a service that Apple offers online and in its stores, for example).

If you’re on an older handset, it may make more sense to upgrade to a new model at this point. Be sure to check out reviews to ensure that your next model performs well without warming up too much!

When I was a kid, we used to have a portable TV that my mom would watch in the kitchen sometimes, or if we were lucky, that we could have cartoons playing on when we sat and ate our breakfast at the table. Its screen can't have been more than 5 inches, but it was a bulky piece of tech that had to be tuned in with a dial like an analogue radio. 

With that memory, I have a bit of a soft spot for the idea of a portable TV, but it's not something that's translated particularly well into the modern day. After all, we can watch absolutely everything and anything on our phones and tablets these days... so does the portable TV really have a place? 

You'll still find them sold, generally with aerials to pick up terrestrial television signals, but they're not at the cutting edge of TV technology. However, this week LG announced it was releasing one of its TVs - the StanbyME - in a "Go" format. With one of the best TV brands re-investing in the idea, is this the dawn of a new age of the portable TV?

What features does this portable TV have?

First up, let's take a look at the specs, and what it looks like. The StanbyME Go is a 27-inch touch screen that's housed in what's an actually quite nice-looking suitcase with a built-in battery and 20 watt speaker. 

The screen is mounted in a way that it can be raised, tilted and used in portrait and landscape orientations, meaning you can use it for watching your standard videos from the likes of streaming platforms and YouTube, but also new media on social platforms like TikTok. The speakers adapt to the orientation mode you're in, too. 

When it comes to using it, it's technically still a TV, not a tablet, despite its touch screen functions. It runs LG's webOS, which means it works with AirPlay, while is also screen mirroring compatible with iOS and Android devices. It works on Bluetooth and WiFi, too, but doesn't have its own wireless capabilities, which means you'll likely be relying on your phone's Hotspot if you're planning to use it out anywhere where there isn't a WiFi connection. There isn't an aerial option like traditional portable TVs either. 

The StanbyME Go has a three hour battery life, and an "Outdoor Picture Mode" which promises you'll be able to actually see the screen, even if you find yourself in bright exterior conditions. 

The device can be used still set into the suitcase, too, and the images LG has released so far show a family playing built-in games on the device, as well as using it for music, around a pool. 

Why would I want a portable TV?

In reality, it's uses are pretty niche, but as a one-and-only-of-its-kind, it does offer something to those who occupy that niche. 'Content viewing is no longer confined to the living room or even the home, but until now, consumers have had to sacrifice screen size in favor of portability,' says David Park, Head of HE Product Marketing at LG. 'LG StanbyME Go makes the full-scale viewing experience travel-friendly and offers a versatile option for streaming, listening, remote working and more.' 

If you're serious about your entertainment, and watching on the go, whether you're into camping or want an alternative to a garden TV, it's a nice idea. But it's also retailing for $999.99. 

When so much of our entertainment is available on several devices at once, including our phones, TVs, laptops, and even our watches, it makes sense to have a way of conveniently transferring what we're listening to and watching between screens and speakers as we move through our day. There are a few different ways of doing this, but one of the best is Apple's AirPlay system.

AirPlay - now AirPlay 2 - is widely supported and incredibly useful if you like switching between rooms and devices without fiddling with cables and apps. It's also one of Apple's most third-party-friendly services, working across a huge range of devices, brands, and platforms.

Keep reading to discover some ways that AirPlay can make switching between screens, 'casting' content, and more so much easier, and head to our 'What is HomeKit' explainer for more Apple-related tips and tricks.

How do you use AirPlay?

First appearing back in 2010, AirPlay has become one of the most popular screen mirroring methods alongside Chromecast. Originally more limited in which devices it supported, it is now available across various brands and can be used to stream audio, video, and images wirelessly between devices. For example, if you're watching Netflix on your iPhone, you can just hit a button to send that content to your TV.

AirPlay's development has been tied to the HomePod since its' second iteration arrived in 2018, as it can be used to create a stereo pair with the speakers - adding surround sound without additional speakers or wires. You can also use it for multi-room audio, playing the same music or podcast episode across your whole home.

The service works over Wi-Fi, so both devices must be connected to the same network. Then, you can swipe up for the control panel on your iPhone and select Screen Mirroring or hit the AirPlay button when it appears within apps like Apple Music and TV. You will then get a list of available devices that are compatible, and you can simply select your desired one. 

Compatible speaker brands currently include (but aren't limited to) Sonos, Naim, Bang & Olufsen, Bowers & Wilkins, and Bose, but check the model before you buy. Samsung, LG, and Sony TVs also have support.

Can you use AirPlay with Android?

As previously mentioned, AirPlay is an outlier in the Apple ecosystem in that it works with a whole host of devices. That means that lots of TVs, speakers, and more that aren't created by the brand can be used. However, things get a bit more complicated if you want to use AirPlay with an Android phone.

Numerous apps on the Google Play store, including AllCast and AirSync (there are others), allow for a workaround. These are useful if you have a TV with AirPlay 2 but don't have an iPhone and allow you to transfer the content of your screen between the two. We will note, however, that Chromecast is a much more Android-friendly option and is present on most devices that also offer AirPlay.

What can you use if you don't have AirPlay?

AirPlay is definitely what you want to use if you're an iPhone user, but workarounds might not be worth it if you want to 'cast' between an Android device and your TV or speaker. There is Chromecast, which is Google's software that performs a similar function, and those who use Spotify to listen to music will be familiar with its own Connect function.

It has become the norm for smart TVs to feature, if not both, either Chromecast or AirPlay 2. Alternatively, you can opt for the Chromecast with Google TV dongle or Apple TV 4K - both of which feature in our ranking of the best streaming devices.

You may have heard great things about Bluetooth trackers, especially if you're someone that often misplaces things and struggles to remember where you put your phone, but the amount of choice out there can make it tricky to choose the best one for you.

The best key finders are a fantastic way of giving you peace of mind when it comes to often-lost items like keys, TV remotes, and pretty much everything else. Whether you want to be able to find a laptop that's been left on the bus or locate a pet that's wandered a little far from home, these tiny devices will help.

Keep reading for a direct comparison between two of the leading makers of these trackers - Tile and Apple - with head to heads on set-up, privacy, performance, and more.

AirTags vs Tile: Set-up and compatibility

Tile key finders offer much wider compatibility than AirTags, and work with all of the major smart assistants (Alexa, Google, Siri) and mobile OS (Android, iOS). This gives those with a variety of devices at home the freedom to use Tile products as they choose rather than being tied to one or the other. AirTags, on the other hand, will only work with Siri and iOS, meaning you'll need to be an Apple user already.

When testing the Tile Pro, our reviewer used an iPhone, and the setup was smooth and easy. You simply need to download the app, enter your details, and the device will begin to record the location of your keys or other chosen device.

The AirTag uses the Find My app on your iPhone, and it connects as easily as any other Apple-branded product - just wave the AirTag close to your iPhone, and it should find it automatically. The app allows you to share your location with your contacts, but this may be a privacy risk (more on this later). For more, head over to our guide on how to set up AirTags.

• Winner: Tile Pro

AirTags vs Tile: Design

The biggest disclaimer for the AirTag is its lack of a hole for attaching keys, meaning you will have to pay more for a holder. This seems strange when the device's intended purpose is to help find other objects, and Tile, in opposition, offers a range of different products like the Tile Mate, Tile Sticker, and Tile Slim for different use cases. The AirTag isn't as thin as the Tile Slim and lacks an adhesive back like the Tile Sticker, meaning it's really only good for placing loose in a pocket.

All of this said both brands have made an effort to make their key finders attractive in their own right. While Tile products tend to be larger with a more distinctive look, the AirTag is slightly sleeker (to match the aesthetic of Apple overall) and easier to miss. Your preference will depend on how much you want people to know that your items are being tracked, possibly deterring potential thieves.

We'll also note that the mini size of the AirTag gave us a little anxiety about leaving them around toddlers and pets.

Both the Tile Pro and AirTag have replaceable batteries, which should last around a year, though Tile's other devices will last around three years but will need to be discarded when the battery runs out of juice.

• Winner: Tile Pro

AirTags vs Tile: Performance

Generally speaking, Apple has a more user-friendly system for helping you find your items, giving you more of a step-by-step route than Tile's more vague guidance. To get the best out of AirTags, though, you will need an iPhone 11 or newer. 

Providing you have this - giving you access to ultra-wideband (UWB) tech - we found that, while Apple guides you to your lost keys, Tile just lets you know if you're getting warmer. Both apps have map views. In terms of Bluetooth range, Tile wins hands down, with 400ft compared to Apple's 30ft.

An incredibly neat feature allows other Tile users to help locate your lost items, with an alert sent to your phone whenever someone passes them, allowing you to narrow down your search. Apple has a similar feature and has arguably more users to work with by using the in-built Find My app rather than a dedicated app just for trackers.

• Winner: It's a tie!

AirTags vs Tile: Privacy features

Ever since the advent of key trackers, there has been a worry that these tiny devices could be used as digital stalking tools, so you will want to utilize all of the privacy safeguards and features you can in order to keep safe.

For the AirTag, Apple has updated its software to make unknown devices emit a noise when they are placed on a person who isn't registered to it for a long time, meaning you'll be alerted to any hidden trackers on your person or in your vehicle. iPhone users will also see a push notification stating 'Unknown Accessory Detected'.

Tile's safety features require a little more input from the user, and you can use the Scan and Secure function in the app to scan for unknown trackers nearby. It should be pointed out that you need to already have suspicions for this to keep you safe.

• Winner: AirTags

AirTags vs Tile: Our verdict

As it tends to be our recommendation for anything, Apple, iPhone, Siri, and HomeKit users will likely have an easier time with other devices from the brand, so we would recommend the AirTag if you're already an iOS user. Everything from connection to functionality will be optimal but bear in mind that you will need to purchase an additional case if you want to be able to attach it to keys or anything else.

Meanwhile, Android users won't be able to use AirTags at all, so they are left with Tile trackers. This is no tragedy, as Tile offers a wider range of device options (all with attachable loops at no extra cost) and comparable functionality to AirTags. 

Since their release in 2016, AirPods have taken off in a huge way for iPhone devotees and curious Android users alike. They're far from the only true wireless earphones around, but Apple's brand reputation and awareness, coupled with the top-notch tech packed into those tiny buds, means that they're seen as the creme de la creme. 

So what if you don't have an iPhone? Is it still worth splashing out on a pair of AirPods? The answer isn't straightforward, as Android users can still use the earphones but will miss out on some of its best features at the same time. For example, when we reviewed the AirPods (3rd Gen), one of our favorite things about the product was its seamless integration with our iPhone.

In this article, we will break down the pros and cons of buying a pair of AirPods if you don't plan on also using other iOS products and how Android users can still take advantage of their excellent sound quality and ease of use.

Can you use Apple headphones with an Android phone?

Yes, strictly speaking, you can use Apple AirPods with your Android device. There are, however, some limitations that make it a slightly less seamless experience than using other earbuds with your non-Apple devices.

For example, advanced features like Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency Mode, which are ways to fine-tune how much of the world you can hear while wearing them, are not available for Android users. You'll also miss out on spatial audio and Automatic Head Detection. 

On the other hand, everything you would find on a set of Bluetooth headphones will work just fine. That means that Android users can do anything like pausing content, adjusting the volume, and skipping tracks in the same way as someone using iOS can. 

How to connect AirPods

Connecting AirPods to your Android device is pretty easy and follows the same steps as any other Bluetooth device. First, you need to put the headphones into pairing mode by pressing and holding the button on the back of the charging case. The LED light should start flashing.

Then, go into the settings of your Android device and ensure Bluetooth is switched on. The AirPods should pop up under available devices, and you can tap on them to connect. And that's it!

Though some advanced features are off-limits, you can use the AirPods to listen to music and make phone calls. For more on how you can take care of your headphones and keep them working for longer, check out our guide to how to look after your AirPods.

Should you use AirPods with Android?

This is really up to the individual, but questions of budget come into it. AirPods are expensive, and there are much cheaper alternatives out there that will also work with Android devices. The reason AirPods have become so popular is down to their seamless compatibility with Apple products, but without these additional benefits, you may ask if the price is worth it.

We would say that those who already own AirPods and want to use them with their Android phone don't need to buy additional headphones, but we wouldn't necessarily advise those who are looking for the best choice of wireless earbuds to opt for AirPods unless they use an Apple phone. 

What is the Android alternative to AirPods?

If you're set on having an Android phone but want headphones that can match the quality of AirPods, there are a few options from a variety of brands.

In our guide to the best workout headphones, we rated the Sony WF-1000XM4 Earbuds 5/5 for their noise-canceling capabilities, sweat and water resistance, and 8 hours of battery life. Similarly great are the Marshall Morif buds, which boast a battery life of up to 20 hours and also feature clever noise cancellation. For those with awkward-shaped ears, they also have something Apple doesn't - a choice of ear tips.

Here's our pick of some of the best alternatives:

• Sony WF-1000XM4
• Marshall Motif
• JLab JBuds Air Sport
• Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX
• Sony WF-C500
• Samsung Galaxy Buds

Portable projectors are everywhere, but not all deliver on the promise of combining convenience with performance. XGIMI's projectors are generally well-rated for this and tend to be as effective at being home cinema projectors as they are suitable for taking outside to the backyard or on the go.

But even the best outdoor projectors can struggle to offer enough brightness and image depth required for the most enjoyable viewing experience. The MoGo 2 and MoGo 2 Pro are direct updates to XGIMI's initial MoGo range, which was released in 2019 and 2020, and promise a solid lumen count for a slightly lower cost.

We tried out the new arrival to see how it compared to other projectors in the brand's range. Keep reading to see what we thought.

XGIMI MoGo 2 Pro: Key info

• Type: DLP
• Resolution: Full HD
• Brightness: 500 ANSI Lumens
• Screen size: 40-200"
• Ratio: 1.2:1
• Smart TV: Android TV
• Speakers: 2 x 8W
• Dimensions: H6.3 x W4.6 x D4.2in
• Weight: 2.4lbs

XGIMI MoGo 2 Pro: Design

The MoGo 2 Pro is a slight advancement on how the previous generation of projectors looked, but it's noticeably slicker with a slight rose gold tint to the otherwise dark grey on the main body. It's also slightly slimmer than the first-gen MoGo Pro, which makes it easier to carry around and transport.

There's a matte finish on the top where you'll also find the power button, while the top is dominated completely by a black strip that contains the lens on one side. The auto keystone correction is located on the base, while connections for power, USB, HDMI, and headphones are on the back.

It's not a huge departure from previous designs, but the attention to detail in the updates makes it feel more luxe.

XGIMI MoGo 2 Pro: Set-up and performance

As with most smart projectors, setting up the XGIMI MoGo 2 Pro is very simple. With no battery inside, there's no need to charge it, so you can simply power it up with the cable provided and point it at your screen. You'll first be asked to pair the remote (by holding two buttons down), then you will need to connect to your home WiFi and sign into your Google account to use Android TV.

If you've ever used Google TV or Android TV before, navigating the menu should be familiar. This is where you can access apps via the Google Play Store, and some (e.g. YouTube) will already be ready to go if you've used your Google login for streaming before.

You can, of course, also use the projector with a laptop, console, or Blu-ray player using the HDMI port. The 3.5mm audio jack is also there to connect external speakers, though the MoGo 2 has built-in Harman-Kardon speakers tuned by Gold Ear Lab. We would recommend seeing if the onboard audio sounds good enough for your ears before investing in additional devices.

