Mobile menu toggle

Reviews

Here at Cult of Mac, we regularly review Apple products and other tech gear and accessories. We also frequently write about Apple TV+ offerings. If we receive a review unit, we disclose it. (Read our reviews policy.) We frequently employ affiliate links. If you purchase a product after clicking a link from our website, we might earn a commission.

Read Cult of Mac’s latest posts on Reviews:

3 reasons to watch suspenseful Apple TV spy thriller Tehran

By

Tehran Apple TV series review
Tehran may be the most gripping thriller on Apple TV.
Photo: Apple

In the crowded landscape of spy shows and movies, Apple TV’s Tehran cuts through the noise with a visceral intensity few titles can match. This Israeli thriller, which started airing season three on January 9, doesn’t just tell a spy story. It grabs you by the throat from the first frame and doesn’t let go until the credits roll.

For anyone who’s ever found themselves disappointed by the too-fast or too-slow pacing or predictable plotting of typical spy dramas, Tehran, now streaming season three (with a fourth on the way), offers a masterclass in sustained tension and genuine surprise. That makes it easy to forgive the subtitles, which most people will need for the Farsi (Persian) and Hebrew spoken on the show. 

I thought voice typing on Mac was broken — until I tried Wispr Flow [Awesome Apps]

By

AI-generated image of a desk with a mouse and a MacBook, with Wispr Flow voice translation for Mac running on the screen
Wispr Flow turns your Mac into a voice-first writing workspace.
AI image: ChatGPT/Cult of Mac
Awesome Apps

The way I type on my Mac hasn’t changed in years. But then, I started using Wispr Flow — an AI-powered voice-to-text app for Mac. It has reshaped how I write on my Mac, making me more efficient and faster.

It’s not just about typing faster. Using your voice for typing also feels more natural in many cases. Here’s how Wispr Flow has changed how I write on my Mac, and why I can’t go back. 

Why Apple’s AirTag 2 is way better than the original [Review] ★★★★

By

Apple AirTag 2 review★★★★
The new AirTag 2 improves on the original in almost every way.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Apple just launched the long-awaited new version of its AirTag. The upgraded tracking tag is easier to find, with much longer range when using either a Bluetooth or Ultra Wideband connection from your iPhone. It also includes a louder, shriller speaker.

I put the improvements in the AirTag (2nd generation) through real-world testing for this hands-on review.

Say hello to the combo iPad/iPhone stylus of your dreams [Review] ★★★★

By

Tinymoose Pencil Pro Ultra review★★★★
This affordable iPad stylus has a trick no Apple Pencil can match.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Stop feeling frustrated that Apple Pencil works with iPad but not iPhone. The Tinymoose Pencil Pro Ultra supports Apple tablets and handsets.

Beyond iPhone support, the stylus offers iPad users palm rejection, zero lag, Scribble support, magnetic attachment to the tablet and more.

I tested the affordable accessory with both iPad and iPhone — here are the results.

This free app beams massive files quickly across the internet [Awesome Apps]

By

Image showing how to do Blip file transfers
Blip, a handy app for Mac, iOS, Windows and Android, is a better way to transfer files.
Image: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac
Awesome Apps

The Blip file transfer app is a delightful utility that lets you move extremely large files and folders quickly across the internet — directly from your computer to somebody else’s.

With Blip, there’s no middleman uploading to and downloading the file from a cloud, and no pesky web app to sign into. It’s like beaming your files onto someone else’s computer.

It’s the easiest, most straightforward way to send someone large folders of files or complex projects from your Mac, iPhone, PC or Android device. And best of all, it’s totally free and secure. You can get it from blip.net.

Acefast 6-in-1 GaN charging station trades raw power for a cleaner desk [Review] ★★★★☆

By

Acefast 6-in-1 charging station★★★★☆
This compact iPhone charging station can also top-up your AirPods and Apple Watch wirelessly.
Photo: Rajesh Pandey/Cult of Mac

With the ever-growing number of devices on my desk, a charging station has become a non-negotiable accessory. Instead of juggling multiple chargers, cables and adapters, a charging station can keep everything organized.

That’s where Acefast’s 6-in-1 80W foldable GaN charging station shines. Despite its compact size, it can charge up to six devices simultaneously, all while reducing the clutter and chaos on my desk. 

