We tried properly over 100 tech gadgets in 2025, so those on our checklist of private favorites needed to do one thing particular to face out. Smartphones took some cool steps ahead, from the iPhone 17’s handy new selfie setup to the Google Pixel 10 lastly getting Android customers into the MagSafe get together. The AirPods Pro 3’s useful coronary heart price monitoring and good match have stored them in our ears since launch, whereas Sony’s newest flagship headphones are so good that they acquired one of our writers to ditch their trusty Apple cans.
It was a banner 12 months for gaming: We couldn’t put down the brand new Nintendo Switch 2 and Backbone Pro grip turned our telephones into respectable consoles. Little issues additionally made a giant distinction this 12 months, like a telephone grip that made images simpler and a beefy transportable charger that stored two of our laptops charged throughout vital work occasions. And then there’s the ReMarkable Paper Pro Move, a digital pocket book that electronics author Henry T. Casey just about hasn’t put down because it got here out.
Whether you’re searching for a last-minute tech gift, wish to deal with your self with some vacation money or are simply curious in regards to the latest tech products you would possibly’ve missed, listed here are our absolute favorite tech releases of 2025.
Smartphones and tablets
I like to recommend the fundamental iPhone as the most suitable choice for most individuals yearly, however I used to be significantly shocked by how properly the iPhone 17 compares to its pricier Pro counterpart. It lastly adopts the ultra-smooth ProMovement show I’ve liked on my Pro fashions for years, which made it simple to overlook I used to be utilizing the cheaper iPhone as I fluidly flipped by way of webpages and images. All of Apple’s superior new digicam tips are current and accounted for, that means you do not have to splurge to take benefit of the brand new Center Stage digicam for simpler group selfies and the handy Dual Capture trick that is nice for vlogging. Factor in nice total efficiency, lengthy battery life and some superb cameras, and you have acquired an entry stage iPhone that does not really feel like a downgrade to this Pro snob. — Mike Andronico, senior tech author
The Google Pixel is the one telephone I’d ever even contemplate ditching my trusty iPhone for, and the Google Pixel 10 makes switching groups extra tempting than ever. That’s thanks largely to the telephone’s new PixelSnap function that permits magnetic accent help, that means I may carry over all of the MagSafe energy banks, wallets and charging stands I’ve used with my iPhone for years. It’s additionally only a nice all-around telephone, with the cleanest model of Android, nice battery life, good cameras and some attractive shade choices. The iPhone higher proceed to step it up, as a result of the grass on the opposite facet has by no means appeared greener. — Mike Andronico, senior tech author
The foldable telephone that made the gimmick make sense, Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 7 overcame one of its largest hurdles by shrinking itself all the way down to be as skinny as an everyday telephone when folded up. That approach, you do not really feel like you might be beta-testing a product that has too many compromises — the large flaw of its predecessors. Instead, this telephone provides wonderful battery life and a vibrant inside 8-inch show. – Henry T. Casey, electronics author
Even although I purchased the iPhone 17 Pro on launch day, my favorite telephone of the 12 months is the brand new Light Phone III. I’ve tried nearly each play within the e-book for cutting back on screentime, however nothing has labored even half in addition to the latest Light Phone. It makes far fewer compromises than different “dumb phones” available on the market, a lot in order that I wouldn’t give that title to this machine. It’s not fairly a smartphone both however its personal class within the handset market. I’ve liked how responsive the touchscreen is, how dependable the digicam could be for on a regular basis images and how well-built the machine is. — Rikka Altland, senior offers editor
Dear reader, you need to have been there when ReMarkable confirmed me the Paper Pro Move, the smaller and more-portable model of the Paper Pro I liked final 12 months. By taking that mannequin’s natural-feeling writing expertise and attractive design and combining it with a shade E Ink show that lights up (the large factor the ReMarkable 2 was lacking), ReMarkable’s made the last word digital pocket book. It can go in every single place I am going. I’ve felt virtually bare with out it on days after I did not have it at hand. Fortunately, ReMarkable’s app permits you to sync your digital notebooks within the cloud, so I can all the time evaluation my notes, irrespective of if I’m on my telephone or laptop computer. – Henry T. Casey, electronics author
PopSockets continues to be the model that retains me from dropping my telephone, and its MagSafe Kick-Out Grip and Stand is a twist on their normal that I didn’t know I wanted. On prime of providing the identical MagSafe help we’ve seen that permits it to simply snap onto the iPhone (and now Pixel 10) household, this new model includes a small hinge that permits you to flip the PopSocket right into a telephone stand irrespective of the place you might be. Previous PopSockets enabled a panorama mode when you knew the way to tilt them, however this new grip works at many extra angles, and I like to make use of it after I’m on the go. It’s additionally cross-compatible with current PopSockets grips, so that you don’t have to ditch your present aesthetic. – Henry T. Casey, electronics author