Brightness sits at 400 ISO lumens (about 500 ANSI lumens), which is very reasonable for a small, lightweight projector. However, we'll point out here that the MoGo Pro 2 isn't exactly portable, as no built-in battery means no wireless use. You can use a portable charger with it, but this is a patch rather than a true way to take the projector on the go.

Still, the brightness is a vast improvement over most competitors out there, and it's excellent for the price. There's also 1080p Full HD resolution, HDR10 support, and Intelligent Screen Adaptation 2.0 - which automatically adjusts the image size and shape of the screen you're using. The brightness also automatically dims when someone walks past, protecting kids and pets' eyes.

XGIMI MoGo 2 Pro vs XGIMI Halo+

XGIMI MoGo 2 Pro: Our verdict

According to XGIMI, the MoGo 2 Pro has been designed with "busy urban professionals and young families" in mind, and so is much more of a household projector than the more portable options in its range. The lack of an in-built battery is a big minus for anyone expecting a projector they can take on the go, but the reduced price tag makes it attractive for those who want a solid option that doesn't come close to the high cost of products like the Halo+. The slight redesign and added smart projection options like object avoidance also make it a worthwhile update.

About this review

All reviews on Livingetc are based on real-life experience with the products, and testing is always done in the writer's own home to mimic accurately the experience our readers would have. These reviews are then used to build comprehensive buying guides that list the best of the best across a range of budgets and use cases.

As smart home ecommerce editor for Livingetc, Caroline tested the XGIMI MoGo 2 Pro, and trialed it in her home. To learn more about our process across reviews and buying guides, you can check out our explanation of how we test.

For the smart home that has almost everything, NFC tags are a great way of taking things to the next level. 

But what exactly are they? They’re little stickers that can be placed around the house. When tapped with your iPhone or Android device, they’ll instruct your phone to perform whatever function you’ve preprogrammed it to do.

One function per sticker may sound a bit underwhelming, but they’re inexpensive and available in huge packs. From setting timers to creating a guest WiFi login, here are a few ideas to try to add to your smart home. 

What can I use NFC tags for around the home?

If you’ve just got a load and are unsure of what to do with them, you’ve come to the right place. Here are some genius functions you may not have thought of.

(This piece won’t go into how to set them up on your phone, but if you need help, this guide from IFTTT should get you started.)

1. Control the lights in every room

Everyone knows that with the best smart light bulbs you can power on, change the color and adjust the brightness of your lighting via an app or with your voice.But, did you know, if you have a setting you really like, you can automate it via an NFC tag? Program the perfect conditions and then tap your phone against it to set your lighting just so. 

So you could have one on your bedside table to turn off the lights (possibly combined with the playing of a sleep playlist if that’s your thing), one near your sofa to set the mood for movie night, and one in the office to get the right feel for productivity.

2. Make time to focus

The constant dinging of notifications can be distracting, and sometimes you just need to focus. How about setting up an NFC tag on your desk that immediately puts your phone into do not disturb mode? 

3. Give your record collection the 21st century touch

Got a vinyl collection that’s gathering dust in your listening room in the age of Spotify and Apple Music? You can give these beautiful records a digital touch by programming an NFC tag with a link to each album and sticking them on to the cover, as shown in this marvelous video below.

4. Your favourite recipes on tap

If you’ve got a few brilliant but complicated recipes that you can’t quite remember, you can set up an NFC link for quick access.

Just stick one in the kitchen programmed with a link to the recipe, tap it and the page will immediately load on your phone — whether text or video. A new idea to make your smart kitchen even smarter. 

5. Timers on tap

Another handy function of NFC stickers is the ability to set phone timers. 

Only one per tag, of course, but it can still be handy all the same. Perhaps a 45-minute timer next to your tumble drier in your laundry room to know when it’s time to finish the laundry, or a 15-minute timer on your desk for a spell of intense focus. 

You could even put a two-minute timer tag on your bathroom mirror to ensure you brush your teeth for the right about of time!

6. Track your water intake

iPhone owners may know that Apple Health lets you track the amount of water you drink. But without any sensors, you have to enter it manually, which can be a pain.

Why not add an NFC tag underneath your water bottle? Program it to add a glass of water to Apple Health when tapped, and then activate it every time you finish your drink.

7. Plot your way home in the car

NFC tags aren’t just for the home! There are two very handy functions you can bind to stickers discretely placed in your car.

The first is for mapping. Set up an NFC tag to plot a route home in Google Maps, and wherever you end up, you’ll be able to get directions home with a quick tap of the phone.

And for more familiar routes, you can set up another NFC tag to send a text to your partner telling them you’re on your way home.

8. "Dinner time!"

On a similar note to that last bonus use, the ability to automatically send messages to people is especially handy if you live in a large household and need to get a mass message out quickly.

One example: calling people to dinner. NFC tags can automate a text message to everyone in your house telling them that food is ready and it’s time to get stuck in.

9. Connect guests to WiFi

If you’ve got a long, complicated WiFi password — or, worse, have to dig out the router to find it — then this one is a lifesaver. 

You can set up an NFC tag to automatically connect guests to your WiFi without having to dictate your password to them. A real time saver.

10. A makeshift pet tracker

NFC tags are extremely lightweight, which means they can easily be added to a pet’s collar. 

Why would you want that? Well, it means if your cat or dog goes missing, anybody finding the pet can tap their phone to the tag and instantly have your number to get in touch, reuniting you with the missing animal. Obviously not everyone will recognize a tag, but it could still be a life saver!

A world of possibilities

So buy a bunch of NFC tags and see how you get on. You might just come up with a shortcut that changes your life.

As with the genius ideas for smart plugs, there are infinite possibilities for NFC tags — the challenge is thinking of them. But, in short, if it’s something that your phone can do, then creating an automated shortcut should be trivial.

Anyone who has been shopping around for a great projector that can be used year-round, whether in the lounge during winter or in the backyard when the weather is better, will know that these portable models can often be lacking in the features that make getting big screen entertainment the great experience it can be.

The XGIMI Halo+ is one model that promises a little bit more, with specs slightly more in line with high-end home theater projectors.

After testing a number of portable projectors at a range of budgets, we were curious to see whether the XGIMI Halo+ could justify its higher price tag and live up to the promise of superior brightness, contrast, and an overall smarter experience. Keep reading to see what we thought, and for more, head over to our guide to the best outdoor projectors.

XGIMI Halo+: Key info

• Type: DLP
• Resolution: Full HD
• Brightness: 900 ANSI Lumens
• Contrast ratio: 10,000:1
• Screen size: 30-200"
• Distance: 0.79-5.2m
• Smart TV: Android TV
• Noise: less than 30dB
• Speakers; 2 x 5W
• Dimensions: H4.4 x W4.4 x D6.7in
• Weight: 3.5lbs

XGIMI Halo+: Design

The design of the XGIMI Halo+ isn't anything radical when it comes to outdoor projectors. Still, it's compact enough to be considered portable, and small improvements have been made compared to the previous model - the XGIMI Halo. These changes are so small that you'd be forgiven for not noticing, but the auto-focus lens is now moved to the bottom of the projector, while the off-center primary lens and perforated grill casing remain.

Overall, it's sleek and understated, but a carry handle would have added to its portability. Still, it's light enough for most people to carry around and small enough to fit into a suitcase or backpack without taking up too much space.

The kickstand built into the base is a big help when actually using the projector, as it allows for easier positioning. Still, as with almost all projectors of this type, the best experience will come when you use a tripod, as most people don't have a surface sitting at exactly the right height, especially outside.

XGIMI Halo+: Set-up & performance

Setting up the XGIMI Halo+ was an incredibly simple process, from unboxing to streaming. Alongside the projector itself, the package includes a charging cable, remote control, and instructions. The first thing you will need to do is charge the device, and the flashing orange light on top will turn green when it's charged top 90% and ready to go. This took less than an hour in our case.

Next, you should find the perfect spot for the projector, and XGIMI recommends a distance of between 0.79-5.2m for the ultimate experience. The maximum distance should get you a screen size of 200", which is very much on the larger side for portable projectors. 

Once you turn the Halo+ on, you will see an Android/Google TV login screen. If you already have a Google account, then it's just a case of using your details to access the in-built streaming interface, but if not, you will need to create one. Those in the former group will have a smoother experience since many Google-branded apps, such as YouTube, will already be logged in and ready to use.

Using the projector was a really smooth experience, with a clear, straight, and centered image automatically served up without any manual fiddling from us required. While other projectors offer this level of automated keystone correction and auto-focus, many make the user go into settings and make adjustments. It's a pleasant surprise to have everything done for you.

Android TV has more than 5,000 apps, and that includes most of the popular ones you will be expecting. The big absentee is Netflix, which sadly isn't uncommon for this kind of portable projector. There is also Chromecast and Google Assistant on board, and HDMI and USB ports give you a few more options for how you want to watch. 

Playing the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever trailer, the above-average 10:000:1 contrast ratio really enhanced the image with deep blacks and lush greens coming through, and though you will need conditions to be as dark as possible to get the best from the image, the 900 ANSI lumens the Halo+ offers is - again - above average and helpful for watching with ambient light.

XGIMI Halo+: Our verdict

Compared to other portable outdoor projectors, the XGIMI Halo+ comes out incredibly well, with better video and audio specs than most would expect from a portable model. It's genuinely impressive, even with its price tag, and is a great investment compared to some home theater projectors that can easily run into the $1,000s. Battery life is limited but decent, and the model offers user-friendliness and versatility that many others don't.

About this review

All reviews on Livingetc are based on real-life experience with the products, and testing is always done in the writer's own home to mimic best the experience our readers would have. These reviews are then used to build comprehensive buying guides that list the best of the best across a range of budgets and use cases.

As smart home ecommerce editor for Livingetc, the XGIMI Halo+ was in good hands being tested by Caroline, and she trialed it in both her home and newly acquired patio area. To learn more about our process across reviews and buying guides, you can take a look at our explanation of how we test.

If you're looking for a way to really transform your backyard into an outdoor haven this summer, then a projector is a really easy way to do it. Outdoor projectors make hosting movie nights and game days at home super-easy, with battery-powered streaming on the biggest screen on your street.

BenQ is well-known for its speakers, lighting, and projectors, but many may dismiss its portable models in favor of more highly-specced home theater projectors. But we were intrigued by the BenQ GS50, which offers 1080p Full HD resolution, 2.1-channel sound built-in, and enough streaming options to please anyone.

Keep reading to see how the GS50's lofty promises stood up to scrutiny during testing, and head over to our guide to the best outdoor projectors for more on our top-rated products.

BenQ GS50: Key info

• Resolution: 1080p Full HD
• Brightness: 500 ANSI Lumens
• Speakers: 2.1-Channel w/ 10W subwoofer
• Connectivity: Android TV, AirPlay, Chromecast
• Contrast ratio: 100,000:1
• Dimensions: 7.3 x 6 x 5.7in
• Weight: 5lbs

BenQ GS50: Design

For obvious reasons, portable projectors tend to focus on size over style, but the BenQ GS50 opts for a more aesthetically-pleasing design over making itself as small as possible. Because of this, the device is on the larger side for what it aims to do, but design features like the brown leather strap on its side make its relative heft less of an issue.

Otherwise, the white and green looks great, with orange touches here and there that just adds to its overall fun look. The logo is a tiny, almost imperceptible part of the device's front. The two hatches - one on top to reveal ports for your HDMI cable or streaming stick and another on the side housing other inputs - are easy to access and hide away again when needed.

Perhaps the most useful part of the GS50's design is the adjustable stand that can be accessed via the button on the front. This means you can better angle the projector for comfortable viewing without needing a tripod or - our favorite - the big stack of books technique. 

BenQ GS50: Performance

It's not often we're just as enamored with a product's packaging as we are with the device itself, but the BenQ GS50 won us over straight away with the fabric carry case included in the box. While this isn't an unusual extra for portable models, this one from BenQ is more like a fancy lunchbox (in a good way!) than a flimsy cover thrown in as an afterthought. 

Inside you'll find not just the projector but also a BenQ-branded streaming stick, charging cables, and remote control, along with a quick start guide. Once plugged in, the projector took much longer than expected to charge, and battery life gives you about 2.5 hours of viewing time.

As mentioned, the GS50 comes with its own streaming stick rather than an in-built platform, and this allowed us much more freedom to switch it out for something like the Chromecast with Google TV or Fire TV stick. The option provided will be more than adequate for most people, however, running on Android TV with most of the apps you would expect. Netflix, however, is missing.

We selected an episode of Grey's Anatomy on Disney+ and were impressed by the resolution and rich contrast. Brightness is an issue, however, which is incredibly common for portable outdoor projectors. You will want to limit the GS50's use to indoor or nighttime viewing for the best experience.

Everything is amazingly user-friendly overall, with auto-focus and auto-keystone correction both working brilliantly. You can manually adjust these with the remote, but our image snapped to the optimal size and focus before we had time to take a seat. Audio is also above average for a model like this, but you can easily connect with an external Bluetooth speaker.

BenQ GS50: Our verdict

While the BenQ GS50 might seem less portable than its competitors based on size alone, its performance during testing pushes it to the top for user-friendly set-up and operation, image quality in spite of challenges, and better audio than portable projectors usually offer. 

There are drawbacks, and Netflix fans will need to find a workaround to enjoy their next binge, but the fact that the GS50 works so well as a portable option that looks good and works reliably helped us to forgive these problems. As a device that works as well on the road as it does at home, it's one of the best.

Unlike their indoor counterparts, outdoor projectors can vary wildly in quality, and with important elements such as battery life, portability, and performance in areas with ambient light at stake, it's extra-important to consider carefully.

Nebula is one of the most well-known brands offering a range of portable projectors, and we wanted to test out the Capsule II to see whether it would be good enough for our next outdoor movie night. Lightweight and easy to transport, we were excited to see if the device's features were as sleek and no-nonsense as its design.

We dig into our impressions and everything we experienced while testing the Nebula Capsule II below, and you can see how it compares to other products in our guide to the best outdoor projectors.

Nebula Capsule II: Key info

• Type: DLP
• Brightness: 200 ANSI lumens
• Resolution: 720p (HD)
• Projection size: 40-100" (1.14m-2.87m)
• Smart TV: Android TV 9.0; Bluetooth; Chromecast
• Speakers: 1 x 8W
• Battery life: 2-2.5hrs playtime
• Dimensions: 3.1 x 3.1 x 5.9in
• Weight: 1.6lbs

Nebula Capsule II: Design

The Nebula Capsule II is a small, lightweight cylinder that resembles (as per the retailer's website) a drinks can. The size and shape lend themselves to the portability of the projector, as it can be as easily carried around by hand as it can be packed into a handbag or suitcase on the way out of the door.

Controls and connectivity are unfussy, with four arrow keys on top surrounding an enter/ATV/HDMI control. There are also plus and minus buttons for volume control and a back button. However, you are most likely to be using the remote control supplied for these functions. The base features AUX, HDMI, USB, and USB-C inputs, all of which are clearly labeled for ease.

There's a small hole in the base that can be used with a tripod, but this needs to be bought separately. To be honest, we found it tricky to use the projector without one, opting instead for the stack of books technique to get the lens positioned high enough. Other downsides include a lack of protection for the lens, which is very much open to the elements.

