Ninja Double Stack air fryer: two-minute review

The Ninja Double Stack air fryer demonstrates once again that the brand is king of convection cooking, offering blazing cooking speeds in a clever form factor that serves to address the needs of smaller households and keen cooks the world over. Without a doubt, it’s one of the best air fryers I’ve ever used – and I’ve used a fair few at this point. 

Shopping for the perfect air fryer can leave you feeling a bit like Goldilocks, and especially if counter space is at a premium in your kitchen. A two-drawer model like the Instant Vortex 9-quart Air Fryer with VersaZone technology might be perfect for the number of mouths you typically have to feed, but these are typically behemoths. Alternatively, you could opt for one of the best small air fryers, but then these often have a meager, sometimes single-portion only capacity.

It’s been my perennial issue as a single-person household that regularly has guests. My kitchen is fairly compact, so I've been incredibly limited for space when I’ve tested larger models like the Ninja Foodi FlexBasket Dual Air Fryer. That’s why since I learned about the Ninja Double Stack air fryer – styled as the DoubleStack in the US – I’ve been itching to get my hands on it. 

As the name suggests, the Ninja Double Stack air fryer stacks its two cooking drawers stop one another instead of side by side, as we tend to see in dual-basket air fryers. Instead of a top- or front-mounted dashboard, a small panel juts out to the right side of the device, hosting all the functions and controls you’ll need to operate the Double Stack. Plus, Ninja has even thrown in two extra racks, which can be slotted in above the main crisper plate, giving you bonus surface area to cook with – though the grill spacing makes these far better for larger food items. 

Just like other products in the Ninja line, I saw great results from the Double Stack air fryer, from delicious fluffy fries to perfectly crispy chicken and succulent salmon. It should be no surprise, but I was concerned before trying the device that the cooking quality may have been compromised by the new design. Thankfully, there were no cooking compromises that I could detect. The only real down-side is the price, which is on the high side for a dual-basket air fryer – but for those who need to protect their previous counter space, it's well worth the extra cost. Here's my full review.

Ninja Double Stack air fryer review: price & availability

• List price: XL (8.3qt / 9.5L): $229.99 / £269.99 / AU TBC
• Availability: UK and US – Australia TBC

At time of writing, the Ninja Double Stack is available in the UK and US. In its XL 8.3qt / 9.5L capacity, it has a list price of $229.99 / £269.99. Availability and pricing in Australia is TBC. There should also be a standard, 6.7qt / 7.6L model to go alongside the XL model reviewed here, but since the devices were first announced earlier this year, we haven't heard anything about it. 

The Double Stack XL is a fair bit more expensive than comparable double-drawer air fryers like the Instant Vortex 9-quart air fryer, which costs $199.95 / £199.99 / AU$399, but for the price difference, you get an as of writing one-of-a-kind device offering superior performance and maximum air frying potential.

It comes with two non-stick, dishwasher-safe drawers and crisper plates, two stainless steel racks and a recipe guide.

• Value for money score: 4.5 out of 5

Ninja Double Stack air fryer specs

Ninja Double Stack air fryer review: design

• Space-efficient design, with two drawers stacked vertically
• Side-mounted dashboard
• Two extra stainless steel racks doubles the cooking space

For anyone with a smaller kitchen or who prefers a more compact setup, the Ninja Double Stack is a revelation. It’s the first air fryer to stack two drawers vertically to optimize counter space, and the inclusion of its two stainless steel racks doubles the surface area available for cooking. The air fryer is available in one colorway; a sophisticated slate gray shell, with ridged silver handles. It’s simple and subtle, and I personally prefer that to the glossy black cladding many air fryers opt for. 

To account for those who might have lower-hanging cabinets, the controls for the Double Stack are mounted to the right of the air fryer, which does add 2in / 5cm to the overall width. However, it’s fairly unobtrusive, and unless you plan on having the right side of the air fryer flush to the wall shouldn’t pose a problem (reminder that you should be leaving at least 5 inches of space around an air fryer if you don’t want to make one of the biggest mistakes of air fryer cooking).

The side panel offers all the usual Ninja air fryer features. There’s a screen at the top which shows the timer for each drawer as well as the temperature setting. Beneath are numbered buttons to individually control each drawer, as well as a list of the six presets for air frying, roasting, max crisp, reheating, baking and dehydrating. Each setting has a light indicator next to it to show which mode is currently selected, and you can tweak the settings using the temperature and time buttons in tandem with the roller dial. Lastly, you’ll find the Double Stack Pro, Sync and Match buttons above the power and stop / start buttons. 

Its two dishwasher-friendly 5qt / 4.75L baskets have individual handles, so you can fully manage each drawer independently. However, if you’re using the two stainless steel trays on top of the base crisper plates, it might be a little more annoying to flip and adjust your food mid-cooking cycle. Ninja has made efforts to ease this slight drawback by adding handles to the trays, making them nice and easy to quickly remove. 

It’s worth noting that the back of the baskets each have a grate with fairly large holes, so it’s not suitable for cooking high volumes of liquid – we recommend against cooking these kinds of dishes in an air fryer instead of one of the best instant pots, regardless, but some users do like to break convention. These holes also mean that if you shake particularly oily, batter-laden or otherwise messy foods, some liquid may splash behind the baskets onto the back of the air fryer. It’s a very small issue judging by my testing so far, so long as you keep on top of cleaning the Double Stack. 

• Design score: 5 out of 5

Ninja Double Stack air fryer review: performance

• Same fantastic performance as other Ninja air fryers
• Perfectly crisp chicken wings and fluffy fries
• Time and effort-saving Sync and Match settings

Before I tested the Ninja Double Stack air fryer, I was a little dubious about how its performance would hold up against other Ninja models I’ve tested. Surely, there would be a compromise to vertically stacking the drawers, otherwise, it would have been done far sooner, right?

Thankfully that doesn’t seem to be the case with the Double Stack. Everything I cooked came out just as good as I’d expected, with perfectly crispy chicken wings without the need for a drop of oil, and gorgeous fluffy fries with the perfect amount of bite. There was a small degree of unevenness; fries towards the back of the basket cooked ever so slightly faster than the front, but it was to such a small degree I don’t think most users would notice.   

The Double Stack offers six cooking modes – Air Fry, Max Crisp, Roast, Bake, Dehydrate, and Reheat – all of which work just as well as in other Ninja air fryers. The different modes all have different temperature and time limits, but the Double Stack can reach temperatures of 450F / 240C and cook for up to an hour. It doesn’t require pre-heating, meaning you can get straight to cooking. 

Food cooked on the stainless steel trays seems to fare just as well, though you do lose the benefit of the crisp trays’ surface area. For some foods, that’s a benefit; you don’t always want foods to cook via contact as well as convection, which was definitely the case for the chicken wings I cooked across both types of trays. 

You’ll also have to think about the overall temperature setting of each basket and put foods with like-for-like cooking times and temperatures in each basket, or open up the trays to add in food later. This can be slightly annoying at times; I had to strategically plan how I cooked four tapas dishes to make sure I’d optimized both the strengths and weaknesses of both types of tray, as well as the cooking times and temperatures of each dish. It’d still opt for this rather than heating up a whole oven, though.

In case you’re new to the world of Ninja air fryers, it’s worth highlighting the Sync and Match cooking modes, which work to ensure your food all comes out at the same time. Simply select your cooking mode, set your time and, if you’re synchronizing the two baskets, select the cooking times for each, and you’re all set.

Unlike other dual-drawer models I’ve tested, including Ninja’s Instant Vortex 9-quart air fryer, there’s virtually no heat leakage between the two trays, which is excellent news if you’re working with very precise foods or just don’t want to waste energy by passively heating two areas when you only need one. 

On the down-side,  you can’t cook larger foods like pizzas or whole chickens in the Double Stack like you can in wider air fryers with larger cooking cavities. It’s the natural trade-off with its smaller footprint, and there are plenty of options that do cater to that need, if that's your priority. While Ninja claims the XL model I tested can feed eight people, I’d say that’s a little ambitious unless you’re padding out the meal with non-air fryer foods too. 

• Performance score: 5 out of 5

Should I buy the Ninja Double Stack air fryer?

