I’ve misplaced depend of the variety of issues we reviewed this yr at Engadget. In 2024, the varieties of merchandise we examined ranged from the standard telephones, laptops and headphones to AI wearables, robotic lawnmowers and handheld gaming consoles, alongside video games and exhibits. It will possibly really feel arduous to maintain observe of all of it, however fortunately, our scoring system helps us spotlight the very best (and the worst) gadgets every year.
Our workforce of reviewers and editors consider merchandise based mostly on their efficiency, worth and the way they maintain up in opposition to the competitors, and a minimum of two folks weigh in on each rating earlier than it is printed. If one thing will get a results of 80 and up, it is thought-about a “Recommended” product, whereas these scoring 90 and extra are awarded “Editors’ Choice.” The latter means they’re the very best of their class, beating out many of the competitors.
Since we now have to be very considered about what we evaluation (there’s solely a lot time on the earth), many of the devices we name in are from established corporations with a observe report of constructing issues folks will really think about shopping for. That is the principle purpose most of our scores sit between 80 and 90, although we nonetheless check the occasional system that finally ends up getting a quantity beneath 70.
As we glance again on the yr in devices, listed below are the 12 highest-scored opinions we printed. Unsurprisingly, they’re principally of Apple and Google merchandise, with a smattering of cameras and drones. I am additionally together with some honorable mentions for good measure, in addition to a pair of the lowest-rated gadgets all yr. Could we now have solely wonderful devices to evaluation subsequent yr, and will there be much less e-waste throughout.
With a refined design, much-improved telephoto digital camera and nice battery-life, the Pixel 9 Professional cements its standing because the smartphone with the very best digital camera.
- Nice digital camera options and improved telephoto digital camera
- A yr of Gemini Superior totally free
- Unimaginable battery life
- A gorgeous, brilliant display screen that’s straightforward to make use of outdoor
- Tensor G4 runs cooler than its predecessor
- Slower charging speeds than the XL
- Not the very best telephone for gaming
With much more helpful pictures tips and a much-improved telephoto digital camera, the Pixel 9 Professional XL cements its standing as the very best smartphone digital camera.
- Nice digital camera options and improved telephoto digital camera
- A yr of Gemini Superior totally free
- Spectacular battery life
- A gorgeous, brilliant display screen that’s straightforward to make use of outdoor
- Tensor G4 runs cooler than its predecessor
- Dearer than final yr’s Pixel 8 Professional
- Not a terrific gaming telephone
- Slightly unwieldy
Pixel 9 Professional and Pixel 9 Professional XL
I am actually shocked. For the primary time in years, we have given a Google telephone the next rating than an iPhone in the identical yr. Possibly it has one thing to do with Gemini AI launching sooner than Apple Intelligence, or the enjoyable colours and strong construct of the Pixel 9 Professional collection. However as I mentioned the scores with our reviewer Mat Smith, just a few issues added up. Arguably the most important benefit Google has over Apple this yr is battery life — the Pixel 9 Execs typically final about two days on a cost, whereas the iPhone 16 Professional collection usually clocks simply round 20 hours. We additionally love Google’s cameras and the intense, easy shows. The beautiful palette of pastel shade choices is simply icing on a satisfying cake, with Gemini AI bringing a tasty aspect deal with.
DJI / Engadget
The Avata 2 improves nearly the whole lot from the very talked-about authentic whereas shaving some {dollars} off the fee
- Improved video high quality
- Higher maneuverability
- Cheaper
- Longer battery life
- Goggles 3 could lack consolation for some
DJI Avata 2
Although there may be looming concern over DJI’s longevity within the US, the corporate has in any other case had a comparatively profitable 2024. This yr noticed many DJI merchandise scoring greater than 90 in our database, which is sensible as they’re arguably the very best drone maker round. Steve was most impressed by the Avata 2, although, because of its nice video high quality and maneuverability for a cheaper price than its predecessor. It even has higher battery life, as well.
Apple / Engadget
The iPhone 16 Professional Max affords wonderful cameras and modifying instruments, a big roomy display screen, lengthy battery life and the very best that Apple has to supply.Â
Editors’ be aware: The present rating displays our expertise with the {hardware} and iOS 18 options that might be out there to customers at launch. We’ll consider Apple Intelligence and different post-launch options over the approaching weeks and months, and will modify our evaluation rating if warranted.
- Wonderful cameras with minimal shutter lag
- Lengthy-lasting battery
- Nice picture and video modifying updates
- Good customization choices all through
- Digicam management is not good
Apple / Engadget
The iPhone 16 Professional is a superb flagship with wonderful, quick cameras and modifying instruments. However it’s possible you’ll have to cost it greater than as soon as to final all day.