Nebula Capsule II: Set-up

We were pleasantly surprised by the lack of plastic packaging with the Nebula Capsule II, with everything encased in a sleek cardboard box. Inside you will find a Quick Start Guide, a remote control, a charging cable, and the projector itself. No carry case is included, but these can be easily purchased online.

Once charged (for just over an hour), you can turn the Capsule II on to reveal the Android TV interface. From here, if you have a Google account, you can log in and access apps, including Amazon Prime and YouTube. There's a big caveat here, however, as Netflix can only be accessed via a workaround with the Nebula Manager app. It's fiddly and awkward, and we would recommend opting for a different projector if Netflix is essential for you.

If you want to connect a device via HDMI, you can do that here and tap the top button to switch modes.

We would recommend heading into the settings menu and opting into autofocus and auto keystone correction, as this makes it a lot easier to play about with positioning without correcting it manually each time.

Nebula Capsule II: Performance

With a brightness rating of 200 ANSI lumens, we weren't expecting too much from the Nebula Capsule II but were pleasantly surprised when we fired it up in the early evening. With a small amount of ambient light coming from the right side, the results when streaming from YouTube were better than the specs suggested.

Bright scenes looked the best for obvious reasons, but darker scenes also looked fine. Blacks were black (which isn't always the case with similar outdoor projectors), though motion isn't as smooth in fast-paced scenes as we would like. Also, note that the 720p resolution isn't going to make Full HD or 4K content look its best.

Normal, cool, and warm temperature settings are available, and we would recommend setting it to the former two if you're watching anywhere but in complete darkness. The images above are captured in Normal mode.

As said, with keystone correction and focus set to auto, positioning your screen is super-simple and requires little to no manual input. Instead of constantly tweaking the alignment of our image as we have with other projectors, we could simply power our content up and start watching.

Nebula Capsule II vs Nebula Capsule

The second generation Nebula Capsule improves on brightness, resolution, audio, and smart TV offerings, though it almost doubles the price. Both models offer a projector size of 40-100", but the Capsule II will give you a far better image with double the brightness and 720p HD resolution. It also has Chromecast but will only last up to 2.5 hours compared to the Capsule I's 4 hours.

Nebula Capsule II: Our verdict

The Nebula Capsule range is understandably popular because of its smart design and focus on portability. Still, it doesn't measure up well against rival outdoor projectors when it comes to things like brightness.

That said, we were very pleasantly surprised by the results as well as the ease of use, with a convenience aspect that puts it in the running for easiest to use outdoor projector.

Still, we would struggle to say that it's worth the rather hefty price tag when there are so many choices out there. The lack of Netflix is a big mark against the Capsule II, and there are cheaper projectors - including from Nebula itself - that offer better resolution and brightness.

The HomePod Mini began life as Apple's smaller, less expensive smart speaker but has since become its flagship smart home product since the original HomePod was discontinued. This is a lot of responsibility, competing with the much more expansive - and perhaps more well-known - product line-up of Amazon and Google.

The HomePod Mini is surprisingly affordable for an Apple product, but sadly no more versatile and cross-compatible than the company's other products. While among the best smart speakers, there is a small selection that support Siri, if you want full use of HomeKit, the Mini is your best option. You also might want to sign up for services like Apple Music.

But is the HomePod Mini any good? We tried out the speaker to see how it competes with offerings from other brands. As an iPhone user, we had the set-up for the Mini, so we expected a relatively smooth experience. Read on to see what we thought.

Apple HomePod Mini: Key info

• Multi-room audio: via AirPlay 2
• Works with: Apple HomeKit
• Colors: Orange, yellow, black, white, blue
• Dimensions: H3.3 x W3.9in
• Weight: 0.76lbs

• Update Jan 2023: Apple has now announced the release of an updated HomePod, and you can read about how the smart speaker differs from the HomePod mini in our comparison.

Apple HomePod Mini: Set-up

If you happen to have an iPhone, the set-up process for the HomePod Mini is simpler than simple. Just power on the speaker using the cable and plug provided and wave your phone close to it. You will be greeted by a setup message, and you just need to follow the instructions from there.

We were temporarily roadblocked by the fact we had not connected our iCloud account with HomeKit, but this was soon resolved. From there, the whole process took less than five minutes. Unfortunately, Android users won't be able to enjoy the HomePod mini, so make sure you have access to an iOS device before committing.

Apple HomePod Mini: Design

At first glance, the HomePod Mini has a similar aesthetic to other smart speakers from the likes of Google and especially Amazon. But, though it is spherical like the Echo and Echo Dot speakers, that's where the comparisons end. 

The speaker is smaller and lighter than you might expect, fitting in the palm of your hand or, more likely, easily on a shelf or side table. The top of the speaker is a backlit touch surface that indicates when Siri is active and listening. The main body is covered in mesh material, and the speaker is available in five different colors.

Our unit for testing was dark blue, but you can also get it in yellow, orange, black, or white. It's nice to have options, rather than the colder white and black that sometimes makes Apple's products stand out in a warmer home environment.

Apple HomePod Mini: Performance

Despite its size, the HomePod Mini's audio power is really quite impressive. Apple attributes this success to the circular design and mesh material, as these design touches offer the opportunity for 360-degree output. The difference is palpable when compared to other smart speakers at the low end of the range, such as (but not restricted to) the Google Home Mini.

A decent level of bass and clear vocals all come through, and you'd be forgiven for looking around for a much larger speaker than the 3.3 x 3.9-inch device in front of you. We tested the speaker with both Apple Music and Spotify accounts. The former was linked automatically during setup, but for Spotify, you will have to use AirPlay 2.

This is easy enough to get around, but it does mean that you will need to use Apple Music if you want to be able to play tunes via voice command. You can also use the Music Handoff feature, which switches the song you're playing from your phone to the speaker and back again when the two devices get near each other.

Multi-room listening is possible with more than one HomePod Mini, and with a price tag of less than $100, Apple is probably hoping that you'll do just that. The in-built microphone performed well during our tests, picking up our voice even while the TV was playing in the same room.

You can use the multi-room feature for playing music across the home or as a fancy intercom to call the kids downstairs for dinner.

While we happened to have a few Siri-compatible smart devices at home, the options are, unfortunately, a little more limited for third-party security cameras, video doorbells, or other smart home devices. Keep this in mind to avoid purchasing a device that won't work with your new smart speaker.

For a lot more about the tips and tricks to use with the device, take a look at the 18 best Apple HomePod Mini tricks.

Apple HomePod Mini: Our verdict

The Apple HomePod Mini has its pros and cons, and we would only really recommend it to those who are already fully committed to the Apple ecosystem. Use of Apple Music, Apple Maps, and your iPhone's calendar are pretty much required for full use of the speaker - Google Calendar or Amazon Music users will find things a little (or a lot) more tricky. That said, this is still a great little smart speaker with audio quality that's a cut above other options, and it's an affordable way to get started with your smart home.

Back in the days before the majority of TVs had not just streaming services but now smart assistants built right in, Google was ahead of the game with one of the first ways to stream content from the internet to your living room TV. Chromecast was simple but pretty revolutionary when it came to 'casting' content from our phones and other devices. However, it has been slightly overshadowed by the bevy of smart TV platforms that have emerged since.

Chromecast with Google TV has bridged the gap, offering both in one small device and allowing you to choose how you want to consume content. You can still open apps on your phone and cast, or you can use the Google TV interface for voice search, recommendations, and more.

We had the chance to test out the Chromecast with Google TV for ourselves, judging it on ease of use, compatibility with other Nest smart home products, and how it changed the way we browse and watch TV and movies. Read on to see what we thought, or head over to our in-depth Chromecast explainer.

Chromecast with Google TV: key info

• Resolution support: 4K or HD
• Surround sound support: Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Atmos
• Voice assistant: Google Assistant built-in
• Colors (sky & sunrise only available for 4K model): Sky (blue/green), sunrise (pink/coral), snow (white/black)

Chromecast with Google TV: set up

Google has made things as simple as possible regarding set-up, and you just need to plug in the dongle using the USB cable provided, plug the HDMI into your TV, and turn everything on. You will be greeted with a set-up page, and things are easiest if you already have a Google account (which would come with a Gmail account or even a YouTube membership).

From there, you can start adding the individual streaming services you want access to, from Google's own YouTube to third-party apps like Amazon's Prime Video and Freevee, Netflix, Disney+, AppleTV+, and a whole load more.

Chromecast with Google TV: design

Google has redesigned its streaming device many times over the years, starting off with a clunky dongle and now having had the ultimate glow-up for the latest generation. The Chromecast with Google TV 4K comes in three color variations - Sky, Sunrise, and Snow.

Each features one hue for the main body of the remote and another complementary one for the Google Assistant button and Chromecast dongle. It's an effective combination and is a far cry from the plain black of the original models. It also matches well with other Nest products, like its smart speakers and even the Nest Video Doorbell.

The buttons are also clearly labeled, so you won't be left guessing. The wheel at the top of the remote contains your 'enter' and directional buttons, followed by 'back,' 'Google Assistant,' 'home,' 'mute,' 'YouTube,' and 'Netflix.' Then down the bottom, you will find controls for power and input.

You can choose images from your Google Photos to display on the Chromecast screensaver and customize when this appears. We used this as a way to display seasonal photos and artwork through the months, transforming our TV into something more decorative when we weren't actively viewing something.

Chromecast with Google TV: performance

The Google TV interface is excellent, with enough content to scratch that scrolling itch but not enough to overwhelm you. The top line after logging in is recommendations which, based on what it served to us after a few weeks, are fairly accurate to our real tastes.

We also really like having new videos and recommendations from our YouTube account bundled with everything else, bringing those cooking videos, music, and movie trailers into the mix when choosing something to watch.

Navigation

There are separate tabs for TV, movies, apps, and your library, which brings up shows and movies that you've added to your watchlist as well as those you've purchased through YouTube or Google TV. Like many other smart TV platforms, your watchlist can contain anything from the streaming services supported.

Press and hold on any show or movie, and options will appear. You can add something to your watchlist, mark it as 'seen,' 'liked,' or 'disliked,' and view more details. The details page has impressive detail and navigation features, which might be our favorite aspect of the platform.

For example, if we navigate to The Handmaid's Tale, it will bring up all of the places it is available to view, the cast and crew, and related YouTube content. If we then select Alexis Bledel from the cast list, we are served other content that the actress is featured in, from Gilmore Girls on Netflix to The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants on Prime.

It's so detailed that you could get lost just navigating similar series and shows, adding old favorites to your watchlist, and discovering new gems.

Apps

One big service missing in the UK is NOW TV, an alternative to Sky that many have come to rely on. You can still cast from the NOW TV app on mobile, but it's an extra step that feels laborious when everything else has been brought together so well. This is more of a problem with the release of Sky Stream. All4 is also conspicuously absent from Google TV. 

Everything else you'd expect to see is here, from Netflix and Prime Video to Disney+ and a whole load of kids' apps, lifestyle apps, and more besides. There are also music apps like Spotify, Amazon Music, and Tidal. It's a deep library that we would recommend exploring.

Chromecast with Google TV: our verdict

We loved the Chromecast with Google TV, which adds to the already-fantastic service of Chromecast by itself. The user interface is one of the best we've tested, with all of the information and data that Google has on us finally being used for something useful. It's far more intuitive than some rival platforms, and the fact that you can just use it like any other Chromecast, streaming from your phone or laptop, makes it a truly multi-purpose tool for your entertainment.

About this review

Reviews on Livingetc are based on extended hands-on experience with the products we write about to ensure our recommendations are as trustworthy as possible. The Chromecast with Google TV was purchased several months ago by the writer, and she has been using it at home in the time since.

Interior design apps have come a long way, and now technology can really help you decorate your home better. From curating mood boards to finding inspiration, or getting help with your room's layout, there's more help in the app store than ever before. 

What's also wonderful is that most of these are free to download and suited to iOS or Android, so downloading the latest apps to aid in your interior design ventures is easy, quick, and convenient. You can shop, design, view furniture, measure your room, create a gallery wall, or consult a professional in real-time for all your needs. 

If you're itching for a redesign, then there are several apps just for you. Take a look at our list. 

6 interior design apps that'll keep you glued to your phone

It sounds exciting to design a space but when it comes to it, the entire process can be stressful and confusing. There's so much to consider, from settling on a budget, and designating enough time in your already packed schedule, to color-matching things and finding the right products. Some people believe that hiring a professional for a job like this is a luxury but with apps, things can become much easier.

We found Havenly to be the most helpful and budget-friendly site for this purpose. All you need to do is choose a room you'd like to design, answer a series of questions about your style, and based on that, get connected to a professional. Over a phone call, the expert will learn more about your vision, and ideas for the space. Once all the details are in, he/she will create a concept brief for you and suggest a design scheme. What we particularly liked was that the professional also hands you a personal shopping list, making your task of designing even simpler.

Once the consultation is over and based on the suggestions and interior design trends laid out by the expert, you can look for furniture, accessories, and more to populate your room. The app also handles order placement and scheduling for your deliveries. Convenient? We think so! 

Whether you're a designer or a layman, taking measurements and drawing up floor plans can be tedious and confusing. This is why we liked MagicPlan. By using a phone or tablet, you can simply walk around a room, point and tap, and create a beautifully accurate floor plan in seconds. As we experimented with the app, we noticed that it computes distances throughout the home through a simple photo, and gives measurements so apt, your sofa will never get stuck in the door again! The only drawback we faced was that the app can sometimes glitch, but regardless, it's a useful tool. 

To use the app, you will be prompted to calibrate the device by laying it flat on a level surface. Once calibrated, the app will allow you to download, practice, or create plans. Plus, the in-app videos will guide you through the process. The wonderful benefit is that plans created are fairly accurate, and can be exported as a PDF, JPEG, DXF, CVS, PNG or SVG. Now, no need to hire an interior designer for the job.

If you love interior design, or are simply looking to download a new game on your phone, the virtual game Design Home should be on your list. It allows you to live the life of an interior decorator, work on your design skills and create beautiful 3D spaces. With Design Home, you can create a home, fill it up with furniture and accessories and even customize every detail. We spent hours choosing wallpapers, accent rugs, and more to make the space as real-life as possible!

The app provides daily design challenges to style three-dimensional spaces. If you unlock 'My Homes' within the app, you can access bathrooms, kitchens and, more. Plus, the app allows you to connect with a vibrant creative community while learning about diverse décor styles and color trends.

IKEA Kreativ is built on machine learning and spatial imaging technology. While using the app, we were able to take a 3D scan of a room, remove existing furniture items or clutter by replacing them with the IKEA products and create a completely fresh interior. The delete-and-replace-furniture capability is a mirroring of the Google Pixel 6's Magic Eraser.

The app invites users to explore IKEA products in 50 inspirational 3D showrooms where they can swap, rotate, stack, and hang different objects. The LiDAR-enabled IKEA Kreative Scene Scanner allows users to create close-to-reality virtual replicas of their spaces in accurate dimensions and perspectives. Post this, can they add products directly to their cart and spruce up their space whatever size, whether big or a tiny studio apartment. 

At present, the app is only available on iOS devices (and the web); the Android version be out in a few months' time. 

Ever noticed an art piece in a gallery and wondered how it would look in your bedroom? You aren't the first to have second thoughts about your gallery wall at home. Many-a-times homeowners, due to the inability to visualize, let go of beautiful art purchases, worried that the piece may not fit into the theme, look and style of their home.

But now there is ArtSee. We love that the app has a list of works from galleries and independent artists that can be easily previewed on a wall in any room of the home. All you need to do is take a photo of the room and paste the artwork on top. The app uses the exact dimensions of the painting and the room, so you get a real-life sense of how it will look. 