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Ninja Double Stack air fryer: alternatives to consider

How I tested the Ninja Double Stack air fryer

• I used the Ninja Double Stack air fryer for two weeks 
• I used it to cook all of my meals, including chicken wings, fries and salmon
• I also tested the different cooking functions

I used the Ninja Double Stack air fryer as my main countertop cooker for two weeks, using it to cook everything from fries to chicken wings, salmon and even cauliflower cheese. I evaluated how each food item cooked across all four trays, using different settings to see how well each function performed. I assessed how succulent meat and fish were after cooking against how well the outside crisped, as well as the evenness of the browning, and how well fries managed to retain their internal fluffiness while still achieving crispy skin. 

In addition to the cooking, I evaluated how easy maintenance was; is it easy to clean the baskets and trays both with and without a dishwasher, are there any extra considerations for cleaning, and how easy is the device to actually operate. 

I’ve been testing air fryers for two years, and in that time I’ve tried everything from premium to affordable, single-serve to full family models. This experience combined with my love of food and cooking help to inform my findings in every review.

In the background of most offices and studios, there's usually some form of server with access to mass storage working away. This storage is typically found in a secluded area and accessed only by a qualified IT professional. While such network systems are complex and can be tricky to administer, their functionality is essential for any business, essentially supplying a centralised resource where all staff can access shared files of all types. 

The OWC Jupiter Mini is a Network Attached Storage (NAS) system that, while not a fully integrated server, performs all the storage jobs that larger enterprise technology handles in large institutions. The Jupiter Mini, though smaller and easier to administer, still offers the potential for a substantial amount of storage, up to 100TB and can be accessed by multiple users without the system slowing down, making it an ideal solution for small to medium-sized businesses and professionals working with TB of photos or video files and needing a professional storage solution.

The Jupiter Mini integrates with your network and can be subdivided into network drives (datasets) that can then be accessed by anyone on that network or remotely, given the correct permissions.

While there are many alternative NAS systems on the market, which may seem considerably cheaper, the Jupiter Mini offers incredible value, considering the performance, storage, and support provided. Unlike many consumer units designed for occasional access, this NAS can connect to the network with a 10GbE connection and is supported by powerful internal hardware capable of handling substantial data flow and multiple concurrent connections without faltering.

We've tried out plenty of the best NAS devices, and in our tests, the speeds over the wired connection were impressive. 140 GB was transferred to three machines in around 30 minutes, which is significantly faster than a consumer unit used to compare.

The speed of the connection makes a considerable difference when storing files, allowing multiple users easy access over the network in a small studio setting using smb shares. This means project folders and files can be quickly downloaded to a working drive and restored once finished. Additionally, equipment forms, risk assessments, and other regularly accessed files are easily reachable on-site, which is invaluable when internet connectivity is unreliable.

Ultimately, if you're a small to medium-sized business and need an easy mass storage device that is fast and easy to access with great support, then there is little to fault with the OWC Jupiter Mini.

OWC Jupiter Mini: Price & availability

The OWC Jupiter Mini is available directly from OWC and from many technology outlets. However, buying directly ensures that you get the exact specifications and build you require, whether for personal use or your business. Units start at the base level of 20TB, which we've examined in this review, and begin at $2,999.

• Score: 4/5

OWC Jupiter Mini: Design & build

NAS boxes typically have a functional style with quick-access drive slot doors on the front and various ports around the back, often resembling an enlarged external hard drive. OWC, however, has enhanced this design principle with the Jupiter Mini, adding aesthetic touches such as blue anodised door lever locks on the front, giving the drive a stylish edge over competitors.

Despite its aesthetic appeal, this unit's true value lies in its features and functionality. The drive is available pre-configured from OWC and many other retailers, saving at least a couple of hours of setup time. This means it can be quickly integrated into your network and ready for use, providing instant, high-capacity storage without much fuss.

For many small businesses, this easy access to large storage capacity will be more than enough, having a drive that you can simply plug in and then browse the network located the drive login, and the Jupiter Mini network drive just appears on your desktop, ready to use, all very simple. However, the Jupiter Mini is far more, and the appeal of the machine isn't just the simplicity of connection but the ease of use when it comes to the administration of that storage for the people accessing the drive. Administration is handled by the TrueNAS interface, which is pre-installed and enables an administrator to log in and allocate different storage areas to groups or individuals in the form of datasets, as well as enable external sharing and check drive health. 

The drive also offers future expansion options, so you can start with the 20TB version and then expand the storage as needed. Drive replacement is made possible in a couple of ways, either by replacing the drives physically in the mini and then creating a new pool/dataset/share with the new drives. Or replace one drive in the pool with the larger one, let it resolve, replace another, let it resilver, and continue until you have replaced all 5 drives. Once this is done, you can then expand the pool to take up additional space on the drives, which is done with a single button press in TrueNAS.

If you like to explore the system, you can connect to the Jupiter Mini directly. It has a VGA port at the back and can be connected to a keyboard and mouse. This approach is far more akin to enterprise-level solutions, and for most users, the GUI of the TrueNAS browser version will be a far easier environment to navigate.

• Score: 4/5

OWC Jupiter Mini: Features

The hardware of the Jupiter Mini is designed to meet the needs of creatives and support the large file types that tend to be handled in these environments, which is where similar capacity but lesser-powered NAS boxes struggle. The Jupiter Mini base capacity is 20TB (expandable to 100TB) and uses ZFS RAID for data protection; this leaves 16TB of usable space. The box comes pre-configured as RAIDZ1 (similar to RAID 5). One of the advantages of this is that the ZFS automatically caches your most frequently used and recent files in RAM, providing faster access to files at flash-like speeds. It also features a high-speed 10GbE network connection, providing faster file access compared to standard NAS drives, with all the processing down to its enterprise-grade Xeon Processor and 32GB of ECC RAM. Using the Jupiter Mini as part of a studio or office setup allows multiple users to access the NAS simultaneously, with automatic file caching for swift retrieval of frequently accessed files.

The system comes preloaded with the TrueNAS SCALE, which enables the easy management of the drive and its storage. This allows different network drives to be created and access permissions granted, ensuring a straightforward setup and management and a system that is fully compatible with both Mac and PC systems.

While the drive's overall handling is quite straightforward, if you do get stuck, there's plenty of documentation online, as well as a comprehensive single-source warranty and outstanding Pro Support from OWC. This support offers assistance during the setup and beyond, ensuring that help is just an email away if you have any questions or issues that may arise.

• Features: 4.5

OWC Jupiter Mini: Performance

Network storage is a significant asset in any studio or office environment. It enables the sharing of large-format files among colleagues. In a studio setting, this is particularly beneficial for transferring large video files across the network, eliminating the need to copy everything onto portable hard drives and move them from one person to another.

While there are plenty of NAS solutions available, the Jupiter Mini stands out as one of the few options tailored for small to medium-sized businesses, boasting ease of use and operation, power, and scalability without requiring extensive IT experience.

The initial setup and use of the Jupiter Mini were notably straightforward, with the device connecting to the back of the EERO 6 wifi router and becoming accessible throughout the studio and home. This centralised resource proved its value by allowing quick access to essential video and image files for projects. The speed of file transfers was instantly impressive over the wifi connection, with 140GB of data downloading in about an hour and a half, compared to six hours with our existing NAS. 

However, when connected to the studio's wired network, the download time for the same files dropped to less than 30 minutes as the files were transferred to the OWC ThunderBlade X8. The OWC ThunderBlade X8 was used as a local working drive and enabled the fast transfer speeds required by the best video editing software for cutting and grading. 

In the test, the network here is not the fastest 10GbE network at 2.5GbE. However, the speed was impressive for a self-managed system. After a week, the potential of faster network storage became obvious, and TrueNAS was used to create additional datasets for different groups and users. This enabled different areas of the storage to be assigned as a network drive, with permissions to users and groups assigned. Once the dataset is created, it can then be shared through smb. Another nice feature is that you create a zvol, which then enables you to format that segment of the drive in another file format. There is also a host of apps that can be downloaded and used if you need an on-site web development environment, and again, you can assign part of the storage to this. 

Through the test all administration was managed through the browser TrueNAS GUI. While there was a learning curve, it proved to be a powerful tool with plenty of documentation to support its use. As previously mentioned, if you do want a little more, then you can access the command-line version of TrueNAS by using a VGA monitor, keyboard, and mouse, a setup more common in server environments than in small offices.

