Sony’s Reon Pocket Pro Plus wearable air conditioner was found to provide meaningful relief during London heatwaves, despite its unusual appearance and high price. The review highlights its relevance in the UK, where domestic air conditioning is uncommon and extreme summer temperatures are becoming harder to manage.

The $260 device cools a metal plate against the neck and upper spine using the Peltier effect, helping cool blood flow while exhausting heat through the wearer’s clothing. Sony claims a 20 percent improvement in cooling over its predecessor, although real-world battery life during peak heat reached roughly four to five hours rather than the claimed 10 to 15 hours. Physical controls and a more secure neckband improve usability, while the optional temperature-and-humidity tracking tag was unreliable and made little noticeable difference.