Gizmodo’s Best Tech of 2025 Awards: Every Winner, What It Does Best, and the Caveats

Gizmodo’s Best Tech of 2025 Awards names 50 winners across nine sections, including phones, tablets, computers, gaming hardware, audio, cameras, wearables, smart-home devices, AR/XR products, and accessories. The awards are Gizmodo’s editorial selections—not a laboratory ranking or a guarantee that every winner is the best purchase for every buyer.

The roundup was announced on October 28, 2025, and the current page shows an update from December 19, 2025, at 8:22 a.m. ET. Gizmodo says its consumer-tech team reviewed or extensively tested the winning products, although the page does not publish a scoring system, standardized test results, full shortlist, or uniform testing period. Treat this as a map of Gizmodo’s favorite technology from 2025 and a starting point for research, not automatically as a current best-buy list in 2026.

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Below is the complete winner list, followed by the reasoning, audience fit, configuration details, and limitations that matter before buying.

At a glance: all 50 Gizmodo Best Tech of 2025 winners

The live Gizmodo article contains 50 named award entries. A companion press release describes the program as covering more than 50 categories, so the most precise description is 50 named awards on the current article page, promoted as a program covering more than 50 categories.

#1 Best Overall

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What these awards actually mean

Gizmodo presents the roundup as a selection by its consumer-tech team. It says the team reviewed or extensively tested each winning product and considered products released or evaluated during the 2025 calendar year. Some awards were added or finalized after the first October publication because products launched later.

That is an editorial methodology, not a reproducible benchmark. Gizmodo does not provide a numerical rubric, category-by-category test duration, standardized battery or camera measurements, complete shortlist, runner-up list, or number of judges. A winner may therefore represent the product the team found most compelling, useful, innovative, or enjoyable in that category—not an objectively dominant product in every measurement.

Gizmodo also says the products were selected independently while noting that it may earn affiliate commissions from purchase links. That disclosure does not invalidate the awards, but it is part of the commercial context readers should understand.

These are also not the Readers’ Choice Awards. The separate public awards were based on more than 1,100 votes across 18 categories and were published on December 22, 2025. Editorial winners and reader-voted winners answer different questions.

Phones and tablets

Best Android Phone: Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra

Gizmodo’s Android flagship winner is the Galaxy S25 Ultra, a feature-maximal phone built around a large display, stylus support, broad camera hardware, and long software support. It is the logical pick for someone who wants one device to do nearly everything and values the S Pen.

The important qualification is that the award does not mean Samsung radically reinvented the phone. In its review, Gizmodo described a powerful device while criticizing limited camera and design advancement, the loss of Bluetooth functionality in the S Pen, and the lack of built-in magnetic accessory support. Choose it for breadth and productivity; consider a smaller flagship if weight, pocketability, or a more natural camera look matters more.

Best Budget Phone: Google Pixel 9a

The Pixel 9a is Gizmodo’s value recommendation because it combines a strong camera, OLED display, responsive performance, battery life, and Google’s software experience without moving into flagship pricing. Google’s U.S. specifications list the Tensor G4 chip, 8GB of RAM, 128GB or 256GB of storage, a typical 5,100mAh battery, and seven years of OS, security, and Pixel Drop updates. Those specifications are configuration and region dependent, so check the local listing before buying.

It is best for a buyer who wants dependable everyday photography and long support. It is a less obvious choice for demanding gaming, optical-zoom photography, very fast charging, or premium materials. The award is a value judgment, not a claim that the Pixel 9a beats every expensive phone.

Best iPhone: iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max

Gizmodo gave this award to the Pro family rather than to every 2025 iPhone. Apple lists the phones with the A19 Pro chip, ProMotion displays up to 120Hz, 48-megapixel main, ultrawide, and telephoto camera hardware, and IP68 resistance in its specifications.

The Pro Max is the larger option, while the Pro is the more manageable premium model. Either makes the most sense for an iPhone owner who values the highest-end camera and display package. If those advantages are not important, compare the less expensive iPhone 17 rather than treating this award as a blanket recommendation for the entire lineup.

Best Flip Phone: Motorola Razr Ultra

Gizmodo favored the Motorola Razr Ultra among flip foldables for the balance of outer and inner-screen usability, performance, battery, and camera capability. The award means best overall package in the flip-phone category, not best durability, longest software support, or best camera under every condition.