While I awarded the UGreen 145W Power Bank the title of best portable charger for laptops and tablets earlier this 12 months, a humorous factor occurred within the months that adopted. A repeating have to preserve each my laptop computer and my colleague Mike Andronico’s laptop computer charged without delay throughout an occasion made the Anker Laptop Power Bank a much more frequently-used machine. While Anker’s laptop computer charger didn’t win the unique award as a result of its worth is greater and its charging speeds have been fairly much like the UGreen, its twin built-in USB-C cables modified our minds. This approach, neither of us want to recollect to pack an additional twine, which implies one much less factor to fret about as we prepare for work. And as of late, making my morning simpler is the quickest approach to my coronary heart. – Henry T. Casey, electronics author
Every now and again, I find out about a gadget or machine that I don’t precisely want however I need a lot that I can’t assist however covet it for weeks. This was the case with the geekiest energy strip I’ve ever seen. It feels each retro and trendy on the similar time, due to its Lego-esque combine of squares and semi-spheres alongside customizable lighting that you simply rotate utilizing a bit change on the facet. With three energy adapter retailers and 4 fast-charging USB-C ports, you might have the machine that retains all of my favorite gadgets charged. – Henry T. Casey, electronics author
I by no means thought I’d ditch the wonderful ergonomic Logitech Wave Keys keyboard, however then this keyboard got here throughout my workbench. It combines a basic magnetic keyboard with magnetic switches for a typing expertise that feels smoother than something I’ve ever used. It’s additionally acquired wonderful aesthetics, that includes customizable RGB lighting and a black-and-wood design that makes it look as premium as any keyboard you may see. Those magnetic switches allow adjustable actuation, an enormous perk for players that lets them make every key work precisely how they need. — Henry T. Casey, electronics author
No different noise-canceling headphones I’ve examined this 12 months blocked out the world round me in addition to Sony’s XM6, and I introduced these cans in every single place — from NYC’s noisy subway trains to lengthy bus rides upstate to cross-country flights. I additionally love these headphones include one of the best journey case within the enterprise, utilizing their folding design and a magnetic clasp to make it simpler to pack them when it’s time to jet. All of these perks and implausible sound high quality satisfied me it was time to depart my AirPods Max at house. – Henry T. Casey, electronics author
While the AirPods Pro 2 are tremendous widespread, they suffered from the identical flaw as most earbuds: Their ideas simply didn’t slot in many ears. That problem pushed some to simply shake their heads and transfer onto one thing else or strive and purchase harder-foam ideas from third-party sellers. So, Apple determined to danger altering up the Apple AirPods Pro 3 earbuds’ ideas by including a skinny layer of gentle foam that, in my expertise, results in a safer match. You get higher energetic noise canceling than earlier than, in addition to elevated waterproofing safety. I additionally admire how the sound profile appears a bit extra bassy. On prime of that, they pack heart-rate monitoring and language translation tips, which make them really feel just a bit extra “Pro.” – Henry T. Casey, electronics author
I used to be by no means a giant sleep headphones individual, however now that I’ve spent just a few weeks with Soundcore’s Sleep A30, I get the hype. These ingenious sleep buds are as unobtrusive as they’re feature-rich, with a snug design I barely seen throughout bedtime and a super-robust companion app that permits you to create the right cocktail of ambient sound to go to sleep to. Their energetic noise cancellation (a primary for this class) efficiently blocked out my canine’s snorts, and their sleep monitoring capabilities (which opponents are nonetheless catching as much as) offered a pleasant approach to break down my snoozing with out sporting a watch to mattress. If you are searching for a pair of buds to reliably get you to sleep, I am unable to suggest these sufficient. — Mike Andronico, senior tech editor
Over the years, I’ve used nearly each pair of headphones from Apple, Anker, Bose, Sony and different prime manufacturers. But this 12 months, Bowers & Wilkins launched what is definitely one of the best pair of over-ear headphones I’ve ever tried. The most important causes? Top-notch audio high quality, lossless playback and a premium design leagues above what you’ll discover from the AirPods Max or MX6. These have been such a pleasure to make use of, with a large soundstage and crystal-clear audio that makes it sound like I’m listening to songs I’ve listened to for many years for the primary time. — Rikka Altland, senior offers editor
The new QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds’ noise cancellation is downright eerie, and I imply that as a praise. This is by far one of the best ANC I’ve ever skilled in a pair of earbuds, with sufficient energy to scale back the chaos of a busy Manhattan road all the way down to near-silence in a approach that is sometimes reserved for the best over-ear headphones. It definitely does not harm that they sound nice and supply much more sound and ANC customization than I’m used to from my AirPods. The Ultra Earbuds 2’s match is not my favorite, however I nonetheless plan on preserving them useful anytime I’m about to courageous an extended flight that is doubtlessly full of crying youngsters. — Mike Andronico, senior tech editor