Love design and are always itching to create mood boards? Morpholio Board app is just for you. This game-changing app allows users to lay out mood boards, choose wonderful color ideas for living rooms, bedrooms and more, plus mock up design ideas and collages using items from a wonderfully curated selection of furnishings and accessories, from small and large brands alike. The only hiccup we encountered was that the Mac and iPhone versions are not cohesive.

On this app you can crop, edit and filter the images you use, and share your creations on spreadsheets, PSD files, jpgs and more. While you can enjoy a free trial, the yearly subscription is at $11.99.

Is there a free app to design rooms?

Whether you live in a city apartment, a penthouse, or even a modern farmhouse, designing your space your way is not only fun but also exciting and liberating. Thankfully, the internet is full of ideas and free apps to help you along the process.

If you're looking to download apps and try them out, free of charge, then some of the fun ones are Planner 5D, which allows you to design a virtual room with the smallest architectural details. Roomstyler will allow you to upload your floor plan and insert products and elements to redesign the space, giving you new ideas along the way. The Home Renovator lets you choose from drywall, paint, ceramic tile, and deck projects to give your home a makeover. Finally, with HomeByMe, you could build a 2D structure from the ground up, finishing with furniture and accessories.  

The best outdoor projectors are an easy way to make your backyard into your very own garden movie theater, taking in some entertainment with friends during a cookout or under the stars. And they're versatile, lending themselves to use on warm summer nights and cozy fall evenings with a mountain of blankets and a steady supply of hot chocolate.

When shopping for the best outdoor projectors, you need to keep an eye out for brightness (measured in ANSI lumens), resolution, and the minimum/maximum screen size. The higher the lumens, the better, and a brighter picture will be more visible in daylight. If you plan to use your projector only at night, you can get away with lower brightness.

But whether you've bought a dedicated screen or improvised with an old bedsheet, we've pulled together a list of the best outdoor projectors around right now - all tried and tested by us. The selection includes easily portable projectors and options with built-in speakers and streaming, such as Android TV.

You can see our chosen products below, or if you're more interested in options that can be used to create a home cinema indoors, take a look at our guide to the best projectors. Then, keep reading for our top picks and more buying advice.

Best outdoor projectors: Quick list

The best outdoor projectors in 2026

Best outdoor projector overall

The XGIMI Halo+ is an excellent portable outdoor projector with good video and audio specs and limited but decent battery life. It has a perforated grill casing and is light enough to carry around and small enough to fit into a suitcase or backpack without taking up too much space.

Setting up the XGIMI Halo+ was incredibly simple and took less than an hour. It has a screen size of 200", and a distance of 0.79-5.2m is recommended for the ultimate experience. Using the projector was a really smooth experience, with everything done for you without any manual fiddling from us required.

The Halo+ also offers an above-average contrast ratio and 900 ANSI lumens, which is helpful for watching with ambient light.

Livingetc rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars | read our full XGIMI Halo+ review

Best 4K outdoor projector

The Nebula Cosmos 4K is a great all-in-one portable projector with superb screen size, image quality, and sound. It has 4K Ultra High-Definition resolution and 2,400-lumens brightness. It is worth the price if you want a great cinema experience with go-anywhere flexibility without needing a complex home cinema setup.

Anker Nebula projectors are simple to set up and use, and the Cosmos Laser 4K is no different. It took us less than five minutes to watch a movie on a massive screen. The projector has auto-focus and automatic keystone correction, so you don't need to have it facing directly onto a wall to create a square image. However, the more the projector adjusts the angle, the more it will degrade the image quality.

The Anker Nebula Cosmos Laser 4K has the best picture quality we've seen from a portable all-in-one projector, and its 2,400 Lumens brightness means you can start your backyard movie night before dusk and still actually see the screen. However, it struggles a bit with fast action, and some people might find the color contrast quite bold, but there are various adjustments you can make.

Livingetc rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Most stylish portable projector

The BenQ GS50 is less portable than its competitors, but its performance during testing pushes it to the top for user-friendly set-up and operation, image quality despite challenges, and better audio than portable projectors usually offer.

The projector offers 1080p Full HD resolution, 2.1-channel sound built-in, and enough streaming options to please anyone. It is a stylish portable projector on the larger side for what it aims to do but features a brown leather strap on its side and an adjustable stand that can be accessed via a button on the front.

It also comes with a fabric carry case, a streaming stick, charging cables, a remote control, and a quick start guide. Everything is amazingly user-friendly, and the auto-focus and auto-keystone correction work brilliantly. The audio is also above average.

Livingetc rating: 4 out of 5 stars | read our full BenQ GS50 review

A solid update for XGIMI's affordable range

The MoGo 2 from XGIMI is a great projector option if you're looking for a balance between performance and convenience. Without a built-in battery (you can use it with a portable charger), it's more of a household projector, and its solid but sleek design comes at a lower price tag than many comparable models. Its rose gold tint to an otherwise dark gray body gives it visual appeal, and it's easy to set up.

You can access Android TV streaming through your Google account, and there are also physical connections for laptops, consoles, and Blu-ray players. With 500 ISO lumens of brightness, 1080p Full HD resolution, HDR10 support, and Intelligent Screen Adaptation 2.0 - which cleverly adjusts the image to the size and shape of your screen - it's a solid option at a reasonable price.

Livingetc rating: 4 out of 5 stars | read our full XGIMI MoGo 2 Pro review

Best outdoor projector for screen size (runner up)

The Nebula Solar is a solid portable option with decent brightness, excellent resolution, and above-average audio. The device is user-friendly and reliable, with auto-focus, keystone correction, Android TV, and up to three hours of wireless playtime. We were also impressed with the battery life, which stands at 3 hours on a single charge.

It's a slightly more squat, puck-shaped projector with a small 13-degree kickstand that can be used to prop it up. It's lightweight and small enough to be packed up and taken camping or on vacation. With a resolution of 1080p Full HD and other features such as auto-focus and keystone correction, it's easy to forgive some flaws.

The auto-focus works brilliantly, but getting the image to straighten out was more challenging. The TV has HDMI, USB, AUX, Chromecast, and Bluetooth connectivity options, but the 3W speakers are only up to so much. 

Livingetc rating: 4 out of 5 stars | read our full Nebula Solar Portable review

Best lightweight outdoor projector

If you are looking for a smart projector to use regularly indoors for a home cinema experience and also want to be able to use it outdoors, The Samsung Freestyle is a great investment.

Samsung's The Freestyle projector is a Smart TV in a portable projector, so I tested it out on our patio over several evenings at the height of summer. The Freestyle projector is a sleek cylindrical white box that looks more like a smart speaker. It also doubles up as an ambient light.

The projector offers Full HD resolution for a sharp image and up to 550 lumens. Its Auto Focus feature ensures a sharp, clear image on the screen, and the flexible stand makes it easy to point it wherever you want. The Auto Keystone function will automatically adjust to project a straight image, delivering clear, crisp sound quality in every direction.

To make a Samsung The Freestyle projector genuinely portable, you need to invest in an external battery pack. This would allow you to use the projector away from home or on camping trips.

Livingetc rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Best outdoor projector for offline viewing

The ViewSonic M1+ is a portable projector that lets you view DVDs, Blu-rays, and digital files on a super-big screen. It also makes summer evenings in the backyard into movie nights. It is a good choice for those who want a portable projector to plug their existing devices into, but its shortcomings may put it behind competitors.

The projector has a more complicated interface, and you must connect an external device to watch content or cast video from your mobile device. Keystone correction is automatic and works well, but you have to turn the wheel to get the picture in focus manually.

The M1+ offers good brightness and contrast, even with its 480p resolution, but has a shorter battery life. The stand also protects the lens when it's not in use. The M1+ comes with in-built speakers, but we found ourselves reaching for a Bluetooth speaker before long.

Livingetc rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars | read our full ViewSonic M1+ review

Best budget smart outdoor projector

We were pleasantly surprised by the results and ease of use when testing the Nebula Capsule II, but it doesn't measure up well on paper against rival outdoor projectors when it comes to elements like brightness.

The Nebula Capsule II is a small, lightweight cylinder that can be carried around by hand or packed into a handbag. Controls are unfussy, with four arrow keys surrounding an enter/ATV/HDMI control. There are also plus and minus buttons for volume control and a back button, but you will likely use the remote control supplied for these functions.

The Nebula Capsule II's 200 ANSI lumens brightness rating is more than enough for bright scenes, but darker scenes also look fine. Unfortunately, motion isn't as smooth in fast-paced scenes as we would like, though the 720p resolution won't make Full HD or 4K content look its best.

Livingetc rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars | read our full Nebula Capsule II review

How to choose the best outdoor projector

There are a few features to look out for if you want the perfect projector that’ll be bright enough and fill your screen with a crisp image.

• Screen size - your projector will have a maximum screen size, so if you’ve already got the best outdoor projector screen, buy a projector that’ll project an image large enough to fill it.
• Throw distance - this tells you the distance the projector needs to be from the screen – check this against the size of your backyard or the spot you intend to set up your outdoor movie theater.
• Brightness and resolution - to ensure you buy a projector that’ll be bright enough, check the lumens or ANSI lumens - this is a measurement of the intensity of light projected. If your projector will be close to the screen or you’ll be using it in total darkness, you can get away with lower lumen ratings, but the further away from the projector or if you want to use it during daylight, you’ll need a higher lumen rating.
• Resolution - measured in pixels, and the minimum resolution you should look for is 720p, but the higher the number – the better the resolution, so ideally, look for 1080p. The best for projectors is 4K which will deliver top-notch UHD picture quality.
• Audio - consider how you want to listen to the movie - some projectors have built-in speakers. You might want to use a portable wireless speaker for those that don't, so look for Bluetooth connectivity.
• Keystone correction - also known as keystoning, this feature means that if your image shape is distorted due to the projector position being much higher or lower than the screen or set off to the side, you can use keystone correction to switch it back to a rectangular image.

How we test the best outdoor projectors

Our list comprises models that have been tried and tested, with reviews from independent sources and personal experiences. We also leverage team Livingetc's extensive knowledge to scrutinize the specs and design features of the most popular models across varying price points.

To test outdoor projectors, we assess how simple they are to get set up, the quality of the image and audio output, and how well their battery can last against a standard viewing length. 

We will regularly update this guide with new releases, changes in the industry, and our hands-on testing of the best outdoor projectors available. We will indicate the models we have tested within the article, ensuring transparency in our selection process. You can visit our dedicated page to learn more about our review process.

Amazon entered the health tracker game in 2020 with the launch of the Halo Band. In late 2021, the company expanded its offerings with the launch of the Halo View, a new touchscreen version with expanded features aimed to give people the tools and data they need to improve their health.

We had the chance to test out the Amazon Halo View, and in this review, we’ll go in-depth on everything you need to know about the fitness tracker, as well as how it stands up to the best fitness trackers on the market. Read on for the full Amazon Halo View review.

Amazon Halo View: price and availability

The Amazon Halo View currently retails for $79.99 USD—and that includes a one-year subscription to the Halo app (after the one-year subscription expires, the Halo app will run you $3.99 plus tax per month).

Amazon Halo View: setting it up

The Amazon Halo View comes packaged with four items—a sensor, band, charger, and Quick Start Guide that outlines the steps you’ll need to take to get the Halo View up and running.

First, you’ll need to download the Amazon Halo app on your phone (the app is available for both Android and iOS). Make sure your Bluetooth is enabled and your phone is connected to WiFi or data.

Once the app is downloaded, grab your Halo View and clip it into the charger, lining up the three pins on the bottom side of the Halo View with the three pins on the charger (the Halo View will briefly vibrate when it connects to the charger). Once it’s had a few minutes to charge, the Halo View’s screen will show that it’s ready to pair—and from there, it’s back to the app.

Open up your Halo app, making sure your phone is close to your Halo View. The app will automatically pair with your Halo View device and walk you through the setup process. And once you’re set up through the app, your Halo View is ready to wear and ready to go.

Amazon Halo View: how does it look and feel?

If style is important to you, then you’ll enjoy the Amazon Halo View. The touchscreen interface, the rectangular watch face design, the sleek sport band… they all come together to create a piece of technology that’s not only effective, but that has a stylish look on your wrist.

The Halo View comes with a standard sport band in three color options—black, lavender, and sage green (I’m a neutral person, so I went with the black). If you want a band that’s more in line with your personal style, Amazon also offers sport bands in 15 additional colors for $14.99—or, if you want to take it up a notch, a fabric band (available in eight colors), a metal band (available in two finishes), or leather band (available in tan or black) for $29.99.

Amazon Halo View: how is it to use?

When it comes to the Amazon Halo View’s features, there are two categories that need to be discussed—the features on the Halo View and the additional features you can access through the Halo app.

Using the Halo View

Let’s start with the features of the Halo View. When you tap the Halo View’s touchscreen, it, by default, displays the time. By swiping up on the touchscreen, you can access four categories of features: Data (which allows you to track your activity, sleep, heart rate, and blood oxygen), Exercise (which allows you to track a variety of fitness activities, including walking, running, swimming, cycling, HIIT, yoga, and rowing), Tools (which gives you access to an alarm, timer, and stopwatch), and Settings (where you can do things like adjust different settings, including brightness and notifications, sync your Halo View with your Halo App, or check your battery charge).

The features on the Halo View are great—but the features on the Halo app are where things really ramp up. 

Using the Halo app

Let’s start with the data. The Halo app uploads all the data from the Halo View and transforms it into easy-to-read charts that make it easy to spot trends—and use those trends to make better health decisions. For example, in the Activity section, the Halo app shows you how much light, moderate, and intense activity you’re getting each day and week—and then translates that into “points,” showing you how close you are to reaching the American Heart Association’s recommendations for weekly activity (the target is 150 points per week).

The data that I found most helpful was the Sleep data. I am a person that can struggle with sleep; I sometimes take a long time to fall asleep—and often wake up in the morning feeling like I didn’t get enough rest. The Halo’s Sleep data tracks a variety of metrics that helped me better understand what’s actually happening during my nighttime hours—including how long it takes to fall asleep, how much time I spent awake during the night (and when), and how much time I spent in each sleep stage (light, deep, and REM). It also compares my metrics to the target metrics—so I could identify the actual sleep issues I’m experiencing (not enough deep sleep and too many disturbances throughout the night!) and, ideally, take steps to deal with those issues.

Another interesting feature of the Halo app is how it uses your phone’s camera and machine learning to help you track your progress. With the Body Scan feature, you use your phone camera to take four photos of your body—one from the front, one from the back, and one from either side. The Halo app then creates a 3D model of your body and pairs it with a variety of information, including body fat percentage and body composition. As you progress through your workout program, you can retake the Body Scan to track your progress.

The Halo app also offers a similar experience with its Movement feature, which uses five exercises to measure your posture, stability, and mobility (I spend most of my day hunched over a computer, so I was pleasantly surprised when I scored an 89 on the Movement assessment!).

The Halo app also has the Discover feature, which is full of programs that help you build better habits, whether you’re trying to sleep better (including sleep meditation programs), eat better (for example, the Mayo Clinic has a program to help you replace artificial sugars with fruit!), or move more (the app features a variety of beginner-friendly programs to introduce you to a variety of exercise types, including yoga, HIIT, and strength training). I’ve been in a pretty good diet and exercise groove, but I have been trying to drink more water, so I tried a program designed to encourage drinking water before every meal—and the nudges I got from the app definitely help.