A flip foldable is a lifestyle choice as much as a specification choice. It can become more compact when closed, but buyers should account for hinge and display durability, repair costs, insurance, crease visibility, and long-term support. Choose the Razr Ultra if the folding form is central to the experience; choose a conventional slab phone if reliability and lower repair risk are higher priorities.

Best Foldable Phone: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7

The Galaxy Z Fold 7 was recognized for making the book-style foldable thinner, lighter, and more conventional to use when closed. Samsung’s U.S. specifications list an 8-inch inner display, a 6.5-inch cover display, a 215-gram weight, a 4.2mm unfolded thickness at its thinnest point, and a 4,400mAh battery.

Those dimensions explain both the appeal and the compromises. The Fold 7 is attractive to multitaskers who want a phone that opens into a tablet-like workspace, but it remains expensive and introduces a crease, unusual aspect ratios, battery compromises, app-layout limitations, and potentially high repair costs. It is not a universal replacement for a phone plus tablet.

Best iPad: iPad Pro with M5

Gizmodo selected the M5 iPad Pro for its tandem OLED display and laptop-class performance. Apple lists 11-inch and 13-inch models, storage from 256GB to 2TB, and U.S. launch prices of $999 and $1,299 for Wi-Fi models. Those are launch prices, not current August 2026 street prices.

The M5 is a strong fit for demanding creative work, drawing, media consumption, and buyers who specifically want iPadOS. It should not be treated as a MacBook replacement simply because the chip is powerful. iPadOS, file-management needs, software availability, and the additional cost of an Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard can change the value calculation. A MacBook or less expensive iPad may be the better tool for a laptop-first workflow.

Best Android Tablet: OnePlus Pad 3

The OnePlus Pad 3 is the value-oriented Android tablet winner. Gizmodo emphasized its large battery, eight speakers, Dolby Atmos, and useful multitasking at a lower price than an iPad Pro. It makes sense for entertainment, browsing, gaming, and general tablet use when a buyer does not want to pay for Apple’s premium hardware.

The central trade-off is the Android tablet ecosystem. Hardware value does not guarantee that every app is optimized for a large screen or that long-term update support matches a preferred rival. Check the exact regional software-support policy and the apps you use most.

Best Compact E-Reader: reMarkable Paper Pro Move

The reMarkable Paper Pro Move is better understood as a compact color E Ink notebook than as a conventional e-reader. Gizmodo’s hands-on describes a 7.3-inch color E Ink screen, 230-gram weight, 6.5mm thickness, and a $449 launch price.

It is a compelling fit for handwritten notes, sketches, and distraction-free digital paper. It is not the natural choice for someone primarily seeking a large bookstore catalog, adjustable reading features, or a Kindle-centered library. The $449 figure is a launch price and should not be reused as a current price without checking.

Best Large E-Reader: Kindle Scribe Colorsoft

Gizmodo’s large e-reader winner combines an 11-inch color E Ink display with pen input and the Kindle ecosystem. It is aimed at readers who want books, notes, and a large digital-paper workspace in one device.

This is a different proposition from the reMarkable Paper Pro Move. Pick the Kindle Scribe Colorsoft when Kindle access and reading are central; choose the reMarkable when writing and minimalism matter more. A large e-reader is not automatically a better reading experience if portability is the priority.

Laptops, desktops, and PC components

Best MacBook: 14-inch MacBook Pro with M5

Gizmodo chose the 14-inch MacBook Pro with M5 as its mainstream professional MacBook pick, describing the M5 as a new performance tier inside a familiar design. The award needs a configuration warning: a base M5 model is not equivalent to an M5 Pro or M5 Max system, and an M4 Pro or M4 Max MacBook can still be the more appropriate tool for some sustained workloads.

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It is best for macOS users who want a high-quality display, strong performance, and a more portable professional chassis. Compare the exact chip, memory, storage, and display configuration rather than buying from the award name alone. An Air may be a better value for ordinary productivity.

Best 14-inch Laptop: Acer Predator Triton 14 AI

The Predator Triton 14 AI combines a compact form with RTX 5070 graphics and an Intel Core Ultra 288V processor. Its unusual stylus-compatible trackpad is a differentiator, but it is not a touchscreen and should not be sold as a drawing laptop.

