TL;DR: 7.6/10. Small, handy, LOUD! Yep, the NEF Nano is a small pocket fan, but with the small metal blades it sounds LIKE A JET ENGINE.

Disclosure: Nitecore sent this fan for free. I tested the Grey version for around 3 weeks as an everyday fan. Nitecore had no editorial input or control over this review.

First Impression & Packaging

This pocket fan was surprisingly powerful. It was handy for cleaning my desk or my PC from dust, but one thing is already, I think, the biggest downside of the fan: the sound. On the highest mode, it sounds like a jet engine.

Another thing is the battery life. I tested it on the highest mode and got around 53 minutes of runtime. That's not amazing if you want to use this fan to cool yourself down on a warm summer day, but for short uses like blowing away dust or getting some fast cooling, this is more than good enough. Because of the smaller battery, it also charges quite fast.

The packaging was good. Nothing special, but great for this fan, so no complaints about the packaging.

Build Quality

This fan is built of thick plastic and feels more than strong enough for everyday use. The intake of the fan has a metal grille, so almost nothing comes inside the fan.

The front of the fan is clean and minimalistic. The button is nice to press and reacts fast. The fan starts almost instantly, like within 1 second.

The USB-C port is great. What I did find out is that some of the air coming from the fan can also come out through the USB-C port like a small leakage, but it's nothing important.

Great Things & Bad Things

First, the bad:

- It blows fast but is really loud

- The fan doesn't have much battery life

- It's more for cleaning than cooling

Good things:

- It's really small and weighs almost nothing

- Blows hard for its size

- The design is nice and minimalistic

Verdict

A small pocket fan with a high loudness, but nice to have in your pocket. It isn't made for people who mainly want a fan for cooling themselves. With around 53 minutes on full speed, the battery isn't amazing, but for short cooling or cleaning, it's more than enough.

I like it for what it is: a really small fan that can blow surprisingly hard for its size.

Disclaimer: SONOFF provided these products for review. They had no editorial input, and everything below is based on my own experience.

What is Zigbee?

Before testing these products, I had never used Zigbee in my own smart home.

For anyone unfamiliar with it, Zigbee is a low-power wireless protocol designed specifically for smart home devices like sensors, switches and smart plugs. Unlike Wi-Fi devices, Zigbee products don't connect directly to your router. Instead, they communicate through a Zigbee coordinator (also called a bridge), creating a reliable mesh network while using very little power.

That does mean one downside: if you don't already own a Zigbee coordinator, you'll need to buy one before using these products.

If you already run Home Assistant, Domoticz or another smart home platform, or you're thinking about building your own smart home, Zigbee is definitely worth considering.

Installation Experience

I decided to use a USB Zigbee coordinator connected to my own home server instead of buying a standalone Zigbee hub.

The installation sounded much more complicated than it actually was.

After plugging the coordinator into my server, I installed Zigbee2MQTT inside Docker. Zigbee2MQTT automatically detected the coordinator, after which pairing the devices was incredibly straightforward. I simply put each device into pairing mode while holding it close to the coordinator's antenna, and within a few seconds both devices appeared in Zigbee2MQTT.

From there, Domoticz detected everything almost immediately through MQTT. I also connected everything to Google Home without running into any major issues.

If you've never worked with Docker, MQTT or Zigbee before, don't let those names scare you. I simply used an AI assistant to guide me through the setup step by step, and I had everything working in well under half an hour.

Once the coordinator is configured, adding new Zigbee devices becomes almost effortless. Put the device into pairing mode, wait a few seconds and you're done.

Personally, I think the software setup is the only part that can seem intimidating at first. After that, using Zigbee devices is actually easier than many Wi-Fi smart devices I've tried.

SONOFF AirGuard TH Lite

The AirGuard TH Lite is a compact Zigbee temperature and humidity sensor that simply does its job without needing much attention.

One thing I liked is that it doesn't constantly spam updates. Instead of sending data every few seconds regardless of changes, it intelligently reports meaningful temperature and humidity changes, helping preserve battery life while still keeping measurements up to date.

The only issue I experienced was with the included AAA batteries. In my case they didn't even last a full week before reporting a very low battery level. After replacing them with better-quality batteries, the reported battery level has remained at 100% after more than two weeks of testing. I obviously can't comment on the long-term battery life yet, but based on my experience I'd recommend using quality batteries from the start.

