Japan’s unique snacks are an unforgettable part of any trip to Japan.

Have you dreamt of exploring the rich and diverse flavors of Japan from the comfort of your home?

Whether you’re a first-time traveler eager to pre-taste the vibrant and unique culture, or a seasoned Japan traveler missing those special treats, there’s a subscription box just for you.

In a hurry? Our top picks

• Best for families or big snackers: Tokyo Treat
• Best for high quality regional snacks: Sakuraco
• Cheapest Japanese snack subscription box: Japan Candy Box
• Strongest focus on Japanese culture and supporting small Japanese businesses: Bokksu

We got our first Japanese subscription box a couple of years ago, and fell in love with the (to our Canadian tastes) unusual, fun, and tasty snacks inside. Since then, we’ve had a chance to try many different snack subscription boxes from Japan, and now we can share the pros and cons of each.

Why get a Japanese subscription box?

First off, the convenience is unreal! Picture this: you’re relaxing, maybe binge-watching your favorite anime, and BAM! A box filled with unique Japanese snacks lands at your doorstep. No more scavenger hunts in the international food aisle trying to dig up those rare treats. Pretty cool, right?

And let’s chat about the range of snacks you get. These boxes are like a fun foodie tour around Japan! You get everything from Kyoto’s lush matcha goodies (green tea heaven, anyone?) to Hokkaido’s sweet red bean yummies to Okinawa’s tasty seaweed crunchies.

Oh, did I mention surprises? Because every month is surprise time! Just when you think you’ve tasted it all, you’ll find another trove of snack treasures waiting for you. It’s like getting a birthday present every month (only this one’s full of snacks and not another pair of socks from Aunt Bertha).

And it’s not just about the snacks. These boxes give you a real taste of Japanese culture (quite literally!) You’ll often find little nuggets about where the snacks come from, their history, and how the locals enjoy them.

If you have specific dietary needs, don’t worry, you’re not left out. Many of the better snack boxes have you covered with vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free snack options, so everyone can join the Japanese snack party.

So, follow along with us as we personally compare the best Japanese snack boxes in our independent review.

How do Japanese snack subscription boxes work?

A Japanese snack subscription box, like Tokyo Treat or Sakuraco, is like getting a surprise present every month, filled with yummy snacks from Japan!

These boxes have different treats inside, like candies, chips, and cookies, all from Japan. They often have interesting flavors and cute packaging that you might not find in your local stores.

When you sign up, the company sends you a new box each month, so you get to try lots of different snacks and have a fun taste adventure without even leaving your house! It’s like having a tiny bit of Japan delivered right to your doorstep.

What to look for in a good Japanese candy or snack subscription box

When choosing a Japanese snack subscription box, be mindful of a few things to avoid. Ensure the box offers a good mix of sweet, savory, and unique snacks, as limited variety might get boring over time.

If you have allergies or dietary restrictions, look for a subscription box that clearly marks allergens. Not all of them do!

Be cautious of hidden fees, high shipping costs, or extra charges for customization. Choose subscriptions that offer different plans, like monthly, bi-monthly, or one-time purchase options and then purchase accordingly.

Lastly, find a subscription box that includes a guide or booklet with information about the snacks, their ingredients, and their origins in your native language, so you can appreciate and enjoy the treats even more.

By considering these factors, you can find a Japanese snack subscription box that offers delicious treats, caters to your preferences, and provides a delightful experience.

Best Japanese Snack Subscription Boxes

We’ve tried most of these boxes first hand, and give you our honest opinion of what’s good and what isn’t. We share which one offers the best selection, caters to specific dietary requirements, or provides the most value for the cost.

All prices are in USD, unless we note otherwise.

Tokyo Treat

Tokyo Treat is one of the biggest, and best, Japanese snack boxes out there.

We’re big fans, as the boxes we get are always packed full of tasty treats, drinks, and a wonderful guide with helpful cultural information and a description each snack.

We’ve gotten the Tokyo Treat box a few times, and we’re always impressed. The boxes are big, and the treats inside are full size.

The ramen is a standard portion – it’s big enough that our two teenagers wanted to share it!

What’s in the Tokyo Treat box?

• 15 to 20 full size Japanese snacks
• 1,300 g (2.86 lbs) or more in each box
• Tokyo Treat boxes include exclusive Japanese drinks, instant ramen, rare Japanese KitKat flavors, salty and crunchy chips or snacks, fun candy, plus cakes, cookies and breads.
• Each box includes a 24 page culture guide, with photos of the snacks, and a full description.

What I really like is that there’s complete information on allergens in the box.

Since three of the four members of our family are vegetarian, I really appreciated that each snack item was marked as safe for vegetarians (or not) in the culture guide.

They offer four subscription plans:

• 12 month plan for $32.50/month
• 6 month plan for $33.50/month
• 3 month plan for $35.50/month
• a monthly plan for $37.50/month

Get Tokyo Treat now.

See our full Tokyo Treat review here.

Sakurako

Sakurako is always a hit in our house.

While the boxes are smaller than Tokyo Treat, there’s a real emphasis on quality snacks made by smaller, local Japanese businesses.

Each Sakuraco box includes 20 authentic Japanese snacks and candy.

That includes traditional Japanese treats (wagashi), and afternoon tea pairing (like matcha or hojicha), snacks like senbei or konpeito. It also includes authentic home goods like ceramics or chopsticks. Every box includes a 24 page snack and culture guide.

There’s a new theme each month.

Sakuraco works with many Japanese family-owned businesses to source and deliver Japanese tea, sweets and snacks from local makers.

There’s a full guide inside each Sakuraco box, with nutritional information and allergy information.

The guide also includes detailed information on the snacks and snack makers, with an emphasis on Japanese culture.

They offer four subscription plans:

• 12 month plan for $32.50/month
• 6 month plan for $33.50/month
• 3 month plan for $35.50/month
• a monthly plan for $37.50/month

See prices at Sakuraco.

Read our full Sakurako review.

Bokksu

Bokksu snack boxes are geared to display Japanese culture and support small family-run businesses in Japan. They say they directly source their artisanal snacks from local snack makers in Japan, rather than using commercial snacks.

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A post shared by Bokksu (@bokksu)

Each Bokksu box comes with 22 Japanese snacks, candies, and tea. The box includes treats like mochi, senbei and cakes, with a mix of sweet and savory, a new tea pairing, a 24 page guide, and Bokksu exclusives made by local makers only for Bokksu.

Bokksu’s boxes change each month, and focus on a theme that’s curated around Japanese holidays, festivals, and prefectures

Shipping is free on all subscriptions.

They ship to a long list of countries.

You can choose a 12 month, 6 month, 3 month, or monthly subscription.

• 12 months for $39.99/month
• 6 months for $43.99/month
• 3 months for $45.99/month
• 1 month for $49.99/month

Visit the Bokksu website.

Japan Candy Box

The Japan Candy Box subscription contains popular snacks, DIY candy kits, traditional treats, chocolate, exclusives, potato chips, ramen noodle snacks, and dagashi. You’ll find popular brands like Pocky, Hi-Chew, Pretz, Jagabee.

This is one of the smaller boxes in our list, with 10 exclusive Japanese treats each month, but it comes in at a lower price point than the larger boxes.

Subscription boxes with Japan Candy box aren’t generally themed.

Shipping is free on all subscriptions. You’ll get your first box 2-4 weeks after you place your order.

Subscriptions cost:

• 12 months for $24.90/month
• 6 months for $27.90/month
• 1 month for $29.90/month

Those prices make Japan Candy Box the cheapest Japanese snack subscription box in our review.

With every plan, you prepay the entire amount of the subscription up front. For example, if you choose the 12 month plan, you’d pay 298.80 in advance (12 * $24.90/month).

Your subscription renews automatically. You can cancel your subscription, but if you have already paid for the next box and it has been assigned a tracking code, you won’t get a refund.

Important: The six and 12 month plans can’t be canceled or refunded after the first box has been shipped.

To get only one box, choose the one month subscription and cancel it after it’s shipped.

Japan Candy Box isn’t vegan or gluten free. They say they can’t guarantee snacks don’t include animal based products or gluten, since Japanese manufacturers usually don’t specify if the snacks are gluten-free or vegan.

Want to learn more? See our dedicated Japan Candy box review here.

See Japan Candy Box subscriptions here.

Japan Crate

Japan Crate‘s boxes include 18 to 20 snacks and candies, including sweet, crunchy and chewy treats, plus an exclusive drink from Japan.

They’re a fun crate to open, with bright colored branding, plus fun box themes, like a bullet train themed box.

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There area even chances to win fun prizes like a round trip ticket on a Japanese bullet train.

The Japan Crate subscription costs:

• 12 month plan for $45.79/month
• 6 month plan for $46.95/month
• 3 month plan for $47.95/month
• 1 month for $49.95/month

There’s free shipping from Japan.

Visit Japan Crate here.

Umai Crate

Japan Crate also has an Umai Crate, which is a their Japanese ramen subscription box.

The Umai Crate includes 8 to 10 of Japan’s easy and quick instant noodles, a bonus culinary item, an exclusive recipe card using items inside the crate, plus an easy-to-follow booklet with translations and instructions.

• 12 months $45.79/month
• 6 months for $46.95/month
• 3 months for $47.95/month
• 1 month for $49.95/month

See the Umai crate.

MunchPak

MunchPak is a subscription box for snacks from around the world.

Their boxes aren’t exclusively made of Japanese snacks, but boxes often include Japanese snacks, along with snacks from other countries.

Each box is filled with new and popular snacks from around the world.

You can even add soda to your MunchPak for a $6 fee.

There’s a guide inside each box with interesting facts and information on the snacks you receive.

Shipping to the USA is free, but there are varying charges for international shipping, depending on which country you’re shipping to.

Like most of the other subscription boxes, MunchPak charges for your entire 3, 6, or 12 month subscription up front.

Your subscription renews automatically. You can cancel or pause your subscription anytime before you’ve been charged for your subscription.

MunchPaks are shipped within 72 hours after your order is processed and payment is received. 

Subscriptions cost:

• 12 month plan for 22.95/month
• 6 month plan for 24.95/month
• 3 month plan for 25.95/month
• 1 month for $26.95

If you really love something in your box, MunchPak also has an online store where you can buy individual items.

See MunchPak’s boxes.

Manga Spice Cafe

Love Manga? Manga Spice Café is a monthly manga maid café in a box!

Because it’s all about manga, it’s not necessarily Japanese only.

Each box has:

• 3 brand new manga
• 5-6 Asian snacks (including a drink)
• an info sheet
• a unique, themed anime maid mascot

Snacks include sweet and savory items, and can include classic Pocky, Korean BBQ chips, mochi cakes, a special cafe drink, sangria juices and herbal dessert teas.

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A post shared by Manga Spice Cafe (@mangaspicecafe)

Manga Spice Cafe has two subscription options:

• USA month-to-month subscription
• International subscription, available for Canada, the UK, or the rest of the world

Cost and shipping details:

• Cost: USA $29.50/month, Canada $39.50/month, UK $39.50 GBP/month, international $39.50/month
• Shipping: USA $5.95 shipping, Canada (a pretty eye-watering) $18.25 shipping fee, UK 13.81 GBP shipping fee, international $18.25 shipping fee

All subscriptions renew automatically, and you can cancel anytime.

See more here.

Japanese candy box with no subscription

Not sure if you want Japanese snacks every month? We have you covered.

If you’re in the mood for a one time Japanese snack box, we have a few choices for you as well.

Goldbelly

Goldbelly offers boxes of unique Japanese sweets from the renowned Patisserie Tomoko in Paris.

Honestly, these look absolutely amazing.

Goldbelly’s The Best of Tomoko Sweets box by Patisserie Tomoko is a one time box.

The box costs $89.95 USD with free shipping to the USA.

The package contains six boxes of Japanese-inspired pastry specialties.

IMPORTANT: Put the items in the fridge immediately on arrival.

Treats come in a beautiful gift box, and include:

• 3 pieces of assorted mochi
• 5 assorted macarons
• 1 box of yuzu cookies
• 1 box of caramel nut sandwiches
• 1 box of Patisserie Tomoko’s crunch

They ship to the USA only.

You can see the full ingredients on the Goldbelly website to check for allergens, or to see if the box is suitable for your vegetarian, vegan or gluten free diet.