Hands-on with a folding iPhone mock-up: This thing is weird

By

Orange folding iPhone model sitting on a pine table in front of a fake palm tree
An iPhone that’ll be like no other.
Photo: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac

After the purported dimensions of the first folding iPhone leaked a few weeks ago, it didn’t take long for mockups to hit MakerWorld, a popular site for people with 3D printers to share their models. I got my hands on one of those models, and I have lots of thoughts. If the rumored folding iPhone looks anything like this, it’ll be weird.

For one thing, it’s almost as short as the original iPhone, but wider than the widest iPhone ever. Lots of design questions remain unanswered, too. Where will the volume buttons go, since there isn’t any room on the left side? Will it only have one speaker, like the iPhone Air? Will the two cameras arranged horizontally across the back mean the camera sensors are in landscape, not portrait?

I’ve been fiddling with a 3D model of the first folding iPhone all week. Here are my thoughts and observations.

You can use this tiny SSD anywhere — no adapter required [Review] ★★★★

By

Kingston Dual Portable SSD review★★★★
This portable SSD bridges the gap with both USB-A and USB-C connectors.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The Kingston Dual Portable SSD brings up to 2TB of storage to anyone in the process of transitioning from the old USB-A to the smaller USB-C standard. It’s small enough to easily carry around, and fast enough to quickly handle large files.

I ran tests on the drive to see how the portable SSD fares in real-world use. Read on to see how well it performed.

Tiny Soundcore AI recorder redefines note-taking for iPhone users [Updated] ★★★

By

Soundcore Work AI Note Taker review★★★
This tiny recorder can transcribe and summarize meetings.
Photo: David Snow/Cult of Mac

Update: Anker renamed the Soundcore Work AI Voice Recorder reviewed below as Soundcore Work AI Note Taker to more directly reflect the main use of the product, the company said Tuesday. Its listings tend to put it down now as “note taker/voice recorder.” Soundcore also noted the problem I had with Find My functionality should be fixed now on production units. 

Original review: In an ecosystem where seamless integration matters most, the new Soundcore voice recorder and note taker arrives with a compelling proposition for Apple users. As this Soundcore Work AI Note Taker review finds, the coin-sized device promises to transform how iPhone and Mac users capture, transcribe and organize voice recordings.

After examining its features through an Apple-centric lens, here’s what you need to know about whether this $159.99 recorder deserves a spot in your productivity arsenal.

Block all YouTube ads with the best Safari extension ever [Awesome Apps]

By

Block YouTube Ads on iPhone
No ads. Picture-in-picture. Background play. All in one extension. Perfect, no notes.
Image: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac
Awesome Apps

If you love YouTube but hate YouTube ads, Vinegar is the best Safari extension you can download. It can block YouTube ads on your iPhone and Mac and restores many native system features like playing videos in the background, picture-in-picture, and more.

YouTube ads are freaking insufferable. But if you don’t want to plunk down the dough for YouTube Premium (currently $13.99 per month), you can pay a one-time fee of just $1.99 to buy Vinegar and block YouTube ads on all your Apple devices.

If you ever watch YouTube, Vinegar is life-changing. Get it now on the App Store for iOS, iPadOS and macOS.

3 apps to help you with your New Year’s resolutions [Awesome Apps]

By

Finish Your Goals with these New Years Resolution Apps
You can actually get it done — with these apps.
Image: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac
Awesome Apps

It’s the new year! I have three apps that’ll help your New Year resolutions, to make sure you don’t break your streak within the very first week. 

Whether you’re trying to exercise more, work more efficiently or change your daily habits, these three apps will help you make a better 2026. Apple Fitness+ is a truly excellent service that serves up slick, highly produced videos that will help you work out. Toggl Track can help you stay focused at work, with running timers you can tag with projects and native calendar integration. And Goal Streak Calendar can help you achieve something new or break a nasty old habit, with daily reminders and streaks.

Check out our list to see how you can transform your 2026 with just three apps.

7-port magnetic mini hub makes your iPhone way more useful [Review] ★★★★

By

Satechi OntheGo 7-in-1 Multiport Adapter review★★★★
Satechi OntheGo 7-in-1 Multiport Adapter helps creators and travelers do what they need with their iPhone.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Your iPhone is a powerful computer held back by its single port. Connect the Satechi OntheGo 7-in-1 Multiport Adapter, and you can connect to a wide range of accessories — external monitors, SSDs and more — all without adding too much bulk. It really builds upon the phone’s capabilities.

I’m not saying it’ll turn your iPhone into a mini MacBook, but if you’re toting a laptop on trips simply to watch TV shows or give a presentation on a large screen, this hub is for you.