As for wireless range, it was decent in my setup, although it wasn't quite as strong as the Hydro ONE.

Practical use cases include monitoring a bedroom, greenhouse, office or storage room, or using the measured temperature and humidity as triggers for smart home automations.

SONOFF Hydro ONE

Out of the two products, the Hydro ONE impressed me the most.

Physical installation couldn't really be much easier. It simply screws onto a standard outdoor tap, after which pairing works exactly the same way as the sensor.

What surprised me most was the Zigbee range.

My server is located upstairs, while the Hydro ONE is installed outside on the ground floor. Even with several walls and floors in between, the connection remained stable thanks to one Zigbee smart plug acting as a router in the mesh network.

The Hydro ONE also responds quickly. Pressing the physical button immediately opens or closes the valve without noticeable delay.

Where this product really shines, however, is automation.

I've only scratched the surface of what's possible. During testing I created a simple proof of concept that automatically closes the valve after a set amount of time. Setting up that automation was straightforward.

But the possibilities go much further.

For example, you could:

• Automatically water your garden when the temperature exceeds 30°C.
• Only water during specific hours.
• Automatically shut the valve off after a certain runtime.
• Combine it with weather forecasts to skip watering when rain is expected.
• Integrate it with Node-RED for much more advanced automation flows.

Realistically, I could probably spend weeks experimenting with different automations and still not use everything this valve is capable of.

Overall Experience

What impressed me most wasn't one individual product—it was how everything worked together.

Once the initial Zigbee network was set up, adding devices became incredibly easy. Both products integrated nicely into my existing setup using Zigbee2MQTT, MQTT, Domoticz and Google Home.

If you're completely new to smart homes, there is definitely a learning curve, especially if you're building your own server. However, thanks to tutorials and modern AI assistants, I honestly think most people can get everything running without too much trouble.

If you already have a Zigbee network, installation is about as simple as it gets.

Final Thoughts

The AirGuard TH Lite is a simple, reliable sensor that quietly collects useful environmental data and can become the starting point for many smart home automations.

The Hydro ONE is the more exciting product. It's easy to install, responds quickly and offers an impressive amount of flexibility once you start exploring automations.

Rather than reviewing these products separately, I think they make much more sense together. The sensor provides useful information, while the water valve can act on that information automatically. That's where Zigbee really starts to show its strengths.

If you're looking to build or expand a Zigbee-based smart home, both of these products are solid additions that worked reliably throughout my testing.

Product links

SONOFF AirGuard TH Lite (SNZB-02B):

https://sonoff.tech/en-us/products/sonoff-airguard-th-lite-zigbee-temperature-humidity-sensor-snzb-02b

SONOFF Hydro ONE Zigbee Smart Water Valve:

https://sonoff.tech/en-us/products/sonoff-hydro-series-hydro-one-zigbee-smart-water-valve-swv-zfu-swv-zfe

TL;DR: 8.4/10. A premium magnetic power bank with fantastic build quality, extremely strong magnets, and a unique design. It is not the lightest option, but the solid construction makes it feel like a high-end piece of everyday carry gear.

Disclosure: Benks sent this power bank over for review purposes. However, this review reflects my honest experience after around three weeks of daily use. Benks had no editorial input or control over this review.

First Impressions & Build Quality

The first thing I noticed about the Benks ArmorGo Qi2 Power Bank was the feeling in the hand.

Unlike many plastic power banks, this immediately feels like a premium product. The metallic finish, detailed pattern, and solid construction give it a very high-end feel. I tested the Rosé version, and the design looks great in person without being too flashy.

The downside of this premium build is the weight. At 204 grams, it is heavier than many magnetic power banks, but that is also what gives it such a durable and premium feeling.

Everyday Carry & Design

The ArmorGo has a good balance between capacity and size. With dimensions of 102 × 67 × 16.5mm, it keeps a relatively compact footprint while still offering a large 10,000mAh battery.

However, this is not the thinnest option available. The extra thickness helps create the premium feeling, but it can be noticeable in tighter pockets. For a bag, desk setup, or everyday tech pouch, the size works much better.