One key consideration was whether the OWC Jupiter Mini could serve as shared network editing storage for software like Final Cut Pro, DaVinci Resolve, or Premiere Pro. While technically possible with the correct setup and network speed, this NAS is not specifically designed for such intensive tasks, a role better suited to more powerful and expensive solutions like the OWC Jellyfish. However, lighter tasks, such as a centralised resource for photo or graphic design, are well within the Jupiter Mini's remit.

The OWC Jupiter Mini offers an easy-to-maintain, out-of-the-box NAS solution that provides enterprise-level performance, far surpassing what is achievable with consumer models and is scalable up to 100TB to meet the growing data storage needs of home, office, or studio environments.

• Performance: 5/5

Should you buy the OWC Jupiter Mini?

The OWC Jupiter Mini is designed for creative professionals and small businesses that require a commercial network storage solution with substantial storage potential without the need for extensive IT know-how. Commercial NAS boxes, although ideal in functionality, often become completely impractical due to their design, cost, and often complex command-line administration. Conversely, smaller consumer models may offer ease of use but rarely offer the speed or power for multiple concurrent connections, capacity, connection features or ready support. These are all areas where OWC and the Jupiter Mini excel.

As a basic NAS, the Jupiter Mini is straightforward and efficient, making it particularly attractive to videographers and photographers needing reliable storage for projects and files. Its compatibility with the ThunderBlade X8 as a local working drive enhances its functionality. In a home environment, investing time in TrueNAS allows for segmenting the storage and providing dedicated areas for network or shared storage needs within the office or household.

The real advantage lies in its appeal to those seeking commercial-grade network storage that is both high-performing, expandable and reliable. The system includes a built-in support email system to alert users of potential issues with the hardware, preventing drive failures or other significant problems. In an office or studio setting, this single unit can be configured to provide various storage spaces for different groups, with tailored allocations and access, mirroring the capabilities of a large company's IT system.

Although the initial investment in the OWC Jupiter Mini is significant, the value it offers in storage capacity and the ability to self-manage—backed by OWC's excellent support—makes it a great choice. For studios or small offices in need of a network storage solution, the OWC Jupiter Mini stands out as one of the fastest, easiest-to-use, and most versatile systems available.

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I had the chance to spend a bit of time with the smaller 11-inch iPad Air and more time with the larger 13-inch iPad Air, and while these tablets are not ultra-thin like the iPad Pro (2024) — and they got less screen time in the keynote — the new iPad Air ushers in a bevy of new features for everyone to get excited about.

Apple iPad Air (2024): Pricing and availability

Apple’s 11-inch iPad Air and 13-inch iPad Air are up for order now starting at $599 / £599 / AUS$999 and $799 / £799 / AUS$1,299 starting, respectively. Both iPad Air options start with 128GB of storage but can be configured up to 1TB with 256GB and 512GB options. 

The iPad Air (2024) is available in Blue, Purple, Starlight, or Space Gray, and can be configured with just Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi and Cellular.

Apple iPad Air (2024): Design

For starters, the cost of opting for a larger screen is drastically reduced. The 13-inch iPad Air is $500 cheaper than the same-sized iPad Pro, with a starting price of $799. That’s more room for myriad tasks, but it’s all housed in an iPad that has some heft but is easily maneuvered. 

The new iPad Air 13 (2024) is actually pretty similar in size to the previous-generation iPad Pro 12.9, minus a Face ID sensor. It weighs in at 1.36-pounds and is 6.1-millimeters thick, with a USB-C port for charging and data transfers as well as Touch ID baked into the power button. 

For colors, Apple is expanding beyond starlight and space gray this year with blue and purple. Storage now starts at 128GB for the 11-inch and 13-inch iPad Air, up from 64GB in the past, but you can expand it to 1TB with 256GB and 512GB options in between.

Apple iPad Air (2024): Display

Apple is calling this the 13-inch iPad Air, but it’s actually a 12.9-inch Liquid Retina display, so for consumers’ sake they’re rounding up. The screen performed well in a brightly lit hands-on space, with vibrant colors and the ability to craft immersive visuals, especially when viewing photos in the app Photomator. In outdoor usage conditions it can hit a peak brightness of 600-nits as well — though brightness is slightly lower at 500-nits peak for the 11-inch Air.

Where the larger iPad Air shines is with the sheer expansiveness of that 13-inch display. Using GoodNotes 6 or Freeform, you have a lot more room to write and create. Similarly, apps like iMovie, Adobe Fresco, or even Mail can let you access a bit more and go deeper. That’s the real benefit here — more room to blaze through various tasks, and now it’s considerably cheaper. 

The 11-inch iPad Air, on the other hand, feels very familiar — it’s basically the same as the previous-generation with a faster processor under the hood and support for the new Apple Pencil Pro. The teams designing these iPads actually re-engineered how the Apple Pencil Pro wirelessly charges, so that’s why it only works on the new iPad Air or iPad Pro models.

Apple iPad Air (2024): Performance

During my brief hands-on time, I drew in Freeform, moved blocks of handwritten material in GoodNotes 6, painted in Adobe Fresco, and even made some edits to a photo in Photomator — all of these pretty much flew on the iPad Air without hesitation. 

That’s thanks to the Apple M2 chip inside; it has a very large runway for performance and will likely be harder to slow down. As we noted in our 12.9-inch iPad Pro (2022) review (also powered by the Apple M2), the chip provides a ridiculous amount of power. That’s likely still the case here and it’s a level playing field for either the 11-inch or 13-inch iPad Air. 

The Apple M2 processor also supports more advanced iPadOS features like Stage Manager, and it will take full advantage of the new suite of features coming with Logic Pro 2 and Final Cut Pro 2 for iPad. Regardless of whether you work or play on the 11-inch and 13-inch, I wouldn’t be worried about performance here.

Apple iPad Air (2024): Selfie camera

Tucked into the bezels around the 11-inch and 13-inch iPad Air is a front-facing camera, but like the 10th Gen iPad, it’s oriented in a landscape fashion. For video calls on FaceTime, Zoom, or Google Meet, you won’t be sitting off to the side, and will appear more natural. 

I didn’t formally test a call, but the relocation makes a ton of sense and will make it much more usable when the iPad is docked into a Magic Keyboard, a Smart Folio, or sitting in landscape mode. 

This is also an “about time” update, as the 10th Gen had it and countless other tablets from Amazon, Samsung, and even Google have offered layout for quite some time. 

Apple iPad Air (2024): Accessories

The other big appeal is support for the Apple Pencil Pro. The flagship Apple Pencil Pro with the iPad Air supports hover — a feature previously exclusive to the iPad Pro — to let you see a stroke or an effect without laying the stylus to the screen. Plus, it will give haptic feedback for alerts or to confirm you triggered an action. It even supports barrel role functionality, and will evolve

Similarly, you can squeeze the Apple Pencil Pro to unlock a palette of tools to easily change the thickness of a pen, the color, or even scrub to undo. This is a standout feature, and while there isn’t a physical eraser, it comes close.

Of course, the 11-inch and 13-inch iPad Air also support the Magic Keyboard, which lets you effectively use the iPad as a laptop, complete with a keyboard and responsive trackpad. It’s the original Magic Keyboard with a single USB-C port for charging and data, backlight keys, but no function keys. 

The aluminium Magic Keyboard with a more advanced haptic trackpad is only available for the ultra-thin new iPad Pro (2024). 

Apple iPad Air (2024): Early Verdict

While Apple didn’t usher in a complete redesign or a crazy new feature set, the iPad Air still feels like the Pro model for the masses. It gets a whole new size that finally brings the cost of the largest size iPad to well under $1,000, offers plenty of power for a bevy of tasks — even future AI ones — from the M2 chip, and mixes things up with a new spot for the front camera. 

That’s all out of the box at $599 or $799 starting, and it’s easier to sell if you want a larger screen iPad Air. The smaller 11-inch model is pretty similar to the previous M1-powered generation, and likely won’t be an immediate upgrade.

However, if you have an older iPad and like the 11-inch size, or want a larger 13-inch iPad for less, there is a clear case to be made for the iPad Air. It will perform faster than the 10th Gen iPad or iPad Mini, and supports the Apple Pencil Pro.

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Apple has taken a huge swing with the latest Apple iPad Pro, bringing the most significant update in seven years to both the 13-inch and 11-inch models. Much of what I'll say about the stunning iPad Pro 13-inch applies to its 11-inch sibling, though there is one significant difference: the larger iPad Pro is even thinner than the smaller one, at 5.1mm versus 5.3mm.

