Celebrating innovation and excellence, the Best Products' Tech of the Year Awards 2024 highlights the groundbreaking gadgets shaping our future.
As technology continues to evolve at a rapid pace, it’s more important than ever to recognize the products that are truly changing the game. The Best Products' Tech of the Year Awards 2025 celebrates the most innovative, groundbreaking gadgets and devices that have made a significant impact in the tech world. From cutting-edge smartphones to revolutionary AI-powered tools, this year’s list showcases the top picks that stand out for their design, functionality, and forward-thinking features.
In a year marked by remarkable advancements in technology, our awards spotlight the products that not only meet the highest standards of performance but also offer an experience that elevates everyday life. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast or just looking for the best gadgets to enhance your routine, these award-winning products represent the future of innovation. Let’s dive into the top selections that earned their place as the best of the best in 2025.
1. Apple iPhone 16 Pro
Apple’s titanium-clad iPhone 16 Pro and its big-screen Max sibling are the best smartphones of the year because they are better than their rivals across the board: design, ergonomics, performance, and camera quality, to name a few crucial bits. By bringing bigger screens, a dedicated camera control button, and a leap forward in power and, in particular, camera performance, the latest Pros made a solid case for upgrading over any older iPhone.
Adding a dedicated button for controlling their sophisticated camera setup made the latest iPhone Pros feel like a regular point-and-shoot snapper. I loved being able to launch the camera app, change lenses, adjust the zoom, and toggle between photographic styles while holding the phone with one hand.
Impressively and unlike their predecessors, which had different zoom capabilities, the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max are only separated by screen size and battery capacity. Of course, the latest iPhone Pros are also tailor-made for Apple Intelligence — the tech giant’s elaborate suite of AI-powered tools already rolling out.
2. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6
Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold6 is our pick for the best foldable phone of 2024, narrowly besting the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold in this ultra-premium category of mobile devices. The range-topping Galaxy impressed me by being a tad sleeker, lighter, tougher, and more powerful without skimping on AI-powered goodness.
Support for the S Pen stylus gave the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 an edge over its Google rival, too, and so did the wider array of color and storage options. These features made up for its shorter optical zoom range than the Pixel, showcasing that Samsung has a few more product generations worth of development than its competitors.
3. Anker Prime Power Bank
Of all the excellent battery packs I evaluated this year, I liked this Anker offering the most, and the main reason why had nothing to do with speed or capacity. Instead, it was the integrated retractable AC plug that allowed the accessory to transform into a regular wall charger for all my devices, helping me successfully declutter my backpack.
Its maximum power output of 65 watts via a single USB-C port reliably helped power up many laptops. Tapping into both outputs was plenty sufficient for simultaneously charging a MacBook Air and my phone without losing out on speed. The device’s onboard color screen, in addition to looking super cool, was handy for monitoring its charging capacity and performance.
4. Anker Prime 100W USB-C Charger
Anker’s 3-in-1 Prime wall charger is the best to drop this year because it offers similar power and vastly more versatility at half the size and same price point as the 96-watt original Apple charger that comes with high-end MacBook Pros. Using one USB-C port gave me access to 100 watts worth of charging capacity.
Splitting the output between its three ports was more than sufficient to simultaneously juice up the laptop, a phone, and small gadgets I carried during multiple trips. If I had to pick only one wall charger to carry with me, this would be it.
5. Troubadour Apex 3.0 Backpack
The Troubadour Apex 3.0 backpack got me many compliments from friends, coworkers, and strangers, deservedly making the list of our favorite tech products of the year. Crafted from recycled waterproof materials that include vegan leather, the stylish backpack successfully accommodated my go-to gear — a laptop, a secondary phone, a tech pouch full of accessories, and additional daily essentials — with room to spare over weeks of testing.
Crucially, the backpack allowed me to carry everything in comfort, thanks to supremely padded back panel and shoulder straps. Additional details like a discreet AirTag slot and a zippered pocket in one of the straps, and the backpack’s two sizes, many color options, and long warranty cemented its place here as well.
6. Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 Wireless Earbuds
In a year where the product category emphasized spatial audio and other buzzworthy features like personalized listening, the Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 wireless earbuds stood out by producing proper stereo sound with outstanding quality. Their detail-rich, true-to-life audio output reminded me of the storied British audio maker’s legendary floor speakers. Listening to the Pi8 made me feel like I was in the studio with the artists instead of on my desk or the New York City subway.
The audiophile-grade buds also delivered stellar, if not class-leading, noise cancellation, top-notch call quality, and solid battery life. I also liked their elegant design and feature-packed charging case that doubled as a wireless transmitter.
7. Cambridge Audio Melomania P100 Wireless Headphones
Introducing the ultimate listening experience that combines cutting-edge technology with environmental consciousness. With 50 years of engineering expertise, these headphones deliver Hi-Fi sound powered by Class AB amplification through 40mm Mylar drivers. Whether you're immersing yourself in your favorite music or engaging in a crucial conversation, every sound is crisp, clear, and rich.