Magnetic Performance & Charging

The magnetic performance is one of the strongest points of this power bank.

I mainly tested it with my Google Pixel 9a using a MagSafe-compatible case, and the magnets were extremely strong. The connection feels secure and reliable during daily use.

Wireless charging through Qi2 works up to 15W, and the USB-C port supports up to 30W wired charging, making it useful both as a magnetic charger and as a traditional fast power bank.

The power bank does get warm during wireless charging, but I did not find this problematic. The ArmorGo also supports pass-through charging, allowing you to charge your device while the power bank itself is connected to power.

Real-World Battery Capacity

The 10,000mAh capacity sounds impressive, but real-world results depend on charging efficiency.

I mainly tested it with my Google Pixel 9a, which has a 5,100mAh battery. Because wireless charging is not 100% efficient and some energy is lost as heat, you can realistically expect around one full charge, up to roughly 1.2 charges depending on conditions.

For everyday use, this is still more than enough extra battery for a full day away from a charger.

Things to Keep in Mind

Weight: The solid construction comes with a trade-off. This is not a lightweight power bank.

Size: If you want the smallest magnetic battery possible, there are better options. The ArmorGo focuses more on durability and premium feel.

Finish: The premium surface looks great, but I would still avoid rough surfaces to prevent possible scratches over time.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Excellent build quality
• Extremely strong magnets
• Premium metallic design
• Feels much more expensive than a standard plastic power bank
• Great 10,000mAh capacity
• Qi2 15W wireless charging
• USB-C 30W fast charging
• Pass-through charging support

Cons:

• Heavier than many competitors
• Slightly bulky for tight pockets
• Premium finish may need some care

Price & Value

At around $39.99, the Benks ArmorGo Qi2 Power Bank is not the cheapest 10,000mAh power bank available.

However, you are paying for more than just battery capacity. The strong magnets, premium construction, and unique design make it stand out from cheaper alternatives. If you only need a basic power bank, cheaper options exist. If you want something that feels like a premium everyday carry accessory, the ArmorGo makes more sense.

Verdict

The Benks ArmorGo Qi2 Power Bank 10000mAh is a great example of a product that chooses quality and feeling over being the smallest possible option.

Its biggest strength is the premium experience. It feels solid, looks great, and the magnetic connection is excellent. The weight and thickness are the trade-offs, but for many users that will be worth it.

If you want the thinnest magnetic power bank, look elsewhere. But if you want a premium, reliable, and well-built power bank for everyday carry, the Benks ArmorGo is a great choice.

Overall rating: 8.4/10

What magnetic power banks are you using, and how do they compare?

I know there are a lot of questions around whether active cooling on wireless chargers is actually useful, so I wanted to share my experience after using one daily.

I've been using the TORRAS PolarCircle every day for around 2–3 weeks, mainly with my Pixel 9a (using a Spigen Ultra Hybrid Zero One MagSafe case). I also tested it with an iPhone 17 to compare the Qi2 experience, but most of my daily use was with the Pixel.

Like a lot of people, I wasn't sure whether active cooling would actually make a difference or if it was mostly a marketing feature. Since the Pixel 9a has relatively limited wireless charging speeds, I was especially curious whether the cooling would still provide a noticeable benefit during everyday use.

Packaging

The packaging is clean and feels well put together. Inside the box you get the charger, a USB-C cable, and the usual documentation.

There's nothing particularly exciting in the box, but everything feels well protected. The included cable is also surprisingly nice and doesn't feel like a cheap pack-in cable.

Magnet strength

The magnets were one of the first things I noticed.

With both the Pixel 9a and iPhone 17, the charger snaps into place instantly and stays there. I never had a moment where I felt like it was going to slide off, even when picking up the phone or moving it around one-handed.

Using a MagSafe-compatible case on the Pixel 9a, the connection felt reliable throughout daily use.

Cooling

This is obviously the main reason to buy this charger, and thankfully it doesn't feel like just a marketing feature.

Instead of simply blowing air onto the phone, the PolarCircle uses an active cooling system with a cooling plate that gets noticeably colder during use. When you take your phone off the charger, you can actually feel that the plate itself has stayed cool.