See the Goldbelly’s Tomoko sweets box here.

Sign up with this link to get $25 off your first order on Goldbelly (we get $25 too).

Japanese Snack box on Amazon

There are only a handful of quality one-time Japanese snack boxes available on Amazon.

Kawaii Treat (one time box)

The Kawaii Sweet Japanese snack box comes with 15 items, and weighs in at 1.2 kg. It includes snacks, ramen, noodles, KitKats, drinks and more.

There’s even a booklet with allergy and vegetarian information and information about the sweets.

It’s delivered directly from Japan.

See Kawaii treat box on Amazon here.

Sanrio Hello Kitty Snack Box

The Sanrio Hello Kitty Snack Box has an assortment of unique Japanese snacks, candy, and drinks.

The total weight is 65.6 ounces.

There’s no information on vegan, vegetarian or gluten free options, but each box might contain wheat, soy, dairy, peanuts, and/or tree nuts.

See the Sanrio Hello Kitty Snack Box on Amazon here.

The Best Japanese Snack Packs

No matter which Japanese snack pack you get, whether it’s a year long subscription or just a one time purchase, you’re sure to receive something new to you, even if you’ve lived in Japan for years.

We love the variety and especially love the full color English booklets most come with. Not only do they give some background information but they also translate what you’re eating.

Looking to find out a bit more on each snack you’ve received? Make sure to grab the Google Translate app on your phone or tablet and use the Google Lens camera auto translate feature. The translations are often quite humorous however that’s half the fun. We’ve also opened many without reading anything about them first and had the opportunity to taste some very interesting flavors and textures we might never have experienced otherwise.

Do you have a favorite Japanese snack? Let us know in the comments below! We’d love to learn more!

But there’s one more thing that can elevate your travel experience: capturing it through the lens of a professional vacation photographer.

Ready to take the plunge but don’t know where to start? This comprehensive guide is your one-stop solution.

Why Hire a Vacation Photographer?

Vacation photographers specialize in capturing the essence of your travels, transforming fleeting moments into lasting memories. With a professional behind the lens, you can be sure to get high-quality shots that you’ll treasure for years to come. So, why should you invest in a vacation photographer?

Quality Photos

Your smartphone camera might be convenient, but it simply can’t match the quality of professional equipment. A pro photographer provides you with high-resolution, professionally edited images that you’ll cherish forever.

Local Knowledge

Photographers residing in your travel destination usually have insider knowledge of the area. They know not only the famous landmarks but also those hidden gems for a unique photoshoot.

Time-efficient

Vacations are for relaxing, not stressing over capturing the perfect shot. With a vacation photographer, you’ll have more time to immerse yourself in the moment and less time fiddling with camera settings.

Where to Find Vacation Photographers

While you can scour social media and Facebook groups for vacation photographers, we’ve found it easiest just to work with a trusted company that has vacation photographers all over the world.

As someone who has personally used Flytographer twice to capture vacation memories, I can’t recommend it enough.

See Flytographer prices now.

Over the past decade, Flytographer has captured over three million memories and expanded its operations to 385 cities across the globe. Their community of photographers now numbers 600 worldwide. What’s special is that they’ve helped over 20,000 moms get back in the photo, emphasizing the inclusivity and comprehensive nature of their services.

Flytographer is not just about photographs; it’s about the entire experience. Their photographers not only capture incredible memories but also offer insider tips on the best places to eat, see, and do in each city. This aligns perfectly with their mission, which is to help people around the world “capture the magic of travel.” For me, the experience was seamless and the photos captured were truly magical, embodying the essence of the destination and the joy of the trip.

Check out our Flytographer review here.

So, if you’re looking for a reliable platform that not only offers quality but also enriches your travel experience, Flytographer is a prime example. Their commitment to capturing the essence of travel and creating tangible memories aligns perfectly with the idea that memories are the best souvenirs and connecting with a local is part of the magic.

What to Look For in a Vacation Photographer

Selecting a vacation photographer is an investment in your memories, so it’s important to make an informed decision. When evaluating potential photographers, these are the key aspects you should focus on:

Portfolio

Begin by examining the photographer’s portfolio. Look for a variety of shots that display a consistent style and high-quality work. Ask yourself whether their style resonates with the vision you have for your own photos or what you’re hoping they can achieve that you can’t.

A portfolio is essentially a visual resume, and it should give you a good sense of what you can expect from the photographer.

Reviews and Testimonials

A photographer’s reputation can often be a reliable indicator of their skills and professionalism.

Make it a point to read through Google reviews or testimonials on their website. If possible, you may also want to speak with past clients to get a firsthand account of their experience.

Budget

Finally, consider the budget.

Ask for a clear breakdown of costs, including what’s covered in the package you’re interested in. Are there any additional fees that you should be aware of, like travel expenses for the photographer? Make sure you fully understand the financial commitment before you proceed.

Taking the time to carefully evaluate these aspects will help you find a vacation photographer who meets not only your aesthetic and logistical needs but also fits within your budget.

By being thorough in your evaluation, you’re more likely to find a photographer who can successfully capture the essence of your trip.

Key Questions

Before finalizing your decision on a vacation photographer, it’s crucial to ask some key questions that will help ensure you’re making the right choice.

These questions are not just about logistics, but also about aligning your expectations with what the photographer can deliver.

Availability

The first question you should ask is about the photographer’s availability. Specifically, inquire if they are free during your planned travel dates. This is essential to confirm right at the outset to avoid any scheduling conflicts later on.

Deliverables

Next, discuss the deliverables.

Ask how many edited photos you will receive and in what format they’ll be delivered. Some photographers provide high-resolution digital copies, while others may offer printed versions or even a photobook. Make sure to clarify this in advance so you know what you’ll be getting.

Payment Details

Last but not least, delve into the payment details.

Ask if a deposit is required to secure your booking and find out what the cancellation policy is. This information is crucial for planning your budget and for understanding what your financial obligations will be in case plans change.

By asking these questions, you’re better equipped to find a vacation photographer who not only meets your needs but also aligns with your expectations and travel plans.

Once you’ve conducted your research and asked key questions, you’re ready to make a decision on which vacation photographer to hire. Here are some steps to guide you through this crucial phase.

Create a Pros and Cons List

After narrowing down your choices, take the time to create a pros and cons list for each photographer. This practical approach allows you to compare the options objectively, taking into account factors like style, price, and availability.

Trust Your Gut

While lists and logic are important, never underestimate the value of your intuition.

Sometimes, your gut feeling about a photographer can provide insights that no amount of research can. If interacting with a certain photographer makes you feel comfortable and confident, it’s worth considering that seriously.

By following these steps, you can make a more informed and confident choice, ensuring you hire a vacation photographer who is well-aligned with your needs, preferences, and travel plans.

Pre-Shoot Preparation

After choosing your vacation photographer, the next step is to prepare for the actual photoshoot. Proper preparation can be the difference between an average photoshoot and an extraordinary one. Here are some key points to consider for pre-shoot preparation.

Sign a Contract

First and foremost, it’s crucial to formalize the agreement by signing a contract.

This document should clearly outline all the deliverables you can expect, the payment details -including any deposit required – and other terms and conditions such as cancellation policies or rescheduling fees. Having a contract ensures that both parties have a clear understanding of expectations and responsibilities.

Working with a site like Flytographer makes this easy, as they already have systems in place.

Make a Shot List

This photoshoot is about capturing your vacation, so you should have input into the types of shots taken.

Prepare a shot list ahead of time that outlines specific photos you’d like to have taken. Feel free to share sample photos that inspire you, or simply describe the types of images you’re looking for. Communicating this with your photographer in advance ensures you’ll be happy with the end result.

Coordinate Outfits and Locations

If you’re having the shoot with a partner or family members, coordinating outfits can contribute to a more cohesive and visually pleasing end result.

Discuss and decide on the wardrobe in advance. Similarly, talk to the photographer about the locations for the shoot. They can provide valuable suggestions based on their local knowledge, but ultimately the choice should align with your vision.

On the Day of the Shoot

The day of the photoshoot is finally here, and how you approach it can significantly impact the outcome. To make the most of your session, consider these essential tips for the day of the shoot.

Arrive Early

Punctuality is key.

Arriving early gives you ample time to get ready, assess the location, and discuss any last-minute details with the photographer. It ensures that the shoot starts on a smooth note, without any unnecessary stress or rushing.

Be Natural

While it’s easy to get caught up in posing, the best photos often capture spontaneous, genuine moments.

Relax and try to be yourself. Your photographer will guide you, but don’t be afraid to laugh, smile, or show emotion. Authenticity shines through in photos, making them more memorable.

Enjoy the Process

Remember, this photoshoot isn’t just about creating pictures; it’s about creating memories.

Engage with your surroundings, interact with your travel companions, and let yourself enjoy the experience. A comfortable and enjoyable atmosphere will reflect in the quality and emotional resonance of your photos.

By keeping these tips in mind, you’re more likely to have a fulfilling and enjoyable photoshoot experience. Not only will this lead to better photos, but it will also contribute to making the day itself a cherished memory.

Post Shoot

The shoot might be over, but there are still important steps to take to finalize your experience and receive the photos that will become your cherished memories. Here’s what you should consider doing during the post-shoot phase.

Review Photos

After the shoot, photographers generally provide a set of proofs for you to review. This is your chance to go through the images and select your favorites. Take your time to review the photos thoroughly so you can identify the ones that truly capture the essence of your trip.

Share Your Experience

Once you have your final photos and you’re happy with them, consider leaving a review or testimonial for the photographer. Your feedback not only helps them improve but also provides valuable information for future clients looking to hire a vacation photographer.

Capturing your travel experiences doesn’t have to be an afterthought. With the right preparation and a qualified professional, you can create a stunning visual story of your trip. From knowing where to look, what questions to ask, and how to prepare, hopefully this guide has equipped you with all you need to find and hire the perfect vacation photographer. Happy travels and even happier clicking!

Check Flytographer vacation photographer prices now.

Check out these fun articles:

• Can You Take Good Travel Photos With Little Kids in Tow? Some Tips
• 101 of the Best Inspirational Family Vacation Quotes to Inspire Your Wanderlust
• The Ultimate Family Beach Vacation Packing List

Our Buddha Board review of this fun, water-activated canvas for mess-free travel with the kids.

Let’s dive into our Buddha Board review and learn how this compact, drawing tool can transform your family’s travel experiences.

We’ve had our original Mini Buddha Board (and its cousin, the white Special Mindfulness Edition) for about a month now. In that time, the mini has become a staple both in our house and when we’re on the road.

In a hurry? You can buy the Buddha Board on the Buddha Board website here or on Amazon.

That’s given us plenty of time to run the Buddha Board through its paces, both at home and on the road.

But first, let’s dive into exactly what a Buddha Board is, and how it works.

What is a Buddha Board?

A Buddha Board lets you create art using only water, a brush, and the board itself. The board is made of a material that turns dark when wet. As the water evaporates, the image slowly fades away, leaving a blank canvas for you to create anew.

Because it only uses water (no ink, chemicals, or paint is used), the Buddha Board is environmentally friendly. Plus, it lasts for years with proper care.

What’s the point of a Buddha Board?

The Buddha Board is inspired by the Zen concept of living in the moment and embracing impermanence. It encourages users to practice mindfulness and let go of their attachment to their creations, as the art eventually disappears.

People use the Buddha Board for relaxation, stress relief, and meditation, as it promotes a sense of peace and tranquility through the process of creating and observing the temporary nature of the artwork.

Buddha Board Review

When we travel, we don’t have room to carry much for art supplies. Usually, we only carry a sketchpad and pencils, but we invariably run out of paper. We do explore our creativity with photography to capture landscapes, people and animals as we travel, but we were craving another form of creative expression.

Turns out, we needed the Buddha Board all along. All you require is a bit of water and, with a canvas that flips to become a cover that’s about the size of a CD (remember those!), and you can make art anywhere you travel.

There are two sizes of Buddha Board available: the standard size, equivalent to a letter-size paper, and the mini Buddha Board, our choice for travel.

We found the standard-size Buddha Board to be perfect for creating bigger artistic creations at home, but it’s not great for picking up and carrying around. This is why we choose the mini Buddha Board for travel.