This is a fit for a buyer who wants gaming or graphics performance in a smaller 14-inch chassis. The compromise is that compact performance laptops still require careful checks of heat, fan noise, battery life, display configuration, and power delivery. For office-first buyers, a lighter productivity laptop may be more practical.

Best 16-inch Laptop: Asus Zenbook S16

Gizmodo named the Asus Zenbook S16 its 16-inch laptop winner, pointing toward a thin, light, OLED-equipped productivity machine with long-battery-life ambitions. ASUS’s 2025 specifications list a 16-inch 3K 120Hz OLED display, a 78Wh battery, Wi-Fi 7, and Ryzen AI configurations.

There is an evidence limitation worth recording: the award page’s Read More link opens a September 5, 2024 Gizmodo article about the Zenbook S14. That article discusses the S16 design and includes an S16 image, but it is not a model-specific 2025 S16 review. The award is therefore best presented as Gizmodo’s selection, with the model-specific specifications checked against ASUS rather than overstating the linked review evidence.

Best Chromebook: Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14

The Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14 is a premium Chromebook recommendation built around a 2K OLED display, 16GB of RAM, a smooth trackpad, and long-battery-life positioning. Its NPU is a forward-looking feature, but many ChromeOS users may not see a meaningful benefit from it immediately.

Choose it for web applications, ChromeOS simplicity, streaming, schoolwork, and cloud-based productivity. Choose Windows or macOS instead if you need specialist desktop software, local creative applications, or games that do not run well through ChromeOS compatibility layers.

Best GPU: AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT

Gizmodo’s GPU award was a value-oriented recommendation for 1440p and 4K gaming. Its review anchored the case to approximately $600, not to an unlimited price. The recommendation therefore depends on street price, stock, driver maturity, game selection, ray tracing performance, and the quality settings and upscaling features used.

Gizmodo reported early driver problems including visual bugs, hitching, and crashes. Those issues should remain attached to the recommendation rather than being omitted from a retrospective. The RX 9070 XT can be an attractive gaming value when priced appropriately, but a different GPU may be preferable for buyers who prioritize ray tracing, specific creator applications, or mature launch support.

Best CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D

Gizmodo selected the Ryzen 7 9800X3D for gaming, reflecting AMD’s 3D V-Cache approach. The award is best read as a gaming-focused category win, not a claim that it is the fastest or most efficient processor for every productivity workload.

The supporting Gizmodo evidence comes from a Maingear Rush desktop review using the processor rather than a dedicated chip-versus-chip test. That makes attribution especially important: this is Gizmodo’s editorial choice, not a complete independently reproducible benchmark conclusion. Buyers should compare total platform cost, cooling, motherboard support, and whether their games are CPU-limited.

Best Desktop: Framework Desktop

The Framework Desktop is a compact, customizable system built around AMD Ryzen AI Max hardware with swappable USB-C I/O modules. Its repair-friendly and configurable design is particularly appealing to enthusiasts who dislike disposable PCs.

It is semi-modular, not fully upgradeable. Gizmodo specifically notes that the RAM is soldered because of the system’s memory architecture. The modularity mainly concerns the case and I/O rather than every major internal component. If conventional component replacement and future GPU upgrades are your priority, compare a standard desktop instead.

Gaming winners

Best Console: Nintendo Switch 2

The Nintendo Switch 2 retains the hybrid handheld-and-docked concept while adding performance, a larger display, and mouse controls. Gizmodo called it the best console of the year in its awards roundup, and its review described it as the ultimate handheld for its intended audience.

The practical decision still depends on the library. Check which first-party games, backward-compatible titles, online features, and third-party releases matter to you. A Switch 2 is not a substitute for PlayStation exclusives, Xbox services, or PC modding simply because it won this category.

Best Handheld PC: Asus ROG Xbox Ally X

The ROG Xbox Ally X is a Windows handheld with Microsoft’s full-screen Xbox-oriented experience. It is not a traditional Xbox console. Gizmodo’s review describes a device costing roughly $1,000 with strong low-wattage performance and access to multiple PC launchers, but also Windows bugs, missing settings, and standby drain.