The biggest difference shows up during longer charging sessions. Wireless charging normally creates noticeable heat, especially when a phone stays on a charger for a long time. With the PolarCircle, my Pixel 9a stayed noticeably cooler, and the difference was easy to feel when picking up the phone afterwards.

I also noticed similar results when testing it with the iPhone 17.

I tried it while gaming as well. It definitely helps reduce temperatures, but I don't think I would buy it specifically as a gaming accessory. Having something attached to the back of your phone isn't the most comfortable setup for longer gaming sessions, although it does add some extra grip.

Charging

The cooling isn't just there to make the phone more comfortable to hold — it also helps with the charging experience.

The Pixel 9a has a relatively limited wireless charging speed compared to some flagship phones, so I wasn't expecting extremely fast charging. What interested me more was whether the cooling would help maintain charging consistency over longer periods.

Even with the Pixel's slower wireless charging speed, I noticed the phone stayed cooler and charging felt more consistent during longer sessions because the phone wasn't heating up as much.

With the iPhone 17, the charger can take better advantage of Qi2, showing more of what the PolarCircle is capable of.

Overall, it does what it is designed to do.

Fan noise

Yes, you'll hear it.

I'd compare it to a small desk fan. It's definitely audible if your room is quiet, but once I had music playing, YouTube open, or was simply working, I stopped noticing it.

My only minor issue is the tone of the motor. It isn't loud or sharp, but it has a noticeable mid-tone frequency that you can pick up on in a quiet room.

The sound is mostly noticeable when you're sitting close to it in a quiet environment, so it isn't a dealbreaker, just something worth knowing.

Build quality

The charger feels solid.

It's mostly plastic on the outside with metal inside, and it doesn't feel cheap. The design is quite different from a regular wireless charger. Personally, I like the look, although I can understand why some people might find it a bit unusual.

The built-in stand works, but it's probably my biggest disappointment. It holds the phone without any problems, but it's fairly small and doesn't feel particularly sturdy. I honestly didn't use it very often.

One thing I'd personally change is the raised central part on the back. I understand why it is designed that way, but I would prefer a flatter back design since the current shape feels a little more exposed if it gets knocked off a desk.

Things I liked

• The magnets are extremely strong and never felt unreliable.
• The cooling actually makes a noticeable difference.
• My Pixel 9a stayed much cooler during longer wireless charging sessions.
• It helps keep charging performance more consistent over time.
• The build quality feels solid.
• The included USB-C cable is surprisingly high quality.
• It works really well as a dedicated desk charger.

Things I didn't like

• The fan is noticeable in a quiet room.
• I'm not a huge fan of the motor sound. It isn't loud, but the tone isn't my favorite.
• The built-in stand works, but I rarely used it.
• It is considerably thicker than a normal wireless charger.
• I think it would benefit from a flatter back design.
• It is better suited for a desk than travelling.

Final thoughts

Going into this, I honestly expected the cooling to be more of a gimmick than a useful feature. After using it every day for a couple of weeks, I ended up changing my mind.

For Pixel users who already use a MagSafe-compatible case, this is an interesting accessory. The Pixel 9a doesn't have the fastest wireless charging, but the cooling still makes a noticeable difference during longer charging sessions.

If you mainly charge your phone wirelessly at your desk, I think this makes a lot of sense. Would I replace a regular wireless charger with it? For my desk, yes. For travelling, probably not.

Overall: 8.5/10 for a desk setup.

Disclosure: TORRAS provided the PolarCircle Qi2 charger free of charge for testing purposes. They had no editorial input or control over this post, and all opinions are based entirely on my own experience after around 2–3 weeks of daily use.

EarFun Clip 2 Open-Ear Earbuds – Tested by Pepijn

Disclaimer: EarFun sent me these earbuds for review, but all opinions are my own. The company had no input on this review.

If anyone has questions or wants me to test something specific, feel free to ask in the comments.

First Impressions: Design & Fit

The first time I put these on, the clip-on design felt very different from regular earbuds.

At first, I wasn't even sure I had them positioned correctly, so I actually checked in the mirror. Once I got used to the fit, they stayed secure throughout my testing and never felt like they were going to fall off.

The charging case feels solid and well made, and I was happy to see it supports wireless charging.