If a program feels overwhelming—and you want to take a more piecemeal approach to improving your health and wellness—you can also access individual workouts, recipes, and meditations through the Discover feature.

Amazon Halo View: our verdict

Full disclosure: I’m generally not super enthusiastic about wearable technology - If I could get rid of my cell phone, I would! This is why I’ve been surprised at how much I’m enjoying using the Halo View. The actual tracker is lightweight and easy to wear—and I absolutely love all the data, metrics, and features I can access through the Halo app.

So, final verdict? The Amazon Halo View is a step above other technologies on the market, particularly when you consider the affordable price point—so if you’re in the market for a sleek, intuitive, and comprehensive health tracker, you’ll definitely want to check this one out.

Knowing how to set up voicemail on iPhone is a crucial skill. You might think voicemail is a dying art in the age of instant messages, but doing this is still extremely important, especially if you have a separate work phone.

'With the elevation of the digital age, traditional forms of phone technology such as Voicemail have been on a recent decline,' says Troy Staddon, director of tech retailer The Techout. 'However, having access to these messages remains useful. Returning calls, prioritizing messages, and comprehending information left on Voicemail is super beneficial when you have missed the initial interaction.'

'With more of us working from home than ever before, a communicative voicemail can be key to alerting clients or colleagues to your availability, and when they can expect a response,' adds Len Leeson, founder of mobile phone marketplace, Mozillion. 'We’re all working on different schedules thanks to the rise of flexible working, and so setting up a custom voicemail can be a great way to inform people of your working hours, and how they can reach you best if not via phone call.'

You might know how to set up voicemail on Android, but iPhone is slightly different. Here’s everything you need to know to set up your iPhone voicemail, including how to optimize your greeting and check your voicemail from another phone.

How to set up voicemail on iPhone in 3 easy steps

1. Open up the voicemail screen

'Starting from the home screen, first head to the Phone app on your iPhone, and then to the Voicemail button in the far right of the screen,' says Len at Mozillion. 'If you’re setting up your voicemail or the first time, you will likely be directed to the Voicemail system automatically.'

2. Set up the voicemail

'The display scene will show text reading, "To retrieve a voicemail, first set up a password and greeting",' says Troy at The Techout. 'Press the setup button to start this process. Then create a voicemail password – passwords need to be 4-6 digits long.'

3. Record your voicemail greeting

'The default greeting is an automated message created by your iPhone providing the caller instructions on how to leave a message or call later,' says Troy. 'If you select custom, you can record a personalized greeting to help callers know how to contact you if you miss the call.

'Once you begin recording, a red line will indicate how much time you have left. You have multiple attempts at recording the custom greeting, so do not worry about getting it correct the first time,' he says. 'To hear the whole greeting back, press play on the right-hand side.'

'Need inspiration for a custom message?' Troy asks. 'Here is one that is commonly used and works in most scenarios: "Hi, you have reached (Name). Sorry, I can’t come to the phone right now, please leave a message, and I will get back to you as soon as possible! Thank you."

'If you have chosen your selected greeting, press save, and your Voicemail is ready to go! To double-check that your voicemail works, have someone call your phone,' says Troy.

How to check your iPhone voicemail on your own phone

'When a caller has left you a voicemail, you can access these messages on the voicemail tab in the call app,' says Troy. 'Your device will automatically organize them with the most recently received message at the top.' 

'Your iPhone will show the name of the contact or number, the date of the message and its length, perfect for consumers who have a busy schedule and need to access their Voicemail quickly and efficiently. 

'If you would like to remove any messages, you can swipe right on the message and tap delete. Or, if you would like to delete multiple messages at once, tap edit > select the messages you want to delete > press delete,' Troy advises.

How to check your iPhone voicemail from another phone

'Accessing your Voicemail on another device is extremely useful when you do not have your original iPhone with you, had someone contact you on a different phone, or if your phone is damaged,' says Troy. 'This hack is fantastic for consumers who have multiple phones for their work or lifestyle.'

To do this: 'Simply dial your own number on the other phone, press either * or # (depending on which carrier you are with) to bypass your greeting, and then enter your voicemail password,' advises Len at Mozillion.

How to make your voicemail greeting more effective

Rather than using the automated greeting, recording a custom greeting allows you to clearly explain how best to reach you and when you will be on your phone and able to take calls.

'Let people know to only leave a voicemail if urgent, leaving any non-urgent inquiries to be answered via other means of communication and helping you to prioritize who to get back to more easily,' Len says.

'State your working hours, and update it when you’re out of office, so that expectations are set as to when someone might expect to receive a response to non-urgent inquiries.

Len adds: 'Speak clearly in your voicemail greeting and avoid including too much detail in order not to confuse the caller.'

Voicemail has been around for decades now, but many of us still do not know how to set up voicemail on Android, whether that is because it is confusing or you have simply never found a spare few minutes to set it up. 

While some service providers and phones set up voicemail automatically, this is not the case for everyone, and you might be missing out on some vital messages if your voicemail has not been set up automatically or if you are not sure how to check your messages.

If you tend to miss a few calls throughout the day and do not always call everyone back, voicemail can be a lifesaver, helping you to prioritize your return calls. It is also useful for avoiding sales calls! 

So, if you are looking to set up voicemail on your Android phone, here is everything you need to know, including how to check your voicemail once it is all set up.

How to set up voicemail on your Android mobile phone – everything you need to know in 3 easy steps

1. Open the phone app

Open your built-in phone app, navigate to the dial screen, and press and hold the number 1 key to start a call to your voicemail service. 

Alternatively, press the voicemail icon (which looks like two circles inside an envelope), or dial your own complete phone number and press the green call button.

2. Set up your voicemail pin

If you have never set up voicemail on your Android phone before, you will hear a message saying that “No voicemail number is stored on the card.” 

Follow the automated instructions to set up your voicemail and decide on a PIN – but make sure that it is a code you will remember! 

Hang up the call when you are done by pressing the red phone key.

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3. Check that your voicemail works

Once you have set up your voicemail pin, return to the dial screen and dial your voicemail again by pressing and holding the number 1 key, tapping the voicemail icon, or dialling your own number. You should then be prompted to input your pin.

And you’re ready to go!

Bonus step: set up Visual Voicemail

Some service providers offer visual voicemail on Android phones running Android 6.0 or later. Visual Voicemail is a separate app on your phone that makes it easy to see and organize all of your voicemail messages.

In the UK, the main service providers with Visual Voicemail on Android are EE, O2, Sky and Vodafone, and in the US, all four of the main service providers – T-Mobile, AT&T, Verizon and Sprint – support Visual Voicemail. If you are unsure, check with your carrier to see if they support Visual Voicemail.

To check whether Visual Voicemail is installed on your phone, look through your apps manually or use the search function and type ‘Visual Voicemail’. 

Using the Visual Voicemail app is very straightforward. Once you have set it up, you will have the option to change your greeting, autosave settings, password and notifications settings all in one place, as well as being able to see all of your messages, where traditional voicemail is all audio-based. 

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How to check your voicemail from your Android phone

1. Navigate to the built-in phone app.
2. Call your voicemail system (either by pressing and holding the number 1 key, inputting your own phone number, or tapping the voicemail icon).
3. Enter your voicemail PIN.
4. Listen to the audio instructions from your service provider to navigate your voicemail inbox (often this means pressing the number 1 key to hear your messages).
5. After listening to your messages, you will be offered options on whether to repeat the message, save the message or delete the message, controlled by pressing different dial keys. This varies between service providers, so listen carefully!
6. Hang up at any time to exit voicemail.

How to check your voicemail from someone else’s phone

If your phone is not nearby or you have drained the battery, all is not lost if you have voicemail set up: you can still check your voicemail messages from a friend’s phone. Here’s how to do it.

1. From another phone, call your mobile number.
2. Wait until you are prompted to leave a message, then tap the hash (#) or star (*) key. Which one varies between service providers, but you can check their website to find out.
3. Input your voicemail PIN, followed by the hash (#) key. From there, you will be able to navigate your voicemail inbox as normal.

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Whether you live in a city and want cleaner air in you home or have allergies you would like to combat, our Aeris by iRobot Aair Lite air purifier review is worth a read.

With the pandemic and (now) a baby, I've been spending a lot of time at home. Breathing in clean air is something which I've become more and more conscious about yet, since I live in a city, is something that I can't easily control. I've been super fortunate to of had the opportunity to review the aair Lite. It's been in our home for several months, working its way around our living room, dining room and bedroom. The difference it has made to the air was instant. 

If you want to hear more about the aair Lite then, please do, read on. The alternatives? Check out our best air purifier buyer's guide for our editor's top picks.

Aeris by iRobot Aair Lite specifications:

• Max. size: up to 700 sq ft
• Speed settings: 5
• Dimensions: 11 x 19 x 11 in
• Weight: 15lbs
• Colors available: Nimbus Cloud, Quartz Pink, Sailor Blue

Suitability:

• Bedrooms; or where you spend your time sleeping
• Offices; in the home or a work space which is within the recommended square footage
• And smaller spaces where you tend to hang out

The unboxing

The Aeris by iRobot Aair Lite arrives in a box with a sleeve, in a box. I was happy to see that minimal plastic packaging was used. And better still, it was visually obvious that minimal set up was required. Win, win.

It is, however, bulky and on the heavy side so I would advise asking for a little help if you're not able to lift anything of great mass.

Setting up

Out of the box there isn't too much to set up on the air purifying unit, aside from attaching the mains power cable and downloading the aeris app (I'll come back to this). The cover is already slipped onto the unit so you don't even need to do that unless, of course, you've bought another to alternate the look for a different room. I personally opted for the Sailor Blue but you can also choose from Nimbus Cloud and Quartz Pink to suit your color scheme.

So, back to the app. It's free to download on the Google Play store (Android). I can only assume it's free on iOS, too. Either way, with the app downloaded the air purifier will then need to be connected to the Wi-Fi which is easy enough to do when following the instructions although a little patience may be required if signal isn't all that.

Using the Aeris by iRobot Aair Lite

You've got options for how you can use this smart air purifier; the app, touch controls or both.

Aeris app

Being able to turn it on / off using the app is really helpful. I actually found the touch controls on the device either too responsive, or not at all. This could be down to my cold hands but, I must say, it got rather frustrating when 'quickly' trying to turn it on or off - I reached for the plug when attempting the latter. If you use the app to switch it on, you can do this whether you're in or outside of the home.

The analytics element to the app is insightful if you (like me) like to see some numbers about how well something is performing. You can see the indoor and outdoor air quality via the app displayed as hourly, daily or monthly. The results from our usage suggest that we have 'excellent' indoor air quality with a (debatable) reading of 0, and the outdoor air quality is anything from 4 to 62 which is classed as 'good'. I'm not going to get too obsessed by these numbers because we don't tend to have the air purifier on all day, every day so I'm not 100 per cent sure where the readings have come from or, indeed, how accurate they are. It does provide some level of reassurance, though, and it doesn't take a scientist per-se to say that the air purifier is cleaning the air because it is noticeable that it does make a difference, when switched on.

Scheduling cleans will mean that the air purifier will kick in, when scheduled. This does not mean that it'll be off and then the programme will start. It means that when the purifier is on, it's running at a steady speed and then your scheduled programme will start. There are four modes to choose from; bedtime, kids are home, quiet time and fast clean. I've set up one of each of these. I'm not sure if there's a glitch in the app or not but when setting up the bedtime mode, it wouldn't allow me to choose a greater end time than the start time. You're also unable to amend a programme you set up so if you need to tweak it, you'll need to delete and start over.

On the app you can also list multiple products to view and control, view the life of the filter and update any of your settings.

Touch controls

Your index finger is best to glide across the touch controls. I found that these are hit and miss, which was usually depending on how warm or cold my hands were, but managed to adjust the fan speed up to a mega 198. I also activated child lock, which is really handy because our aair Lite is in the nursey and when little one is crawling around this air purifier becomes very interesting.

You'll also notice that when the air purifier is running and not in a scheduled programme, it'll automatically adjust it's fan speed if someone walks by, or the door opens for example. You can tweak this with a swipe on the device control panel, if you need.

Things to note

The aair Lite is suitable for rooms 700sq feet and below, which is okay for most bedrooms and offices. However, an output of the air purifier when it has running for some length of time is heat. If you have the door closed, on a small room, it can get very warm. This is great for when it's cold outside and the central heating isn't on, but is not so great if it's high summer.

There is also no warning light to let you know when the filter needs replacing, so do remember to keep checking the app so you continue to get the best from the air purifier.

And it is quiet, yes. The lowest is a whisper which is advertised as 35dB. But the highest, when it auto adjusts, is loud comparatively. It took me by surprise as it resembles an aeroplane taking off, in a way, which isn't great if you have a sleeping baby (or parent).

Inside the Aeris by iRobot Aair Lite

Behind the swish Swiss aesthetics is a force to be reckoned with. The Aeris by iRobot Aair Lite features a HEPA H13 filter so if you're a pet owner, you can rejoice. The engineers have chosen to use such a filter because it claims to remove 99.95 per cent of airborne particulates at 0.1 microns and above. This means that all the dust, pollens and pet dander will be filtered out so only the purest possible air is released back out into the room.

There's even a prefilter before it gets to the HEPA H13 filter for the larger particles. And it's a good job that the outer fabric sleeve is removable and washable because this, too, helps to prefilter.

Maintenance

I've just mentioned about the removable sleeve. You'll notice that it'll start to look a little grubby from the bottom up. When you feel you're ready to give it a wash (you'll know!) it can be machine washable on a cold temperature and air dried.

The HEPA H13 filter is recommended to be changed every 10 months. The smart app  will display the filter life if you select the little cog on the control tab, or you can use the touch screen on the device if you prefer. These filters can be bought direct from the Aeris by iRobot store or Amazon for $99, which is an expense which could double during the year after heavy usage. I can't seem to find any instructions about how to replace the filters online so best to hang on to the instruction which arrive with the unit, otherwise you'll be trying to figure it out like I am.

Should I buy the Aeris Aair Lite?

If you're concerned about the air quality in your home then absolutely yes. And even if it's not at the top of your shopping list to buy for the home, it's worth considering because the change to the air even when it's been on for a short while is noticeable and you'll wonder why you haven't bought one sooner.

I really like it because it's not over complicated to use, it looks good and the air quality is vastly improved. The only slight downfalls I have with it is that the filter needs to be replaced a little more frequently than other leading air purifiers on the market (cough, Dyson) and that the heat released from it is not always welcome. It's also loud on the higher fan setting and, if I'm really to be picky, there's no handy so it's a bit of a wrestle to move it around.

If you’re struggling with your finances, the best budgeting apps can really help you stay on the financial straight and narrow.

Given smartphones and data plans aren’t exactly cheap, it may feel a bit counterintuitive to use your iPhone or Android handset for money planning. But the best budgeting apps can help you focus on your incomings, outgoings and how much you’re able to set aside for a rainy day. 

Once upon a time, making a budget and sticking to it would require a lot of dedication and discipline, with each transaction manually entered. Perhaps a whole day a month in your home office spent working a way on it. Nowadays, the best budgeting apps link to your bank to automatically fill in your incomings and outgoings, so you can easily see where your money is going, and where savings can be made. They typically offer insights on your spending too, so you don’t have to draw the conclusions yourself - this could be one of the smartest ways to reduce bills.

And because our phones are never too far away, it’s never been easier to check in on whether you can afford to pull the trigger on an expensive purchase, whether online or in store.