That makes it attractive to players who want PC game stores and flexibility in a handheld. It is less suitable for someone expecting the instant simplicity, fixed hardware, and low-maintenance software experience of a closed console. Compare it with Steam Deck-class handheld PCs and account for launcher friction, Windows updates, controls, battery behavior, and the actual games you own.

Best Gaming Laptop: Lenovo Legion Pro 7i

Gizmodo’s Legion Pro 7i pick is about putting extremely high gaming performance into a 16-inch chassis that approaches the performance class of larger 18-inch machines. It is a desktop replacement, not a travel-friendly notebook.

The review’s caveats are substantial: the laptop is bulky, the 400W power brick is extremely heavy, battery life is poor, and the reflective OLED display can be a drawback. Buy it for plug-in performance and a premium gaming screen; avoid it if you expect to carry the computer and charger daily. A desktop plus a lighter laptop may be a better two-device solution.

Best Gaming Controller: 8BitDo Pro 3

The 8BitDo Pro 3 won for cross-platform flexibility and customization, especially for Switch 2 and PC players who value remapping, replaceable layouts, and extra controls. Before purchase, verify the exact mode—Switch 2, PC, Bluetooth, wired, or another connection—and whether the buyer needs platform-specific features such as motion controls or headset support.

It is a strong enthusiast controller choice, but a first-party controller may be preferable when console integration, guaranteed wake functions, or a particular wireless feature matters more than customization.

Best Tech Toy: Lego Game Boy

The Lego Game Boy is a nostalgic construction set and display piece rather than functional gaming hardware. Gizmodo highlights its near 1:1 scale, pressable buttons, cartridge inserts, and lenticular screens.

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Audio winners

Best Wireless Earbuds: AirPods Pro 3

Gizmodo selected the AirPods Pro 3 for improved active noise cancellation, fit, battery life, heart-rate sensing, and live translation. They are the most natural match for Apple users already invested in the iPhone ecosystem.

Feature availability is conditional. Live translation and other smart features can depend on Apple hardware, operating-system version, language, account, and region. Android users may still get basic audio functionality, but should not assume the complete Apple experience.

Best Budget Wireless Earbuds: CMF Buds 2 Plus

The CMF Buds 2 Plus are a balance-at-the-price recommendation. Gizmodo’s framing is useful because it does not imply that they beat premium earbuds in absolute sound quality or ANC. They make sense for a buyer who wants capable everyday wireless earbuds without paying for the top tier.

Compare fit, microphone quality, app support, codec compatibility, water resistance, and replacement policy. Budget earbuds are often a better deal when the buyer’s priorities are simple listening and calls rather than advanced ecosystem features.

Best Wireless Headphones: Sony WH-1000XM6

The Sony WH-1000XM6 was chosen for a combination of sound, noise cancellation, comfort, and battery life. It is a premium over-ear option for commuters, travelers, and listeners who want strong isolation.

The award should not be interpreted as universal superiority over Bose or Apple. Sound signature, microphone quality, multipoint behavior, head shape, glasses compatibility, and comfort over long sessions vary considerably. Try to evaluate the fit and return policy, not just the ANC specification.

Best Gaming Headset: Sony Inzone H9 II

Gizmodo selected the Inzone H9 II for audio quality, comfort, and microphone performance on PC and PlayStation 5. It is a targeted recommendation for those platforms rather than an automatic choice for Xbox, Switch 2, or mobile gaming.

Check wireless connection options, microphone monitoring, software requirements, console-specific features, latency, and whether simultaneous Bluetooth is important. A headset that sounds excellent for music is not necessarily the best for positional audio or team chat.

Best Portable Speaker: Bose SoundLink Plus

The Bose SoundLink Plus won for strong bass, loudness, and design in a portable form. The high price is part of the trade-off: the award favors the overall experience, not the lowest cost per decibel.

Consider where it will be used, how much weight matters, whether stereo pairing is needed, and how much water and dust protection the buyer requires. Smaller or less expensive speakers may be the better choice for casual outdoor use.

Best Smart Speaker: Amazon Echo Studio (2025)

The redesigned Echo Studio was recognized for room-filling audio and multi-speaker home-theater capability. It can be a compelling centerpiece for an Alexa-based home.

Separate the hardware decision from the assistant decision. Gizmodo described Alexa+ as a work in progress, so excellent speaker output does not guarantee that every AI or voice-assistant feature will be equally mature. Review privacy settings, account requirements, compatible services, and whether the household already uses Alexa.