I didn't get to spend much time using the two new iPad Pro tablets, and the iPad Pro 13-inch got the lion's share of that time, perhaps because I couldn't stop marveling at its thinness and lightness.

More than just looks

I don't think you can overstate the leap Apple has taken here with its iPad Pro line. Sure, the new tablets still have that signature recycled aluminum enclosure, but along with squeezing every last bit of excess air and space out of the tablet, Apple has squeezed in a never-before-seen bit of Apple silicon: the M4. 

To hear Apple tell it, this 9-core CPU (10 cores if you buy the 1TB or 2TB model), 10-core GPU, and 16-core Neural Processor SoC was necessary to support something I know I've never seen before: a Tandem OLED display. As the name implies, this is two complete OLED panels sandwiched together to make one whole, and it would have been impossible to power that display with any other piece of Apple silicon; not even the relatively new M3 could do it.

Why two OLED displays? For the light. OLEDs are incredibly thin and efficient, but they're not bright enough; two panels sandwiched together change that equation. It also means that Apple has achieved some impressive contrast and brightness numbers – the iPad Pro boasts a 2,000,000:1 contrast ratio, 1,000 nits brightness for SDR content, and 1,600 nits for HDR.

Those thin OLED panels (the previous display was mini-LED) are also how Apple was able to achieve the remarkable 5.1mm thickness of the iPad Pro 13-inch. It's unclear if the new M4 SoC played any part in the tablet's slim profile. 

Apple is somewhat unique in the tech world in its ability to shepherd every stage of development and integration when building a new product. When the design team shows the chip team the wildly thin enclosure it has in mind, rather than heads exploding, Apple knows it has enough full-stack control to make it happen.

Pricing and availability

Apple announced its new iPad Pro 13-inch (2024) alongside an 11-inch model and two new iPad Air tablets (13-inch and 11-inch) on May 7, 2024. The iPad Pro 13-inch starts at $1,299 / £1,299 / $2,199 (the 11-inch starts at $999 / £999 / AU$1,699). It's available in Silver and Black. Storage levels range from 256GB up to 2TB. You can order with WiFi-only or buy a more expensive Wi-Fi plus Cellular model. Preorders started on May 7. Shipping starts May 15.

Design and Display

As far as I'm concerned, it's no longer possible to talk about the iPad Pro design without addressing what is now, in my early opinion, one of the most beautiful tablet displays on the market.

At a glance, you'd be forgiven for mistaking the new iPad Pro 13-inch (2024) for the 2022 model. It has those same flat planes, recycled aluminum body, and Apple logo on the back; but as I drew closer to the new slab, I did a double-take. This is one impossibly thin device. 

At 5.1mm it looks thin enough to ... er ... bend. But when I picked up the 11.09in. x 8.48in. device, it felt rigid – sturdy even. And, oh my God, how is this thing so light?

I've held more than a few iPad Pro 12.9-inch tablets (and dropped and broke one in my time) and the 1.5 lbs always felt hefty. Not this iPad Pro, though. It's somehow just 1.28 pounds – almost a quarter pound lighter than the last model (despite, screenwise, being slightly larger). 

At this thickness and weight, the iPad is flirting with e ink tablet territory. It's not much thicker and heavier than a Remarkable 2 (and obviously far more powerful).

On one short edge are a pair of speaker grills and the USB-C (Thunderbolt) port. There's also a microphone along the same long edge as the volume up and down buttons. The top edge has the power/sleep button, a mic port, and the other two speakers, for four-speaker stereo output that I did not get to try out.

There are other smaller but important design changes like one less camera in the array on the back, as well as the welcome addition of a so-called Truetone flash. As I predicted (or at least hoped), the FaceTime camera shifted from the short portrait side to the landscape position – a change that necessitated reengineering the Apple Pencil magnetic charging system. Sadly, Apple did not add wireless charging to any of its new iPads.

The other thing that struck me as I approached the new iPad Pro was the screen. Apple told us all about the Ultra Retina XDR display (no more adjectives, Apple, please) and its innovative Tandem OLED technology. I can't recall any other device delivering not one but two sandwiched OLED panels. Apple lines them up so that one pixel is behind the other, essentially doubling the illumination power. Still, seeing it in person I was struck by the sharpness (264ppi) and vibrancy. The colors in a field of flowers were astonishing, likely due to the Wide Color (P3) gamut, but it felt like more than that. 

At one point I saw an anemone on a sea of black and noticed how there was almost zero bloom between the sea creature and the background, which made it look as if the sea creature was floating in space. I wanted to reach out and touch it. I have not seen such inky blacks since the heyday of classic plasma TVs. 

Specular highlights, where tiny bits of light peak through the darkness, are shockingly bright. Apple claims a 1,000 nits brightest on SDR and 1,600 nits brightness on the Ultra Retina XDR display, and I have no reason yet to dispute it.

This is also the first iPad where you can specify a Nano-texture display glass option (1TB and 2TB storage options, only). For an extra $100, it adds a subtle texture that effectively beats back strong reflections. It's a useful feature for pros working in harsh light, but I would not recommend it for someone who wants to watch movies in all their glory on the iPad Pro.

I mention the Tandem OLED display in context of the design, by the way, because Apple could not have produced such a thin tablet without it. That display is also responsible, in part, for the introduction of the new piece of Apple Silicon: the M4.

Performance: M4 inside

Built on the 3-nanometer architecture of the still-fresh M3, Apple's new M4 pumps up the CPU cores to 9 cores (you can get 10 cores with the 1TB and 2TB models) and matches the 10-core GPU and 16-core Neural Engine. Even so, this is not the same silicon. 

Inside are processes built specifically to handle the grunt work of managing two OLED panels and making them look like one whole. It's just another instance of Apple building its silicon to support its hardware products, and not the other way around.

Apple didn't show us any new on-board generative AI tricks or a new LLM-powered Siri, but it is touting the M4's 38 trillion operations per second.

What I saw through a series of demos and playing around a bit with the iPad Pro 13-inch is a powerful system that can handle everything. It can edit four 4K Pro-Res video streams at once in the new Final Cut Pro 2. It can re-render 3D objects on the fly without a pause for regeneration. It managed four video feeds at once, with real-time reflections in an action game, without breaking a sweat. 

In the animation app, Procreate Dreams, we edited a 140-scene, 200-layer animation in seconds. My favorite part was using the Apple Pencil Pro to drag objects across a playing animation to create an animation for that object. This is typically difficult animation work that the iPad Pro and its M4 chip have turned into child's play.

The M4 looks every bit as powerful, if not more so, than the M3-class chip on a MacBook Air, and it might approach the power of an M3 Max on a MacBook Pro.

Based on what I saw, the iPad Pro 13-inch running an M4 chip looks ready to rumble at work, for content consumption, for creators, and for gaming. I'm not surprised, since I've yet to come across a disappointing piece of Apple Silicon.

The M4 is supposedly as efficient a chip as its predecessors but Apple did do some work to manage heat dissipation, including somehow squeezing graphite sheets into the iPad and, in what might be a first, using the Apple logo as a heatsink: it now has some heat-managing copper in it.

Accessories

It's hard to talk about the new iPad Pro 13-inch (or really any of the new iPads, for that matter) without mentioning the new Apple Pencil Pro. The $129 implement looks familiar but has a host of new features, including barrel roll, squeeze-ability, and haptics. The new pencil works on all the new iPads launched today, and I did get a chance to try it on the iPad Pro.

If you've never drawn on an iPad of any size, I can tell you it's a pleasure. I've been using various iPads and Apple Pencils with Procreate for years. It's a tremendous drawing tool. The iPad offers palm rejection and the Pencil has long had tilt and pressure sensitivity. New features and an expansive and lightweight tablet create an even better experience. 

First, there's barrel roll, which essentially adds a gyroscopic sensor so that the Apple Pencil Pro can recognize when you roll it this way or that. On the new iPad Pro, I could see the virtual nub of the pencil change from a vertical to wide orientation. Imagine using a draftsman's pencil and rolling the tip from horizontal to flat.

Second, the Pencil also added a squeeze function, which let me squeeze the pencil to access a variety of drawing features (app developers can easily customize the actions enabled through a squeeze) in apps like FreeForm. The Apple's Pencil Pro's new features and the M4 chip appear to make a formidable combination.