The Nintendo Switch 2 might not have been the revolution that its predecessor was, however that did not cease me from placing a whole lot of hours into it. It upgrades the unique in practically all the precise methods, from its greater show and higher controls in handheld mode to considerably snappier efficiency when loading video games and navigating menus. New exclusives like Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza are a real delight, as is lastly attending to play triple-A blockbusters like Street Fighter 6 and Cyberpunk 2077 on a Nintendo console you’ll be able to take anyplace. And whereas the Switch 2 is usually extra of factor, having the ability to use my Joy-Con as a mouse or plug in a USB digicam and superimpose myself into Mario Party offered the novel moments of magic I anticipate from Nintendo. — Mike Andronico, senior tech editor
Yes, you learn that proper: One of my favorite merchandise of the 12 months is a Nintendo Switch 2 case. Belkin’s Gaming Charging Case packs a full-on transportable charger inside that permits you to preserve your console juiced up when you’re on the highway, which is such a genius and apparent inclusion I’m shocked so few corporations have achieved it earlier than. Even higher, the ability financial institution is absolutely detachable, supplying you with a speedy 20-watt transportable charger you should use with any of your units whenever you’re not topping up your Switch. I additionally love its understated design, and the hidden AirTag pocket makes me much less frightened about shedding my console. — Mike Andronico, senior tech editor
This is the hand held PC gaming machine I’ve been ready for, as Lenovo’s model ditches Windows and provides a extra controller-like design than the favored Steam Deck. This new model of the Lenovo Legion Go S runs SteamOS so that you by no means have to faucet by way of Windows replace on its 8-inch display, and it deprioritizes the thumbpads so you’ll be able to deal with the joysticks, directional pad and the A, B, X and Y buttons. On prime of that, its show is brilliant and colourful, its design is ergonomic sufficient for gaming in coach on an extended flight and its AMD Ryzen AI Z1 Extreme processor combines with AMD Radeon Graphics for sufficient punch to let me chip away at Game of the Year-winner Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. – Henry T. Casey, electronics author
I’ve been a longtime fan of Backbone’s cellular controllers that turn your phone into a mini console, however I did not anticipate the brand new Backbone Pro to have such an affect on my cellular gaming time. The Pro is considerably greater and extra ergonomic than its predecessors; its grips and buttons are akin to a correct controller and embody absolutely remappable controls in addition to new rear buttons for extra flexibility. The Backbone Pro, paired with my iPhone 16 Pro, turned my go-to gaming handheld at instances, whether or not I used to be streaming Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4 whereas watching TV or getting in just a few video games of NBA 2K25 on the practice. — Mike Andronico, senior tech editor
TV and house audio
I by no means actually had a lot affinity for artwork TVs, however Samsung’s The Frame Pro received factors with me for fulfilling the promise that all the time felt half-done in different fashions. That’s as a result of two main adjustments. First, the Wireless One Connect field means you solely have to plug a single energy twine into the TV, and then the remainder of your gadgets stream seamlessly from as much as 33 toes away. This approach it’s far simpler to make your TV appear like it’s hung up in a museum, particularly when you disguise that sole cable behind the TV. Second, Samsung upgraded the show with a NEO QLED panel for extra dimming zones and an total image high quality that made some of my favorite motion pictures and reveals of the previous few years look wonderful. I’m not saying that The Frame Pro can go toe-to-toe with an OLED TV but, however I admit these TVs took the precise steps ahead. – Henry T. Casey, electronics author
This 12 months I lastly embraced having Alexa in my house, and the brand new Echo Studio has been the centerpiece of my setup. It’s only a great-sounding speaker, one which fills my total lounge with wealthy and booming sound and responds snappily to my Alexa requests whereas being inconspicuous sufficient to mix into my house. I’ve mixed it with the Echo Spot in my bed room and Echo Dot in my lavatory for the last word multi-room setup, which ensures I’m by no means with out nice music as I prepare for the day. But if I’m simply kicking again and listening, the Echo Studio is the one speaker I would like. — Mike Andronico, senior tech editor
NCS Underscored has a workforce of expert writers and editors who’ve a few years of expertise testing, researching and recommending merchandise, and we guarantee every article is rigorously edited and merchandise are correctly vetted. We speak to prime specialists when relevant to make sure we’re testing every product precisely, recommending solely one of the best merchandise and contemplating the professionals and cons of every merchandise.
Editors Mike Andronico, Henry T. Casey and Rikka Altland have been reviewing and writing about tech for practically three mixed many years and collectively examined properly over 100 gadgets this 12 months, starting from the newest iPhones to premium TVs they spent months residing with. Their picks above aren’t simply merchandise that reviewed properly; many of them are additionally objects that they nonetheless use each single day.
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