The compact mini Buddha Board fits perfectly into a travel backpack or suitcase. It’s only five inches square and 1/4 inch wide.

How does a Buddha Board work?

You draw on the board using a brush, dipped in water. When you draw, the image appears shortly after you use a brushstroke but not immediately like an pen would.

I expected a cheap brush to be honest, but the quality of the brush is very good, with a long, tapered end.

You can put water into the stand compartment, and dip your brush in or have a small bowl or cup at the ready and use that instead (that’s our preferred way).

As you draw, your brush strokes slowly fade away within about 10-15 seconds.

For darker strokes, use more water on the brush, and for lighter strokes use less water. The more water you use the longer it takes to disappear. So, by adjusting the thickness of your strokes, and the amount of water, you can really control the darkness and thickness of your Buddha Board water art.

The Buddha Board takes away the stress of worrying about making a mistake when drawing. You don’t need to be a great artist, because if you make a mistake, it just fades away.

Our family also like to paint a sketch then as the image fades, recreate a new painting using the fading brush strokes as inspiration for our next creation.

The mini Buddha board folds into its own small easel stand and holds the paintbrush for your next moment of creative inspiration.

Want to preserve your artwork longer? Simply snap a photo of your drawing with your phone.

There are several different Buddha Boards. They all come with a brush and a stand.

• The Original Buddha Board is the largest, measuring 12 × 9.5 and is 1/4 inches deep.
• The Mini Buddha Board is perfect for travel, at 5 × 5 and is 1/4 inches deep.
• Special Mindfulness Edition (White) of the Mini Buddha Board, measuring 5 × 5 and 1/4 inch deep, just like the Mini Buddha Board.

Using the mini Buddha Board for travel

As parents, we understand the challenges of entertaining little explorers during road trips and long flights.

The quest for mess-free, engaging activities is never-ending, but the water-based fun of the Buddha Board happily occupies young artists without leaving a trace of chaos in their wake.

You don’t have to worry about any cleanup because the image is drawn on with water. There are no inks of any kind.

The Mini Buddha Board lets your little ones create masterpieces with just a brush and water. It’s perfect for road trips and airplane rides, keeping kids busy during long flights or car rides, and filling their time with imagination and Zen-inspired fun! It’s quickly become one of our top tips for fun family travel.

Tip! Place a glass 1/4 full of water in your car’s cup holder to minimize water spills in the car. While we’ve used the mini Buddha Board in our vehicle, it does require water, so water in the stand can tip over the stand. To minimize water spilling, we just use a small cup, fill it with a bit of water, and place it in the cupholder in the car.

The Buddha Board’s perfect as an electronic-free distraction at your destination, too, and it’s one of our new favorite unique travel gifts.

What is a Buddha Board made of?

The Buddha Board website says “both the surface and backing are made of natural and man made materials”.

You can damage the surface by scratching, or even from oils on your fingers, so you need to use some care to keep your Buddha Board useable for years.

Buddha Board cons

Overall, we like the Buddha Board a lot. It’s small, easily packs in our backpack, and is a lot of fun to use on the road (with only a little water needed).

That said, no product is perfect for everyone, all of the time. If you want to keep and display your art pieces, then you may want to use a more permanent canvas for your creations.

The Buddha Board canvas seems tough but can be scratched or damaged by oils on your fingers. If you tend to be rough on your belongings, you may want a less delicate canvas.

It would be great to have an extra large version as well, to have plenty of space for larger creations at home.

How much does the Buddha Board cost?

You can buy the Buddha Board on the company website here or on Amazon.

The mini Buddha Board is about $18 USD, and the original runs about $38 USD on the company website.

See prices for the mini Buddha Board.

See the mini mindfulness edition Buddha Board.

See prices for the original Buddha Board.

Did you try the Buddha Board? Let us know what you think in the comments below.

As a frequent traveler, I’ve tried most of the language learning apps and programs. I’ve had good progress with most of them, but learning a language hasn’t always been fun for me.

To be completely honest, most of the time I stop after a month or so because I’m not enjoying myself, or because I’m finding that my conversational skills aren’t improving.

So when Lingopie came onto my radar, claiming to make language learning fun again, I absolutely had to give it a try.

See Lingopie’s price.

Want to learn Spanish by watching TV? Don’t mind if I do. If that piques your curiosity, meet Lingopie – an innovative language learning platform that turns your screen time into a comprehensive language learning adventure.

As you watch your favorite shows, movies, audiobooks, or even podcasts, Lingopie allows you to learn new languages in a fun, interactive, and engaging way.

This isn’t your traditional, dull language learning app. Lingopie’s unique feature of creating flashcards from unfamiliar words you click on in subtitles makes absorbing new vocabulary and grammar rules intuitive and enjoyable.

Lingopie lets you choose from a wide variety of over 3,000 shows (including telenovelas, comedies, sitcoms, and more, plus Netflix’s biggest hits. When you’re done watching, follow up with flashcards and comprehensive reviews to help you absorb what you just watched.

Want to learn more? Follow me as I try it first-hand, and learn how it has transformed the way I and many others approach language learning.

Lingopie Review: Is Lingopie Worth it?

So what’s Lingopie all about?

At its core, it’s a language learning tool that uses TV shows and movies to help you master a new language. The whole premise is to make language learning as easy and engaging as binge-watching your favorite TV show. It’s a neat concept and with over 100,000 users, it seems to be gaining traction amongst language learners and travelers.

Lingopie is pretty versatile when it comes to device compatibility. You can access it on your phone, computer, or tablet, which is very convenient for those on the go. Want to watch it on your TV? Just use the mobile app, and cast content directly to your TV via Chromecast or Airplay.

One of the more unique features of Lingopie is how it uses real TV shows and movies from the language you’re trying to learn. Each show comes with subtitles in the original language, plus your native language. This feature enables you to learn in a more immersive environment, which I found to be pretty helpful. There’s a substantial amount of content to choose from, with over 3,000 exclusive shows and some Netflix hits included as well.

IMPORTANT! I didn’t realize this at first, but you’ll also need a Netflix account to watch Netflix shows on Lingopie. You only need to log in to Netflix once.

After you finish watching an episode, Lingopie offers built-in flashcards and word lists for reviewing new vocabulary and grammar rules. It’s a good reinforcement method and definitely adds to the overall learning experience.

Lingopie boasts a substantial library of content to choose from. With thousands of hours of original TV shows, movies, music videos, and even Netflix originals, there’s something for every taste and interest. Whether you’re a fan of telenovelas, comedies, travel shows, or something else, Lingopie has got you covered. Plus, they keep the content fresh by adding new shows every month, which I found to be a nice touch.

Lingopie vs language learning apps and programs

You might be asking yourself, why should I learn a language from watching TV instead of relying solely on an app or classroom instruction? Well, it’s about the context. Learning with TV provides a more natural and relatable context for language learning compared to just drilling words in isolation.

In the past, there have been countless stories of people learning another language from watching movies and shows from big Hollywood blockbusters to Japanese anime. Lingopie has just taken it to the next level.

What is the difference between Lingopie and language learning with Netflix?

So how does Lingopie stand apart from simply switching on Netflix’s language captions?

This is important: If you want to watch Netflix originals on Lingopie, you’ll need a Netflix account.

Here are a few reasons why I personally prefer Lingopie’s subtitles:

• Lingopie is a more active and interactive learning process. It allows you to click on specific words that catch your attention and save them for later review. This feature enhances your focus and retention during the learning process.
• And finally, an underappreciated aspect: I personally found subtitles on Lingopie to actually be accurate. Trust me, it makes a big difference when you’re trying to learn a new language.
• The content on Lingopie isn’t just randomly selected. The shows are chosen with language learning in mind, providing content that is not just entertaining, but also beneficial for picking up new words and phrases.
• The platform offers immersive and enjoyable review and practice options. Think video flashcards, games, and more. It adds a fun spin to the traditional language learning routine.

Tip! To watch Netflix shows with Lingopie on your computer or laptop, you’ll need to watch on Google Chrome, and install the extension.

What languages does Lingopie offer?

Lingopie includes all nine languages for the same price, which is a nice change from Language learning systems that charge per language.

For one price, you can learn Spanish, French, German, Italian, Russian, Portuguese, Japanese, Korean, or English. There is one exception – the three month plan only allows one language.

Content for each language varies, but there are over 3,000 titles, plus Netflix picks. Looking for the best Italian series on Netflix, or an indie movie in Spanish? You’re probably in luck.

How much does Lingopie cost?

If you’re new to Lingopie, there’s a free full access 7 day trial. There’s no charge during the seven day trial.

Important! To cancel the trial, you’ll need to contact support at least 24 hours before the end of the trial.

• On a yearly plan Lingopie only costs $5.99 per month (or $71.88/year). This includes ALL languages.
• If you’re sure Lingopie is for you, the best value is a $199 one-time lifetime plan, with free lifetime access.
• Lingopie’s three month plan costs $12 per month (or $36 total). This only includes one language, though!

Our personal, hands-on Lingopie review

I tested Lingopie on the Android app on my smartphone, and using the desktop version on my computer. Lingopie also works on tablets, phones, and other devices.

Here’s what it was like to use Lingopie on the Android app. The experience was essentially the same on the desktop.

After an initial short glitch logging in, using Lingopie was smooth sailing on the app.

Lingopie looks and feels a lot like any other streaming app, making navigating it a breeze.

You can add shows to your Watchlist, which is handy, or click Start Watching right away.

If there’s a word or phrase you don’t understand, just click on it in the subtitles to get an instant definition of the word, along with a spoken pronunciation. There’s more information if you click View Details, such as singular and plural versions of the word.

Any time you click on a word, it’s automatically added to your Lingopie flashcards.

When you’re done the episode or movie, you can study the words you didn’t know by going through your flashcards.

You can slow down the video if you’re having trouble following, or speed it up if you’re more advanced.

You can even manage subtitles, if you’d like. As I’m quite rusty in Spanish, I chose to have both Spanish and English subtitles, but you can turn off English subtitles if you’d like a more immersive experience. You can also turn off all subtitles, or just turn off Spanish subtitles, if you prefer.

There’s even an option to automatically pause at the end of every subtitle, or a loop button to repeat a subtitle and audio.

When I was done watching, I headed on over to the Learn tab, where you’ll find your flashcards, games, and a words list.

The games were pretty simple, but fun. There’s a pop quiz, and a word master game, based on the words you selected for your flashcards.

They were fun, and really focused on understanding the meaning of the words.

The words list is a list of the words you’ve highlighted for your flashcards. You can click on the word to see the translation and listen to the word. You can even delete words once you know them.

Lingopie Spanish review

Want to learn Spanish with Lingopie?

Spanish is one of the languages most people want to learn, so I was crossing my fingers that there was a lot of Spanish content. Luckily for me, there is! You can watch TV shows and movies, as well as Spanish language podcasts, music videos, documentaries, short films and even kids shows in Spanish. I really enjoyed the Netflix selects, but there are plenty of non-Netflix shows as well. You can get content from Argentina, Mexico, Costa Rica, Columbia, Spain and more.

I’m not great at speaking Spanish, but I do understand quite a bit, and I found the translations to be quite accurate.

I also really liked that the Lingopie shows had a lot of conversational Spanish, which is always awkward sounding or overly formal in classroom language classes. Lingopie had so many normal conversations in the shows, including slang, Spanish swear words (don’t worry parents, there’s a Lingopie for kids, plus a setting in the regular Lingopie for teens or preteens).

Every show on Lingopie comes equipped with two sets of subtitles. You can click on any word that piques your interest or confounds you, and voila – an instant translation pops up. It’s as simple as that. The more you indulge in your viewing habits, the more you absorb and learn.

However, it’s not just about learning new words. Lingopie also helps you develop, review, and track your language skills over time. It’s like having a personal language coach, keeping tabs on your progress and nudging you along the way.

Lingopie French Review

Like Spanish, Lingopie has a lot of content in French, with everything from sci-fi movies (my favorite) to kids’ cartoons and TV. The French content is all from France, so you won’t be able to learn in a variation like Canadian or Belgian French. As a Canadian, I’m mostly interested in Canadian French, but I found that my vocabulary and understanding of French improved a lot with Lingopie’s selections.

As a Canadian, I have a basic understanding of French, and I found the French translations to be quite accurate.