One small downside is the shape of the case. Because of the rounded bottom, it doesn't sit flat on a table and tends to wobble.

Daily Use

The open-ear design quickly became one of my favorite things about these earbuds.

Since your ears stay open, it's easy to hear traffic, announcements, or people talking to you without taking the earbuds off. For walks, cycling, or just being out in public, that's a big advantage.

One thing I did notice is that the design attracts some attention. They're not as discreet as regular earbuds, so people occasionally looked at them out of curiosity.

Sound & Features

For an open-ear design, the sound quality impressed me.

The earbuds get plenty loud, and the bass is much stronger than I expected from this type of product. You're obviously not getting the same isolation as in-ear earbuds, but the overall sound is enjoyable.

I also tried Game Mode while playing Call of Duty: Mobile and didn't notice any audio delay during gameplay.

Bluetooth Range: I was able to walk about 10 meters away from my phone and even go up one floor while maintaining a stable connection. Your experience may vary depending on your surroundings.

The Privacy Mode noticeably reduces sound leakage, which is useful when you're listening in quieter public places.

The EarFun app also includes an AI translation feature, although I didn't spend much time testing it. There's also a Find My Earbuds feature that lets you play a sound if you misplace one.

Battery Life

Battery life has been excellent in my experience.

I had no problem getting through a full day of use, and with my typical listening habits and LDAC turned off, I only needed to recharge after about three days.

The app also includes a battery saver mode, but I personally didn't find it very useful because it disables several features.

One thing worth mentioning is that while the earbuds are suitable for workouts and sweat, the charging case itself isn't waterproof, so it's best to keep it dry.

Final Thoughts

After using the EarFun Clip 2 for a while, I came away genuinely impressed.

The fit is comfortable, the battery life is excellent, and the open-ear design makes them great for everyday use when you still want to stay aware of your surroundings.

They're not perfect—the case wobbles on flat surfaces, and the design isn't for everyone—but if you're looking for comfortable open-ear earbuds with good sound and useful features, I think the EarFun Clip is definitely worth considering.

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Product: EarFun Clip Open-Ear Earbuds

Official Website:

https://www.myearfun.com/

Product Page:

https://www.myearfun.com/headphones/earfun-clip-2-hi-res-open-ear-wireless-earbuds-black?utm_source=home&utm_medium=nav&utm_campaign=cw200-Global-nav

Special thanks to EarFun for providing a review sample.

This review reflects my own experience. EarFun had no editorial control over the content or my final verdict.

Reviewed by Pepijn (CarryByPep)

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Hey everyone,

Since a lot of people here love clean EDC gear, I wanted to share a quick win. After sharing some feedback on my recent review of the Pitaka MagEZ Grip, their team hooked me up with a 10% discount code to share with the community!

The code is PTK1010 and it works anytime at checkout on their site.

Hope this helps someone save a bit of cash on their next upgrade! 👊

Note: This product has been sponsored / provided by PITAKA for review purposes. However, this review reflects my 100% honest, unbiased opinions based on my own experience.

Hey everyone,

I'm back with a quick, honest look at the PITAKA MagEZ Grip. I’ve been testing it out thoroughly, and since my last post did so well here, I wanted to share my actual real-world experience with this tiny accessory.

First Impressions & Unboxing The packaging is beautiful, though the box felt a bit small at first—but honestly, what else are they supposed to do with such a compact item? It fits the product perfectly.

The "Addiction" (The Good Stuff) The first time I snapped it onto my case, my immediate reaction was: Wow, this magnet is strong. PITAKA claims it has 1.2kg of magnetic strength, and you can really feel it. It grips so securely that it quickly became addictive. I almost never take it off my phone now.

Here is why it rarely leaves my hand:

• True One-Handed Use: It’s extremely small and light (only 5.9mm thin and weighs just 37 grams). It makes holding a modern, heavy phone in one hand incredibly easy without worrying about dropping it.
• The Stand Feature: The kickstand function is amazing. I use it constantly for watching YouTube, but let's be honest—it’s also absolutely perfect for sit-back doomscrolling.

The Design You can really tell this is a high-end designer piece. The aramid fiber and zinc alloy combo looks beautiful and premium. It doesn't look like a cheap plastic gimmick; it actually upgrades the look of the phone.