I watched a demo where the Pencil Pro was used to deform Procreate images with liquify, showing how it could be used to quickly create artistic effects that would normally take hours to accomplish.

In my own drawing attempts, I found the pen and tablet a fluid combo.

Cameras

Thickness and weight aren't the only things Apple subtracted here. The iPad Pro 13-inch no longer has an ultra-wide camera. Instead, there's now just a 12MP wide-angle camera that supports up to 4K, 60fps video (also 4K 40fps Pro-Res). The LIDAR camera is still there to assist in focusing and also helps capture 3D scans (I saw the results of one and began to realize how this iPad Pro might change the home design industry). 

There's also now a True Tone flash, a nice addition for the surprising number of people who like to use a large iPad Pro for photography.

I did not get to try this camera, so I can't yet offer an assessment of its capabilities.

Perhaps the most significant imaging change, though is in the TrueDepth Camera module, which has shifted from the portrait edge to the wider landscape one. This is a very welcome design update since most people are conducting their iPad Pro video and FaceTime calls in landscape mode. I tried this camera out and it appeared to work fine; the 1080p video was as sharp and clear as I remember. You can also use that TrueDepth module for FaceID, but I did not have time to register my face and test that.

Connectivity and Battery

The iPad Pro 13-inch supports 5G wireless and eSim. It also supports Bluetooth 5.3 and WiFi 6e, but notably not WiFi 7, a weird omission for such a forward-leaning product.

Inside is a 38.99-watt-hour battery, which Apple claims will last 10 hours on a charge. Obviously, I could not test these claims in my limited hands on.

Early verdict

It's been a long time since Apple delivered true iPad excitment. Even as a fan of the tablet and its Pencil accessory, I saw mostly utility and little romance in the iPad. Today, though, something shifted. 

It's not just the M4 chip, though putting Apple's latest silicon in an iPad remained a surprising choice. It's the combination of that chip, the incredible Tandem OLED display, and a design that is just a few millimeters away from paper thinness.

This is the kind of design, display, and performance that can, when put together, quite easily pry $1,299 from your hands.

I have yet to test the product but my early assessment is that the iPad Pro (2024) is a contender for the top of our list of best tablets.

@techradar

♬ Funk Hip Hop Music(814197) - Pavel

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aloSIM usually garners positive reviews from both customers and reviewers. Users particularly appreciate the flexibility to purchase data without contracts, with the ability to top up directly through the app when running low. With 4-star ratings on both the App Store and Google Play, aloSIM’s mobile apps are another feature loved by a great many users.

However, aloSIM’s plans are all prepaid and data-only, which can present a few challenges for international travelers. You don’t get an international number for making phone calls or receiving text messages without data. Plus, plans have a fixed validity that expires even if you have an unused data balance in your account.

aloSIM: Plans and pricing

aloSIM offers eSIM plans with straightforward pricing across more than 170 countries. Here’s an overview of the most popular data plans: 

There are plans to suit different budgets, from short trips to long vacations. If you’re traveling through multiple countries, the regional plans offer additional savings. 

aloSIM: Features

aloSIM has quite a few distinguishing features that we liked, such as:

Data Calculator

A unique and practical tool, the aloSIM Data Calculator helps travelers estimate their data needs based on intended usage patterns. This empowers users to choose plans more aligned with their requirements, avoiding overspending on unnecessary data. The calculator considers trip duration, number of travelers, and types of online activities to provide personalized recommendations.

Auto Activation

aloSIM offers advanced features like auto-activation of eSIMs upon arriving at the destination, eliminating the need for manual setup. It also allows for easy top-up of data when running low, directly from the app without needing to purchase a new eSIM.

aloSIM+ Sharing

aloSIM+ is an innovative feature that enables groups to share data across multiple devices in over 130 countries, avoiding individual roaming charges. Useful for families, friends, or colleagues traveling together who want to stay connected without each person needing a separate data plan. 

aloSIM: Installation

Users can easily buy eSIM data packages through the aloSIM app or website, selecting their desired location and data amount. The onboarding process is user-friendly, with clear instructions for installing the eSIM on iPhones, Google Pixels, and Samsung Galaxy phones.

After purchasing, users receive a QR code with installation details to add the eSIM to their device, similar to any other provider.

For first-time usage, aloSIM recommends installing the eSIM before traveling and activating it upon arrival at the destination. The app offers a simple interface for managing eSIMs, checking data balances, and topping up when needed.

aloSIM also provides helpful resources, such as a travel data calculator to estimate usage and round-the-clock support through live chat and email.

aloSIM: Coverage and speed

aloSIM offers coverage across 170+ countries worldwide, with users reporting generally reliable data speeds thanks to partnerships with trustworthy telecom providers like Vodafone and AT&T. Popular countries with good coverage include:

• Canada
• United States
• China
• Japan
• Australia
• Germany
• France
• Spain

In terms of data speeds, aloSIM provides access to 4G/LTE networks in many of its covered countries. We find that it’s sufficiently fast for typical traveler needs like maps, messaging, social media, and light streaming while on the move.

That said, a few reviews mention experiencing throttled speeds after using a certain amount of data. While generally reliable, aloSIM can be less consistent in speed and coverage compared to players like Airalo.

aloSIM: Support

aloSIM offers round-the-clock customer support to ensure users can get assistance quickly while traveling. The primary support options are email and live chat, both accessible through the app and website.

It also provides a comprehensive Support Center with detailed articles and guides covering topics like eSIM installation, activation, managing data plans, and troubleshooting tips. A self-serve option enables users to find answers independently before contacting support if needed.

Many users mention that the support team goes above and beyond to resolve customer issues, providing clear and detailed instructions within minutes of raising a query.

aloSIM: Final verdict

aloSIM is well-suited for short-term trips, multi-country itineraries, and group travelers. The data-only plans align with modern travelers who rely on messaging apps and internet calls for communication. 

While it may not match the brand recognition of some competitors, aloSIM’s affordable rates, extensive coverage, and strong customer support make it a compelling choice. However, those requiring a global plan may need to consider other options.

aloSIM: FAQs

Founded in 2020, Nomad has quickly become a popular eSIM provider thanks to its easy-to-use app, wide coverage, and competitive pricing.

Users praise the simplicity of purchasing and activating eSIMs through the Nomad app, the variety of data plans available for different countries and regions, and the affordable prices compared to roaming with domestic carriers. However, a few customers complain of occasional speed and setup issues.

Nomad: Plans and pricing

Nomad’s pricing structure is based on the amount of data and duration of the plan, with rates starting from as low as $1.20/GB in some regions. Here’s an overview of the most popular ones: 

A wide range of country-specific and regional plans caters to various travel needs and budgets. However, purchasing a local SIM can sometimes be a cheaper solution than Nomad for some regions. 

Nomad: Features

Our experience with Nomad eSIM has been largely positive, with several standout features that set it apart from other providers.

Nomad Passport

Nomad's Passport feature allows users to purchase a bundle of eSIMs for multiple countries at a discounted price. This is useful for travelers visiting several destinations on a single trip, as it eliminates the need to purchase individual plans for each country.

Multi-device Support

Nomad enables users to share their eSIM data plans across multiple devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops. This feature is especially convenient for travelers who rely on various devices to stay connected and productive on the go.

Nomad Perks

Nomad offers exclusive perks and discounts to its users, including deals on travel services, accommodation, and tours. These perks add value to the eSIM plans, enhancing the overall travel experience for customers.

Nomad: Installation

Purchasing and activating a Nomad eSIM is a straightforward process. Users can buy eSIM plans directly from Nomad's website or through their user-friendly iOS and Android apps. Upon purchase, an email containing a QR code with installation details is sent to the user.

Users scan the provided QR code with their eSIM-compatible device, which automatically downloads and installs the carrier profile. Once installed, eSIMs can be activated with a few taps in the device's settings.

Once the eSIM has been installed, you can activate the data plan whenever you’re ready to begin using the eSIM, which is usually after you’ve entered the region which you purchased the data plan for. Note that premature activation can cause data loss, so it’s best to activate the plan very close to the travel date.

First-time users will appreciate the step-by-step onboarding guidance provided by Nomad. Plus, the company's responsive customer support is available round the clock to assist with any issues.