Who won’t like Lingopie

I really liked Lingopie – I mean, any chance I can get to lie on the couch and bingewatch and learn another language is a win for me. That said, I can think of a few situations where you might not like Lingopie.

If you hate reading subtitles, Lingopie might not be for you, since almost all of the language learning features are based on the subtitles.

If you want a formal, classroom style of teaching, Lingopie’s informal structure might not work well for you either. There’s no verb conjugation here and while I personally find that a big plus, everyone’s different.

Lingopie for Kids

For the younger language learners in your family, Lingopie offers a dedicated kids’ section. It’s a safe and curated learning environment hand-picked by language experts and well-received by educators. Plus, the family-friendly games add a layer of fun to the learning experience.

Lingopie is also mindful of its user preferences. If you wish to keep your content PG, there’s a handy ‘Hide Mature Content’ toggle in the settings. This removes any video content that could be deemed mature or sensitive.

Private Language Lessons with Lingopie

If you’re interested in intensifying your language learning journey, Lingopie provides an option for private lessons in Spanish, French, Italian, or Portuguese. These one-on-one sessions with a private teacher are a fantastic opportunity to practice your language skills, improve your fluency, and gain confidence by discussing your favorite Lingopie shows. It’s a personalized approach that accommodates learners of all levels.

Lingopie on Discord

And let’s not forget the Lingopie Discord community. It’s a great space to connect with fellow language learners and share your experiences.

Looking for a Lingopie coupon or promo code?

Looking to give Lingopie a whirl without any commitment? Well, you’re in luck. Lingopie offers a free trial period, giving you the chance to experience its features before making a decision.

If you’re a teacher or part of an educational institution, there’s more good news. Lingopie provides academic pricing, making it an affordable option for educational settings. Give it a go and see the difference it can make in your language teaching or learning journey.

Lingopie Review: Is it worth it?

With a large selection of entertaining shows, and easy to use features, Lingopie is by far the most entertaining way I’ve found to learn a new language.

– Micki Kosman

Ease of Use

Entertaining

Quality and selection of shows

Language improvement

Summary

Whether you’re a beginner, or advanced language learner, Lingopie is a fun, entertaining way to immerse yourself in a language.

Get a free trial now.

4.8

Our takeaway? It’s a nice size portable generator with plenty of outputs for your typical digital nomad. Keep reading to see our hands on tests to how it compares to others in its class.

Why Review Power Stations?

As our travels have slowed down over the last few years due to pandemics and high school/university chaos, we’ve camped more, and dome more local day trips and random home projects. This has lead to us experimenting with solar power and energy storage solutions, with a possible van life project somewhere in our future when our kids go off on their own adventures and it’s just Micki and I again.

Check prices for the VTOMAN FlashSpeed 1500 on their website.

Shop the VTOMAN FlashSpeed 1500 on Amazon.

The nice part about this quieter, travel-free time is that it’s given us a chance to test out a variety of portable power stations, and lets us see what makes one more ideal than the others firsthand.

So, stay with us as we personally check out the VTOMAN FlashSpeed 1500 with this real world, hands on review and discover everything it can do as well as what it can’t.

VTOMAN FlashSpeed 1500 Review

Coming in at 1548Wh, the VTOMAN FlashSpeed 1500 pure sine wave portable power pack should have enough energy to get most people through the day, whether they’re using it for camping, or working on a job site. It should have enough juice to even let you or blend smoothies (or a margarita) on the patio at the minimalist log cabin you rented for the weekend. (What, you don’t travel with a blender? How uncouth of you!)

Seriously though, the FlashSpeed 1500 is a nice blend of just enough power, but not too much as with these long life LifePO4 batteries, every extra Watt hour equals extra weight to carry. At 18.83kg (or 41.5lbs), this VTOMAN isn’t the lightest power pack we’ve seen, but it seems in line with others we’ve recently reviewed for its Wh to weight ratio.

While the FlashSpeed 1500 is primarily intended for loads under 1500W, it can actually handle certain devices up to 3000W with VTOMAN’s V-Beyond technology. While we’ve only tested it up to 1800W, the V-Beyond technology is primarily designed for resistive loads like coffee makers, space heaters, lights, toasters and even ovens.

We haven’t seen many other power generators touting this ability, but it’s a nice bonus if you find 1500W is on the smaller side, but don’t often use devices that exceed that wattage. That said, running it at these higher wattages is likely to drain the battery quickly.

VTOMAN FlashSpeed 1500 Charging abilities

One of the greatest strengths of the VTOMAN FlashSpeed 1500 is its quick-charge ability. At only one hour from empty to full, the FlashSpeed 1500 is one of the fastest charging portable power generators we’ve reviewed so far. Having tested it from empty to full, it really does take only take an hour or so to charge. For the record, we saw it pull up to 1620w with the included power cable when charging.

That said, this does come at the cost of loud fan speed noise when plugged in. The fan helps keep it cool while recharging and, while we don’t own a professional sound meter to get a more precise reading, when fully charging, we were often pushing over 70db with our phone only a foot from the fan.

However, no one is likely running it on the table like we were for this test. Also, its fan noise and not motor noise so outdoors it would get drowned out much quicker and even indoors the sound dropped off markedly even a few feet from the device.

Thankfully, once the FlashSpeed 1500 is fully charged, the fan noise does drop down to almost nothing. Even when using it to power other devices, it’s almost silent except when pushing it over 1000w. If you’re running a device over that threshold, the fan (and the resulting noise) will likely be noticeable. Hopefully you’re blending drinks by this point and not caring regardless.

No Power Brick on the VTOMAN FlashSpeed 1500

Another really nice thing about the FlashSpeed 1500 is the lack of a huge power brick when charging. It just uses a straight power cable, which fits nicely into the top mounted compartment of the device. This makes transporting the power station easier, plus there’s less danger of losing the power brick or forgetting it at home accidently. (Something we’ll never admit to having done…)

We actually go back and forth on not having a power brick is always a positive. If you’re primarily recharging by solar and there’s no power brick, then that means the power brick is incorporated into the power station itself, which adds both extra weight and size to the device. So, when lugging it around, rather than leaving the power brick at home or in the car, you carry that extra weight with you. Conversely, if you primarily charge the device via the wall plug, having no extra parts is a huge plus regardless of the additional bulk.

VTOMAN FlashSpeed 1500 Solar Power

Speaking of solar, the VTOMAN FlashSpeed 1500 battery powered solar generator can handle 400W of solar input at a time. When combined with plugging it in via the wall, that can drop your recharge time down to 45 minutes, which is ludicrously fast for a device this size.

While we’ve seen plenty of these with lower total solar input and lately a few with a lot more, the truth is 400W is a solid amount for a power generator of this level. Those running more solar wattage than this are likely using it to power larger installations, which likely means they need more Wh than this device can produce, short of coupling it with the additional battery.

Oh yeah, did I mention you can double your total Wh to 3096Wh with the VTOMAN FlashSpeed 1500 Extra Battery? We don’t have the extra battery so can’t say for sure how well it works with this device, but we’re guessing it works just fine and is cheaper than buying another full system. It can also be recharged simultaneously with the power station.

While it does increase the overall price, it might be an option for you if you feel you need more Wh than the standard 1548Wh this VTOMAN provides. It can be bought later if you feel you need it.

Also to note, the VTOMAN FlashSpeed 1500 can only support the single extra battery and more can’t be daisy chained to give even longer run times. It also doesn’t change the default 1500W power limit, just the run time.

VTOMAN FlashSpeed 1500 Ins and Outs

The FlashSpeed 1500 comes with numerous outputs including 4 standard USB A outputs (3 at 5v/2.4A and a single quick charge), 2 USB C ports which are PD100W (so can even direct charge your new laptop), 3x 110v 1500W ports (with 3000W surge capacity), 2x 12v 20A DC5521 output ports (5.5mm x 2.1mm, which will work with many CPAP devices)and a single 12v 20A car lighter port which is quite handy if you happen to own an electrical 12v cooler or a 12v pump for filling up your SUP or inflatables like we do.

For inputs, the VTOMAN FlashSpeed 1500 has the 110V one hour quick charge we’ve already touched upon, as well as the standard Anderson style plug for accepting up to 400W of 30 to 60V solar power. There’s also a DC 12-20V input that can handle up to 200W of input.

A nice bonus is that you can use all three (solar, wall, and DC input) at the same time to charge it from zero to 100% in 45 minutes! We tested it with a 200W solar panel at the same time as the wall plug and can confirm that it charges fast.

An interesting addition of the FlashSpeed 1500 is the ability to jump start your car. While there is no information in the included manual about these ports, it’s a cool addition I haven’t seen on power stations of this size and hope to find more information about it later.

Finally, the FlashSpeed 1500 includes a large rear LED light that has three different brightness levels, a strobe light and SOS function. The LEDs make for a great light around the campsite at night, when tailgating to games with the crew, or more boringly, working later at night.

What does the FlashSPeed 1500 come with?

In the box, you get the FlashSpeed 1500, a manual, some VTOMAN stickers, the power cable, a car lighter port cable, a USB C to USB C cable as well as a traditional USB A to USB C cable.

VTOMAN FlashSpeed 1500 UPS and Downs (see what I did there, lol?)

One of the nicer features of the FlashSpeed 1500 is that all the output ports also support pass-through charging. This is a great bonus as you can leave your device plugged into the power generator while topping it up and even use the FlashSpeed 1500 as an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS)in case of electrical power failure.

The VTOMAN FlashSpeed 1500 as a UPS

The advertised drop time of 10ms (16ms is what a typical ATX computer PSU is rated for), this should keep any device you have plugged into it running nicely even when the house power shuts down. While not every battery power station has this, it’s definitely a big plus for having it around the house in case of emergencies.

One of the negatives about using it as a UPS is that the fan runs occasionally as the unit needs to top itself up. I would never recommend it in the bedroom for this reason, but in an office it’s not intolerable and reminds me of loud bathroom fan.

Charging Protection and Lifespan

As to charging protection, the FlashSpeed 1500 itself includes 10 kinds of charging protection from over charge protection to over discharge protection as well as the important over current protection. With the newer LiFePO4 battery, you also get 3000+ cycle life charges (that means empty to full) before it gets down to 80% of its original capacity).

How long can the FlashSpeed 1500 last?

In short, you can charge this thing every day for 8.5 years and it will still likely power you through the day. If using it only on weekends or in the summers, you could literally get over 25 years of use with this. If you also couple it with a solar panel, all that power can be free.

VTOMAN FlashSpeed 1500 Review Summary

We can see why the VTOMAN brand is popular with the van life crowd. The FlashSpeed 1500 is easily stackable and the top features a nice little holder for the cables. It doesn’t include a wireless charging pad. You can also power most electrical tools or a blender for a delicious smoothie.

At 1500Wh, the VTOMAN FlashSpeed is a nice blend of size to weight to power ratio, however if you’re looking for longer run times you can add the extra battery. Those hoping to power larger devices for longer may want to check out one of VTOMAN’s larger offerings, though.

The power generator itself is sleek and has nice carrying handles. All the inputs and outputs are in the front so they’re easy to access and see. Display seems bright and the buttons to turn on the various outputs seem to press nicely. We do miss the included App and Bluetooth support some other power stations include, however it’s not a game breaker for us.

We did find it quite loud when wall charging so that’s a negative, but thankfully it quiet downs once it reaches full power. It would be nice to have a slower eco/quiet mode option for wall charging if not in a rush, but that one hour total charge time is tough to complain about. It’s fast and perfect if you’re out camping and need to give it a quick top up someplace if there’s a place to do so. Otherwise, solar takes only six hours or so at 400W.

When being used, the fans are audible, but not annoyingly so, and still quieter than a traditional gas generator even when the fans come on at higher wattages. This means you could easily use it all day in a campsite and not annoy all your neighbors. It also doesn’t get that loud when charging up via solar, so that’s an extra star for free power abilities right there.

VTOMAN FlashSpeed 1500 Price

It seems that there’s always a sale on the VTOMAN, which we really appreciate!

See the price on the VTOMAN website.

See prices on Amazon.

Disclosure: VTOMAN provided a FlashSpeed 1500 for evaluation purposes, however they had zero input into this review.