The Downsides-The Real Talk To keep it 100% honest, there are two downsides you should know about:

1. The Price: It is definitely on the expensive side for a phone grip. You're paying a premium for that design and the materials.
2. The Pocket Hook: Because it’s a physical ring on the back, it sometimes hooks or catches onto the fabric when you're trying to slide your phone into your pocket.

The Verdict Despite it occasionally catching on my pocket and being pricey, it’s so small, light, and useful that it has earned a permanent spot in my daily setup. It does exactly what it promises.

Let me know what you guys think! Do you prefer a completely flat phone, or do you use grips like this for your daily carry?

Credits & Product Link:

• Product: PITAKA MagEZ Grip
• Provided by: Huge thanks to PITAKA for providing this unit for an honest, unbiased review!
• Official Link: Check out the MagEZ Grip here

Note: This product has been sponsored / provided by PITAKA for review purposes. However, this review reflects my 100% honest, unbiased opinions based on my own experience.

First Impressions: Unboxing & Design

When I opened the package, the first thing that came to mind was just "WOW." Even the packaging itself feels incredibly high-end, featuring a super smooth magnetic opening box.

When you pull out the power bank—holy shit. I have never seen or felt a power bank of this caliber. It feels absolute top-class. It features a very slim and thin design—especially considering it packs a huge 10,000mAh capacity. The carbon/aramide fiber texture feels unmatched compared to standard plastic power banks.

Daily Use & Compatibility-Google Pixel 9a

As you might know, PITAKA mostly targets Apple users. However, I am using a Google Pixel 9a combined with a Spigen MagSafe-compatible case.

• The Fit: It works flawlessly! It clicks onto the back of my phone really securely.
• Ergonomics: It feels great in the hand while attached to the phone.
• The Smart Detail: PITAKA added a soft, matte-like pad on the side that sticks to your phone. This is amazing because it prevents any scratching on your phone or case.
• Hidden LED Lights: A very cool, stealthy detail is that the battery indicator lights are hidden inside that soft pad. When you are wirelessly charging, they are covered, but when you want to check the battery status or when you are recharging the power bank itself, they light up beautifully.

Performance & Charging (With PD Fast Charging)

Don't let the slim design fool you; the performance is serious, thanks to full Power Delivery (PD) support:

• Wireless Charging: It supports up to 15W wireless charging, which is super fast for a magnetic power bank.
• Wired Output (PD 20W): It doubles as a standard power bank too! If you plug in a Type-C cable, it delivers 20W PD fast charging out, making it incredibly versatile if you need a quick top-up or want to charge a second device.
• Wired Input-PD Fast Recharging: The Type-C port also supports PD fast charging input, meaning recharging the massive 10,000mAh battery itself is incredibly quick when connected to a fast wall charger.

Things to Keep in Mind-The Downsides

To keep this review 100% honest, there are a few things you should know before buying:

• Heat: It does warm up pretty quickly during wireless charging. To be fair, I am using a somewhat thick Spigen phone case, so the heat isolation of my case definitely plays a part here. It's just normal physics when fast-charging wirelessly through a case.
• Weight: Because it packs a massive 10,000mAh battery, it does add some serious weight to your setup. It is incredibly slim for its capacity, but it will make your phone feel quite heavy in your pocket.
• Premium Price: PITAKA is a high-end brand, so it comes with a premium price tag. It is definitely not a budget option, but you are paying for space-age materials and top-tier design.

Verdict

Overall, this thing is just awesome. PITAKA didn't just build a battery; they engineered a premium tech accessory. If you want a cheap piece of plastic, look elsewhere. But if you want space-age materials, a premium feel, and great capacity that even works perfectly on a MagSafe-modded Android setup: this is absolutely worth it.

I’m genuinely impressed by PITAKA's design philosophy and ecosystem. They really proved that their accessories bring massive value, even outside the standard Apple ecosystem. I can't wait to see how their future products perform!

Product Links & Credits: Huge credits to the team at PITAKA for letting me test this out and showing that their ecosystem works amazing, even for Android users with a MagSafe setup!

• Check out this specific power bank here: PITAKA Magnetic Power Bank
• Browse their full ecosystem here: PITAKA Official Store