Editors’ be aware: The present rating displays our expertise with the {hardware} and iOS 18 options that might be out there to customers at launch. We’ll consider Apple Intelligence and different post-launch options over the approaching weeks and months, and will modify our evaluation rating if warranted.
- Quick digital camera with prime quality video seize
- Photographic types are efficient and fairly
- Good customizations out there all through
- Comparatively brief battery life
- Digicam Management is not good
iPhone 16 Professional and iPhone 16 Professional Max
Apple Intelligence wasn’t out there when the iPhone 16 collection launched and solely lately rolled out, so our evaluation rating would possibly nonetheless change, However as it’s, and after months of utilizing the iPhone 16 Professional and Professional Max in my each day life, I stand by my analysis. Although there’s so much to love about Apple’s newest flagships, I used to be simply so upset by the comparatively poor battery life that I couldn’t rating it increased than the Pixel 9 Professional collection. That is extra noticeable on the iPhone 16 Professional, although, because the Professional Max typically lasts just a few extra hours than its smaller counterpart. I additionally want the generative-AI options had been prepared for the general public on the time of my evaluation, however now that I’ve spent extra time with Genmoji, Picture Playground and notification summaries, I am fairly positive my verdict stays the identical. These Apple Intelligence options are enjoyable, however not game-changing, and with or with out them the iPhone 16 Professional and Professional Max are nonetheless the very best choices for anybody on iOS.
Canon
The EOS R5 II is Canon’s greatest digital camera in years because of enhancements in key areas like autofocus and video.
- Quick capturing speeds
- Canon’s greatest autofocus but
- Highly effective video capabilities
- Good picture stabilization
- Nonetheless overheats for high-res video
Canon EOS R5 II
We have got a slew of opinions by Steve on this checklist, principally for merchandise in cameras and drones that ranked properly of their classes. As a Canon woman myself, I used to be completely satisfied to see the EOS R5 II get such a very good score, particularly since competitors has been heating up. Sadly, the EOS R5 II additionally heats up when capturing high-res video, however on just about each different facet, it performs respectably. In line with Steve, this digital camera “puts Sony on notice,” and I am glad to see it.
Sony
Sony’s A9 III is the primary mainstream digital camera with an revolutionary world shutter, which is quick with minimal picture distortion. However it leads to diminished picture high quality in comparison with common CMOS cameras.
- Extremely fast
- Quick and correct autofocus
- Good stabilization
- Wonderful video capaibilities
- Diminished picture high quality
- Costly
Sony A9 III
Reviewed a lot earlier within the yr, the Sony A9 III caught Steve’s consideration for its speedy world shutter, which introduced quick and correct autofocus. It additionally delivered easy, high-quality video in a physique with wonderful dealing with because of Sony’s snug new grip. Steve additionally cherished the viewfinder, and although it’s totally costly at $6,000, the A9 III is a strong product that holds the title of “quickest full-frame digital camera” — a minimum of, till one thing quicker comes alongside.
DJI
DJI’s Air 3S is the corporate’s first shopper drone with LiDAR designed to make it safer to fly at evening.Â
- Wonderful picture high quality
- LiDAR improves impediment detection at evening
- ActiveTrack 360 produces cinematic monitoring photographs
- Lengthy battery life
- Now has 42GB inner storage
- Generally fails to detect small obstacles
DJI
The DJI Neo could also be an affordable, beginner-friendly drone, however has highly effective options like topic monitoring and fast photographs.
- Fast and maneuverable
- Cheap
- Consists of high-end options
- Newbie pleasant
- No vertical video
- Seems like a banshee
- High speeds require particular controller
DJI Air 3S and DJI Neo
What light-weight $200 drone shoots good 1080p video but in addition screams like a banshee? That may be the DJI Neo, which, regardless of Steve’s evocative description, is one thing I am contemplating shopping for for myself. Not solely is it moderately priced, nevertheless it additionally guarantees to seize easy aerial footage at a decent decision. Steve additionally discovered it beginner-friendly, which is vital for a awful pilot like me. And positive, possibly I am going to scare some wildlife or neighbors with its loud screeching, however possibly that is a part of the enjoyable?
If you need one thing that may keep away from folks or obstacles and ship cinematic photographs, the DJI Air 3S is a strong choice because of its LiDAR and bigger digital camera sensor, each of which enhance efficiency and obstacle-detection in low gentle. You will should pay about 5 occasions the Neo’s price, in fact, however aspiring Spielbergs would possibly discover that value worthwhile.
Apple
Apple’s 14-inch MacBook Professional is best than ever because of its M4 chips, Thunderbolt 5 assist and barely brighter screens.
- Quick M4 chips
- Brighter show
- Sharp 12MP Heart Stage webcam
- Thunderbolt 5 with M4 Professional/Max
- Lengthy battery life
Apple
Apple’s 16-inch MacBook Professional is best than ever because of its M4 chips, Thunderbolt 5 assist and barely brighter screens.