These are the best budgeting apps you can get at the moment. 

The best budgeting apps 

YNAB 

YNAB — or “You Need a Budget” to unpack the acronym — is a great solution for people who really want to get hands-on with their financial decision making. Unlike other budgeting apps, the aim is to help plan future financial goals, rather than to simply track what’s already left your bank account — although it can connect with your bank to do that as well.

It works on a zero-based budgeting system, where every dollar you earn should be allocated to something — be it mortgage, expenses, long-term goals or a savings account. By the end of the month, every dollar should be accounted for, with the ultimate goal of spending last month’s earnings, rather than this month’s. 

Unfortunately it will add an additional expense to your budget — $14.99 a month or $98.99 per year — but YNAB says new budgeters will on average save $600 in their first two months and $6,000 in their first year. You can put this to the test with a 34-day free trial, too.

$14.99 per month | Android | iOS

Goodbudget 

If you like the envelope system seen in YNAB but can’t stomach the cost of it, Goodbudget is an affordable alternative, allowing you to divide up your funds into envelopes with a specific purpose to stay in control of your money.

It has a very capable free version that limits you to 20 envelopes, one account and two devices, but if you need more the full version is competitively priced at just $7 per month or $60 a year.

The downside is that Goodbudget doesn’t link with your bank account, meaning that all outgoings and transactions have to be added manually. Some will prefer that for privacy reasons anyway, and as long as you’re disciplined at frequently updating your expenses, this is just as effective a tool as anything else on the list.

Free / $7.99 per month | Android | iOS

Mint 

If you prefer not to spend an extra penny on your budgeting efforts, then Mint is for you — which goes a long way to explaining its enduring popularity on both iOS and Android. 

The flip side of this is that you may see targeted in-app adverts for financial products you might be interested in, but it’s a small price to pay for the flexibility that Mint offers its 25 million users. It connects with your bank and automatically puts your spending into budget categories, giving you a clear view of what your main outgoings are so you can make adjustments. You can customize this to your liking, and set caps for each category, so Mint can alert you if you’re close to going over your planned spending limits. 

There’s also monthly bill tracking, the ability to keep tabs on any investments or loans you have and personalized ‘Mintsights’ where the app will give you insights based on your spending habits. All of this precious information is hidden behind fingerprint protection in the apps for extra privacy, too.

Free | Android | iOS

PocketGuard

PocketGuard is a good choice for people who want a more hands-off approach that will simply help them get their spending under control. After you’ve connected your bank account and provided your recurring bills, the ‘In My Pocket’ feature algorithmically gives you a quick view of how much money is safe to spend each day, after your typical monthly outgoings and any savings you want to make along the way are factored in.

Speaking of savings, there’s also a handy automated feature which allows you to set a goal and automatically work towards it. If enabled, the app will occasionally move a safe amount of money from your account into an FDIC-insured account to help you achieve your long-term goals without having to actively do it yourself. Though do note this feature will cost you $2 per month if you stick to the free version. 

It’s included in the $7.99 per month PocketGuard Plus, which also lets you edit categories, change transaction dates, export data and more. It may not be the most fully featured app here, but it’s simplicity is just the ticket for those who’ve let their financial arrangements become too daunting to get a grip on. 

Free / $7.99 per month | Android | iOS

• See the best photo editing apps to help you create gallery wall-ready pics

Honeydue 

If you and your partner have multiple accounts but shared bills and responsibilities, then Honeydue is the app for you. It allows both partners to sync their bank accounts, credit cards, loans and investments to a shared app for a degree of transparency (though you can adjust how much you reveal as well.)

Like the other best budget apps, it’ll automatically categorize your expenses, allowing you to see where your money is going. Then as a couple, you can put limits on each, with the app sending both parties alerts if you’re coming close to going over budget.

As an alternative, you could also look at Zeta which shares much of the same functionality and focus on couples with shared accounts. It also includes a desktop app if that’s important to you.

Free | Android | iOS

The best photo editing apps are game changing when it comes to the quality of your pics. Even the most expensive phones with their high-megapixel cameras can benefit from having these enhancing tools installed and ready to use. 

Yes, pretty much every phone you buy today will come with basic ways to cover cropping and some enhancements, but to really make your photography stand out on Instagram or Facebook, you’ll want a dedicated app. 

There are hundreds of possibilities on both Google Play and the iPhone’s App Store, but the options below are united by the glowing reviews they’ve garnered from experts and consumers alike. These are the best photo editing apps you can download for both iOS and Android devices today.

The best photo editing apps around 

1. Snapseed 

Usually with apps, you get what you pay for, but Snapseed is an exception that breaks that particular rule with its low, low price of free. You have Google to thank for that: it bought Nik Software, the creators of the app back in 2012, and it remains free to use on both Android and iOS without any intrusive adverts.

While it can do simple filters and fixes, Snapseed has a huge array of editing tools including selective edit brushes and sharpening capabilities to really bring out the hidden details of your snaps. Editing is non destructive, meaning each layer of edits can be adjusted or removed at any time, and you can save a selection of adjustments to be applied to any picture, or shared with other users.

Free | iOS | Android 

2. Affinity Photo

If you’ve got an iPad and take your photo editing seriously, then look no further than Affinity Photo. Yes, it’s a steep $21.99, but that’s a one-off fee as compared to the monthly subscription that you need to keep using modern versions of Photoshop, and it’s every bit as powerful.

It’s amazing just how fully featured this app is, thanks to its feature parity with the desktop version. There’s support for unlimited layers, and you can edit live filters, adjustments, effects, blend modes and masks non destructively. It supports a vast impressive array of file types, including RAW format and Photoshop PSDs.  

If you want to try before you buy, the desktop versions for Mac and Windows have a free trial so you can see if it’s to your tastes before you put any money down. 

$21.99 | iPad

3. Pixelmator Photo 

If you’d rather take a backseat and let your iPhone or iPad take care of optimizing photos on your behalf, look no further than Pixelmator Photo: an editor that lets artificial intelligence have a first parse at improving the quality of your snaps with machine learning trained on 20 million photographs.

This doesn’t produce brilliant results every time, but you’ll regularly be impressed with the improvements it makes without any additional involvement. And crucially the modified image can just be a starting point, with the ability to make additional human edits yourself, adjusting the white balance, lightness, saturation and colors according to your own tastes. Edits are non destructive, so you can keep fine tuning until your results truly are picture perfect. 

 $7.99 | iPhone and iPad 

4. Adobe Lightroom Mobile 

If you subscribe to Adobe’s Creative Cloud, then using Lightroom Mobile is something of a no brainer, given it gives you instant access to your entire cloud-stored photo library from your phone and has the added advantage of familiarity. But even those outside of Adobe’s ecosystem should give it a look, given it's free to use (there are in-app purchases, but this is to give you access to cloud storage that you may not even need.)

If you do give it the time, you’ll find a very flexible bit of photo editing software here, where a series of sliders give you granular control over light, color, effects and detail. The changes are instant, and you can always undo things you don’t like as edits are non destructive. 

Free | iOS | Android

5. VSCO 

VSCO is a slightly unusual beast in that it’s actually more comparable to Instagram than the best photo editing apps. Yes, it’s predominantly pitched as a social network for arty pictures, and you’re duly met with a stream of other peoples’ snaps when you boot up.

But it has some solid, easy-to-use editing options built in as well. These appear in a bar along the bottom of each photo and let you speedily make changes on the fly. Pleasingly you can save ‘recipes’ — baskets of tweaks that you can apply to any photo you import once you find a style that you like.

But the real prize is the selection of filters which are a cut above most. Inspired by vintage film, you only get a handful with the free version, but subscribing for $19.99 per year gives you access to over 200, along with more editing tools and the ability to tinker with videos as well as photos. 

Free / $19.99 per year | iOS | Android

6. TouchRetouch 

While most serious photo editing apps give you the tools to manually remove unwanted clutter from photos — a surprise photobomb or a stray object ruining the shot — TouchRetouch automated solution is certainly the most user friendly. Just paint over the thing you want removed, tap the ‘Go’ button and the app will attempt to clean up the image on your behalf.

The results aren’t always perfect, especially if there’s a complex pattern behind the offending person/object, but it’s usually good enough for a quick fix, especially if you’re dealing with plain backdrops. And the ease of use and low price makes this an essential photo editing app to have in your arsenal.

$1.99 | iOS | Android

7. Google Photos 

Okay, Google Photos’ editing tools are pretty basic: there’s a handful of filters, and sliders to adjust contrast, color and light, along with the usual cropping tools. While that may be enough for your needs, it’s a bit simplistic, so why does it make the list? 

Quite simply because it’s an essential app — especially for Android owners who don’t benefit from iCloud on iPhone. It automatically sorts and backs up all your photos to the cloud and syncs across devices, with easy searchability thanks to Google’s image recognition smarts (type ‘dog’ and every photo of a dog you’ve ever taken will instantly appear).

While it’s editing functions may be a little light, it’s the perfect companion for other apps in this list — and ideal for minor edits that don’t need anything more high powered.

Free | iOS | Android

If your wifi signal strength seems slow and web pages - or worse, Netflix - won’t load it’s time to check your speeds and make sure you’re getting what you pay for. Here’s how to get started.

With so many of us working from home, the speed and strength of our broadband is more important than ever. A sub-par signal can mean disastrous Zoom calls with key clients, and if your wifi can’t stream to your home office, basic functions become impossible. And that’s even before we start streaming music and binge watching movies. 

But before you invest in one of the best wifi extenders, there are things you can do to improve your home’s broadband, and they start by checking just how fast everything is working. Try these steps and follow our top tips to get the best service for work and play times. 

How to check your WiFi signal strength

1. Broadband and Wi-Fi, what’s the difference?

If you’re having internet issues it can be hard to know if it's your home Wifi or your broadband that's slow. These are two separate things, but both impact greatly on your ability to get online and stream content. Knowing the difference will allow you to workout how to make wifi faster.

Broadband is the actual internet connection that comes into your house from a box in the street along either a standard copper cable or faster fibre optic. It’s the most common way to give a home internet.

Wifi is a way for your broadband connection to be distributed to your devices (like laptops, smart devices and consoles) wirelessly. The broadband cable is plugged into a wireless router which provides your devices with internet access without needing to be plugged in manually.

2. Check the speed of your broadband

Broadband Speed Checker is a simple online tool that shows your home’s download and upload speeds. The 30 second test will show results in Mbps (megabits per second) and as a basic guide a good download speed is at least 25 Mbps, and a good upload speed is at least 3 Mbps.

The speed test should also show your 'ping' which is the latency of your connection. This is important for real-time applications such as online gaming and video calls. The lower the number the better. This is just one of the best wifi booster apps that can help. 

Why bother to test your broadband speed? Firstly, you can check that you’re getting the speeds you’re paying for, and if there’s an issue, you can take up with your broadband provider. It’s also a great way to compare the speeds you’re getting with other networks, and upgrade if necessary. 

When running the test make sure nothing else is using your internet connection, and if possible, plug your laptop into your router for the most accurate readings.   

3. Check your WiFi speed

It doesn’t matter if you have lightning fast broadband if your WiFi speeds are tortoise slow. Many Wi-Fi speed apps actually just test broadband speed, but Wi-Fi Speed Test for Android and Wi-Fi Sweetspots for iOS do it well.

The beauty of these apps is that you can use them to discover the best and worst spots in your home for WiFi signals. If you take time to experiment with it you’ll also be able to identify the optimal spot for your wireless router, as well as pinpoint where you might need to install WiFi extenders.

4. Run a speed test using your wireless provider

Depending on the wireless router you use, it is often possible to also run a speed test through its dedicated smartphone app. Google's Nest Wi-Fi  includes the ability to run a speed test. Some can even be linked to your smart speakers, so you can simply ask ‘How fast is my internet?’

5. What broadband speed do you need?

A basic service offering speeds between 3Mbps to 8Mbps will be good enough for light browsing, email, video calls, and streaming video. 12Mbps to 25Mbps should be good for a small family with medium to high usage, while anything over 25Mbps is great for a house full of gamers, HD video streamers and internet addicts.

6. Discover what’s slowing up your internet speed

Internet speeds vary depending on many factors including everyone at home bingeing Netflix at the same time, or playing data heavy games. With so many uses for wifi in the home now, some could be draining your juice without you even realising. Your broadband can also slow down if more people are online in your local area, or if there’s a wider network fault. You can check for and report faults by going online to your service provider’s website.

And don’t forget that big houses, your distance from the router and the thickness of your walls can all play havoc without your WiFi speeds no matter how fast your broadband is. Do the tests above and pinpoint the weak spots.

7. How to improve your home's wifi

Amazingly the vast majority of broadband issues can be fixed by restarting your router. Yep, turning it off and on again really does work, especially if it needs a software upgrade. If your broadband router is more than a couple of years old you may also be eligible for a free upgrade, so do contact your network provider.

To get the best possible broadband speeds the answer is to plug your computer. Console or smart TV directly into the router. For many people this isn’t practical though, but if you need  the strongest wi-fi signal, working in the same room as the router, or investing in a WiFi extender could be the answer.

But failing that, make sure your router is positioned as high up as possible and in the middle of the home. Behind the sofa is not ideal. If the router comes with an antenna experiment with moving them around to direct the WiFi signal as far as possible.  

'What is a Fitbit?' you might be asking. The smart tracker watch has been getting a lot of attention, most recently thanks to being bought by Google, so you will almost certainly heard its name. 

Essentially, it's a fitness-based device with some special functions to help you keep track of your daily activity. It’s one of many impressive advancements in a new realm of technology called the Internet of Things (IoT). IoT is an interconnected network of smart devices that use artificial intelligence to carry out tasks usually performed by humans. Each “thing” has a specific function and a unique identifier (UID).

Companies in many industries have invested in IoT to improve the customer experience, optimize decision-making and streamline their business model. IoT can also bolster a business’s security and make mundane and complicated tasks such as project management more straightforward. 

So, what is a Fitbit? A Fitbit is one “thing” among the greater IoT network. In fact, it's one of the best fitness trackers, and it automatically performs health-related tasks in seconds that previously required careful timing and measurements. But how exactly does it accomplish these tasks? How do you use it? Do you have options? Read below for the answers.

What is a Fitbit, and what does it do?

Fitbits are high-tech smartwatches and fitness trackers that keep track of vital bodily functions. People primarily use them to track their heart rate during exercise, but Fitbit uses are surprisingly varied. You can also use a Fitbit to perform the following activities:

• Monitor sleeping patterns
• Measure blood oxygen levels
• Track your training with GPS
• Create music playlists
• Receive text and phone call notifications
• Pay for items when shopping in-store

Fitbits look similar in style to other smartwatches on the market, but they have a much greater focus on health and wellness than any other brand. Apple and Android smartwatches are essentially miniature cell phone wristbands, with access to numerous mobile apps and the ability to send/receive texts and phone calls.

On the other hand, a Fitbit’s operating system doesn’t have access to many apps. Still, it is compatible with both IOS and Android devices and tracks your activity with more accuracy. Lastly, all of the models support Fitbit Pay, the company’s mobile payment app.

What are the different types of Fitbits?

Fitbit has two different lines of smartwatches: Versa and Sense. Versa is the standard line, while Sense can perform a few more advanced tasks:

• Monitors skin moisture
• Tracks skin temperature
• Provides stress management tools based on your heart rate levels

Among the two lines, you can find four types of Fitbits: Charge, Inspire, Ace and Luxe. Let’s take a closer look at each type.