Camera winners by workflow

Best Point-and-Shoot Camera: Canon PowerShot V1

The Canon PowerShot V1 is a vlogging-focused compact with a 22-megapixel sensor, 16–50mm lens, autofocus, and flip-out display according to Gizmodo’s award description. Its appeal is creator convenience: a compact body with the controls and framing tools needed for video.

It is not a universal replacement for an interchangeable-lens camera. Buyers should choose it for quick vlogging and portability, not simply because its sensor resolution resembles that of a larger system.

Best Instant Camera: Fujifilm Instax Mini LiPlay+

The Instax Mini LiPlay+ combines a digital camera and instant printer, and can print photos from a phone or SD card. It is best for users who want physical prints while retaining digital workflow flexibility.

That hybrid design is different from an all-analog instant camera. Compare print format, portability, print cost, built-in sensor quality, and whether the buyer values the unpredictability and simplicity of traditional instant photography.

Best Action Camera: Insta360 Go Ultra

The tiny Insta360 Go Ultra was selected for portability and mounting flexibility, with up to 4K/60fps video in Gizmodo’s description. Its small magnetic form can make unusual camera angles and hands-free recording easier.

Small action cameras still have limits. Check stabilization behavior, heat, battery life, accessory availability, waterproofing, storage, and recording modes before using the award as a purchase decision. Tiny size is the feature; it is not proof of interchangeable-camera image quality.

Best Mirrorless Camera: Fujifilm X-E5

The Fujifilm X-E5 won the mirrorless category for its smaller retro body, physical controls, film simulations, and interchangeable-lens flexibility. Do not confuse it with the fixed-lens Fujifilm X100VI: the X-E5 is the more adaptable system if the buyer expects to change lenses.

That flexibility brings additional cost and bulk. Budget for lenses, batteries, memory cards, and the intended focal lengths rather than comparing the camera body alone.

Wearables: choose the data model, not just the device

Best Apple Watch: Apple Watch SE 3

The Apple Watch SE 3 is Gizmodo’s value-oriented Apple Watch winner. Gizmodo highlights the S10 chip, gesture controls, tougher glass, and optional cellular connectivity.

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The SE 3 does not automatically offer every premium health sensor, display material, battery characteristic, or feature found in the Series and Ultra lines. It is best for an iPhone owner who wants notifications, activity tracking, and Apple Watch integration at a lower entry price. It is not an Android-compatible smartwatch.

Best Android Smartwatch: Google Pixel Watch 4

Gizmodo named the Pixel Watch 4 its Android smartwatch winner, emphasizing a brighter domed screen, longer battery life, health tracking, Gemini interaction, and Wear OS 6.

The platform qualification is decisive: this is for Android users, not iPhone owners shopping for a cross-platform Apple Watch alternative. Check phone compatibility, health-feature availability, band sizes, cellular support, and software requirements before buying.

Best Smart Ring: Oura Ring 4 Ceramic

The Oura Ring 4 Ceramic is a screenless health and sleep tracker with a ceramic exterior. It is designed for people who want physiological trends without wearing a watch or looking at a display.

Subscription pricing, supported features, sizing, battery expectations, and data export should be part of the purchase decision. Sleep, heart-rate variability, temperature, readiness, and related scores are wellness metrics; they should not be treated as a medical diagnosis or a replacement for professional care.

Best Fitness Tracker: Polar Loop

The Polar Loop is a deliberately minimal, screenless, no-subscription fitness tracker aimed at serious athletes. Its strength is getting out of the way rather than displaying constant notifications and metrics.

That simplicity is also the failure mode for some buyers. If you need live pace, heart rate, workout prompts, or notifications on your wrist, relying on the phone app may become frustrating. Polar’s official product page is the appropriate place to check current specifications and availability.

Best Health Tracker: Whoop 5.0

Whoop 5.0 is Gizmodo’s data-heavy health-tracking pick for sleep, strain, recovery, HRV, and related measurements. It suits users who enjoy reviewing trends and adjusting training or routines around data.

Gizmodo identified the yearly subscription as a major drawback and warned that the amount of information may overwhelm casual users. That recurring fee materially changes the total cost of ownership. As with the Oura Ring, the metrics are wellness guidance rather than medical diagnosis.