Nomad: Coverage and speed

Nomad eSIMs offer extensive coverage in over 170 countries worldwide, making them a reliable choice for frequent travelers. Users report generally good connectivity and network reliability across various regions, including Asia, Europe, and North America. A few popular travel destinations it covers include: 

• United States
• Canada
• United Kingdom
• Germany
• Italy
• Australia
• Japan
• China
• Thailand
• Singapore
• South Korea

In terms of data speeds, Nomad typically provides 4G/LTE or even 5G speeds, depending on the destination and local network conditions. However, some users have reported occasional slowdowns or throttling issues in certain areas, such as during peak hours in Tokyo. However, these instances seem to be relatively rare, with most users experiencing satisfactory speeds throughout.

Overall, Nomad stacks up well against competitors, offering a balance of coverage, speed, and affordability that caters to the needs of international travelers.

Nomad: Support

Nomad offers customer support primarily through emails, plus a ticketing system accessible via their website and mobile app.

While there’s no phone support, users can submit detailed requests and receive prompt assistance from the support team. Nomad's customer support is generally responsive and helpful. Many users praise the quick response times, often within minutes, especially when using their ticketing platform.

Even the few negative reviews we found mention that despite the technical hiccups, Nomad's customer service was prompt and accommodating in finding a solution. It's also worth noting that Nomad's support is available 24/7 across all time zones.

Based on our own experience and user reviews, the support team seems to know the product well, with enough experience to guide users through setup, troubleshooting, and pricing queries. 

Nomad: Final verdict

After thoroughly analyzing its offerings, coverage, pricing, and user reviews, we can confidently say that Nomad is a strong contender in the eSIM market. 

Nomad's eSIM plans are particularly well-suited for frequent travelers, digital nomads, and those visiting multiple countries on a single trip. The Nomad Passport, which allows users to purchase a bundle of eSIMs for different countries at a discounted price, is a highlight we loved.

While some users have reported occasional issues with speeds or connectivity, these are relatively infrequent and often resolved quickly by the support team.

Nomad: FAQs

Founded in 2019, Airalo claims to have served more than 5 million customers to date. It offers eSIM plans that can be easily purchased and installed through its mobile app or website.

It’s an eSIM provider powered by a user-friendly platform and wide network coverage. Users often praise its helpful customer support, competitively priced plans, and reasonable connection speeds across multiple continents. But, a key disadvantage is that most plans are data-only with no voice minutes. That means you need to be online to make calls, using apps like WhatsApp, Facetime, Skype, etc.

Airalo: Plans and pricing

Airalo offers a wide range of eSIM plans with competitive pricing that varies based on the destination, data allowance, and validity period. The plans are categorized into local, regional, and global options to cater to different travel needs. Here’s a summary of the most popular ones: 

Airalo's pricing structure is straightforward and transparent, with no hidden fees or contracts. However, purchasing a local SIM can sometimes be a cheaper option in some regions than Airalo. 

Airalo: Features

We were impressed with some of the features that Airalo provides over its competitors, especially the usage-based rewards program. Here’s a look at some things that set it apart:

Airmoney Rewards

Airalo's loyalty program, Airmoney, rewards users with cashback on every new purchase. You can earn up to 5% Airmoney on each transaction, which can be applied to future purchases. This is a great way to save money on data plans, especially for frequent travelers.

Tethering Capabilities

Airalo eSIMs support tethering, allowing you to share your data connection with other devices via hotspots. This can be a lifesaver when you need to connect a device that doesn't have its own cellular data capabilities.

Global Plans

In addition to country-specific eSIMs, Airalo offers regional and global data plans that cover multiple countries. These are perfect for travelers visiting several destinations in a single trip, providing a seamless connectivity solution across borders.

Airalo: Installation

Airalo makes purchasing and activating an eSIM a breeze. The onboarding process is straightforward and user-friendly, with plenty of resources guiding first-time users through the steps.

To get started, simply visit the Airalo website or app, select your destination, and choose a data plan that suits your needs. After creating an account and completing the purchase, you'll receive a QR code for your eSIM.

Installing the eSIM is a snap. Just scan the QR code using your phone's camera and the eSIM will be automatically added to your device.

However, you should check the specific activation policy for the plan that you’re purchasing from Airalo. While some plans activate immediately upon installation, others only start once you arrive at your destination and connect to a supported network.

Airalo: Coverage and speed

Airalo offers extensive coverage in over 190 countries and regions worldwide, partnering with reputable local networks to ensure reliable connectivity for travelers. It provides consistent coverage and good data speeds across various destinations, from popular tourist hubs to more remote areas. Key regions include:

United States

Canada

United Kingdom

Germany

Spain

Saudi Arabia

Oman

Japan

China

Thailand

South Africa

Nigeria

Airalo primarily provides 3G/4G LTE data, with 5G access available in select locations like the US and Europe. While generally sufficient for typical travel needs like navigation and messaging, speeds may not always support high-bandwidth activities like streaming. Some users have also experienced issues with throttling, particularly after exhausting their data allowances on certain plans. 

Compared to other eSIM providers, Airalo's coverage is among the most comprehensive. Its data speeds are competitive, with plans striking a good balance between global coverage and reliable performance.

Airalo: Support

Airalo offers several support channels, including email, in-app chat, and social media. However, they do not provide phone support.

While generally helpful and knowledgeable, the responsiveness of customer support is a mixed bag based on user reviews. Some customers praise the support team for resolving issues quickly via chat or email. But a few others complain about the lack of real-time support options causing wait times of up to 24 hours.

It's also important to note that Airalo's support is available exclusively in English, which could be a limitation for some international users.

Airalo: Final verdict

With its extensive coverage, competitive pricing, and user-friendly platform, Airalo is a strong contender in the eSIM market. It particularly shines for those who frequently visit multiple countries, thanks to its coverage spanning across borders. 

However, those who require a lot of data for streaming or heavy internet usage might find the data allowances on some plans to be insufficient. Additionally, travelers who need reliable voice calling and texting facilities should consider other options.

Overall, if you’re a budget-conscious traveler who prioritizes affordable data connectivity and ease of use, Airalo is a good choice for you. 

Airalo: FAQs

As a product backed by the reputable NordVPN brand, Saily benefits from the company's focus on security and privacy. Users praise its easy installation process, affordable pricing, and reliable coverage across the world.

However, limitations exist, such as the lack of regional data plans and the need to use the mobile app for installation and management. As a new player in the eSIM market, Saily doesn’t offer the same breadth of features and country-specific options as more established providers.

Saily: Plans and pricing

Saily offers a straightforward pricing structure for its eSIM plans, with options for both short-term and long-term use. Plans are priced based on the amount of data and the duration of the package, ranging from 1GB to 20GB and 7 to 30 days. Here’s an overview of a few popular plans: 

While some competitors may offer unlimited data plans at higher prices, Saily’s pay-for-what-you-need approach is an attractive choice for budget-conscious travelers. 

Saily: Features

While it doesn’t offer many distinguishing features, Saily always makes it a point to get the basics right. Here are some things that stood out to us during our experience with the eSIM service from NordVPN:

Minimalistic UI

One of Saily's most notable features is the clean UI that makes it easy for first-time eSIM users to navigate the app interface. The app provides straightforward on-screen instructions for purchasing plans and activating the network, ensuring a smooth user experience.

From NordVPN

As a product of Nord Security, the company behind NordVPN, Saily benefits from the brand's strong association with privacy and security. However, our review didn’t find any particular security features or add-ons worth talking about.

Local Partnerships

Being a new eSIM provider, Saily is still behind more established players like Airalo or Nomad in terms of country coverage. But, it has built a network of quality partnerships with local telecom networks to provide excellent performance in the countries where it does business. 

Saily: Installation

Saily makes purchasing and activating an eSIM a breeze. The app-driven experience automates the process, allowing users to select a data plan for their destination and complete the transaction within minutes. The onboarding flow is intuitive and user-friendly, even for first-time eSIM users.

After purchasing a plan, Saily provides on-screen instructions for eSIM installation directly within the app. Users simply need to navigate to their device settings, scan the provided QR, and wait a few moments for activation.

One key aspect of Saily's onboarding is the ability to set up the eSIM before departing, ensuring connectivity upon arrival at the destination. This is especially important since Saily requires an active internet connection for eSIM activation. 