Plus, it stands out by connecting to the MagSafe magnets built into your iPhone, so the accessory conveniently clings to the back of your device.

I tested it out with my iPhone 17 to see what the multiport adapter has to offer. Here’s what I found.

This ultrawide display is a productivity powerhouse for Mac [Review] ★★★★

By

Alogic Edge 40-inch 5K2K Monitor review★★★★
This ultrawide display has Mac-friendly look, feel and functionality.
Photo: David Snow/Cult of Mac

After testing the Alogic Edge 40-inch Ultrawide 5K2K monitor with my M4 Pro MacBook Pro, I can confidently say the display represents one of the most compelling alternatives to Apple’s own monitors for productivity-focused users. The expansive high-res screen real estate and the sleek design are beautiful — and at a pretty reasonable price point of $1,349 (marked down 10% from $1,499). 

Top 10 Apple ads of 2025 showcase creativity, emotion and tech prowess

By

best Apple ads of 2025
A Critter Carol is a delightful holiday treat from Apple.
Photo: Apple

Apple delivered some of its most memorable advertising campaigns in 2025, blending storytelling, humor and technical innovation. From emotional tributes to playful satire, the tech giant demonstrated why it remains a marketing powerhouse.

Here are the best Apple ads of 2025, which really helped define Cupertino’s creative year.

Best and worst Apple products of 2025

By

The best and worst Apple products of 2025
Apple got a lot right and wrong this year.
AI Image: Google Gemini

2025 was a busy year for Apple. The company launched multiple new products, some of which pushed its lineup forward in meaningful ways. However, others left plenty to be desired. Looking back, it’s clear that Apple delivered both standout successes and some head-scratching misses.

Here’s a look at the best and worst Apple products of 2025 — the ones that got everything right, and the ones that missed the mark completely.

5 Mac apps that turbocharged my 2025 workflow (and why you need them)

By

My favorite Mac apps of 2025
These apps helped me get more done on my Mac in 2025.
AI image: Google Gemini/Cult of Mac
Awesome Apps

macOS is powerful out of the box, but with the right apps, the experience gets even better. In 2025, several Mac apps became essential to my daily workflow, reducing friction and boosting my productivity.

Here are my five favorite Mac apps of 2025. All of them are free (or at least free to try), although some require payment to access advanced features.

Why you should binge the 12 best Apple TV shows of 2025

By

Best Apple TV shows of 2025
Best Apple TV shows of 2025
AI image: Grok/Cult of Mac

Apple TV delivered another stellar year of television in 2025, cementing its reputation as a home for premium storytelling across genres. From stellar sci-fi to sharp Hollywood satire, here are 13 standout series that defined the best of the streaming service’s 2025 lineup of new and returning shows.

You should binge them because they’re great. And what better time to do so than during holiday downtime?

CalDigit TS5 Plus is a Thunderbolt dock without limits [Review] ★★★★★

By

CalDigit TS5 Plus standing vertically on a table★★★★★
CalDigit TS5 Plus is the king of Thunderbolt 5 docks.
Photo: Rajesh Pandey/Cult of Mac

A Thunderbolt 5 dock makes it easy to connect multiple high-bandwidth devices to your MacBook — all with a single cable. While there are plenty of options, as you’ll see from this review, the CalDigit TS5 Plus is the dock for Mac power users.

It stands out from the competition by offering features you’ll not find elsewhere. If you have the budget, the CalDigit TS5 Plus is the Thunderbolt 5 dock to own. Find out what makes it special in my hands-on review.

Cuktech’s 10,000mAh magnetic power bank keeps charging simple, reliable and cheap [Review] ★★★★☆

By

Photo of Cuktech 10,000mAh magnetic power bank sitting on a table★★★★☆
The Cuktech magnetic power bank is a great everyday companion.
Photo: Rajesh Pandey/Cult of Mac

Cuktech’s 10,000mAh magnetic power bank offers the best of both worlds: wireless charging and fast wired charging. Its lightweight design makes it easy to carry — and its tiny price tag makes it a bargain and a half.

This little wonder even packs a built-in USB-C cable, making it the only power bank you need to toss in your bag.

As you’ll see from our review, if you’re looking for a convenient and reliable iPhone charger at an affordable price, Cuktech’s 10,000mAh magnetic power bank is worth buying.