1. Charge

The Charge Fitbit is the most advanced type. It can perform all of the above tasks and more. It has an easy-to-use touchscreen and automatically tracks your activity levels throughout the day. The Charge is waterproof and durable, holding up under any exercise conditions. Some more expensive models also have an altimeter, which calculates how many floors you’ve walked (10 steps up equals one floor).

Buy a Fitbit Charge here.

2. Inspire

The Inspire model looks very similar to the Charge, but it doesn’t have the built-in GPS. It’s the most straightforward model of the three, with a clear focus on tracking your body’s reactions to strenuous exercise.

Buy a Fitbit Inspire here.

3.  Ace

The Ace wristband is made for children age six and older, with a smaller and sleeker design. The touchscreen is easier to navigate and the device automatically tracks activity levels, encouraging children to develop a healthier lifestyle. It’s also splash-proof but not entirely waterproof, making it a little less durable under harsh weather conditions than the Inspire and Charge.

Buy a Fitbit Ace here.

4. Luxe

The Luxe has a similar thin build to the Ace, but its main audience is young women instead of children. It looks much like a regular bracelet, with a stylish jewelry-like design and several colorful options.

Buy a Fitbit Luxe here.

Fitbit’s health benefits

No matter which type you choose, you can log your fitness progress either with the Fitbit app or the Exercise Shortcuts page on the brand’s website. The smartwatches can usually identify basic exercises like walking and running based on your body’s movements, but you might have to enter unorthodox exercises like yoga into your Shortcuts log manually.

For anyone wondering how to stay motivated to workout, you can also set different measurable goals for yourself: time spent exercising, calories burned, steps taken, heart rate, and so on. The Fitbit uses both a timer and an accelerometer to calculate these numbers. 

When someone can see their progress in quantifiable terms, they naturally feel more inspired to continue improving their numbers. Walking or running with a Fitbit is especially beneficial. 

A regular walking/running schedule can reduce your risk of death from heart problems, the greatest health risk facing older populations today.

A consistent walking routine has also been shown to decrease the overall mortality rate of males between the ages of 65 and 74, the demographic most vulnerable to cardiac diseases.

With that being said, Fitbit’s tracking isn’t always accurate. For example, it might track a bump in the road or a sudden jerking motion as one step towards your daily goal. Minor errors like this can occur throughout the day and throw off the count.

If you want your Fitbit to track your activity as accurately as possible, measure the length of your stride and enter the number into the app or your Exercise Shortcuts log. The Fitbit will then be able to separate walking/running from other movements more efficiently.

What is the Best Fitbit?

Here’s a comprehensive list of the best Fitbits based on cost, features and accuracy.

• Best Overall: Fitbit Versa 3
• Best Tracker: Fitbit Charge 5
• Most Features: Fitbit Sense
• Most Affordable: Fitbit Versa 2
• Best Battery Life: Fitbit Inspire 2

The cost of Fitbits ranges from $79 to $329. The Versas, Inspires and Aces are the least expensive, while the Charges and Senses often reach over $300. The Versa 3 will give you the most bang for your buck at a price of $180 to $230.

Browse the various Fitbits to buy here.

Where Can I Get a Fitbit?

You will find the best online deals for Fitbits on the company’s main website and on Amazon. You can also buy a Fitbit in-store at the following retail locations:

• Best Buy
• Walmart
• Kohl’s
• Macy’s
• Dick’s Sporting Goods
• Verizon stores

Some of the newer models also have a premium membership, which gives you access to more features with a monthly payment. 

Start your fitness journey today

The Fitbit acts as both a tracker and a motivational tool, ideal for home gym users and those out and about. It will help you monitor your progress, and once you start to see your numbers improve, the process could become addicting, and you will swiftly develop healthier habits. If you’re ready to get started on your fitness journey, the Fitbit might be the tool to help you take the first step.

How to cast your phone to your television has become easier than ever, but there are still a few challenges. Flitting across devices and making sure the software and hardware works isn't always as straightforward as you might hope. 

Whether you have an iPhone or Android device, there are a multitude of ways to mirror your phone to the big screen, but the exact method you need will depend on a number of factors including the model of your phone, the make of your TV and the age of both. 

That said, as long as your phone was bought in the last eight or so years, your TV has a spare HDMI port and you have Wi-Fi in your home, there should be an option for you. Here’s how to stream from your phone to TV.

How to cast a phone to your TV

If you want your whole smartphone screen on your TV so any app you use can be seen by all, then you’ll want to do something called screen mirroring. Note that this will usually mimic your phone’s aspect ratio meaning that you’ll often have a portrait view of your phone’s screen.

Note that if you’re just looking to put the likes of Netflix, Disney Plus or Amazon Prime Video on the big screen, then screen mirroring isn’t the ideal solution as it often includes latency and/or sound syncing issues. Instead, you should use a smart TV’s built-in apps, or something like Chromecast — but more on that later.

Screen mirroring your Android phone to TV 

If you have a modern smart TV, the big manufacturers tend to include built-in screen mirroring software, allowing you to broadcast your phone’s screen as long as both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network.

The exact location of this will vary from TV manufacturer to TV manufacturer, so the sensible thing is to search for instructions for your model. Sony, LG, Samsung and Philips all have specific pages to help you hunt down the option, but if you use an obscure brand, try looking in the TV’s network settings or seeing if it shows up as a selectable input source (in the same menu you’d use to jump between HDMI inputs).

Once this is enabled, the next part of the puzzle is finding the corresponding setting on your smartphone, and unhelpfully each manufacturer has its own name for what is essentially the same functionality. Here are the biggest brands:

- Samsung: “Screen Mirroring” or “Smart View”

- Xiaomi: “Cast”

- Google: “Cast”

- Motorola: “Wireless display”

- Huawei: “MirrorShare”

- Sony: “Screen Mirroring”

- LG: “Miracast”

- HTC: “HTC Connect”

These are usually accessible in the quick settings found by swiping down from the top of your home screen, but if you can’t immediately see it, try searching in the network settings.

Screen mirroring your iPhone to TV 

The obvious omission from that list is Apple. That’s because the company uses its own proprietary technology called AirPlay or AirPlay 2.

It’s not as widely supported as the Miracast tech that powers the Android solutions, but some sets from big names like Samsung, Sony and LG feature it, though typically in more expensive models. It’s also part of the Apple TV streaming hardware, if you happen to own one.

Whether it’s native to your TV or via the Apple TV hardware, screen mirroring is handled the same way:

1. Open Control Center. This is done by swiping down from the top-right corner on iPhones from 2018 onwards or swiping up on earlier models.

2. Tap “Screen Mirroring”.

3. Your TV or Apple TV box should appear in a list of available devices. Tap it.

4. The iPhone may ask you for a code to make sure it’s about to broadcast to the right TV. Just type in the code that appears on your TV screen to continue.

How to stream from your phone to an older TV 

What if your TV is so old that it doesn’t support streaming from Android or iPhone? Don’t worry, you don’t need to throw out your old set, unless it’s so old that it doesn’t have HDMI ports (which have been commonplace in TVs since the mid 2000s, so it may be worth thinking about an upgrade anyway).

As long as you have an HDMI port, you can buy and use a streaming stick. In essence, these make dumb TVs smart, introducing the kind of apps and/or interface you’d get if you purchased a smart TV today.

There are a number of options available from Roku to Amazon’s Fire TV Stick. But people looking to stream their phones to an older TV should look to either Apple TV if they own an iPhone, or Google’s Chromecast if they’re on Android

We’ve covered the reasons for the former above, but for Chromecast the explanation comes down to its easy integration with all sorts of apps that you might want to broadcast on the big screen. Not only can you mirror your display with all but the oldest Android phones, but a huge range of apps can be instantly broadcast to the big screen too. That includes everything from Google Photos to share your holiday snaps to YouTube for broadcasting your home videos.

How to cast apps with Chromecast  

There’s a huge list of apps that support Chromecast, and once your dongle is installed and connected to Wi-Fi, the way you use it is the same in most apps that support it.

1. Find the supported app you want to broadcast to your TV and open it.

2. Select a video, photo or song that you want to move off your phone and open it. 

3. When it starts playing on your phone, tap the screen and look for the Chromecast icon. It’s a rectangle with a Wi-Fi sign in the bottom left-hand corner. Tap it.

 4. Select the device you want to Chromecast to from the pop-up menu. 

How to screen share with Chromecast 

If you’re not trying to broadcast the latest Netflix blockbuster from your phone to your TV, you can also mirror your screen with Chromecast. To do this, you do need to be running Android 5.0 or later, but given that version of Android first came out in 2014, most handsets in use today should work.

Here’s how to screen share with Chromecast:

1. If you don’t have it already, download the Google Home app.

2. In the list of devices, select your Chromecast.

3. Select “Cast my screen” from the options at the bottom.

If you know how to make a wifi call then you can be saved from many a sticky situation. WiFi Calling is a service offered for Android and iOS smartphones that allows you to make and receive calls and messages over a Wifi connection without relying on a traditional cellphone signal. It’s a godsend for people living in rural areas with minimal reception, or in old houses with thick walls.

And, if you do live in the sort of place that need wifi calling, have you thought about one of the best wifi extenders? Along wiht knowing how to make a wifi call, they really can change everything.

How to make a WiFi call 

The process is simple but does vary between phone types and cellphone provider, but if you go to your phone settings and find the WiFi Calling option you should be able to enable it. You may need to contact your phone provider to unlock the service, but it almost always comes at no extra cost with your monthly tariff.

How does WiFi Calling Work?

Once you’ve enabled WiFi Calling, your phone will choose the strongest network available after you dial a number - whether that’s cellular or WiFi. If you already know how to make wifi faster than that will win out every time.The user shouldn’t notice any difference in the service and the call should connect seamlessly, just with the benefit of better call quality. As far as broadband speed goes, we suggest a minimum of 2 Mbps for reliable WiFi calling.

Do all phone networks offer WiFi Calling?

Most providers such as Sprint, Verizon, AT&T, 02, Vodafone, EE and three now offer WiFi Calling, but some, such as Tesco Mobile and Talkmobile, have been rather slow to catch up. This may change, so do check in with your network if you want to make the most of all these different uses for wifi.

Do I get charged for Wifi calling?

If you’re using a major mobile provider such as your calls are included as part of your usual tariff allowance - it makes no difference if you’re calling over cellular or WiFi. But there are loads of apps that let you call over WiFi for free, if the person you’re calling also uses the app. The most popular example of this is WhatsApp - which has become very popular for phone and video calling - while Google Voice, Skype and Facebook Messenger all offer similar free service. Just remember though most free services can’t call traditional landline numbers.

What happens on a Wifi call if I move out of range of the Wifi?

Cleverly, if you start a call over WiFi but need to leave, once you move out of range your smartphone will switch to the nearest available 4G or 5G network automatically. That said, you may experience an unreliable connection on some busy public networks - such as your local cafe’s free WiFi - if lots of people are sharing a limited bandwidth.

Can I use the wifi on planes and trains to make wifi calls?

Yes, WiFi is now available throughout public transport networks, and ought to be strong enough to make calls. But, you know, remember your fellow passengers and, well, don’t be that person.

There are so many more uses for Wifi than just refreshing Instagram - yes, hard to believe, but true. An essential ingredient for modern living, broadband has transformed the way we live, work and relax, but there’s so much more you can do with your home Wifi than check emails, shop and stream box sets. 

Wifi is such a simple pleasure. When it works, that is. It's best when you're not thinking about it and it's running smoothly - have you considered investing in one of the best wifi extenders? That way, you can sit back, relax and try these nine wifi-enabled tricks. Enjoy. 

Uses for Wifi that are better than checking your emails

1. Turn Your Smartphone into a TV Remote Control

Assuming you have a smart TV that is connected to the WiFi you can easily control it using your smartphone. Most TV manufacturers offer a remote control app you can download, but there are also specific universal remote control apps including AnyMote and Google Home (for Android). Yes, your TV comes with a remote control, but maybe you’re comfortable on the sofa and the remote is just out of reach…problem solved!

2. Control your appliances

Many new washing machines, dryers, ovens, and fridges can now be connected to the WiFi and controlled via your smartphone. Sadly you can’t (yet) get the laundry into the machine or food in the oven using a robot - the concept of the automated home only goes so far - but you can preheat the oven on the way home from work, or delay the final spin cycle if you know you’ll be late. Samsung’s FamilyHub fridge freezers even have a webcam on the inside so you can check if there’s enough milk (or wine) before you go shopping. So much more exciting than worrying about how to make wifi faster in your home.

3. Turn your old smartphone into a baby monitor

If you have an old working smartphone cluttering up a drawer you can easily - and cheaply - convert it into a video baby monitor. Download an app such as Annie Baby Monitor or Alfred (iOS and Android), link your old and new phone via WiFi, and it will detect motion, noise and even work in the dark. And it’s not limited to just babies, you can also use it as a temporary camera in place of one of the best home security systems, or just to keep an eye on your pets.

4. Create Your Own Cloud Storage

If your Wi-Fi router has a USB port in the back - and most these days do - you can create your own wireless cloud storage system using a simple USB flash drive. Choose one with plenty of memory - Amazon has a great selection - and once connected you need to go into your WiFi settings and ‘set up as a Network Attached Storage (NAS) drive. Once done, you’ll be able to save photos, videos etc. to the drive, and access them over your WiFi saving valuable phone memory. 

5. Keep the family safe online

Many of us don’t realise that our internet service provider offers a host of features to help monitor and manage what your kids watch and search and also how long they’re online. Search Parental Controls, plus the name of your broadband provider (BT, Sky etc.), and you’ll be linked to instructions on how to restrict internet access to set periods, block specific devices after a certain time of day (when the kids should be asleep!) and prevent access to age-restricted sites.

6. Enjoy crystal clear phone calls over WiFi

If you suffer from a patchy mobile phone signal at home you can now make calls (including video) using WiFi rather than your mobile phone service. You need to enable the feature on your iPhone or Android device (head to settings and look for Mobile Data) but once done your smartphone will automatically switch between networks to get the best signal. Calls cost as usual, but there are several apps offering free calling (such as WhatsApp and Google Duo) if the person you’re contacting also has the app.

7. Make the most of voice control

Whether you choose Amazon’s Alexa, Google Voice or Apple’s Siri the number of things you can now do with voice control is incredible. With an Echo Dot costing less than $30/£20 you can ask it to play any song you like, set alarms, read audio books, control smart home devices such as lighting and heating, order products online, make calls, even get a takeaway delivered. And that's before you start playing around with the best Alexa skills. Just add WiFi.

8. Set the mood with smart lighting

With brands like Philips Hue, LiFX and even IKEA offering affordable ‘smart’ WiFi connected light bulbs, it has never been easier to add a little ambiance to your home. If you were wondering how smart light bulbs work then it's simple - using a smartphone app you can dim, brighten, and effortlessly change each bulb’s colour, set timers for a gentle wake-up, enhance security if you go on holiday, even have them flash in time to the music.

9. Give your guests a separate Wi-Fi login

Your home’s Wi-Fi should have a difficult, hard to hack password, but when guests visit it can be a pain to set them up and access the internet. Thankfully your internet provider can create a separate ‘guest’ network with a nice and simple password that gets them online in seconds, but also doesn’t compromise the main household account if it is compromised. Just search for ‘guest network’ in the settings section on your broadband app.