Designed to keep up with your active lifestyle, these headphones offer an impressive 100-hour battery life, with just a quick 5-minute charge giving you up to 4 hours of playback. Packed with technology-rich features like aptX Adaptive Audio, aptX Lossless, and Clear Voice Capture Echo Cancelling, they offer seamless connectivity and unparalleled sound quality. With adaptive noise-cancelling, gaming modes, and eco-friendly design using premium reclaimed materials, these headphones are built for performance, comfort, and sustainability.
8. Bose Ultra Open Earbuds
Open-ear headsets kept growing in popularity in 2025, and the Bose Ultra Open earphones were the best — if priciest — to land this year. The Ultra Open stood out with its distinctive design (they look like fashion accessories), comfy fit, and convenient controls.
Most importantly, the Bose Ultra Open produced class-leading sound and immersive spatial audio during my testing, all while allowing me to remain aware of my surroundings. The earphones’ bass output and optional head tracking capabilities, in particular, set them apart from their lower-priced rivals .
9. Beats Pill Bluetooth Speaker
Beats by Dre surely took its time to bring back the iconic Pill Bluetooth speaker, but the long wait was surely worth it. The reborn Beats Pill is the best to drop this year, thanks to a perfect amalgam of instantly recognizable design, uncompromising durability, top-tier sound, and a host of additional handy features similarly priced rivals don’t offer. Those include integrated object tracking that’s compatible with Apple and Android hardware and lossless audio capabilities over a USB-C link.
The new Beats Pill can also pump out top-tier sound and even double as a reliable speakerphone. The gadget’s 24-hour battery life is among the best in its class.
10. Marshall Willen II Mini Bluetooth Speaker
Marshall’s Willen II mini Bluetooth speaker is my pick for the best of 2025, thanks to delivering the audio brand signature, retro-inspired design, outstanding, surprisingly powerful sound, and category-leading battery endurance. Its integrated elastic rubber strap, on the other hand, made it easier to attach to objects (e.g., backpack, bike, beach, umbrella, etc.) than the carabiners and fabric bands of its competitors.
I loved the gadget’s knob for controlling the audio playback and volume. Its onboard light battery indicator was another cool bit that made it stand out.
11. Microsoft Surface Laptop 7th Edition
The AI-powered Microsoft Surface Laptop 7th Edition — and many other PC laptops that debuted this year — made a quantum leap forward in performance and battery life courtesy of Qualcomm’s all-new Snapdragon X chips. The all-around performance bump allowed the latest Surface Laptop to (finally) compete with Apple’s MacBook in the aforementioned performance aspects. I didn’t have to be constantly mindful of my usage patterns to get a full workday of screen time from the Surface.
I picked the Microsoft Surface Laptop over its Copilot+ PC laptop counterparts for its timelessly beautiful design and availability in two screen sizes and multiple hardware configurations. Naturally, the lack of bloatware in Windows 11 influenced my choice as well.
12. Razer Kishi Ultra Gaming Controller
The Razer Kishi Ultra mobile gaming controller took a product category full of great products to a higher level. The snap-on accessory’s full-size grips and customizable RGB lighting transformed any device — from an iPhone or any Android to an iPad mini — into a formidable handheld gaming console alternative. I spent many hours gaming with the accessory and enjoyed every moment.
Like all Razer gaming peripherals, the Kishi Ultra controller features high-performance buttons, triggers, and D-pads with amazing tactility. When not in use as a smartphone controller, the product can even double as a wired gamepad for computers and tablets.
13. Razer Kraken V4 Pro
It didn’t take long for the Razer Kraken v4 Pro gaming headset to become a favorite of mine because it was great at, well, everything when I put it to the test. The over-ear headphones treated me to powerful in-game audio with immersive haptics, high-fidelity sound when I listened to music, and clear conversations when I used them to make calls and trash-talk in-game opponents. The headphones’ low-key design, customizable RGB lighting, and fully retractable microphone helped them transform from a work accessory to a battle station essential in an instant.
The Kraken v4 Pro’s versatile connectivity features allowed me to link them to any device — from a computer to a console to a phone — quickly and effortlessly. The headset’s bundled control hub with an OLED display ensured I could easily control and customize it.
14. Bose Smart Soundbar
The Bose Smart Soundbar is a standout addition to the soundbar category in 2025, offering high-quality audio with Dolby Atmos sound in a compact. It delivers AI-enhanced Dialogue Mode from the premium Smart Ultra Soundbar, improving sound clarity for everything from action movies to news broadcasts. With Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant compatibility, a range of wireless connectivity options, and an intuitive app for sound customization, the Smart Soundbar offers convenience and control. Its ability to wirelessly sync with Bose headphones for private listening during late-night marathons makes it a versatile and affordable choice for any home theater setup.
15. Blueair ComfortPure 3-in-1 Air Purifier
The home decor-friendly design and amazing versatility of this 3-in-1 smart air purifier by Blueair — one of the product category’s leading makers — made it one of my favorite tech products of the year not long after I powered it on. The elegant appliance did a whole lot more than efficiently cleaning the air in my large living room. It also cooled the space during a few unseasonably hot late-October afternoons and warmed it when the chilly fall weather kicked in.
A bundled remote made using the ComfortPure 3-in-1 air purifier super easy, but I liked the Blueair app even more. In addition to presenting me with an elaborate set of device controls, it allowed me to keep tabs on the air quality at home and outside from anywhere.