Other awesome articles:

• 27 Helpful Tips for How to Travel More
• Essential Guide To Planning Your First Campervan Trip
• The 10 Best Road Trips in British Columbia, Canada

Portable power stations are increasingly popular for their versatility and convenience. They are essential for off-grid lifestyles, camping, road trips, and powering tools in areas without electrical outlets. Many people also use them as a backup or for emergencies during power outages. The BLUETTI AC200L stands out for its fast charging via wall or solar panels. It has plenty of ports and outlets to accommodate different devices, and it has demonstrated consistent, reliable performance in our use.

At its core lies a hefty 2,048Wh Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO₄) battery coupled with a robust 2400W AC inverter, ready to take on high-demand appliances and sensitive electronics alike. From powering heaters and refrigerators to keeping laptops and smartphones charged, this unit doesn’t flinch.

It’s particularly useful during power outages, outdoor excursions, and events like festivals, with the bonus ability to harness up to 1200W from solar panels.

Equipped with an industry-leading battery and an advanced Battery Management System (BMS), the AC200L promises durability and safety.

While it’s an investment, its performance justifies the price tag.

In this honest review, I put it through its paces. Follow the link below for the current price and let’s delve into what the AC200L has to offer.

See BLUETTI AC200L price.

What Comes in the Box

Upon unboxing the BLUETTI AC200L power station, you’ll find everything needed to get started with off-grid power or to ensure you’re prepared for any power outages. Here’s what’s included:

• AC200L Power Station: The central unit, a robust solar generator.
• AC Charging Cable: For charging the power station from a standard electrical outlet.
• Solar Charging Cable: Allows you to harness solar power to charge the unit.
• Car Charging Cable: Enables charging from your vehicle’s cigarette lighter port.
• DC Input Cable: For connecting to various DC power sources.
• Cable Storage Bag: To neatly store all cables when not in use.
• User Manual: Detailed instructions and information for safe operation and maintenance.

Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS)

One of the things I was most excited to see in the AC200L’s capabilities is that it can function as an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS), providing a seamless transition during power outages.

Here in British Columbia, we get power outages a few times a year. In our area, we can get heavy snowfall in the winter, and heat in the summer can easily reach over 100 degrees.

Our risk for power going out is reasonably high. When the power’s out, we can’t work, meaning that we lose income, making an uninterrupted power supply for our home office essential.

With a swift switching time of within 20 milliseconds, the BLUETTI AC200L’s UPS is quick enough to prevent shutdowns of most sensitive electronics, which typically can handle brief interruptions of up to several tens of milliseconds.

This UPS capability ensures that devices like computers, networking equipment, and other critical appliances continue to operate without interruption during brief outages or while switching between power sources. It’s a reliable feature for those of us who want continual, reliable power, particularly in areas prone to fluctuations in electricity supply.

What Can the BLUETTI AC200L Charge?

The BLUETTI 200L, with pure sine wave output can handily power a wide range of household and electronic devices. The pure sine wave output ensures that even sensitive electronics can be powered safely and efficiently.

Here’s a quick look at some of the items it can charge:

• Coffee Maker (1200W): Can run for approximately 3.8 hours.
• Electric Kettle (1500W): Capable of operating for over 3 hours.
• Refrigerator (150W): Can keep your food cold for more than 30 hours!
• Cooling Fan (60W): Able to provide over 70 hours of cooling.
• CPAP Machine (40W): Will run for more than 115 hours, suitable for extended use.
• Lights (10W): Can illuminate a space for over 400 hours.
• Laptop (100W): Offers up to 46 full charges.
• Smartphone (15W): Can be charged more than 300 times.

I’m especially excited to see that it can power a fridge for over 30 hours continuously, which is fantastic for keeping food safe during power emergencies.

BLUETTI AC200L outputs

Whether you’re powering a small home, a RV, or outdoor equipment, the BLUETTI’s outlets should be able to meet your energy needs.

Output Specifications:

• AC Outlets:
  • 4 x 120V/20A Outlets
  • 1 x 120V/30A NEMA TT-30
  • Total Power: 2,400W
• Inverter Type:
  • Pure Sine Wave
• Power Lifting Mode:
  • 3,600W
• Surge Power:
  • 7,200W
• USB-C Port:
  • 2 x 100W Max
• USB-A Port:
  • 2 x 18W USB-A
• DC Outlets:
  • 1 x 48VDC / 8A (RV Outlet)
  • 1 x 12V/10A (Car Outlet)
  • *All Regulated

Whether you’re charging laptops via USB-C, powering tools through AC outlets, or connecting your RV with the heavy duty DC outlet, the BLUETTI AC200L has you covered.

The only obvious charging option that’s missing is a wireless phone charger.

Size and Weight

The BLUETTI AC200L weighs 62.4 lbs (28.3 kg) and measures 16.5 x 11 x 14.4 inches (42 x 28 x 36.65 cm).

It’s a substantial unit in both weight and size, making it a little less easy to store or carry than something like the 800W BLUETTI AC70.

That said, there’s definitely a tradeoff between power and portability with solar charging stations, and the size and weight of the 200L is to be expected of something with this much power.

How Long Does It Take to Recharge?

Recharging the BLUETTI AC200L is quick and efficient process, with several options to suit different needs and circumstances.

The AC, solar, and car inputs make charging flexible, which is useful for those constantly on the move or using solar panels.

Here’s a summary of the recharge times across various methods. Actual charging speed and efficiency can be influenced by external factors like solar panel placement, heavy clouds or car battery strength.

• AC (2,400W): A full recharge takes only about 1.5 hours when plugged into an AC outlet, making it one of the quickest ways to restore power to the unit. For those times when you need power in a pinch, the AC200L can also reach up to 80% charge in a mere 45 minutes.
• Solar (1,200W): With optimal conditions including prime sunshine, ideal panel orientation, and cooler temperatures, the solar recharge can complete in approximately 2 hours.
• 12V/24V Car Outlet (100W/200W): Charging from a car outlet is the slowest method, taking roughly 10 hours at 200W or 20 hours at 100W to fully charge the battery.
• AC + Solar (2,400W): Combining AC power and solar energy can recharge the AC200L in around an hour, given prime solar conditions.

Quick and Efficient Power

The power station’s high capacity of 2,048Wh supports sustained use, while the power-lifting mode can handle a substantial 3,600W, with surge capability reaching 7,200W, to accommodate high-demand appliances and tools.

Fast Solar Charging

The BLUETTI AC200L has some seriously impressive solar charging capabilities, setting it apart from its predecessors. With the ability to accept up to 1,200W of solar input, it’s hands down one of the best performers in solar charging efficiency in its class.

Under optimal conditions – which include prime sunshine, ideal panel orientation, and cooler temperatures – the AC200L can be fully recharged from solar panels in just about 2 hours!

This fast solar charging feature is a big advantage if you’re off-grid or traveling in an RV, as it allows for quick and efficient energy harvesting from the sun.

Battery Expansion Capacity

The BLUETTI AC200L’s expansion capability makes it a powerhouse in situations requiring prolonged power supply. It’s designed to work seamlessly with specific BLUETTI expansion batteries, ensuring reliable performance during extended use or unexpected power outages. The AC200L is compatible with B210, B230, and B300 expansion batteries, allowing for a substantial increase in energy capacity.

When considering expansion configurations, the AC200L can be combined with two B210 batteries to reach a total capacity of 6,348Wh. Alternatively, pairing it with one B230 battery results in a combined capacity of 4,096Wh. For the maximum capacity of 8,192Wh, you can connect the AC200L with two B300 batteries. These combinations offer flexibility in scaling up power reserves to meet specific needs.

The AC200L is not compatible with third-party expansion batteries. The system is designed to work specifically with BLUETTI’s own expansion battery models.

Battery Longevity and Management

The BLUETTI AC200L has a LiFePO₄ battery, known for its longevity, offering over 3,000 cycles to 80% of its original capacity. This ensures that the AC200L remains a reliable power source for many years.

BLUETTI suggests you recharge the AC200L to 80% every 3-6 months, which preserves its shelf-life and ensures optimal performance.

The AC200L also includes an advanced Battery Management System (BMS) and an MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) controller. These systems work together to optimize charging efficiency, protect against overcharging and over-discharging, and maintain overall battery health.

BLUETTI AC200L vs BLUETTI AC200MAX

There are a few key differences between the BLUETTI AC200L and AC200MAX.

Firstly, the AC200L has a higher output power of 2,400W compared to the AC200MAX’s 2,200W.

As far as inputs go, the AC200L supports a maximum of 2,400W (AC + DC/Solar) which surpasses the AC200MAX’s 1,400W (AC + PV) capability.

The AC200L has an advantage with a lower noise level of less than 50dB.

Another notable difference is that the AC200L doesn’t require a bulky external adapter for AC charging. For me, this is a huge advantage in portability, as you don’t need to carry around a large external adapter for AC charging with the AC200L.

Lastly, the AC200L supports both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi for app control, offering more connectivity options than the AC200MAX, which only has Bluetooth compatibility. That said, the newer AC200L lacks the dual wireless chargers the AC200MAX includes and the touch screen.

BLUETTI app

The BLUETTI app, which connects via Bluetooth and WiFi, lets you effortlessly manage and keep track of your generator’s performance and settings from your smartphone.

There’s a lot you can do in the app, but I mostly use it to turn the DC and AC power off and on, and monitor how many watts of power come in from solar panels and the grid, as well as how many watts of power are going out for both AC and DC.

I really liked that you can toggle between these three charging modes in the app: standard, turbo, and silent charging modes. When charging in the house, I prefer the silent mode, which charges without the fan. In silent, it charges at about a third of the wattage of turbo mode, but I’m rarely in a hurry when charging in the house.

The app’s mostly for monitoring power usage, adjusting settings remotely, and staying informed about the AC200L’s status.

You can download the app from the App Store or Google Play.

BLUETTI AC200L Review

Overall, I found the AC200L to be a versatile and robust power station, perfect for camping trips and emergency home use, but there were a few things that could be improved.

What We Didn’t Like

Despite the BLUETTI AC200L’s impressive capabilities, there are a couple of drawbacks worth mentioning.

Firstly, the absence of a wireless charging pad might be a slight inconvenience for those who prefer the simplicity of charging devices without cords. While not a deal-breaker, it’s a feature that some users might miss.

Another consideration is the 200L’s heft. Weighing in at 62.4lbs (28.3kg) and with dimensions of 16.5 x 11 x 14.4 inches (42 x 28 x 36.65 cm), it’s not the easiest to move around. However, this is a common trade-off for portable power stations, and given the AC200L’s substantial power output, the size and weight are reasonable.

What We Liked

Having a Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) option is a huge deal for us. A UPS provides a seamless, automatic backup if the main power fails. We lose power a few times a year, and a UPS means that we can keep our computers and electronics powered up and running during a power failure.

The BLUETTI AC200L’s UPS is a huge pro for us, providing a rapid switchover to battery power in just 20 milliseconds during an outage to keep devices operational without interruption.

The 200L’s storage and output are big hitters, with the unit delivering 2,400W AC output and a 3,600W power lifting mode with a 2,048Wh battery capacity.

The ability to expand the battery is another helpful feature. You can increase the AC200L’s capacity to 4,096Wh with a single B230 battery or reach an impressive 8,192Wh with two B300 batteries, ensuring extended usage and peace of mind during prolonged outages or long trips.

The lightning-fast wall charging is a game-changer, allowing a rapid 0-80% recharge in just 45 minutes with a 2,400W AC input, which is exceptionally quick for a power station of this size and the fact it can handle 1200W of solar input puts it in the front of the pack for a device in this class.

I found the AC200L easy to use and intuitive. There’s a bright clear LED screen that’s visible even in direct sunlight and a straightforward, helpful app. These features collectively make the BLUETTI AC200L a top choice for anyone in need of reliable, portable power.

In conclusion

In the past year, we’ve reviewed quite a few solar generators, and the BLUETTI AC200L stands out as powerful and versatile power station, ideal for both camping adventures and as a reliable home emergency backup. Its robust battery capacity and multiple output options serve up plenty of power. Whether you’re powering a campsite, charging devices on a jobsite, or running small appliances, the AC200L meets these needs with ease.

In emergency situations at home, such as power outages, the AC200L is invaluable. The UPS function ensures uninterrupted power supply, keeping essential devices running smoothly. Also, the ability to quickly recharge via solar panels or AC input makes it quite practical in prolonged outage scenarios.