Smart home and home entertainment

Best Wi-Fi Router: Eero Pro 7

The Eero Pro 7 is a simple Wi-Fi 7 mesh recommendation for households that value straightforward setup and stability over advanced configuration. Gizmodo’s review found it appealing even for buyers who do not yet own Wi-Fi 7 devices.

Wi-Fi 7 does not automatically make every home faster. Benefits depend on compatible client devices, wired or wireless backhaul, interference, home layout, and the internet connection itself. Buyers who need VLANs, detailed traffic controls, or extensive manual configuration may prefer a more advanced router system.

Best Robot Vacuum: Matic

Gizmodo chose Matic for quiet operation, navigation behavior, personality, and mopping. It is a more distinctive recommendation than simply choosing the robot with the largest suction number.

Before purchasing, check current availability, app and cloud requirements, floor compatibility, thresholds, cables, pet hair, mapping behavior, mop maintenance, replacement parts, and privacy policy. Robot vacuums require ongoing cleaning and consumables regardless of how autonomous the marketing sounds.

Best Security Camera: Reolink Altas

The Reolink Altas is Gizmodo’s privacy-oriented security-camera winner. It supports local microSD recording, solar operation, and use without an internet connection, offering an alternative to cloud-first cameras. Reolink’s official product page describes local, hub, and cloud-storage options.

The limitations are important: the microSD card is sold separately, local streaming may require additional hardware, and Apple Home integration is absent. It is a good fit for buyers who prioritize local control, but not necessarily for a household that wants seamless integration with every smart-home platform.

Best Projector: Xgimi MoGo 4

The Xgimi MoGo 4 is a portable 1080p projector with a built-in battery, speaker functionality, and decorative magnetic light filters. It is a lifestyle and travel pick for flexible movie nights, not a replacement for a bright dedicated home-theater projector.

Portable-projector claims should always be interpreted in context. Screen size, ambient light, throw distance, autofocus, battery mode, speaker loudness, and source-device compatibility determine the real experience. A claimed large image does not mean a bright, high-quality image in daylight.

AR and XR: four very different kinds of glasses and headset

Best Non-Display Smart Glasses: Ray-Ban Meta AI Glasses Gen 2

The Gen 2 Ray-Ban Meta AI Glasses won the non-display category because they provide hands-free camera, audio, and AI functions without putting a screen in front of the eye. Better battery and camera performance over the earlier generation are central to the appeal.

They are best for quick capture, calls, audio, and voice assistance—not for navigation overlays, private text floating in view, or full augmented reality. Buyers should also consider camera etiquette, account requirements, phone compatibility, and regional AI availability.

Best Smart Glasses: Meta Ray-Ban Display

The Meta Ray-Ban Display represents Gizmodo’s most futuristic smart-glasses award. Meta and Ray-Ban list a 600-by-600 display, glasses weight of approximately 68 to 70 grams depending on configuration, an approximately 18-hour Neural Band battery, and a $799 starting price.

The product is not self-contained. Setup requires a supported Android phone or iPhone, a Meta account, the Meta AI app, wireless connectivity, and the applicable software and regional support. The display is also a limited, monocular display rather than a full-field AR overlay. It is a compelling early-adopter product, but buyers should be comfortable with a new interface, phone dependence, and privacy considerations.

Best Video Glasses: Xreal One Pro

The Xreal One Pro is best understood as a private large virtual screen for travel. Gizmodo describes a virtual 171-inch display over USB-C, which can make a compatible laptop, phone, or handheld feel more like a personal monitor.

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Compatibility is the first check: the source device must provide suitable USB-C video output, often through DisplayPort Alt Mode, and some setups need an adapter or additional power. Prescription-lens options, field of view, fit, and whether the glasses can be worn for long periods matter more than the virtual diagonal measurement.

Best XR Headset: Apple Vision Pro with M5

Apple’s M5 Vision Pro is the premium spatial-computing winner. Apple launched the updated headset in the United States at $3,499 with 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB options and a Dual Knit Band.

The hardware and spatial interface are the point of the award, but the ownership barriers are equally important: price, weight, comfort, field of view, a tethered battery, prescription inserts, social practicality, and the software ecosystem. The Vision Pro makes sense for affluent early adopters, developers, and people with a specific spatial-computing use case. It is not a sensible default gaming or entertainment purchase for most households.