Saily: Coverage and speed

Saily offers eSIM coverage in over 150 countries across Europe, America, Asia, Africa, and Oceania. While the company partners with local providers to enhance network availability, the quality of coverage may vary depending on the telecommunications infrastructure in each country. Destinations include:

United States

Thailand

Japan

Malaysia

India

However, users can expect faster data speeds in North American, European, and Asian countries compared to Latin American and African regions. There aren’t any significant network problems, plus Saily offers 3G, 4G, and LTE browsing speeds in most nations.

Compared to other eSIM providers, Saily's coverage is slightly more limited, as competitors like Airalo boast coverage in up to 200 countries. However, Saily's partnerships with local providers help ensure a dependable connection.

Saily: Support

Apart from a detailed knowledge base for customer self-service, Saily offers 24/7 support through its app via live chat. It also provides an email address (support@saily.com) for general inquiries.

While we couldn’t find much information on Saily’s customer support through online reviews, our personal experience with the platform has been positive. It’s also worth noting that since Saily is from the same team that manages NordVPN, users can expect a similar standard for handling customer inquiries.

Saily: Final verdict

With its straightforward pricing structure, extensive coverage in over 150 countries, and commitment to security and privacy, Saily offers a compelling package for budget-conscious globetrotters.

However, it's important to note that Saily may not be the best fit for those seeking the most comprehensive coverage or unlimited data plans. As a new player in the market, Saily's country-specific options and features aren’t as extensive as some more established competitors. Still, it’s a viable option for those who prize simplicity and affordability over the most extensive feature set.

Saily: FAQs

The Instax mini 99 is the latest addition to the ever-growing and evolving Fujifilm Instax family. It's a delightful addition to the range, too, and likely to seduce photographers beyond the ‘typical’ Instax crowd, along with anyone with a keen interest in instant photography. Its design, vibe and feature set feel inherently more ‘photographic’ and less ‘toy-like’ than some other Instax cameras. 

Not only does it look more serious than its brightly colored cousins, but its range of extra controls and funky effects add to the creative possibilities. You have the option to tweak exposure using the Brightness dial, along with a modest selection of shooting modes such as Sports Mode, Bulb Mode (for long exposures) and even Double Exposure, and the Instax mini 99 really comes into its own with a palette of cool color effects, adding funky hues to your prints by exposing the Fujifilm Instax mini Film to LED lights in the camera.

However, while initially seduced, I can't see a compelling reason why I wouldn't plump for a digital hybrid instant camera, such as the slightly more expensive Fujifilm Instax mini Evo, or even the comparatively priced Fujifilm Instax LiPlay. While the Instax 99 might tick the analog box for ‘purists, it’s the tangible-ness of the print that entices me to the Instax cameras, and not necessarily how I got there. The digital hybrids allow for a little less guesswork and, as such, are a more economical option in the long run.

Fujifilm Instax mini 99: design

• Classic retro look
• Lens with a macro mode but no selfie mirror
• Rechargeable lithium-ion battery

The overall design, aesthetics and ergonomics of the Instax mini 99 are lovely. It feels slick and stylish, and it will appeal to ‘photography’ folk more than some of the youth-oriented lollipop color palettes of other instant cameras in the Instax family. It's solid but not too heavy, and it feels well made and balanced in the hand.

You switch on the Instax mini 99 by twisting the lens, and the camera’s three shooting modes – Landscape, Standard, and Macro Focus – are also accessible by twisting the lens. Landscape Mode focuses on subjects positioned at a distance of 3.0m to infinity; Macro Mode is perfect for close-ups and selfies taken at between 0.3m to 0.6m, and Standard Mode covers everything in between. Once the camera was on, I repeatedly forgot to change the lens settings; fortunately, defaulting to Standard seemed to cover most subjects well enough.

The Fujifilm Instax mini 99 is powered by a 680mAh lithium-ion battery, unlike some other Instax models, which use AA batteries. Annoyingly, though, the battery can't be charged through the camera, and you’ll need to remember to take the small charger and USB-C cable with you. This isn't necessarily a hassle, but it is yet another charging accessory to potentially forget, and you’ll be in a real pickle without it.

While I’m no stranger to being aware of and dealing with parallax, it seemed harder to calibrate my eye/brain with the Instax mini 99. I guess with more time this would become less of an issue, but the difference of view between the lens and viewfinder seemed especially displaced. The viewfinder, too, felt strangely awkward to look through at first.

The Instax mini 99 is not aimed as directly at the ‘selfie’ audience as other members of Fujfilm Instax family, such as the brightly colored Instax Mini 12; that said, it wouldn’t have been a stretch for Fujifilm to have included a front-facing mirror to help users compose and pose for some more accurate naval-gazing. 

Fujifilm Instax mini 99: Performance

• Manual control over brightness
• Fun shooting modes including multiple exposure and color effects
• Handy Instax UP! app to digitize your prints

Unlike other cameras in the Instax range, the Fujfilm Instax mini 99 gives you considerably more control over image brightness, which is great. The Brightness Control dial, which looks and feels like a typical exposure compensation dial (it’s even in the ‘right’ place on the top plate), offers five levels of dark and lightness: the Light (L+) setting selects the brightest exposure; the L, D, and N settings offer a normal range of brightness; and the Dark (D-) setting represents the darkest available brightness level. However, you’ve got to wait 90-odd seconds to see and to assess exposure, which can be frustrating. However, this is really just part of the slow, mindful, creative experience, which is fundamentally a good, albeit a relatively expensive, thing. Generally, in ‘normal’ conditions, I found ‘underexposing’ by one value to work best.

The Instax mini 99 comes into its own with some fun and funky shooting modes, with a wide variety of options to enhance the shooting experience. Indoor Mode is designed for low-light situations, Sports Mode increases the shutter speed for action shots, Double Exposure Mode lets the user combine two images into one, and Bulb Mode increases the amount of light let in when shooting a night view, for example. I gravitated to Multiple Exposure as the most potential fun, but I ran out of Instax mini color film before I’d nailed the technique.

When you want to really flex your creative muscles, the Instax mini 99 features a cool creative palette of fun and funky color effects, which are accessed via the Effects dial on the top plate. You can select from one of six snazzy looks: Faded Green, Warm Tone, Light Blue, Soft Magenta, Sepia, and Light Leak. Light Leak was my favorite. 

Unlike the Instax mini 99’s hybrid digital cousins, the effects are cleverly driven by LED lights inside the camera; the Colour Effect feature exposes the chosen color onto the Instax mini instant film, creating the desired effect on the print. It's pretty clever, and very cool. The effects are marginally cooler than similar ‘emulated’ effects on some of the Instax digital hybrid cameras; it's only a small margin, but you will bag more analogue kudos points.

The Vignette switch is an interesting new function. Located on the lens housing, it can darken the corners and edges of the frame for artistic purposes. It’s a nice touch.

Making instant prints will always be more expensive, period. That said, Instax mini prints do offer the best value for money. A twin-pack of Instax mini color film, each containing 10 exposures, costs $20.99 / £14.99 / AU$28, and in this digital day and age it’s making an actual physical print that makes Instax such a delight. However, if you want to digitize your instant photo print, you can scan and share on social media platforms using (another) new app released by Fujifilm called INSTAX UP! The smartphone app most usefully allows you to scan your work, crop to the corners, and even remove reflections. It also has a bunch of album features, enabling users to organize, store, and share their digital Instax photos. I found the scanning feature the most useful.

Should I buy the Fujifilm Instax mini 99?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

How I tested the Fujifilm Instax mini 99

• I used two packs of Instax Mini film
• I tried all the creative color effects
• I experimented with the Shooting Modes

Using the Fujifilm Instax camera for a week with two packs (20 shots) of Instax mini film, I carried the camera with me on several walks in and around my local area - South-West UK. Unlike its digital hybrid cousins, such as the Instax Evo, I had to be more considerate, mindful, and measured in my shooting, as every click of the shutter cost money. This slightly discouraged the spirit of experimentation, and every action was tinged with economic anxiety. Just like life! That said, working on location and waiting 90 seconds to see results was also a refreshing and exhilarating way to work in the field. It encouraged a slow and considerate approach to photography, which I think is good.