BLUETTI AC200L Review: The Bottom Line

Combining portability, high-capacity power storage, and diverse charging options, the BLUETTI AC200L is a top-tier choice for anyone looking for a reliable power solution, be it in the wilderness or during unexpected power disruptions at home.

See BLUETTI AC200L price.

I’ve been having a lot of fun trying Japanese snack subscription boxes in the past few months. Actually, our whole family has had a blast with this, as we’ve tried boxes from a bunch of different companies including TokyoTreat, Japan Candy box, or Sakuraco

Curious how Bokksu compares to the competition? Check out our comparison of all the Japanese snack boxes.

Like a few of the candies in this package, I’m bursting to share my honest thoughts about Bokksu’s authentic Japanese sweets, teas and housewares by local makers in this detailed Bokksu review.

Can’t wait any longer? Order your Bokksu box now.

Why try a Japanese Subscription box?

Ordering a Japanese subscription box is an easy, fun way to explore the culture of Japan without an expensive plane ticket. Sure, it’s not quite the same as going on a culinary tour on the streets of Tokyo, or visiting Japan with kids in person, but for the price difference and the convenience, a Japanese snack box definitely works for our family.

You may be wondering if Bokksu is any different than any other Japanese snack box out there.

It’s true that there are plenty of other Japanese snack boxes delivering snacks like chips and chocolate internationally. However, when you travel in Japan, fresh, artisan snacks served by street vendors are the norm. Unfortunately, getting these unique, artisan treats made by local vendors has been difficult to get outside of Japan.

If you’re wondering how Bokksu differs from TokyoTreat and other competitors, my honest review is about to break it down for your. Keep reading for more!

This review wasn’t sponsored by Bokksu; I paid for this Bokksu box with my own hard earned money. This post does contain affiliate links: I may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.

My Personal Bokksu Review: What is Bokksu?

Bokksu snack boxes are designed to showcase Japanese culture and bolster small, family-operated enterprises in Japan. They get their artisanal snacks directly from local Japanese snack producers, focusing on authentic rather than mass-produced items.

Each Bokksu box is a treasure trove of 22 Japanese delights, including snacks, candies, and tea. In every box, you’ll find an array of goodies ranging from ramen to mochi to senbei and cakes, blending both sweet and savory flavors. There’s also a new tea pairing each month, a comprehensive 24-page guide, and exclusive treats crafted by local artisans specifically for Bokksu.

The themes of Bokksu Japanese snack boxes varies monthly, focusing on elements unique to Japan such as regional holidays, vibrant festivals, and the distinct character of various prefectures. Our box was on the theme of seasons of Japan, but past boxes have included everything from cherry blossoms in Japan to sunny Okinawa to summer fruits and tropical travels.

Who are Bokksu boxes for?

These snack boxes are for people who are interested in exploring Japanese culture through its cuisine. If you’ve personally visited Japan or toured Japan by train, it’s a real treat to get these authentic treats outside of Japan.

If you’ve never visited Japan before, a Bokksu box can be a great way to close the divide until you get to visit in person.

Additionally, a Bokksu gift box can be a thoughtful gift for those who appreciate unique and international flavors, or for anyone who has experienced Japan and wishes to reminisce about their journey. The monthly subscription, with its changing themes related to Japanese holidays, festivals, and regional specialties, also appeals to those who enjoy the surprise and discovery of subscription boxes, offering a balanced glimpse into Japan’s snack culture.

Bokksu price

As a subscription service, you’ll get a Bokksu box delivered as long as your subscription is active.

You pay for the box a month in advance for the following month’s box. For example, to get the January box, you need to subscribe by the the end of December.

You can choose a 12 month, 6 month, 3 month, or monthly Bokksu subscription. Prices get more affordable the longer you subscribe.

Here are the costs (in USD):

• 12 months for $39.99/month
• 6 months for $43.99/month
• 3 months for $45.99/month
• 1 month for $49.99/month

Shipping is free for Bokksu snack subscriptions to most countries, with some exceptions.

There are additional fees for shipping to Puerto Rico, Malta, Bahrain, the UAE, India, Cambodia, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Brazil, Chile, and Peru. See their shipping page for exact prices for each of these areas.

Bokksu promo code / coupon code

Bokksu is one of those rare companies that actually lists some of the best promo codes and coupon codes on their own website.

Deals vary by time of year, but there are generally one or two discounts on this page:

• See Bokksu’s latest deals and promotions now.

Once you get your first box, you can sign up for the Bokksu refer-a-friend program. With their refer a friend, you get $15 in points for each successful referral, and your friends get $15 off their first order of $40.

• Get $15 off your first order with our link

Where does Bokksu ship?

As of November 2023, Bokksu ships to 69 countries, including the USA, Australia, Canada, Mexico, most of Asia, South America, Europe plus the UK as well as others.

Bokksu delivery time – Is Bokksu reliable?

Our Bokksu crate arrived exactly on time. In fact, I ordered on June 14th, and we got our Bokksu box on June 21st, which I thought was really impressive!

Based on our order, I’d have to say they’re quite reliable.

I especially loved that my Bokksu box came carefully wrapped in protective bubble wrap.

First Impressions of Bokksu Snack Box

If you’re used to TokyoTreat boxes, the first thing that you’ll notice is that Bokksu’s box is about two thirds of the size of TokyoTreat.

The Bokksu box is jam packed with treats and goodies, packed carefully to the brim.

The packaging is quite pretty, with a gold foil seal holding the box together, and subdued colors. The Bokksu team has definitely spent some time carefully designing the look and feel of the box to give a high end impression.

When opening the box, the first thing I saw was the printed snack guide. With 24 full color pages, the guide was full of information on the snacks, and artisans who made them, as well as Japanese culture.

Since we have vegetarians in our family, we really appreciated the nutritional and allergen information in the guide. The guide lists common allergens for each snack, as well as whether or not each snack is vegetarian.

Now let’s get to the fun part – the Bokksu tasting!

As I mentioned earlier, each Bokksu box has a specific theme. The theme for this box is Seasons of Japan.

My favorite thing in the box was the white chocolate infused strawberry. These are strawberries grown locally in Japan, which are then freeze dried and infused with white chocolate. I’ve honestly never tasted anything quite like them, and I’d rate them a 10 out of 10.

The one bite Sesame Mochi were a huge hit too! These were a lot of fun to eat, and soft and squishy to the touch.

They’re little bite-sized mochi with either black or white sesame seeds on the outside. On the inside, there’s a tasty anko red bean filling.

One of my daughter’s favorites in the box was the Matcha Stick Cake with chocolate. It’s a soft cake with matcha from Uji, Kyoto, which is paired with quality bittersweet chocolate chips.

I’m a fan of all things that are crispy and salty. The Iburigakko Smokey Chips are flavored with smoked pickle radish (iburigakko) from the Akita Prefecture. The flavor is paired with Sanshin potato chips made with rice flour. So good!

I also really liked the Tsukisamu Anpan Chocolate cookie, which is a chocolate cookie filled with bean paste. It’s soft, with a rich chocolate interior. It’s great with hot tea!

The Yokahama butter sandwich cookie was also a favorite. These are so cute, as they’re stamped with vignettes of the city of Yokohama. They’re a popular gift for Yokohama tourists. So cute!

Your preferences may be different than mine, but I really enjoyed all of the Bokksu treats I tried. I now have a few treats that I definitely want to keep an eye out for on my next trip to Japan!

Is Bokksu Worth It?

What did I think of this box? Read on for my list of Bokksu pros and cons.

What I liked about my Bokksu snack box

In my honest opinion, I had high expectations for this box. Bokksu markets itself as exclusive and high end, and in my opinion, it definitely delivered.

I loved that the booklet included allergen information, and listed whether each snack was vegetarian or not. With three of the four of our family vegetarians, this was really helpful!

Each snack was beautifully packaged, and I found all of the snacks to be high quality.

What I didn’t like about my Bokksu snack box

The Bokksu box is made of high end, artisanal snacks. This means that some of the snacks are fairly small. For example, my box came with two of those tasty white chocolate infused strawberries, but I definitely could have used more!

Final thoughts on Bokksu Japanese snack box

While more of something good is always better, I found that there was a great variety of snacks in the Bokksu box and 22 snacks in the box were plenty for our family of four! My family enjoyed them as much as I did so they’re definitely something we’ll try again in the future.

I hope you enjoy your Bokksu box as much as we did! Let me know what you think of trying Japanese snacks at home in the comments below!

If you found this helpful, check out our other reviews, or come see us on Instagram, Pinterest, or Twitter.

Until next time! – Micki

In this review, we check out Promova, a new to us language app.

Is it the ultimate ticket to fluency or just another layover on the journey to language mastery? Let’s find out.

Try Promova here.

Our Promova Review: Is it Worth it?

Before we jump into the pros and cons, let’s take a quick look at how Promova works.

Download the app on Google Play or the AppStore.

With over a million downloads, the app rates a 4.6/5 on Google Play, which is a really good start.

Pro tip: You can also learn on the Promova website, if you prefer, but I really preferred the ease of using the app on my smartphone.

First Impressions

Promova’s interface is clean and intuitive, a fresh departure from cluttered designs we often see.

Navigating between sections is smooth, making it easy for beginners and tech-savvy folks alike.

Here are the languages you can learn with Promova:

• English
• Spanish
• Arabic
• Chinese
• French
• German
• Italian
• Korean
• Ukranian

You can learn a language with guidance in several language options. For learning Spanish, I was offered the choice for my core language to be English, Arabic, French, or German.

How does the Promova app work?

When you first start up, Promova offers an initial assessment to gauge where you’re at in terms of language proficiency and interests, which is a nice touch. It takes less than a minute to run through.

The app also asks how much time you want to put towards using the app each day.

Learn more about Promova here!

From there, Promova then curates a learning plan for you, mixing vocabulary, grammar, and real-world examples. The lessons are bite-sized and progress in difficulty. The audio feature is helpful for getting the pronunciation right, although it’s not always spot-on in recognizing errors.

You can continue to use the app without signing in, which is nice, or you can create an account with Google or an email address. To save and track your progress properly, you need to create an account.

Course Structure

What makes Promova unique is its course structure.

Unlike a typical language learning app that jumps right into common phrases, Promova builds from the ground up. You start with individual words, then sentences, and eventually conversations. The natural progression feels less like a chore and more like leveling up in a video game.

I chose to learn Spanish on the app. Promova’s first lesson was nice and simple – basic vocabulary, and then a simple practice session.

After that, it was more practice, matching the English word to the corresponding one in Spanish, followed by practice typing the missing letter in a Spanish word.

There’s continual feedback along the way, and cute characters offering positive, encouraging feedback. Because I took my first lessons around Halloween, the characters were Halloween themed.

Grammar and Syntax

Promova takes a different route by integrating grammar rules seamlessly into lessons.

This is a breath of fresh air for those of us who find standalone grammar modules tedious. By learning the why’s along with the what’s, you gain a well-rounded understanding of the language.

Personalization

The personalization feature caught our eye. The app adjusts the difficulty and content based on your progress and areas of interest. For instance, if you’re into food, expect lessons built around culinary themes. This is a game-changer for some, making the learning experience engaging and relevant.

It obviously quickly figured out I’m a food fan, as my first lessons were all focused on food – “What’s in your salad”, “What’s for dinner”, and “Eat like a king”.

I really liked that you can jump around a bit in the course – you don’t have to take the next lesson in exact order, which made it a lot more interesting for me.

Even better, you can change your learning level on the fly, accessing lessons in Beginner, Intermediate, or Advanced.

Real-world Application

Promova has a ‘Street Smart’ section with modules that prepare you for real-world interactions.

Be it asking for directions or ordering a cup of coffee; these modules have you covered. They even provide cultural tips to navigate social norms – a feature often overlooked but extremely helpful.

Audio and Pronunciation

Audio quality is crisp, and the Promova app allows you to toggle the speed, which aids in comprehension and pronunciation.

Personally, I found the voice recognition software in English and Spanish to be accurate, highlighting errors and helping you correct them in real-time.

Are the ads annoying in the free version?

You’ll see occasional ads in the free version, but I never found them annoying or intrusive.