Accessories and desk hardware

Best High-Refresh-Rate Monitor: Alienware AW2725Q

The Alienware AW2725Q is a 27-inch 240Hz QD-OLED monitor selected for image quality and high-refresh gaming. Gizmodo also noted its distinctive but stable stand.

OLED buyers should investigate burn-in policy, warranty length, text clarity, brightness, room lighting, pixel-care features, and current price. The 240Hz refresh rate is most useful when the PC can actually produce high frame rates; it is not a substitute for a capable GPU.

Best Portable Battery: Anker Prime Power Bank, 26K, 300W

Anker’s Prime 26,000mAh power bank offers two USB-C ports and one USB-A port, with up to 300W of combined output according to Gizmodo. The key word is combined: total wattage is not necessarily available from a single port or to every connected device simultaneously.

Check per-port USB-C Power Delivery profiles, cable ratings, laptop compatibility, recharge time, physical weight, and airline restrictions. A very high-output battery may be excellent for a laptop but unnecessarily heavy for a phone-only traveler.

Best Mouse: Logitech MX Master 4

The MX Master 4 is a productivity mouse with Logitech’s ergonomic shape, free-spinning and side-scroll wheels, and haptic feedback. It is a good fit for office work, editing, spreadsheets, and users who spend much of the day scrolling.

Ergonomics are personal. Small-handed users, left-handed users, competitive gamers, and people who prefer a lightweight mouse may be better served by a different design. The award should be read as best productivity mouse for Gizmodo’s purposes, not best mouse for every genre or hand.

Best Grooming: Laifen P3 Pro

The Laifen P3 Pro is a premium electric razor emphasizing aluminum construction, magnetic attachments, and power. The award is most useful to buyers already looking for a high-end electric grooming device.

Check whether the intended use is close shaving, beard trimming, wet or dry shaving, travel, or general grooming. Replacement-head cost, availability, cleaning, battery behavior, and skin sensitivity may matter more than the aircraft-grade-aluminum pitch.

Best GaN Charger: Anker Prime Charger, 160W, 3 Ports, Smart Display

This compact multi-device charger can provide up to 140W to one device or 160W shared across three ports, according to Gizmodo. The smart display can make power allocation easier to understand, but the charger cannot exceed the receiving device’s own limit.

For laptop charging, verify the laptop’s USB-C PD requirement, the charger’s port-sharing behavior, and the cable’s wattage rating. A charger advertised as 160W will not necessarily charge three laptops at 160W each.

Best Keyboard: Keychron Q16 HE 8K

The Keychron Q16 HE 8K is a premium ceramic mechanical keyboard with an 8,000Hz polling rate and a typing-focused design. It is aimed at enthusiasts who care about switch feel, layout, construction, and desk experience.

The polling rate is not universally meaningful outside gaming, and the right layout is highly personal. Check the Alice-style arrangement, switch behavior, software, wired and wireless modes, keycap compatibility, price, and return policy before treating the award as a universal keyboard recommendation.

Which winners have the strongest evidence?

The best-substantiated awards in the supplied material are the products with dedicated Gizmodo reviews that spell out both strengths and weaknesses. These include the Galaxy S25 Ultra, Pixel 9a, iPhone 17 Pro, Galaxy Z Fold 7, iPad Pro M5, Radeon RX 9070 XT, ROG Xbox Ally X, Legion Pro 7i, AirPods Pro 3, Sony WH-1000XM6, Whoop 5.0, Reolink Altas, Meta Ray-Ban Display, and Apple Vision Pro M5.

Other entries have less directly comparable evidence. The reMarkable Paper Pro Move is supported by a hands-on rather than a completed long-term review in the supplied sources. The Zenbook S16 award links to a 2024 Zenbook S14 article. The Ryzen 7 9800X3D evidence comes from a Maingear Rush desktop review rather than a dedicated processor comparison. Several camera, e-reader, and accessory awards are supported mainly by the award-page descriptions rather than a linked full review.

That does not make the less-documented picks invalid. It does mean readers should be more careful about treating their superlatives as measured conclusions.