First reviewed May 2024

The Shark HydroVac Cordless is a multipurpose cleaner that vacuums and mops at the same time. For this review, I tested the UK version, but there are equivalent models in the US and Australia (there are minor differences in specs, but essentially this is the same product):

• UK: Shark HydroVac Cordless Hard Floor Cleaner WD210UK
• US: Shark HydroVac Pro XL Cordless WD201
• AU: Shark HydroVac Pro XL Cordless 3-In-1 Cleaner WD210ANZ

There are plenty of reasons to admire this product. It’s powerful, and can tackle lots of different types of wet and dry debris on hardwood flooring, as well as freshening up door mats and rugs. This means you can do away with your traditional mop – should you be able to prize yourself away from it – and condense the number of cleaning tools you need. 

It cleans by sucking up the spillage as you push back and forth until the area is left looking clean and smelling fresh. It’s capable of tackling mess such as milky cereal, baked beans and biscuits. It works fast too. We'd expect nothing less from the brand behind many of the best vacuum cleaners on the market. 

It's not quite perfect. It doesn’t come with a crevice attachment, so you’ll need to use the vacuum’s head to get right up to the skirting and into corners, which can sometimes be tricky. And while it has a self-cleaning feature to keep the insides smelling fresh, you will also need to keep on top of the vacuum’s maintenance and clean and dry the dirty water tank and brush roll after every use, which can be a bit of a pain.

Overall, I was very impressed with pick up – both on finer dust and larger wet debris. I also like how easy the vacuum is to store on the charging dock so that it’s conveniently ready when you need it. It gives you a decent 25 minutes of runtime too – all in its handy cordless design. If you're on a tighter budget and don't mind a cable, there's a corded version that's cheaper. 

That's the short version – read on for my full Shark HydroVac Cordless Cleaner review.

Shark HydroVac Cordless Hard Floor Cleaner review: price & availability

• List price: US$359.99 / £329.99 / AU$399.99
• Launched: 2023
• Available: worldwide

While Shark sells small appliances worldwide. The cordless model I tested is the UK version, which has a list price of £329.99. The US version (WD201) has a list price of $359.99, but at time of writing was discounted to a far-more-affordable $199.99. The Australian version (WD210ANZ) has a list price of AU$399.99.

 If you’re looking to spend a little less and don’t mind a corded model, you can get a corded version in the UK and US. In the UK, this is the WD110UK and costs £279.99, in the US it's the WD161 and costs $249.99. Note that Shark recommends that you replace the filter and brush roll every six months, which is an ongoing cost. 

Two-in-one vacuum cleaner/mops can vary quite a bit in price, with the cheapest starting around £150 / $190 / AU$285 and going up to around £350 / $440 / AU$665. While the Shark HydroVac isn't the cheapest option on the market, the design has a lot of premium features, and I'd say it's good value for money. 

While Shark offers discounts at peak sale times throughout the year including Black Friday and Cyber Monday, at the time of writing the product is being sold at full price.

• Value for money score: 4 out of 5

Shark HydroVac Cordless cleaner specs

Shark HydroVac Cordless Hard Floor Cleaner review: design

• LED headlights illuminate hidden debris
• Ample 500ml water tank
• Stylish charcoal grey design plus compact charging dock

The Shark HydroVac Cordless Hard Floor Cleaner WD210UK has a stylish charcoal grey finish and sleek body. The body is relatively light at 3.95kg, and the design includes an antimicrobial brush roll and a 500ml water tank.

Although you can't wall-hang this device, it does come with a docking station where the cleaner sits neatly when not in use. It’s the size of a standard cordless vacuum, so while it won't take up too much room, it helps if you have a large room or separate utility area to store it.

What I instantly liked about the two-in-one cleaner is how easy it is to get set up. Attach the body to the head by following the simple instructions provided. When it's ready to go, fill the tank with water and add some of the cleaning solution provided. The LED control panel on the cleaner is simple to read and provides info on battery life and cleaning solution levels.

This cleaner is designed for use on both wet and dry messes, and a variety of floor types. You start it up simply by leaning the handle of the device back.

There are two modes. In hard floor cleaning mode, it'll vacuum when you're pushing forwards and wash when you pull back. The device automatically starts in this mode when you turn it on. You can also switch to a freshen mode using the button at the top of the handle. In this mode, it seems to mop lightly in both directions. There's a self-cleaning mode that you can activate by pressing the start button once the device is on its stand. You’ll need to supplement this with your own cleaning, however – I'll get into that more in the Performance section.

When the device starts, LED headlights illuminate to help you see hidden debris as you vacuum.

It’s worth noting that while the Shark HydroVac Cleaner can be used on low-pile carpets rugs, the brush roll won't work on plush/thick long pile. If you’re after a cleaner for a thicker carpet, you’re better off taking a look at the Shark CarpetXpert Deep Carpet Cleaner EX150UK.

• Design score: 4 out of 5

Shark HydroVac Cordless floor cleaner review: performance

• Effective cleaning on sealed hard floors
• Quite noisy in use
• Lightweight and easy to move about

If you’ve ever tested a cordless vacuum cleaner, you know how bulky they can sometimes feel. But I found this design reasonably lightweight and well balanced. It's easy to drive around the floor – both on hard flooring, mats and rugs. The head of the vacuum is wide enough to make good progress in just a few strokes, but not overly chunky.

There are LED headlights on the main brush head that help to light the way. While this isn’t overly helpful during the day, these do make it easier to see what you’re vacuuming and mopping when dusk falls and the room lights are low.  

On a full charge, it ran for 25 minutes, which was long enough for me to do a refresh of my hallway, dining room, living room and kitchen before needing to refill the water and pop it back on the charger.

In hard floor cleaning mode, the simple push-pull action is a joy to use, and perfect on the days that I simply needed to quickly pep up my dusty dark walnut hardwood flooring. I found it also worked well on tougher messes – for example when the kids had brought mud into the hallway, or spilt cereal under the kitchen breakfast table (Cheerios are the bane of my life!).

The HydroVac also managed to clean up baked beans on vinyl flooring within seconds, as well as sucking up digestive biscuit crumbs with ease, and always leaving a fresh smelling surface behind. The suction is powerful and I was impressed with just how quickly it got to work.

I also tried refresh mode on a doormat and my Persian carpet. I was a little apprehensive as I've tried wet-dry cleaners in the past that have left my carpet sodden wet. Luckily, the HydroVac didn’t leave too much residue behind. While it’s hard to tell whether it makes any real difference when freshening mats and carpets, I think the fact that it leaves behind a trace of multi-surface cleaning solution with odour neutraliser reassuring.

On the down-side, I found the Shark HydroVac could get quite noisy – ramping up to 83.1 decibels in use and really packing a punch for a minute or so when it’s in self-cleaning mode. Comparatively, I measured my Dyson V15 Detect Absolute at 76.4 decibels.

Maintenance

The HydroVac has a self-cleaning mode, which can be activated when it's back on its charging base. This helps freshen up the inside mechanisms and cleans the brush roll. That's useful because the antimicrobial brush roll can take a bit of a battering, depending on what you’re cleaning. Straight after cleaning up beans and biscuits it was looking rather dirty, for example.

That said, you will need to then empty the dirty water tank and also leave the brush roll out to dry for up to 24 hours before using it again. If you forget to empty the tank after use, the dirty water tank will start to smell as I found out on one occasion..

However, you'll also have to do your own maintenance work. After every use, I had to empty the dirty water tank and take off the brush roll (often clogged up with food or hair) to clean myself and leave it out to dry. While this is relatively easy, it is something to bear in mind if you think that the self-cleaning mode here does it all.

• Performance score: 4.5 out of 5

Should I buy a Shark HydroVac Cordless?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

How I tested the Shark HydroVac Cordless Hard Floor Cleaner

I used the Shark Hydrovac in my home for six weeks. In my home, walnut hardwood flooring runs through the hall to the dining room and living area and it’s prone to looking dusty if not cleaned regularly. I used the Shark Hydrovac to clean the floor daily. I also used it on the vinyl tiles in the kitchen and upstairs in the bedroom where we have laminate hardwood flooring.

I tested how well it did on targeted areas and scattered a section of the room with large oats – to mimic large debris – and a mixture of flour and crushed biscuits – to mimic finer dust. I was keen to see how quickly and effectively it could clean up the area. I also used it to clear up a baked beans spillage on the vinyl flooring in my kitchen and measured the noise levels of the vacuum using the Decibel Meter App on my iPhone. Finally, I also used it in freshen mode to clean the small carpets and doormats throughout the ground floor of my home.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed: May 2024