Ads popped up for me when I went to access a new lesson later on in the course.

English Tutors

In addition to being a typical stand-alone language learning app, Promova also offers instruction from English tutors.

You can learn in either the more affordable group lessons, or with private tutoring lessons. Group lessons are held in Google Meet.

Group classes cannot be canceled or refunded. However, you can reschedule a group class up to 24 hours before the scheduled start time.

The private lessons are crafted around individual interests, which is a plus. They boast that their technology enhances learning effectiveness, although it’s hard to measure the impact. It’s a viable choice for those seeking a flexible schedule to improve their English skills, yet it may not offer a remarkable learning journey.

For one-on-one English tutors, you can learn in three lesson durations of either:

• 25 minutes
• 50 minutes
• 90 minutes

I really love the idea of a shorter duration of 25 minutes, as I find that I get a bit overwhelmed in longer classes with live tutors.

Free English Conversation Club

One of the perks I thought was helpful was the Free English Conversation Club, which is held once a week for 60 minutes on Zoom. It’s a free online meeting for learners, over Zoom, in small groups.

Pricing – Is Promova free or paid?

Promova offers a free version, but to unlock all features, you’ll need a subscription.

You’ll also see occasional ads in the free version, but personally I never found them overly annoying or intrusive.

The free plan also only lets you learn one language at a time.

Try Promova for free.

Prices are reasonable compared to other premium language apps. They also offer a 14-day money-back guarantee, which allows you to test the waters without overly committing.

Premium app plans

For the premium app plans, you can choose a few plans:

See Paid Plans here.

Trial week

For the trial week, the cost is:

• 1st week $6.99,
• then $29.99/month

12 week plan

For the 12 week plan, the cost is:

• 12 weeks $39.99,
• then $49.99/12 weeks (or $3.33 per week)

1 month (monthly) plan

The cost for the 1 month plan is:

• 1 month $19.99,
• then $29.99/month (or $5.00 per week)

Important: You must cancel at least 24 hours prior to the end of the introductory period, or you will be automatically charged the full price of 49.99$ every 12 weeks until you cancel in the app settings.

Group lesson pricing

Group lessons cost from $4.99 for a 60-minute lesson.

One-on-one personalized English tutor pricing

Costs vary for English tutor lessons, depending on session duration (25, 50, or 90 minutes).

Costs are as follows:

25 minute lessons

• 4 lessons $65.99 per month
• 8 lessons $103.99 per month
• 12 lessons $131.99 per month

50 minute lessons

• 4 lessons $103.99 per month
• 8 lessons $175.99 per month
• 12 lessons $239.99 per month

90 minute lessons

• 4 lessons $131.99 per month
• 8 lessons $239.99 per month
• 12 lessons $339.99 per month

Downsides

The app currently supports only a limited number of languages. If you’re keen on learning a less common language, this may not be the app for you. Also, we experienced occasional glitches, such as the app freezing or the audio not syncing, but these were rare.

Final Thoughts: Promova Review

Promova offers a holistic, personalized, and practical approach to language learning. It cleverly mixes elements of grammar, vocabulary, and cultural understanding. It’s not just about learning to speak; it’s about learning to communicate.

Promova seems to be on the right track. Its intuitive design, real-world applicability, and strong emphasis on progression make it a worthy contender in the crowded market of language apps. While it has some room for improvement, it gets the essentials right, offering a valuable tool for anyone looking to learn a new language.

So, is Promova the ultimate ticket to language fluency? It may not get you there alone, but it’s a fantastic co-pilot on your journey.

Happy learning!

Try Promova for free.

Other great articles:

• How to Get High-Speed Wi-Fi When Traveling
• How To Travel The World For Free
• The Best Japanese Snack Subscription Boxes
• Is the Jackery Explorer 1000 Pro Worth It? What You Should Know in Our Hands-On Review

Picture this: You’re strolling down the vibrant streets of Barcelona, enticed by the irresistible aroma of fresh paella, drawn to the colorful boutiques, and captivated by the lively murmur of locals around you.

But there’s a catch – you don’t speak Spanish.

How will you order that mouth-watering dish or inquire about the beautiful artisan products? Your answer lies in a handheld translator like the Fluentalk T1 Mini, a compact but effective handheld translator that can shatter language barriers.

In this comprehensive review, we pit the new Fluentalk T1 Mini against the established Pocketalk Classic, assessing which device wins out as the essential travel companion and language learning tool.

Whether you’re an adventurous overseas explorer or an enthusiastic language learner, a handheld translator device can make all the difference.

Fluentalk T1 Mini Review

Before we compare the T1 Mini to the Pocketalk, let’s take a look at what the T1 Mini is all about.

As lifelong travelers, we’ve been around the block (or rather, the globe) a few times and stumbled upon our fair share of translation gizmos – some were hits, others were misses, but all had their own funky quirks and perks.

In a rush? See current prices now on the Fluentalk website, and on Amazon here.

So, today’s the day we get up close and personal with the Fluentalk T1 Mini. This cool little gadget is on a mission to make chatting in different languages as easy as pie. Ready to dive in?

Setting up the Fluentalk T1 Mini and first impressions

Setting up the T1 Mini is easy. All you have to do is turn it on, choose your native language, and accept the user agreement. From there it prompts you to connect to Wi-Fi.

After that’s done – and here’s the part I really liked, the Mini automatically activates your one year free global data. No messing with SIM cards, activation plans, or anything. It’s just done for you.

What instantly caught my attention was the T1 Mini’s tiny size.

Weighing in at a little less than 3 oz. (86 g), the screen measures in at about the size of a credit card. The whole device fits into the pocket – a perfect companion for your adventures.

At 3.5 x 2.15 x 0.52 inches, it’s roughly half the size of my Samsung smartphone.

You can get a pretty good feel for the actual size of this little thing when you compare it to the size of a quarter. Although the display is small, it’s easy to read, even in direct sunlight.

The interface is intuitive and easy to use, with simple sliding gestures. To select a language, just tap the option on the screen and scroll through available language options.

Testing voice translation

But at that small size, does it deliver good and reliable translation? The T1 Mini supports real time voice translation in 36 languages and 88 accents, while photo translation supports 39 languages.

The mini is built for one-on-one conversations in real time. When you want the T1 Mini to translate, just click the translation button on the right side. It’s that easy

It automatically recognizes source and target languages based on your presets, eliminating the need for confusing menus or extra buttons.

All you need to do is talk, and it automatically recognizes the language you’re speaking, and translates it (both on screen, and out loud, through the speaker).

The one-click real-time translation is an absolute game-changer when you’re stuck in one of those hair-pulling, “why me?” travel moments. Flight schedules gone haywire, a sudden need for a doctor, or just trying to figure out a bus timetable in a foreign language – that’s when one-click translation truly helps make sense out of the chaos.

Looking for a slightly bigger translator, with slightly bigger battery capacity and a few more features? Check out our review of the Fluentalk T1 original.

Offline translation

One of the standout features of the T1 Mini is its offline translation function – a feature that significantly distinguishes it from the Pocketalk Classic.

Whether you’re hiking in a remote location or strolling in a city with no Wi-Fi, the T1 Mini ensures that you’re never lost in translation. This device supports offline access for 13 offline language pairs, which is an indispensable feature for any traveler.

Note: Of those 13 offline language pairs, the device can hold 4 at a time so if you’re traveling to another country with a different set of languages, make sure to download which languages you’ll likely be needing the next time you’re not offline.

Additionally, the T1 Mini offers global free data roaming for an entire year with its built-in data card. Forget about purchasing additional data or fumbling with foreign SIM cards; this device is ready for action as soon as you step off the plane.

Photo translation

What more? The T1 Mini supports voice translation in 36 languages and 88 accents, while photo translation supports 39 languages. Just point its 5-megapixel camera at an unknown menu or signpost, and it will provide instant translation – an extremely handy feature for any traveler!

The Fluentalk T1 Mini vs. The Pocketalk Classic

The Pocketalk Classic is another heavy hitter in the translation device arena. However, when directly compared to the Fluentalk T1 Mini, a few differences really stand out.

The Pocketalk Classic is slightly heavier and bulkier than the T1 Mini. While not a dealbreaker, the difference in portability is noticeable, especially when you’re on the move for extended periods. Plus, the absence of a lanyard strap in the Pocketalk Classic package is a minor inconvenience when you want to have the device at hand quickly.

In terms of functionality, the Pocketalk Classic supports voice translation for an impressive 82 languages, while the T1 Mini offers translation in 36 languages (88 accents). The Pocketalk Classic may win out if you have a lesser used language you need to translate, like Amharic (Ethiopia), which the T1 Mini doesn’t translate. However, most travelers need translation in more popular languages like French, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese (and the other 32 major languages offered by the T1 Mini), so the larger number of languages offered by the Pocketalk really aren’t needed for most travelers.

Here’s another difference between Pocketalk Classic and Fluentalk T1 mini: The Fluentalk T1 mini can automatically recognize source and target languages based on your presets. That means instant activation with a single click, so you can use the T1 mini effortlessly. This is especially helpful for emergencies where you need language support, like customs clearance, or reporting lost items to an airline or the police.

Two major drawbacks of the Pocketalk are that it lacks the convenience of offline translation and photo translation, which the T1 Mini readily provides. These features have often been the difference between smooth communication and frustration during our travels.

Both devices have their strengths and are more than capable of being your language companion in your global adventures.

However, considering the T1 Mini’s added functionalities and convenience factors, we now lean towards the Fluentalk T1 Mini for its comprehensive translation abilities and its user-friendly design.

Safe travels, and never stop exploring!

See prices here.

We’ve been actively looking for a generator for a couple of years. We wanted something portable enough for off-road vehicle camping, but with enough power to run our home office electronics in a power outage.

Curious? Check the price on Amazon, and check the price on Jackery’s website.

Using a generator outdoors used to mean bringing along a noisy, gas powered machine on off-road adventures.

Luckily, the past few years have brought a renaissance in solar powered generators, which generate power from the sun instead of from a can of gas, making them much quieter, more eco-friendly and cheaper to maintain in the long run.

Let’s take a look at one of the latest of these setups from a company that focuses exclusively on solar power generators. This is the new Jackery Explorer 1000 Pro.

Old school generators needed fossil fuels to run, which was always annoying, because you can only bring along so much gasoline, and you’d eventually be left without power. Plus, transporting and storing gas is messy, smelly and can even be dangerous.

Let’s dive into the Jackery solar generator review!

Jackery Explorer 1000 Pro Review

With an impressive 1,000 watts of power, this generator can provide the energy needed to run appliances, charge devices, and power your campsite. And best of all, you won’t have to worry about connecting to the grid or running out of power when you’re out in the wilderness.

Trust me, having a reliable source of portable power can make all the difference when you’re off-grid. So, if you’re serious about finding a generator that can keep up with your outdoor adventures, a battery based solar generator like this one should definitely be at the top of your shortlist.

A solar generator means no cords have to run through windows or an expensive outside switch needs to be installed like a gas-powered model that needs to be run outside the home (due to carbon monoxide risk). A solar generator like the Jackery runs clean and silent, and can be kept in the house, while a gas generator needs to run outdoors.

That means that we can move or position the Jackery anywhere in our home if needed and keep it closer to what’s important. It’s also great when we have to turn off the breakers when working on any electrical projects yet still maintain our modem, router or lighting when one of us needs to continue working online for the duration of the outage.

See the price on Amazon.

Check the price on the Jackery website.

Solar generator for travel and camping

That said, we love our electronics. After a long day out on the trail, it’s wonderful to kick back and watch a movie on our laptop, enjoy the cool breeze from a fan in our tent, or brew a tasty cup of coffee.

Unfortunately, the great outdoors doesn’t come equipped with power outlets, so we need to bring our own portable power station.

Having a solar generator can make off-road camping a little more luxurious, providing power for a blender, coffee maker, or even a mini-fridge plus it can run lights, music and whatever else you might enjoy away from the comforts of home.

A solar generator runs silently, and without fossil fuels. This makes a solar power station much more desirable for camping than a gas generator, since it’s silent, and doesn’t require refilling with gasoline or propane, which is a limited resource off-road. You can only carry so many cans of gas, which are prone to spilling, and stinking up the inside of your vehicle and propane bottles are often big and clunky to transport safely.

