The Results Are In: 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards
The excitement surrounding the first-ever Readers’ Choice Awards has reached a fever pitch, and the results are officially in. Over 1,100 tech enthusiasts cast their votes across 18 categories to reveal their favorite gadgets of 2025. The landscape of technology is ever-evolving, and this year’s winners offer a compelling mix of innovation and reliability, showcasing the best that the market has to offer.
Whether you’re a gadget aficionado or someone who merely wants the best tech available, this year’s awards present an opportunity to see what resonates most with the audience. Beyond just a tally of votes, these awards serve as a testament to the evolving preferences and experiences of tech consumers. Let’s dive into the results, breaking down what won in each category, and why these products stood out from the crowd.
Best Phones
iPhone 17 Pro / 17 Pro Max
Unsurprisingly, Apple’s flagship devices—the iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max—claimed the top spots in the smartphone category. These models deliver an unparalleled user experience, boasting the longest battery life in the lineup, exceptional camera capabilities, and vibrant display quality. With features designed to maximize performance and usability, it’s clear that this phone caters to a diverse range of users, from casual smartphone users to photography enthusiasts.
But what truly sets the iPhone 17 apart is how it continues to embody Apple’s commitment to innovation while retaining essential user-friendly features. Whether it’s the camera technology or battery optimization, there’s an element of over-engineering here that ensures even the most demanding users can find satisfaction.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7
In the world of foldables, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 took home the award for its unique design and functionality. The innovative cover screen has been stretched to encapsulate the dual cameras, prompting a fresh look at what a flip phone can achieve. Although it didn’t necessarily shed any weight, it offers a glimpse into the future of adaptable smartphones, pushing the limits of traditional design while bringing pockets back into fashion.
The Z Flip 7 stands as a conversation piece as much as a phone, encouraging those who use it to rethink what they want from their mobile device. It’s not just about the specs; this phone is about style, versatility, and making a statement.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7
Following closely, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 emerged as the ultimate choice among foldable smartphones. This iteration showcases significant advancements over its predecessor, providing a slimmed-down footprint that enhances portability without sacrificing functionality. The Z Fold 7 embodies the potential for foldable technology to create a new class of devices that combine the best features of smartphones and tablets.
With its expansive display, multitasking capabilities, and robust performance, this device is a game changer for professionals and creatives looking to optimize their workflows.
Google Pixel 10 Pro
The Pixel 10 Pro rounded out the list of acclaimed smartphones with its clean, stock Android experience. This device thrives not just on hardware specifications but through software enhancements, including features powered by artificial intelligence, such as the revolutionary Gemini. By integrating intelligent capabilities like Magic Cue—designed to surface relevant app information at the right time—Google shows the profound impact that software innovation can have on the smartphone experience.
This phone isn’t merely an incremental upgrade; it represents a fundamental rethinking of how a smartphone can serve its user, blending hardware and software in an effective and elegant manner.
Best Tablets
iPad Pro (M5)
When it comes to tablets, Apple continues to reign supreme, and the iPad Pro (M5) solidified that status this year. Combining cutting-edge performance with a stunning OLED display, the M5 chip transforms the iPad into a powerful tool for both work and leisure. Whether you are a graphic designer, a musician, or just someone who enjoys streaming content, the iPad Pro delivers a seamless experience across the board.
The convergence of sleek design and exceptional performance makes the M5 a formidable contender in the tablet market, catering to both casual users and professionals who require unparalleled functionality on the go.
Kindle Scribe Colorsoft
Rounding out the tablet category is the Kindle Scribe Colorsoft, Amazon’s first foray into color e-readers capable of pen support. Although its late-year launch barely secured it a spot in this roundup, the impact of this gadget is profound. Known for its e-ink technology, the Kindle reading experience has evolved, and the Colorsoft exemplifies that evolution.
This device offers the best of both worlds: a robust reading experience and the ability to create notes, sketches, and annotations. As readers transition from physical books to digital platforms, the Kindle Scribe Colorsoft will likely redefine how people interact with text.
Best Laptops
MacBook Pro (M5)
Apple’s MacBook Pro (14-inch, M5) reclaimed the title for best laptop this year. Preferred for its outstanding performance, a sleek design, and an impressive battery life, the MacBook Pro caters to both general users and professionals. With a range of ports, a mini LED display, and the power of Apple’s M5 silicon, this laptop is built for efficiency without compromise.
While gaming may not be its forte, the MacBook Pro stands as a reliable device for creative professionals who require a robust and effective workstation. Whether you’re editing videos, creating music, or managing large datasets, the MacBook Pro (M5) delivers unparalleled performance.
Alienware 16 Area-51
If gaming is your passion, the Alienware 16 Area-51 is the laptop to beat. This beast of a machine comes equipped with top-tier specifications, including an Intel Core i9 CPU and Nvidia RTX 5070 or 5080 GPU. The 240Hz refresh rate ensures fluid gameplay, and multiple ports eliminate the need for annoying dongles.