WiFi booster apps have the power to change everything. If you’re working from home and have multiple gadgets running off your WiFi, you may want to think about using one of the apps to improve your signal. A strong Wifi connection is needed to successfully access the Internet on your tablet, laptop, or smartphone without any hassle after all. Add devices such as a smart doorbell, smart speaker, smart lightbulbs and smart TV to the list of wifi guzzling home gadgets and a reliable WiFi connection feels as essential as owning a fridge. 

Worrying about how to make WiFi faster is a modern preoccupation. Much like trying to remove stiff old anaglypta wallpaper without a steamer tool to hand, using a computer with a poor Internet connection can turn into a bit of a nightmare. And getting the best WiFi range around your home can often feel like a Catch 22 situation as both older houses with thick walls or insulation in new-build houses can dampen the signal. But to help you analyse your connection so you can take steps to improve your WiFi speed and signal, there is help at hand. We’ve highlighted the best WiFi booster apps and software, which can help you identify weak signal areas and indicate the best positions for your router or any gadgets you might have, like one of the best WiFi extenders.

'With apps such as WiFi analyser or Apple’s Airport Utility you can find out what the signal level is from the Access Point you’re connected to from your location,' says David Ballard from Performance Networks. 'These apps are useful to give you a reading and understanding of how it is performing in your home so you can see how the signal differs within the different rooms - from the home office to the living room.'

Best WiFi booster apps and software to improve your signal

1. Airport Utility 

Specifically designed for Apple users, the Airport Utility app lets you manage your WiFi network and AirPort base stations, from your iPad, iPhone, or iPod touch. It simply lets you see an overview of your WiFi network and devices and manage features such as security modes, wireless channels, change base station, and more.  Quite useful if you're going for a fully automated home full of Apple products.

2. WiFi Analyzer 

Simply put, this WiFi analyzer app turns your Android phone into exactly that. It will give you detailed info about the WiFi channels nearby and help you source a less crowded channel for your wireless router. 

3. Speedtest 

The Speedtest app can be used across a range of platforms including Android, iOS, Windows, Mac, and more. You can use it to find your nearest 5G network, test your connection speed and quality and it will give you real-time graphs to show you the connection consistency.

4. WiFi Finder app 

A good one for when you're out and about, with the WiFi Finder app you can find the fastest free WiFi wherever you are around the world. This WiFi Map contains verified Hotspots across hotels, cafés, restaurants, and bars so you can find the most reliable WiFi to use. We found an Android and iOS version too.  

5. WiFi Heat Map

This WiFi Heat Map for Android users lets you track the WiFi signal quality around your home using a heat map. You will need to draw your home on paper or use existing plans and capture it on camera. Then you'll need to walk around and map your location on the app. It will then create a heat map illustrating the signal quality in your home - ideal for helping you with things like the placement of your set in your living room TV ideas.

6. Fing 

As opposed to the other WiFi booster apps which report on your WiFi signal, Fing will give you information on all your other internet-related queries such as why Netflix streaming has started buffering and whether anyone is stealing your WiFi, or whether you have been hacked. Clever stuff. 

How can I tell if my WiFi signal is weak? 

David Ballard from Performance Networks recommends that the standard WiFi signal you want to be aiming for is -67dBm (decibels per milliwatt). 'The lower that number, the better your WiFi signal will be,' he says. 'As soon as your signal is registering anything above -70dBm, that represents intermittent or bad connectivity, depending on the device you are using.'

Know what makes for a good signal

'If you’re next to a Router or Access Point (AP), the likelihood is that your App will be hitting -30dBm to -35dBm. The further away you are, the higher that figure will rise. Right up to -67 represents a good signal. Between that figure and -70 is likely to be intermittent. Your device will be slow but it will still work. Anything above -70dBm, smaller devices, like iPhones, won’t work well or fast.'

Know why the signal reading changes across devices

David points out that the signal will differ depending on the device you're measuring the WiFi signal from. 'If I ran a test from an iPhone I may see that the signal is -67dBm, but if I use a bigger device, like a tablet, which has a bigger and better chipset, that signal may register at -64dBm,' he says. 'Those three decibels may not look like a huge difference, but in reality, it actually means the signal is almost twice as strong. It’s a big difference.'

How can I speed up my WiFi?

If you have a problem with your WiFi speed, it’s an issue you will need to take up with your internet service provider. You can buy gadgets to enhance your WiFi – such as extenders, powerlines, and mesh systems – but these are designed to improve your range around your home and garden as opposed to improving the speed. 

How can I boost my WiFi signal?

You can use WiFi boosting apps to discover any weak spots in your connection – as we have explored above. You can also invest in a range of WiFi boosting gadgets to help in areas where the signal is weak. 

'Making WiFi ‘faster’ isn’t actually doable without paying for an improved service, however,’ says Kevin Riding, engineer at Pure Broadband. ‘But on top of gadgets that can boost your WiFi range, there are several ways of giving your network the best opportunity to thrive in your home: 

1. Elevate your router and keep it clear of obstructions such as sofas, TVs, Sky Q boxes, baby monitors, any Bluetooth device, and even us humans, which can all interfere with WiFi.

2. If you are struggling with speeds, download a channel scanner. The 2.4Ghz channel can become congested, so trying to find a clear channel will help. The channel can be adjusted by logging into your router and changing the control channel. Most routers are set to auto by default, but they can be manually set. 

3. Use the 5Ghz channel if you are in the same room or in close proximity to the router. If you are going any further, use the 2.4g network as this has a longer range and can penetrate walls far more readily than 5G. However, 2.4G is slower than 5G.

4. Use Ethernet cables to connect stationary devices such as your TV if possible.

5. Check your usage as sometimes it’s how much bandwidth you’re using that's the problem, as opposed to slow speeds. 

6. Is the device you're using capable of the expected speeds? It's possible to take out 900Mbps packages and not realise your devices – including the latest smartphones - are not capable of those speeds.

7. Upgrade your devices. Older gadgets can be causing issues as the router dedicates more time to those to ensure successful transmission.'

The Swann Xtreem Security Camera is the security brand's latest launch, adding to its already extensive range of IP and Wi-Fi cameras and home alarm systems. 

Suitable for use indoors and out, the overriding appeal of the Swann Xtreem is its long battery life - once mounted, you won't need to worry about charging it again for around six months. Boasting a long list of features, such as heat and motion sensing, night vision, two-way talk, and more, I was keen to test it out to get a feel for its strengths.

I tested the Xtreem wireless camera on the front of my house to give me a constant view of my property and our car, which, as with most London properties, we park on the street outside our home.

Read on to find out what the Swann Xtreem wireless security camera offers and how we rated it. If, however, you're looking for more great examples, then check out our best outdoor security camera round-up here for our top picks. 

Swann Xtreem Security Camera: Set up & specs

• Video: 1080p Full HD
• Live view: Yes
• Night vision: Yes
• Use: Indoors and outdoors
• Weatherproof: Yes (IP56 rated)
• Motion detection: Yes
• Two-way talk: Yes
• Field of view: 110° 
• Power: Wireless (rechargeable battery lasts up to 6 months)
• Colors: White 
• Dimensions: H7cm x W5cm x D10.5cm

The Xtreem wireless security camera comes in a relatively small box. Inside, you have the camera, its magnetic wall mount, fixings for the wall, and a USB charging lead, as well as a variety of branded theft-deterrent security stickers for your windows.

As with all other security cams, it’s advisable to connect the camera to your Wi-Fi and smartphone before mounting it so you can see exactly the view and angle you require for a good picture before fixing it to a wall.

Once the wall mount is fitted, the camera is attached to it thanks to a solid integrated magnet. This makes it easy to change angles slightly whenever you need to and lift it off the base completely when it eventually needs to be recharged.

Installation is pretty straightforward. Provided the camera is fully charged, you need first to download the free Swann app (available on both iOS and Android) and open an account.

From there, you need to connect the device to your account - if you give the app access to your phone camera, you need just scan the QR code on the base of the camera to speed the whole process up. 

Once paired to your Wi-Fi network, you’re ready to go. I found it all to be a very straightforward process and took under five minutes to complete, but if you get stuck, this Xtreem camera setup video can talk you through each step.

• Read next: the best wireless doorbells for added security and a better way to organize deliveries

Swann Xtreem Security Camera: Features

The Swann Xtreem wireless security camera system is brimming with handy features, many of which you can tweak to suit your needs and lifestyle.

Heat and motion sensors

As with all the best security cameras, the Xtreem features motion sensors that you can adjust depending on how sensitive you want them to be. You can set motion detection at four levels - Maximum, Far, Medium, and Close - or switch off entirely. In addition, each motion will trigger a push notification on your phone (if you’ve given the app access to this function). The Xtreem also features heat sensors, which detect heat from people or cars too.

Live view 

Whether the sensors have picked up movement and alerted you on your phone or you just want to take a look at the view, you can access Live View at any time from your camera. 

I found that it took at least six seconds for the camera to wake up and show a live view, regardless of whether I accessed it directly on the app or via a push notification. This was more than a little frustrating, and I found it a significant downside to the camera.

Night vision

Available in color and black and white, night vision automatically kicks in when the camera detects low light. 

Free Cloud and local recording

Compared to many other security cameras requiring a subscription to record footage, the Xtreem will save short video clips on its 16BG Micro SD card (included). You can send these from the app to your email if required. The camera also features a one-day backup on the Cloud (pay for Swann’s Secure+ subscription, and this is upped to 60 days).

Siren

The Xtreem comes with a built-in siren. This can be set to go off when triggered by the motion sensors or operated manually to scare off would-be intruders or thieves. 

Voice control

Link it to an existing Alexa or Google Assistant device, and you can watch the live view, record clips, and even deploy the siren, all by asking.

Other live view functionality

When you’re in Live View, there are several functions that you can access instantly via onscreen buttons. For example, you can take a photograph, record a time-stamped video clip, access two-way talk to speak to someone in view, sound the siren and mute the sound (sound is set to on as a default).

Swann Xtreem Security Camera: Design

Small, sleek, and compact, the Xtreem is a pretty smart-looking package. Obviously, it’s entirely up to you wherever you put it, whether you choose to have it visible or hidden, but even if on view, its curved design helps it blend into the surroundings.

Swann Xtreem Security Camera: Extras

A notable few extras are available for the Xtreem wireless security camera that you could invest in should you choose. These include an outdoor solar panel - so you never need to worry about charging the camera again - and a weatherproof outdoor mount that screws into the camera if you plan to install yours in arm’s reach.

Swann Xtreem Security Camera: Our verdict

The Swann Xtreem wireless security camera is a cinch to install and use. It takes relatively clear video and crucially will record video clips automatically when sensors are triggered, unlike most security cameras that require a separate costly subscription. 

My only bugbear about the camera is that its response time for the live view is so very slow - six seconds may not sound like much, but when something triggers the sensors, you want to see what it is right away, not after it’s had plenty of time to turn around and run away.

The main selling point of the Google Home Mini is undoubtedly the price tag, which immediately makes smart home features accessible to everyone. As such, it’s a brilliant jumping off point for those still unsure how much use they’ll get out of its features beyond a Bluetooth speaker, as well as anyone looking to extend their Google Home set-up into more rooms across the house.

Music fans will struggle with the comparatively low audio quality, but when it comes to value it’s important to note that the Mini does pretty much everything Google’s range of smart speakers and smart displays do, just in a tiny package.

Read on to see what we thought of the Google Home Mini or, if you want to keep your options open, check out our rundown of the best smart speakers across a variety of brands. 

Google Home Mini: Setup and Specs

Dimensions: H4.2 x W9.8 x D9.8cm

Weight: 1.81kg

Colors: Black, Pink, Silver/Grey

Mobile: Android, iOS

Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, Chromecast

Power: Mains

The Google Home Mini is incredibly simple to set up and use, using the Google Home app on your mobile device to control it. Once you have plugged the speaker into the mains, connected it to your home Wi-Fi, and placed it in your desired location, you simply need to perform a quick voice match process and then you’re ready to delve into its various capabilities.

These are detailed below but, once you have routines and commands programmed in, you can largely use your speaker completely hands-free, only opening the app to tweak your settings from time to time.

Note: you will need a Google account in order to set up your speaker and, if you want to get the most out of it, then we’d recommend linking it to things like Google Calendar, YouTube and Google Play.

Google Home Mini: Features

Where the Google Home Mini really impresses is with its range of uses, offering everything the larger Google smart speakers do taking up a fraction of the space.

Routines

By far the feature we used the most is routines, which give you the ability to automate actions around the home without lifting a finger.

For example, simply saying “hey Google, good night” sets up a chain of events that includes switching off lights (plugged in with Teckin smart plugs), turning on the bedside essential oil diffuser (Meross Smart Wi-Fi Ultrasonic Diffuser), playing soothing rain sounds, and setting a time for the morning routine to begin the next morning.

When morning comes, you simply need to quiet the alarm by saying “stop” (no need for a ‘hey Google’ at this time in the morning!) and it can play your favourite playlist or radio station, tell you about upcoming events in the day and warn you about the weather outside. 

Obviously this is just one example of a routine, with the possibilities also including home heating adjustments, playing a favourite podcast as you get ready for the day and so much more.

Broadcast

An update to the Google Home platform now means that you can send voice messages to other speakers on your network (for your Google Home Mini in the kitchen to another in your kids’ rooms, for example) so you’ll never have to shout to get people to the dinner table again.

Privacy

One worry caused by the popularity of smart speakers in the home is privacy, as by their nature Google speakers need to be listening all the time to detect when you say the buzzwords of ‘Hey Google’. Thankfully, the Mini has a convenient switch on its side that allows you to completely turn off the device’s microphone when you don’t want it listening in. When you want to use it again, simply switch it back on.

Google Home Mini vs Google Nest Mini

Google recently brought out the Google Nest Mini, which is incredibly similar to the original compact model but with a few key differences. The main one to know is that audio quality has been improved slightly (though it is still not the best), which makes sense given that this has always been a criticism of the original Home Mini.

Except for an additional color option of Sky blue, the designs are pretty much identical. The Nest Mini is more eco-friendly, however, now using recycled plastic to create the fabric top.

Google Home Mini: Design

The diminutive design of the Google Home Mini will suit many, able to be tucked away on a shelf, a sideboard or even mounted onto the wall. Google sells these wall mount kits, and we’d wager that the speaker is so lightweight that strong 3m tape could work just as well should you not want to drill into the wall. 

The big drawback is that the speaker only works when plugged into the mains, so when wall mounting it you can’t avoid the unsightly wire trailing down the wall. 

In addition to being small, the Mini also comes with an attractive fabric cover that may blend into home décor better than the more ‘futuristic’-looking offerings from Amazon or Apple. Of the leading offerings, this stands out in its environment the least. 

The different color options are also popular for this reason, with the speaker available in coral, chalk and charcoal to suit individual tastes. We went for chalk, but the coral would be good for anyone who likes their tech to make more of a statement.

Google Home Mini: Our Verdict

Capable of facilitating an entire smart home set-up, the Google Home Mini (now Google Nest Mini) is by far the most cost-effective way of introducing smart speakers into your home. Use it on its own or put one in every room of the house - we guarantee you will find the way (or ways) it makes your life easier. 

About our review

Caroline is ecommerce editor for Livingetc, looking after technology and smart device content to determine what is worth incorporating into your home and what is not. All reviews are based on her real experiences of using technology as part of daily life, making sure they perform in a real-life context.

This particular review is based on her experience using the Google Home Mini over a period of three years, after purchasing when she moved into her current home.