We tried effectively 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 occasion. The AirPods Pro 3’s helpful coronary heart fee monitoring and good match have saved them in our ears since launch, whereas Sony’s newest flagship headphones are so good that they received one of our writers to ditch their trusty Apple cans.
It was a banner yr 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 an enormous distinction this yr, like a cellphone grip that made pictures simpler and a beefy transportable charger that saved two of our laptops charged throughout important 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 in search of a last-minute tech gift, need to deal with your self with some vacation money or are simply curious concerning 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 best choice for most individuals yearly, however I used to be significantly shocked by how effectively 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 neglect I used to be utilizing the cheaper iPhone as I fluidly flipped by way of webpages and photographs. All of Apple’s superior new digital camera methods are current and accounted for, that means you do not have to splurge to take benefit of the brand new Center Stage digital camera for simpler group selfies and the handy Dual Capture trick that is nice for vlogging. Factor in nice general efficiency, lengthy battery life and some excellent cameras, and you’ve got received an entry degree iPhone that does not really feel like a downgrade to this Pro snob. — Mike Andronico, senior tech author
The Google Pixel is the one cellphone I’d ever even think about ditching my trusty iPhone for, and the Google Pixel 10 makes switching groups extra tempting than ever. That’s thanks largely to the cellphone’s new PixelSnap function that allows magnetic accent assist, 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 cellphone, with the cleanest model of Android, nice battery life, good cameras and some beautiful coloration 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 cellphone 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 a daily cellphone when folded up. That means, you do not really feel like you’re beta-testing a product that has too many compromises — the large flaw of its predecessors. Instead, this cellphone 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 cellphone of the yr 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 most recent Light Phone. It makes far fewer compromises than different “dumb phones” in the marketplace, 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 digital camera will be for on a regular basis pictures and how well-built the machine is. — Rikka Altland, senior offers editor
Dear reader, it is best 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 yr. By taking that mannequin’s natural-feeling writing expertise and beautiful design and combining it with a coloration 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 all places I’m going. I’ve felt nearly bare with out it on days after I did not have it handy. Fortunately, ReMarkable’s app allows you to sync your digital notebooks within the cloud, so I can all the time evaluate my notes, irrespective of if I’m on my cellphone or laptop computer. – Henry T. Casey, electronics author
PopSockets continues to be the model that retains me from dropping my cellphone, 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 assist we’ve seen that enables 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 cellphone stand irrespective of the place you’re. Previous PopSockets enabled a panorama mode when you knew the best 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 present PopSockets grips, so that you don’t must 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 yr, a humorous factor occurred within the months that adopted. A repeating must 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 increased and its charging speeds had been fairly just like the UGreen, its twin built-in USB-C cables modified our minds. This means, neither of us want to recollect to pack an additional wire, which suggests one much less factor to fret about as we prepare for work. And as of late, making my morning simpler is the quickest option to my coronary heart. – Henry T. Casey, electronics author
Every occasionally, I study a gadget or machine that I don’t precisely want however I would like 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 fashionable on the identical time, due to its Lego-esque combine of squares and semi-spheres alongside customizable lighting that you just rotate utilizing somewhat swap on the facet. With three energy adapter shops and 4 fast-charging USB-C ports, you could 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 traditional magnetic keyboard with magnetic switches for a typing expertise that feels smoother than something I’ve ever used. It’s additionally received 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 yr blocked out the world round me in addition to Sony’s XM6, and I introduced these cans in all places — from NYC’s noisy subway trains to lengthy bus rides upstate to cross-country flights. I additionally love these headphones include the very 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 incredible sound high quality satisfied me it was time to go away my AirPods Max at residence. – Henry T. Casey, electronics author
While the AirPods Pro 2 are tremendous fashionable, 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 threat altering up the Apple AirPods Pro 3 earbuds’ ideas by including a skinny layer of comfortable 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 respect how the sound profile appears somewhat extra bassy. On prime of that, they pack heart-rate monitoring and language translation methods, which make them really feel just a bit extra “Pro.” – Henry T. Casey, electronics author
I used to be by no means an enormous sleep headphones particular person, 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 comfortable design I barely observed throughout bedtime and a super-robust companion app that permits you to create the proper 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) supplied a pleasant option to break down my snoozing with out carrying a watch to mattress. If you are in search of a pair of buds to reliably get you to sleep, I can not advocate 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 yr, Bowers & Wilkins launched what is definitely the very best pair of over-ear headphones I’ve ever tried. The major 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 the very best ANC I’ve ever skilled in a pair of earbuds, with sufficient energy to scale back the chaos of a busy Manhattan avenue all the way down to near-silence in a means that is usually reserved for the best over-ear headphones. It definitely would 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 helpful anytime I’m about to courageous a protracted flight that is doubtlessly full of crying children. — 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 almost all the correct 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 possibly can take anyplace. And whereas the Switch 2 is usually extra of a great factor, with the ability to use my Joy-Con as a mouse or plug in a USB digital camera and superimpose myself into Mario Party supplied the novel moments of magic I count on from Nintendo. — Mike Andronico, senior tech editor
Yes, you learn that proper: One of my favorite merchandise of the yr 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 whilst you’re on the highway, which is such a genius and apparent inclusion I’m shocked so few corporations have accomplished it earlier than. Even higher, the facility financial institution is absolutely detachable, supplying you with a speedy 20-watt transportable charger you should utilize 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 anxious about dropping 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 must faucet by way of Windows replace on its 8-inch display, and it deprioritizes the thumbpads so you possibly can deal with the joysticks, directional pad and the A, B, X and Y buttons. On prime of that, its show is shiny and colourful, its design is ergonomic sufficient for gaming in coach on a protracted 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 count on 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 embrace absolutely remappable controls in addition to new rear buttons for extra flexibility. The Backbone Pro, paired with my iPhone 16 Pro, grew to become my go-to gaming handheld at occasions, 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 residence audio
I by no means actually had a lot affinity for artwork TVs, however Samsung’s The Frame Pro gained factors with me for fulfilling the promise that all the time felt half-done in different fashions. That’s attributable to two main adjustments. First, the Wireless One Connect field means you solely must plug a single energy wire into the TV, and then the remaining of your gadgets stream seamlessly from as much as 33 ft away. This means it’s far simpler to make your TV appear to be it’s hung up in a museum, particularly when you cover that sole cable behind the TV. Second, Samsung upgraded the show with a NEO QLED panel for extra dimming zones and an general image high quality that made some of my favorite motion pictures and reveals of the previous couple of 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 correct steps ahead. – Henry T. Casey, electronics author
This yr I lastly embraced having Alexa in my residence, and the brand new Echo Studio has been the centerpiece of my setup. It’s only a great-sounding speaker, one which fills my whole front room 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 discuss to prime specialists when relevant to make sure we’re testing every product precisely, recommending solely the very 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 almost three mixed a long time and collectively examined effectively over 100 gadgets this yr, starting from the newest iPhones to premium TVs they spent months dwelling with. Their picks above aren’t simply merchandise that reviewed effectively; many of them are additionally objects that they nonetheless use each single day.
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