Why competing awards do not always agree

Annual technology awards are partly a record of editorial priorities. Tom’s Guide also selected the Galaxy S25 Ultra and Pixel 9a in corresponding phone categories, suggesting some agreement, but it named different winners in areas including laptops, desktops, and consoles. TechRadar likewise chose a different mix of products.

Disagreement is not a defect by itself. One publication may reward value, another camera performance, another ecosystem integration, and another innovation. The useful question is not which publication has the one true list; it is which criteria match your purchase.

How to use the awards before buying in 2026

For a reader checking this roundup on August 10, 2026, the list should be treated as a 2025 retrospective. Prices, retailer stock, firmware, software support, subscription terms, and competing products may have changed. A product that was compelling at launch may be less attractive after a successor arrives or a discount disappears.

1. Check the current price and availability. Do not reuse a 2025 launch or review price as today’s price. This is especially important for the $449 reMarkable Paper Pro Move, approximately $600 RX 9070 XT value case, roughly $1,000 ROG Xbox Ally X, $799 Meta Ray-Ban Display, and $3,499 Vision Pro M5.
2. Confirm the exact configuration. Check phone storage, laptop processor tier, RAM, SSD, display, GPU, connectivity, cellular options, and included accessories. The 14-inch MacBook Pro M5, iPad Pro M5, and Galaxy Z Fold 7 awards cover families or multiple configurations.
3. Calculate total ownership cost. Include Apple Pencil and keyboard accessories for the iPad, subscriptions for Whoop and Oura features, memory cards for the Reolink Altas, replacement heads for the razor, and cables or adapters for power products and Xreal glasses.
4. Verify ecosystem compatibility. Apple Watch requires an iPhone; Pixel Watch is for Android; Meta Ray-Ban Display requires a supported phone, Meta account, Meta AI app, and wireless setup; Xreal One Pro needs compatible USB-C video output; the Inzone H9 II is especially relevant to PC and PS5 users.
5. Look beyond headline performance. For GPUs and gaming laptops, check the tested resolution, graphics settings, upscaling or frame generation, power mode, driver version, heat, noise, battery, and charger size.
6. Check support and repairability. Foldables bring durability and repair-cost concerns. Framework Desktop is semi-modular because its RAM is soldered. Cameras, earbuds, robot vacuums, and wearables can become poor long-term values if replacement parts or software support are limited.
7. Ask who should not buy it. The Legion Pro 7i is a poor choice for frequent travelers; Whoop is a poor fit for someone who dislikes subscriptions; the Lego Game Boy is not a functioning console; and the Vision Pro is difficult to justify without a specific spatial-computing use case.
8. Compare 2026 alternatives. A 2025 award establishes what Gizmodo liked during that year. It does not prove that no newer phone, laptop, GPU, handheld, headset, or accessory offers better value now.

Bottom line on Gizmodo’s 2025 tech awards

Gizmodo’s list is most useful as a curated map of products its consumer-tech editors considered memorable in 2025. It includes obvious mainstream choices such as the Pixel 9a, iPhone 17 Pro, Switch 2, and Sony WH-1000XM6, but also niche and forward-looking picks such as the Framework Desktop, Polar Loop, Reolink Altas, Meta Ray-Ban Display, Xreal One Pro, and Lego Game Boy.

The winners are not all trying to solve the same problem. Some are value recommendations, some are premium products, some are specialist tools, and some are collectibles or technology showcases. Use the category rationale and caveats—not the word best alone—to decide whether a product fits your budget, platform, games, workflow, and tolerance for subscriptions or early-adopter compromises.

For the original winner explanations and Gizmodo’s affiliate disclosure, read the official Best Tech of 2025 awards roundup. For product decisions today, add a current price check, a support-policy check, and a comparison with newer 2026 hardware.

The Bottom Line

The short version: Gizmodo named 50 editorial winners across nine technology sections, but this is a retrospective of its 2025 favorites—not an objective ranking or automatically current buying guide. The most useful picks for gaming readers are the Nintendo Switch 2, ROG Xbox Ally X, Lenovo Legion Pro 7i, Radeon RX 9070 XT, Ryzen 7 9800X3D, 8BitDo Pro 3, Alienware AW2725Q, and Lego Game Boy. Check current price, platform compatibility, software support, configuration, and recurring costs before buying.

Quick Recap

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