ZDNET’s Top-Tested Products of 2025: Phones, Laptops & TVs

For anyone seeking the most rigorously tested and genuinely impressive technology of 2025, this definitive list represents the culmination of a year’s worth of intensive, real-world evaluation. Our experts have subjected hundreds of devices to every conceivable scenario, from extreme durability tests to daily workflow integration, ensuring that every product featured here has earned its place through superior performance and meaningful innovation, not just marketing hype.

The smartphone category saw significant strides in design and camera technology. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 stands out with its remarkably slim 4.2mm profile when unfolded, delivering a true tablet experience without the usual bulk. Its upgraded 200MP main camera finally brings flagship-level photography to the foldable format. Apple’s iPhone 17 emerged as a surprise favorite by incorporating pro-level features like the 120Hz ProMotion display and a dedicated telephoto lens into its base model, making it the most compelling standard iPhone in recent memory. Later in the year, the Oppo Find X9 Pro set a new standard for mobile telephotography with its 200MP telephoto sensor, which our reviewers confirmed provides lossless clarity even at 10x magnification, especially when paired with its mountable Hasselblad lens.

In the laptop arena, specialization was the dominant theme. The Lenovo ThinkPad X9 Aura Edition is the ultimate machine for enterprise users, boasting innovative tools like “Smart Share” for instant file transfers from a phone and “Shield Mode,” which uses eye-tracking to automatically blur the screen from prying eyes. For raw power, the Alienware 18 Area 51 functions as a complete desktop replacement, leveraging its large 18-inch display and advanced cooling system to maintain high frame rates without performance drops. The MacBook Air M4 continues to dominate in efficiency, now featuring hardware-accelerated ray tracing that enables serious gaming without sacrificing its legendary battery life.

Generative AI tools have become deeply integrated into professional workflows. Codex is the premier platform for developers, offering highly accurate code generation and debugging assistance. OpenAI’s Sora 2 has refined AI video generation to a point where creators can produce photorealistic B-roll clips ready for professional projects. Apple has expanded its ecosystem with real-time, offline translation features, now integrated directly into products like the AirPods Pro 3, enabling seamless cross-language conversations without needing other apps.

Television advancements this year centered on processing power, peak brightness, and intelligent features. The Sony Bravia 8 II broke records in our labs for image processing and color accuracy, using its powerful XR chip to upscale low-quality streaming content with stunning clarity. While often overshadowed by OLED models, the Samsung QN90F uses Mini-LED technology to achieve exceptional brightness, making it the best choice for brightly lit living rooms. For outstanding value, the TCL QM8K delivers a spectacular 5,000 nits of peak brightness and robust local dimming at a price that significantly undercuts the competition.

Audio devices have made leaps in both noise cancellation and integrated utility. The AirPods Pro 3 are notable for integrating health sensors capable of monitoring heart rate, alongside their real-time translation capabilities. The highly anticipated Sony WH-1000XM6 leads the over-ear category in pure noise isolation, using a new 12-microphone array and updated processor to block out a wider spectrum of ambient sound. For all-day comfort, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 remains the benchmark, now with an “Immersion Mode” that spatializes stereo content for a more natural and enveloping soundstage.

Wearables have evolved into sophisticated health monitors. The Google Pixel Watch 4 is recognized for its “Loss of Pulse” detection system and a brilliantly bright 3,000-nit display that stays readable even in direct sunlight. The Apple Watch Series 11 introduces a groundbreaking feature: non-invasive hypertension notifications, allowing users to track blood pressure trends without a cuff. For a discreet option, the Oura Ring 4 Ceramic provides clinical-grade sleep tracking within a scratch-resistant ceramic housing designed to fit a wider range of finger sizes.

Smart glasses have branched into distinct categories. The Meta Oakley HSTN is built for athletes, focusing on a voice-activated coaching system and a sweat-resistant design rather than a display. The Meta Ray-Bans 2 significantly improve upon the original’s camera, offering 3K video recording and better performance in low light for social content creation, all with extended battery life. For productivity, the Rokid Glasses offer a high-resolution AR display that can mimic a multi-monitor computer setup or a private theater screen.

Tablet innovation this year was defined by display technology. The TCL Nxtpaper 11 Plus features a unique matte display that eliminates glare and reduces blue light emission, making it perfect for long reading sessions. The Remarkable Paper Pro successfully bridges the gap between e-readers and tablets by introducing a highly responsive color e-ink display, ideal for annotating documents. The iPad Pro (2025) earns recognition for its performance boost from the new M5 chip, all housed in an ultra-thin OLED chassis that makes it the most portable high-performance tablet on the market.

Mobile accessories that solve specific problems were highly valued. The AAWireless 2 Plus is a crucial upgrade for any car, featuring a physical toggle that lets users instantly switch the wireless Android Auto or CarPlay connection between multiple phones. The Nomad Stratos Band combines a durable titanium exterior with a soft FKM rubber interior for a perfect blend of premium aesthetics and all-day comfort. For power on the go, the Baseus Enercore 70W charger stands out with its integrated, retractable USB-C cable, providing a streamlined charging solution for both laptops and phones.

In the PC accessories space, display quality and ergonomics were paramount. The Dell Alienware 34-inch QD-OLED monitor is our top choice for visual fidelity, offering infinite contrast ratios and near-instant response times that benefit both creative professionals and gamers. The SanDisk 256GB ExtremeFit remains an essential tool, providing SSD-level transfer speeds in a tiny, rugged package. For input, the Logitech MX Master 4 refines the classic productivity mouse with an improved “Quiet Click” mechanism and a precise electromagnetic scroll wheel.

Robot vacuums have become remarkably adept at navigation and self-maintenance. The Roborock Saros 10R features an active chassis that can lift the entire unit to climb over high thresholds and thick rugs. The Ecovas Deebot X11 offers a fully automated cleaning experience with a base station that empties the dustbin, washes and mops with hot water, and even detangles the brush roll automatically. For the best value, the Eufy E25 uses powerful twin-turbine suction to clean carpets effectively without the high cost of advanced navigation systems.

The best smart home gadgets of the year focused on seamless integration and safety. The Level Lock Pro hides its advanced Matter-over-Thread technology entirely within a standard deadbolt, preserving a clean door aesthetic. The Ting Smart Sensor is a unique safety device that monitors a home’s electrical grid from a single outlet to detect dangerous micro-arcs that could lead to fires. The Aqara Camera Hub G5 Pro is a versatile, portable security camera that prioritizes user privacy by processing video locally and featuring “True Color Night Vision” for clear identification in the dark.

Security software has adapted to confront evolving digital threats. NordVPN remains the top choice for its combination of speed and security, utilizing the proprietary NordLynx protocol to ensure fast streaming and browsing. Incogni provides a distinct service by automatically submitting data removal requests to broker databases, effectively shrinking your digital footprint. Bitdefender is recognized for its minimal system impact, delivering comprehensive protection against malware and phishing attacks without slowing down your computer.

(Source: ZDNET)