Best Products of 2025: Top Picks for Phones, TVs & AI

ZDNET’s annual Best of 2025 awards highlight the year’s most impressive technology, from groundbreaking smartphones to intelligent home devices. Our team has rigorously tested hundreds of products, evaluating them in real-world scenarios to identify the truly innovative devices that solve real problems and deliver exceptional performance. This list represents the gadgets our experts confidently recommend after putting them through their paces.

In the smartphone category, several models stood out by addressing key user frustrations. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 redefines portability with an incredibly thin 4.2mm profile when open, delivering a full 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 sleeper hit by bringing premium features like the 120Hz ProMotion display and a dedicated telephoto lens to its base model, making it the most compelling standard iPhone in recent memory. The Oppo Find X9 Pro earns recognition for its optical prowess, featuring a 200MP telephoto sensor that delivers remarkable, lossless clarity even at 10x magnification, especially when paired with its optional Hasselblad lens.

For laptops, specialization was the theme. The Lenovo ThinkPad X9 Aura Edition is the top enterprise choice, featuring innovative tools like instant phone-to-PC file sharing and a privacy screen that uses eye-tracking to blur content when an unauthorized person looks at it. Gamers and power users will appreciate the Alienware 18 Area 51, a true desktop replacement with an expansive 18-inch display and advanced cooling that sustains high performance. The MacBook Air M4 continues to lead in efficiency, now adding hardware-accelerated ray tracing for improved gaming without sacrificing its legendary battery life.

Generative AI has become a professional staple, with tools integrating deeply into workflows. Codex stands out for developers, providing advanced code generation and debugging with impressive accuracy. OpenAI’s Sora 2 has refined AI video creation, allowing for the production of photorealistic clips suitable for professional projects. Apple expanded its ecosystem with real-time, offline translation now integrated into products like the AirPods Pro 3, enabling seamless cross-language conversations without third-party apps.

Television advancements this year centered on processing power, brightness, and smart features. The Sony Bravia 8 II set records in our labs for image processing and color accuracy, using its powerful XR chip to upscale streaming content with stunning clarity. The Samsung QN90F leverages Mini-LED technology to achieve exceptional brightness, making it the ideal choice for rooms with lots of ambient light. For outstanding value, the TCL QM8K delivers a stunning 5,000 nits of peak brightness and robust local dimming at a price that undercuts the competition.

Headphones and audio gear saw major leaps in noise cancellation and smart integration. The AirPods Pro 3 are notable for integrating health sensors capable of monitoring heart rate, alongside their real-time translation features. The Sony WH-1000XM6 leads the over-ear category in pure noise isolation, using a new 12-microphone array to filter an even wider range of frequencies. For all-day comfort, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 remains the benchmark, introducing an “Immersion Mode” that spatializes stereo audio for a more natural soundstage.

Wearables have matured into sophisticated health monitors. The Google Pixel Watch 4 is recognized for its innovative “Loss of Pulse” detection system and a brilliantly bright 3,000-nit display visible in direct sunlight. The Apple Watch Series 11 introduces non-invasive hypertension monitoring, allowing users to track blood pressure trends without a cuff. For a discreet option, the Oura Ring 4 Ceramic offers clinical-grade sleep tracking in a durable, scratch-resistant ceramic design that fits more finger sizes.

Smart glasses have evolved for specific tasks. The Meta Oakley HSTN is built for athletes, featuring a sweat-resistant design and a voice-activated coaching system instead of a display. The Meta Ray-Bans 2 significantly improve upon the original with 3K video recording and better low-light performance for social content capture, plus longer battery life. For productivity, the Rokid Glasses provide a high-resolution AR display that can mimic a multi-monitor computer setup or a private theater screen.

Tablet innovation focused on display technology. The TCL Nxtpaper 11 Plus features a unique matte screen that eliminates glare and reduces blue light, 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 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 for maximum portability.

Mobile accessories solved specific user frustrations. The AAWireless 2 Plus is a vital car upgrade, featuring a physical toggle to instantly switch a wireless Android Auto or CarPlay connection between phones. The Nomad Stratos Band combines a durable titanium exterior with a soft rubber interior for a premium, comfortable watch band. For charging, the Baseus Enercore 70W charger stands out with its integrated, retractable USB-C cable, offering a clean and powerful solution for laptops and phones.

In PC accessories, displays and ergonomics led the way. The Dell Alienware 34-inch QD-OLED monitor is our top pick for visual fidelity, with infinite contrast and near-instant response times for both creative work and gaming. The SanDisk 256GB ExtremeFit remains an essential tool, offering SSD-level speeds in a tiny, rugged USB drive. For input, the Logitech MX Master 4 refines the productivity mouse with a quieter click mechanism and a precise electromagnetic scroll wheel.

Robot vacuums have become more capable and autonomous. The Roborock Saros 10R features an active chassis that can lift itself to climb over high thresholds and thick rugs. The Ecovas Deebot X11 offers a fully automated experience with a base station that empties dust, washes the mop with hot water, and detangles the brush roll. For outstanding 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 focused on seamless integration and safety. The Level Lock Pro hides its Matter-over-Thread smart technology inside a standard-looking deadbolt, preserving a clean door aesthetic. The safety-focused Ting Smart Sensor monitors a home’s electrical system from a single outlet to detect dangerous micro-arcs that could cause fires. For security, the Aqara Camera Hub G5 Pro is a portable camera that prioritizes privacy with local video processing and clear “True Color Night Vision” for low-light identification.

Security software has adapted to modern threats. NordVPN remains the top choice for speed and security, using its NordLynx protocol to maintain fast connections for streaming and browsing. Incogni provides a unique service by automatically submitting data removal requests to broker sites, helping to reduce your digital footprint. Bitdefender is recognized for its light system impact, delivering strong malware and phishing protection without slowing down your computer.

(Source: ZDNET)