Instead, a solar power station can be recharged by solar panels continually for free with zero noise. That means they can run from sunup to sundown regardless of where you happen to be and if you’re in one of the many parks that limit gas generators to only a few hours a day due to noise, with these you can stay plugged in all the time.

Where to use the Jackery 1000 Pro

We love camping, whether it’s lakeside in our travel trailer, or in the middle of nowhere in our tents, and we also love to just hop in our vehicle and explore the great outdoors for the day. The Jackery makes this easier for us.

The Jackery Explorer 1000 Pro can be recharged more than 1000 cycles to 80% capacity. If we camp three times a year, for five days each, for a total of 15 days, charging once a day, well, then we’d need to camp for 66 years before we hit the 1000 charges. Basically, the Jackery would outlast me.

Like many of you, we usually bring sensitive electronics, including smartphones, cameras, wireless speakers and the occasional drone when we camp. That means that we want a power station, like the Jackery, which has a pure sine wave AC outlet, letting us safely use the power station inverter to run and charge our delicate electronics.

We also wanted a solar power station that is light enough for our 14 year old daughter to carry. The Jackery 1000 Pro weighs in at just under 25.5 pounds (11.5 kg), which is light enough for her to easily move around a campsite.

The built-in Jackery’s LED light is useful while camping, and it’s adjustable, with a dim, bright, and flash setting. It could probably run that light for a week.

Solar generator for camper

We’re starting to do more tent and hammock camping, but we still occasionally take out our travel trailer. It’s great for rainy weather, and has more room for our family of four.

A solar generator for travel trailers or RVs generally needs more power than for the off-road tent and hammock camping we do. RVs come with more comfort, and larger appliances like a microwave, blender, and coffee maker plus, since we have more room and a safe place to store them, we’re more likely to use small electrical devices, such as a laptops or tablets while in the trailer.

Taken all together, these appliances can create a pretty big electrical demand.

While we personally tend to either tent or use our travel trailer, a solar generator can be equally useful for other RVs, like motorhomes, fifth wheels, tent trailers, caravans, truck campers, and popup campers. It would also be a great addition for the vanlife crowd with their reduced needs.

When looking for a solar generator for a camper, generally, the more power the better so you might want to look at Jackery’s larger offerings.

Check out higher powered Jackery options on Amazon now.

Jackery 1000 Pro

There’s a lot to like with the Jackery Explorer 1000 Pro.

Because it runs on green energy from the sun, it’s super quiet (46 dB), which is about the sound level of normal library sounds, and quieter than a quiet conversation.

There’s an integrated battery system (BMS) to monitor and protect battery life, and a folding handle for easy transport and storage.

All of those features mean that it’s perfect for camping and power outages.

How long will a Jackery 1000 Pro run our office electronics in a power outage?

We make our living online, so a power outage from a natural disaster or even on the grid power issues is not only inconvenient, it can also cost us money if we can’t work.

The Jackery Pro has a pure sine wave inverter for stable power that protects against equipment damage, which is perfect for delicate electronics like laptops, phones, drones, cameras, and Wi-Fi routers.

It’s also super quiet, so we can work in peace and quiet!

Here’s a little of what the Jackery can run:

• TV for 13 hours
• blender for 2.5 hours
• coffee maker for 1.5 hours
• charge a phone 130 times
• charge a laptop 12 times. My laptop has a 10 hour battery, so that’s around 120 work hours on just one charge!

You can charge up to eight singular devices at the same time, using the four USB outlets, three AC outlets, and one car port charger. If you have a USB multi adapter, you can charge even more than that.

If we get hungry, it can run a microwave for 1.2 hours, an instant pot for just under an hour, or even act as a backup for our fridge (1.6 hours on a single charge).

What’s especially helpful is that we can recharge the Jackery for free anytime the sun is out. It only takes seven hours to charge from 0 to 80%, using our two 80 W SolarSaga panels. That means that we can get multiple charges every day, especially during the summer when we have over 15 hours of sunlight a day.

We can also just plug it into the wall and have a full charge in 1.8 hours. If you’re heading out on a long drive, it can also be charged up in the car with the included 12v lighter adapter charger.

How long will a 1000 watt Jackery Pro last?

The 1000 in the name of the Jackery 1000 Pro means two things:

• 1000 watts is the maximum power level of a device you can run off the device
• 1000 watt hours of duration

For example, you could run a one watt device for 1,000 hours, or run a 100 watt device for 10 hours (1,000 watts total).

It’s rated for 1000 full charge cycles. At the end of those 1,000 charges, you’ll be left with approximately 80% of your original capacity, and capacity will gradually reduce from there.

Jackery also says the 1000 Pro holds an 80 percent charge for a year sitting on a shelf, which is pretty fantastic, especially if you’re not interested in the hassle of regularly maintaining your battery. Seriously, I have enough to do in my life that I don’t need to have to worry about some sort of regular battery maintenance to the list.

How does a Jackery work, and what can you power with a Jackery?

You can use the Jackery to plug in standard household items, using the AC outlets, USB chargers, or even via a car charger.

The Jackery has:

• three – 3-prong, grounded household AC outlets, to plug in anything from a fridge to a blender to a coffee maker to a wireless router to a fiber optic modem
• four USB ports! Of these, there are:
  • Two USB-A ports with quick charge 3.0, which is fantastic for charging cell phones that can take that much power
  • Two USB-C ports, with 100 W output, which would be great to charge a laptop or tablet
• a traditional 12 volt automotive style outlet so you can charge any device you normally plug into your vehicle’s cigarette lighter port.

The battery itself is lithium-ion, which is standard in these higher end portable power stations. They last significantly longer than old style lead acid batteries, they’re much lighter, and can be more fully discharged than old-school lead-acid batteries.

How to charge your Jackery

To charge the Jackery you have three options:

• Plugging it into the wall. It’ll fully charge in 1.8 hours from empty.
• Plugging it into your car’s 12-volt outlet, so it can charge as you’re driving. This takes about four and a half hours of driving to get a full charge.
• Charging with solar panels (approx 7-9 hours with the 2x80w SolarSaga solar panels and less than 2 if you have the 200w version).

I love the option to charge with the wall charger, and from the car battery, but honestly the solar panels high efficiency MPPT charging ability is the main draw for me. I’m all over the idea of charging with free energy from the sun.

The Jackery comes with numerous charging cables and adapters, and a handy carrying case:

• 1 Car Charge Cable
• 1 AC Charge Cable
• 2 DC7909 to DC8020 Adapters

It also comes with user manuals for the Jackery Explorer 1000 Pro, and the SolarSaga 80 W solar panels.

Jackery SolarSaga 80W solar panel review

Our Explorer unit came with the affordable two Jackery SolarSaga 80 W panels option.

Check the price for the Jackery 1000 Pro plus two 80w solar panels here.

These solar panels use IBC solar cells, which is a fancy way of saying that they’re really efficient at turning sunlight into electricity. In fact, they can convert up to 25% of the sunlight they receive into usable power. That means you can get more power out of these panels than you would with other types of solar cells.

What’s more, these panels work well even in low-light environments. So if you’re using them on a cloudy day or in the shade, you’ll still get a decent amount of power. And because they’re designed to be heat-resistant, they’ll keep working even when temperatures rise. In fact, in hot weather, you can get even more power out of these panels.

Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable, efficient, and durable solar panel for your outdoor adventures, Jackery SolarSaga 80 watt solar panels are a great choice.

Each solar panel comes with a zippered carrying case with a built-in handle to better protect them when on the go.

Each panel only weighs around 11 pounds (5 kg), and they unfold and set up in around 60 seconds, giving our family endless green power wherever we happen to be.

It comes with all the cables and connectors that you’ll need including extenders to give you a few more ideal solar placement options.

The panels come with a quick flip metal stand on the back to angle them to better capture the sun’s rays.

These fold up really nicely for storage and transport, and when they unfold and are aimed right at the sun it takes nine hours for a full 0 to 100% recharge (or only seven hours for a 0 to 80% recharge). Honestly, that’s just fine with me, as during summer camping season we get around 14 to 15 hours of sunlight every day and in all likelihood, the Jackery won’t be at 0% when we go to charge it so it will take even less time to recharge.

The panels themselves are pretty heavy duty, with both water and dust resistance. They’re IP68 waterproof and dustproof certified.

Does the Jackery 1000 Pro support pass-through charging?

Yes, you can charge your Jackery with your solar panels, and plug in devices to charge from the Jackery at the same time. This is a great option for topping off your phone or laptop while still recharging the Jackery for later use.

How many solar panels does it take to charge a Jackery 1000 Pro?

We have the two 80 W SolarSaga panels, but you can also get the four SolarSaga 200 W option.

With the four SolarSaga 200 W solar panels, you can recharge in only 1.8 hours to full charge. That’s as fast as charging with a wall outlet, but it does come at a cost to your wallet.

Is Jackery waterproof?

No, the Jackery 1000 Pro solar generator itself isn’t waterproof.

While the solar panels do have a high resistance to dust and water, that is not true of the power station, so you need to be careful if you’re using this in a rainy climate, in snow, or in high humidity. There are covers for some of the ports though and they will help protect the Jackery from certain things.

Jackery 1000 vs 1000 Pro

The Jackery Explorer 1000 Pro is a newer, upgraded version of their Explorer 1000 power station.

Here are a few of the upgrades you’ll find in the Jackery Explorer 1000 Pro vs the original Jackery 1000:

• Wall charge of 1.8 hours for a full charge vs the original’s seven hours for a full charge
• Maximum solar panel support of 800 W (1.8 hours for a full charge) vs the original’s 200 W Max (8 hours for a full charge)
• foldable handle (Jackery 1000 original has a fixed handle)
• LED light (no light in the original)
• 1000 cycles to 80%+ capacity (vs the 500 cycles to 80%+ capacity in the original)
• extended warranty 3+2 Years 2 yr extension offer available vs the 2+1 years of the original
• Car charge of 12 hours vs 14 hours for the original
• Additional info on the LED display
• The Explorer 1000 Pro doesn’t require the power brick to charge from the wall – all you need is the included heavy cable for charging
• The Explorer 1000 Pro can self-diagnose faults and display details on the LED display.

Is the Jackery 1000 Pro worth it?

For me, the faster charging of the Jackery 1000 Pro (vs the original Jackery 1000) makes the small increase worth it.

The Jackery Explorer 1000 Pro charges in only 1.8 hours when plugged in vs the original’s seven hour charging time. It can also charge in 1.8 hours via solar (with the 4×200 W panels), which is lightning fast.

That fast charging speed, alone, makes the Jackery 1000 Pro worth it for me.

The Jackery Explorer 1000 has the capacity to charge an essential device like your smartphone 130 times over. While that’s probably overkill, the Explorer Pro’s three 110V AC outlets means it can also be used to keep small appliances running during a power outage. It can power a tower fan for 17 hours on one charge, and having a fan to cool us off during a heat wave when the power is out would be incredibly useful.

It can also charge up power tools on the go or charge up battery operated power tool batteries if you tend to work away from home or in areas without power. We could see something like this being a huge boon to contractors on the go or working on new homes without electricity available yet.

Let’s talk price

Check the price for the Jackery 1000 Pro on Amazon.

Jackery 1000 promo code

You can find the promo codes and discounts for the Jackery on Amazon.

Check the Jackery 1000 Pro price on Amazon.

Is the Jackery worth the money?

It’s definitely not a cheap portable power device, but it’s in the premium range for quality and reputation too.

If you’re interested in getting a portable power system that lets you go just about anywhere and have serious power and serious recharge this is definitely one to look at.

Jackery Explorer 1000 Pro and 2x SolarSaga 80 W Solar Panels

Every once in a while we get our hands on a camping product that blows us a way, and joins our must-take list for of-road adventures. The Jackery Explorer 1000 Pro is one such product.

Mick Kosman, The Barefoot Nomad

Fast 1.8 hour full charge from wall outlet

Powerful 1000 watts

Excellent choice of charging ports

Recharge with solar panels, wall outlet, or car connector

Great for camping or power outages

Summary

The Jackery Explorer 1000 Pro Portable Power Station is useful for power outages, camping, and emergencies. The 1000 Pro has a rugged design, quick charging and is easy to use out of box.

Check the price on Amazon.
Check the price on Jackery’s website.

4.9

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