As gaming becomes increasingly demanding, having a reliable laptop that can keep up with the latest titles is essential. The Alienware 16 Area-51 excels in delivering high performance while still offering a comfortable user experience.
Best Audio
AirPods Pro 3
In the audio category, Apple’s AirPods Pro 3 secured the victory. With enhanced active noise cancellation and innovative features like real-time translation, these earbuds continue to set the standard for true wireless audio. The combination of sound quality, ease of use, and compact design offers an unmatched experience for music lovers and audiophiles alike.
The meticulous engineering behind these earbuds highlights Apple’s commitment to improving user experience, setting a benchmark that others in the industry aspire to reach.
Sony WH-1000XM6
In the realm of over-ear headphones, Sony’s WH-1000XM6 proved once again that it holds the throne with its superior active noise cancellation capabilities. The enhancements made in sound quality and comfort have elevated this model to new heights, making it a preferred choice for audiophiles looking for an exceptional listening experience without distractions.
As the industry evolves, Sony’s offering remains timeless, providing an indispensable tool for anyone serious about their audio quality.
Bose SoundLink Plus
Among portable speakers, the Bose SoundLink Plus captured attention with its rich sound and impressive volume output. A design that is both aesthetically pleasing and functional has ensured its spot among the best in the category. Combined with a powerful battery and sleek style, it’s no wonder that this speaker stood out.
As portability becomes a key factor for consumers, Bose’s SoundLink Plus embodies the spirit of versatility and reliability, ensuring users can take premium sound with them anywhere.
Best Camera
Canon EOS R6 Mark III
In the world of photography, the Canon EOS R6 Mark III emerged as a favorite thanks to its state-of-the-art features. The new higher-resolution 32-megapixel sensor, combined with the ability to record in 7K and 4K formats, positions it as a powerhouse for creators. The CFexpress card slot for faster data transfer speeds empowers content creators, making this camera a robust choice for anyone looking to elevate their photographic endeavors.
The EOS R6 Mark III is about more than just tech specs; it provides photographers the tools to capture moments with striking detail and vibrant color.
Best Wearables
Apple Watch Ultra 3
It’s no surprise that the Apple Watch Ultra 3 emerged as the most popular smartwatch. This robust device integrates seamlessly with iPhones and features enhancements like built-in 5G and satellite connectivity. But it’s not just about additional connectivity; it’s about exploration and achieving a lifestyle that encourages health and well-being.
The Ultra 3’s rugged design and impressive battery life cater to active individuals who want a durable smartwatch capable of keeping pace with their adventurous lifestyles.
Ray-Ban Meta Gen 2 AI Glasses
Completing the wearables category, the Ray-Ban Meta Gen 2 AI Glasses impressed with extended battery life and improved video functionality. While smart glasses may not yet be ubiquitous, this model indicates that the future of augmented reality and wearable tech is just on the horizon.
As we stand at the intersection of technology and fashion, these glasses signify a potential evolution in how we perceive and interact with the world around us, moving closer to fully integrated smart environments.
Best Smart Home Products
Nest Cam Outdoor (2025)
In smart home innovations, the Nest Cam Outdoor (2025) showcases the potential of integrating AI and computer vision into home security. Although not without its criticisms—specifically around subscription-based features—the camera represents a step toward more intelligent home monitoring.
As technology continues to evolve, expect to see even more sophistication in home security solutions. AI’s role in refining notification accuracy can transform the way we perceive household safety.
Roborock Saros Z70
The Roborock Saros Z70 may have faced challenges upon launch, but its integrative features, including a robotic limb for object manipulation, illustrate the innovative spirit driving the evolution of household assistants. While perhaps not flawless in execution, the Saros Z70 represents a leap forward in how we envision technology helping with everyday tasks.
Though the journey is iterative, user understanding and feedback will guide future enhancements, pushing robotic solutions toward a more reliable presence in our homes.
TP-Link Archer BE9700
For those seeking advanced connectivity options in their homes, the TP-Link Tri-Band Archer BE9700 stands out as a best-in-class router. With the promise of Wi-Fi 7 capabilities, it caters to early adopters eager to keep all their devices seamlessly connected.
This router isn’t just about speed; it offers extensive options for configuring and monitoring networks, making it a favorite for tech enthusiasts who demand reliability and control over their home networks.
Final Thoughts
The Readers’ Choice Awards exemplify how collective input can shape our understanding of technology and innovation. From cutting-edge smartphones to robust home automation solutions, the winners of 2025 reflect a diverse and vibrant tech landscape. Whether you participated in voting or are simply exploring the results, these products feature the best that the industry has to offer this year.
As technology continues to advance, it’s exciting to consider what innovations await us in the future. While the categories and winners may change, one thing is certain: the relationship between technology and user experience will remain essential in guiding our choices in the years to come. If you didn’t get a chance to vote, feel free to share your thoughts on your favorite tech in the comments—everyone’s voice matters in this ever-evolving conversation about what we choose to embrace in our technological lives.
