2025’s Top Expert-Tested Products: Phones, TVs, AI & More

Our annual review of the year’s top-performing technology is here, showcasing the devices and software that truly excelled in rigorous, real-world testing. Our team has spent the last twelve months putting hundreds of products through their paces, from benchmarking performance to assessing daily usability. We’ve tested everything from massive televisions to discreet smart rings, separating genuine innovation from mere marketing hype. The following selections represent the very best across major categories, each chosen for its ability to solve real problems and deliver an exceptional user experience.

In the smartphone arena, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 stands out for redefining the foldable experience with an incredibly thin design and a professional-grade 200MP camera. Apple’s iPhone 17 brought premium features like a 120Hz ProMotion display and a telephoto lens to its base model, making it a remarkably compelling option. For photography enthusiasts, the Oppo Find X9 Pro set a new standard with its lossless 10x optical zoom, powered by an advanced 200MP telephoto sensor.

Laptops this year catered to specialized needs. The Lenovo ThinkPad X9 Aura Edition became the enterprise favorite with unique productivity and security features. Gamers and power users found a true desktop alternative in the Alienware 18 Area 51, while the MacBook Air M4 continued to dominate in efficiency, now adding capable gaming performance to its legendary battery life.

Generative AI tools became deeply integrated into professional workflows. Codex established itself as the premier assistant for developers, offering highly accurate code generation and debugging. OpenAI’s Sora 2 revolutionized AI video creation by producing photorealistic clips suitable for professional projects. Apple expanded its ecosystem with real-time, offline translation features built directly into devices like the AirPods Pro 3.

For home theater, processing power and brightness were key. The Sony Bravia 8 II achieved record scores for image processing and color accuracy, masterfully upscaling any content. The Samsung QN90F proved to be the ideal choice for bright rooms with its exceptionally high Mini-LED brightness. Offering tremendous value, the TCL QM8K delivered flagship-level peak brightness and contrast at a much more accessible price.

Audio devices saw major leaps in functionality. The AirPods Pro 3 integrated health monitoring and translation features directly into the earbuds. The Sony WH-1000XM6 reclaimed its crown for pure noise cancellation with a vastly improved microphone array. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 remained the comfort leader, introducing an innovative spatial audio mode for stereo content.

Wearables evolved into sophisticated health guardians. The Google Pixel Watch 4 impressed with its high-visibility display and advanced “Loss of Pulse” detection. The Apple Watch Series 11 introduced a groundbreaking method for monitoring blood pressure trends without a cuff. For a minimalist approach, the Oura Ring 4 Ceramic provided clinical-grade sleep tracking in a durable, discreet design.

Smart glasses matured into distinct categories. The Meta Oakley HSTN served athletes with a voice-activated coaching system. The Meta Ray-Bans 2 became the go-to for social capture with superior camera capabilities. For productivity, the Rokid Glasses offered a high-resolution AR display that creates a virtual multi-monitor workspace.

Tablet innovation centered on display technology. The TCL Nxtpaper 11 Plus featured a unique matte, eye-care screen perfect for reading. The Remarkable Paper Pro brought high-responsiveness color e-ink to digital note-taking. Apple’s iPad Pro (2025) combined the power of the M5 chip with an ultra-thin OLED chassis for unmatched portable performance.

Essential mobile accessories solved specific frustrations. The AAWireless 2 Plus finally allowed easy switching of wireless car connections between phones. The Nomad Stratos Band offered a premium blend of titanium and comfortable rubber for smartwatches. For charging on the go, the Baseus Enercore 70W charger provided high power with a convenient built-in cable.

PC peripherals focused on visual fidelity and ergonomics. The Dell Alienware 34-inch QD-OLED monitor delivered infinite contrast for both work and play. The SanDisk 256GB ExtremeFit provided lightning-fast storage in a tiny, durable package. The Logitech MX Master 4 refined the perfect productivity mouse with quieter clicks and precise scrolling.

Robot vacuums became more capable and autonomous. The Roborock Saros 10R could physically lift itself to overcome household obstacles. The Ecovas Deebot X11 offered a completely hands-free experience with a self-cleaning base station. For value, the Eufy E25 delivered powerful carpet cleaning without a premium price tag.

The best smart home gadgets operated invisibly or enhanced safety. The Level Lock Pro hid its smart technology inside a traditional deadbolt. The Ting Smart Sensor monitored a home’s electrical wiring to help prevent fires. For security, the Aqara Camera Hub G5 Pro offered clear night vision and local video processing for greater privacy.

Finally, security software adapted to modern threats. NordVPN maintained its lead with a perfect balance of high speed and robust security. Incogni provided a unique service by automatically scrubbing personal data from data broker sites. Bitdefender was recognized for its comprehensive protection that runs quietly in the background without slowing down your computer.

(Source: ZDNET)