Tiny, fingerprint-secured SSD keeps your data locked tight but instantly accessible [Review] ★★★★

By

Adam Elements iKlips S review★★★★
Easily secure your privacy with the iKlips S.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

No one but you can access the files stored on the iKlips S, a tiny SSD from Adam Elements. Simply tap your finger on the drive to unlock it. The biometric security system is similar to Apple’s Touch ID and keeps everything on the SSD private. No passwords are necessary.

File transfers are quick, and the drive uses USB-C, so it works with a broad array of computers, including Mac, iPad and iPhone.

I put the iKlips S through testing for this review and came away quite satisfied with its performance. Just be aware, though, that you’re paying a premium for the extra security. We can get you a 30% discount, though!

Tiny snap-on iPhone game controller is always ready to play [Review] ★★★★

By

Abxylute M4 review: Tiny iPhone game controller★★★★
Your iPhone is always ready to have fun with the Abxylute M4 game controller.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The Abxylute M4 game controller is genuinely pocket-size, but clip it to your iPhone and you’ll have all the buttons and sticks you want to play retro and modern games.

It clings to your iPhone’s MagSafe connector, plus it includes a stand for detached gaming.

I enjoyed testing out the pint-size game controller with my iPhone 17, as long as I accepted the reasons for its necessary limitations. The affordable price helped a lot, too.

Control this beastly air purifier and humidifier with iPhone or Apple Watch [Review] ★★★★☆

By

Turonic PH950 Air Purifier and Humidifier review★★★★☆
I finally got serious about indoor air quality and climate control.
Photo: David Snow/Cult of Mac

Have you noticed clean, comfortable air is getting harder to find? Among the reasons I finally left California after many years were the increasingly common and unhealthy “smoke seasons” caused by western wildfires. So I moved back east only to discover Canadian wildfires wafting choking drafts into New England, as well as my old nemesis — humidity. So I finally got myself a serious appliance to deal with indoor air quality. This Turonic PH950 Air Purifier and Humidifier review finds it quite the beast for the tasks, with just a few caveats (no HomeKit!?). But control via app for iOS and watchOS makes it especially convenient. 

This $30 TV sound bar lights up parties, too [Review] ★★★★☆

By

iLive Portable Bluetooth Multimedia Sound Bar/Speaker review★★★★☆
The iLive Portable Bluetooth Multimedia Sound Bar/Speaker helps out an old TV, or perks up your parties.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The iLive Portable Bluetooth Multimedia Sound Bar/Speaker is ready to bring quality sound back to an old TV. Or connect it to your iPhone to add a soundtrack to your life. It’s portable and offers a multicolor light show when being used at a party.

Connect via Bluetooth or 3.5mm audio jack, and there are more options, too.

The speaker is only $30, and you’re probably reading this review to see if it’s terrible. Have no fear, I tested it out and you can expect decent quality sound, as long as you manage your expectations.

Top new SoundPeats earbuds pack tons of features but fall a little flat [Review] ★★★☆☆

By

SoundPeats Air5 Pro+ earbuds review★★★☆☆
SoundPeats Air5 Pro+ earbuds are good, but not replace-your-AirPods-Pro-3 good.
Photo: David Snow/Cult of Mac

After spending a few weeks with the new SoundPeats Air5 Pro+ earbuds as my daily audio drivers, I’ve come to appreciate what this Chinese audio brand accomplishes at the budget end of the wireless earbud market. These earbuds, released Tuesday, pack an xMEMS Labs’ silicon-based micro tweeter in addition to a more traditional dynamic driver. With a Black Friday sale price of just over $100, they deliver features and performance that can cost twice as much with more established brands.

But do the buds outshine pricier competitors? Not exactly. My experience with their sound quality and adaptive hybrid active noise cancellation (ANC) — “adaptive” being one of the new features that puts the “+” in the name — fell a little flat. I would not be tempted to choose these over AirPods Pro 3 for any reason other than cost.

Ugreen’s most affordable NAS units will solve your data storage problem [Review] ★★★★

By

Ugreen DH2300 is an entry-level NAS.★★★★
The Ugreen DH2300 will cut down your reliance on cloud storage.
Photo: Rajesh Pandey/Cult of Mac

Ugreen’s DH2300 and DH4300 Plus are network-attached storage devices for people who don’t want to handle the complexity associated with a NAS. They offer tons of local storage, simple setup and a price that makes ditching cloud subscriptions far more appealing.

I wanted a simple setup, since my family would use the NAS for backing up their devices and photos. So I tested both the Ugreen NASync DH2300 and the 4300 Plus to see how well they work.