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

Finding the best tech products of 2025 can feel overwhelming with so many options available. Our team has spent the entire year rigorously testing the latest smartphones, laptops, TVs, and other gadgets in real-world conditions. We’ve dropped them, submerged them, and used them daily to identify which devices truly deliver on their promises. The following selections represent the absolute best performers across numerous categories, each chosen for its standout innovation, reliability, and overall value.

In the smartphone arena, several models made significant strides. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 stands out with its incredibly thin 4.2mm profile when unfolded, finally delivering a true tablet experience without the usual bulk. Its upgraded 200MP main camera also brings flagship-level photography to the foldable market. Apple’s iPhone 17 emerged as a surprise favorite by incorporating pro-level features like a 120Hz ProMotion display and a dedicated telephoto lens into its base model, making it the most appealing standard iPhone in years. For photography enthusiasts, the Oppo Find X9 Pro sets a new standard with its 200MP telephoto sensor, which our testers found provides lossless clarity even at 10x magnification, especially when paired with its optional Hasselblad lens.

Laptops this year focused heavily on specialized performance. Business users will appreciate the Lenovo ThinkPad X9 Aura Edition, which includes enterprise-friendly tools like instant phone-to-PC file sharing and a privacy screen that activates when it detects someone else looking. Gamers and power users should look at the Alienware 18 Area 51, a true desktop replacement with a massive 18-inch display and advanced cooling that prevents performance throttling during intense sessions. For those prioritizing efficiency, the MacBook Air M4 continues to lead, now featuring hardware-accelerated ray tracing that enables solid gaming performance without sacrificing its legendary battery life.

Generative AI tools have become integral to professional workflows. Codex is the premier choice for developers, offering highly accurate code generation and debugging assistance. For video creators, OpenAI’s Sora 2 refines AI video generation to a point where it can produce photorealistic B-roll clips suitable for professional projects. Apple has also expanded its Live Translation feature to new products like the AirPods Pro 3, enabling real-time, offline translation directly within the operating system for seamless cross-language communication.

Television advancements in 2025 centered on processing power, peak brightness, and smart integration. The Sony Bravia 8 II set records in our lab for image processing and color accuracy, using its powerful XR chip to upscale low-quality streaming content with remarkable clarity. If you have a bright room, the Samsung QN90F is an excellent choice, utilizing Mini-LED technology to achieve high brightness levels that compete with more expensive OLEDs. For outstanding value, the TCL QM8K delivers an impressive 5,000 nits of peak brightness and robust local dimming at a price that undercuts the competition.

Headphone and audio technology saw major improvements in noise cancellation and added utility. The AirPods Pro 3 are notable for integrating health sensors capable of monitoring heart rate, alongside real-time in-ear translation. In the over-ear category, the Sony WH-1000XM6 leads with pure noise isolation, using a new 12-microphone array and updated processor to filter out a wider range of ambient sounds. For long-term comfort, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 remains the benchmark, now featuring an “Immersion Mode” that spatializes stereo content for a more natural listening experience.

Wearables have evolved into comprehensive health monitors. The Google Pixel Watch 4 (with Fitbit integration) is recognized for its “Loss of Pulse” detection and a high-luminance 3,000-nit display that stays visible even in direct sunlight. The Apple Watch Series 11 introduces non-invasive hypertension notifications, allowing users to track blood pressure trends without a cuff. For a more discreet option, the Oura Ring 4 Ceramic offers clinical-grade sleep tracking in a scratch-resistant, size-inclusive ceramic housing.

Smart glasses have branched into distinct categories. The Meta Oakley HSTN is built for athletes, featuring a voice-activated coaching system and a sweat-resistant design without a display. The Meta Ray-Bans 2 significantly improve camera capabilities, offering 3K video recording and better low-light performance for social content creators, plus longer battery life. For productivity and media, the Rokid Glasses provide a high-resolution AR display that simulates a multi-monitor setup or a large theater screen in a lightweight frame.

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, making it perfect for long reading sessions. The Remarkable Paper Pro bridges the gap between e-readers and tablets by introducing a highly responsive color e-ink display, ideal for document annotation. The iPad Pro (2025) earns recognition for its performance boost from the new M5 chip and its ultra-thin OLED chassis, making it the most portable high-performance tablet available.

Mobile accessories that solve specific user problems stood out. The AAWireless 2 Plus is a crucial upgrade for car infotainment, featuring a physical toggle to instantly switch wireless Android Auto or CarPlay connections between multiple phones. The Nomad Stratos Band combines a durable titanium exterior with a soft FKM rubber interior for a premium yet comfortable wearable experience. For charging, the Baseus Enercore 70W charger is notable for its integrated retractable USB-C cable, offering a streamlined power solution for laptops and phones.

In the PC accessories category, display tech and ergonomics were key. The Dell Alienware 34-inch QD-OLED monitor is our top pick for visual fidelity, offering infinite contrast ratios and near-instant response times for both creative work and gaming. The SanDisk 256GB ExtremeFit remains an essential tool, providing SSD-level transfer speeds in a rugged, compact design. For input devices, the Logitech MX Master 4 refines the productivity mouse with a quieter click mechanism and a precise electromagnetic scroll wheel.

Robot vacuums have greatly improved their navigation and self-maintenance. The Roborock Saros 10R features an active chassis that lifts the 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 dust, washes and mops with hot water, and detangles the brush roll automatically. For the best value, the Eufy E25 uses twin-turbine suction to clean carpets effectively without the high cost of advanced navigation systems.

Smart home gadgets this year emphasized discreet integration and safety. The Level Lock Pro hides its Matter-over-Thread technology within a standard deadbolt, preserving your door’s aesthetic while adding smart functionality. The Ting Smart Sensor is a unique safety device that monitors your home’s electrical grid from a single outlet to detect potential fire hazards like micro-arcs. The Aqara Camera Hub G5 Pro is a portable security camera that prioritizes privacy with local video processing and “True Color Night Vision” for clear identification in the dark.

For security software, privacy tools have adapted to new threats. NordVPN remains the top choice for speed and security, using its NordLynx protocol to maintain high performance for streaming and browsing. Incogni offers a distinct service by automatically removing personal data from broker databases, effectively shrinking your digital footprint. Bitdefender is recognized for its minimal system impact, providing comprehensive malware and phishing protection without slowing down your computer.

(Source: ZDNET)