- Quick M4 chips
- Brighter show
- Sharp 12MP Heart Stage webcam
- Thunderbolt 5 with M4 Professional/Max
- Lengthy battery life
MacBook Professional (14-inch, 2024) and MacBook Professional (16-inch, 2024)
I am not stunned that the one laptops to make it to this checklist are this yr’s M4 MacBook Execs. Apple has demonstrated over the previous couple of years that its M-series processors ship wonderful efficiency and battery life, and it is continued to show its level in 2024. This yr’s mannequin options brighter screens and improved webcams, in addition to slight bumps in RAM and storage. I am a Home windows consumer, however even I’ve to confess that what Apple is doing with the MacBooks is one thing that Microsoft and all its companions on the PC aspect have struggled to totally replicate.
ASUS / Engadget
For anybody who needs robust efficiency in a conveyable design, the ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 is each pound for pound and greenback for greenback your best option round.
- Lovely understated design
- Beautiful OLED display screen
- Robust efficiency
- Good port choice
- Punchy audio system
- Backside vents can get a bit toasty
- Keyboard solely has single-zone lighting
- Armoury Crate app is type of messy
- RAM is soldered in
ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 (2024)
What PC makers do excel at is energy and creativity. When it isn’t experimenting with dual-screen laptops, ASUS is pushing out succesful gaming laptops in its Republic of Avid gamers (ROG) model. This yr, our reviewer Sam Rutherford’s top-scored product is the ROG Zephyrus G14, which he declared “the 14-inch gaming laptop to beat.” Sam hasn’t given out the next rating in any respect this yr, so it stands to purpose we now have but to see a gaming pocket book steal that crown. The Zephyrus G14 received Sam over with its lovely OLED display screen, enticing but refined design and beneficiant array of ports. Although he isn’t a fan of its soldered-in RAM and ASUS’ Armoury Crate app, Sam nonetheless discovered loads to love, calling it “both pound for pound and dollar for dollar the best choice around.”
There are many merchandise that may have acquired the identical rating because the ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 and iPhone 16 Professional, however we now have to chop the checklist someplace. It is value mentioning that different gadgets we awarded a rating of 91 embrace the DJI Osmo Pocket 3, the Analogue Duo, the Fujifilm X100 VI and the iPad Air (2024). And relating to issues that bought 90 factors, we have got the bottom iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus, the Apple Watch Collection 10, NVIDIA’s RTX 4070 Tremendous graphics card, the Meta Quest 3S headset, in addition to home equipment like Ninja’s Creami ice-cream maker.
However I needed to shout out Daniel Cooper’s evaluation of the reMarkable Paper Professional. It is a gadget that is introduced again waves of nostalgia and sentimentality in a time after we’re all uninterested in consistently being wired in. It is one of many highest-rated merchandise of its form, not solely as a result of it is a succesful writing pill, but in addition as a result of it’s a shade e-paper pill that has an even bigger display screen and quicker efficiency than its monochrome predecessor. At $580 to start out, it is definitely a big funding, however one that may free us from feeling chained to our laptops and telephones.
Worst merchandise we reviewed this yr: Humane AI Pin and Rabbit R1
In all my 8-plus years at Engadget, I can solely bear in mind one different time we have awarded something a sub-60 rating, and that was when Fisher-Worth’s Sproutling wearable child monitor gave our editor’s child an eczema outbreak. The Sproutling bought an appropriately all-time low rating of 41, and this yr, the Rabbit R1 broke that backside when Devindra determined it deserved solely 40 factors.
The Rabbit R1 first made waves at CES 2024, when it confirmed up out of nowhere and enticed many people with its cute seems to be and brilliant orange shade. Its Teenage Engineering heritage was much more alluring, and all of us needed to check out the Playdate-esque scroll wheel for ourselves. The sq. system additionally got here with an onboard digital camera, two microphones, rotating digital camera and a 2.88-inch show. However its greatest promise was, as with the whole lot in 2024, all about AI.
And with many issues in 2024, the AI promise fell flat. Rabbit made daring claims about its “large action model,” however in reality, on the time of our evaluation, the R1 may barely execute duties to completion. As a substitute of letting you simply make orders by way of DoorDash, for instance, it will “often deliver the weather when I asked for traffic,” in line with Devindra’s evaluation. Worse, “sometimes it would hear my request and simply do nothing.”
I had a equally irritating expertise when testing the much-hyped Humane AI Pin. It was a shiny chrome sq. that you may connect to your garments and work together with both by voice, contact or by way of a futuristic-looking projector that beamed a show onto your palm. You had been supposed to have the ability to merely speak to the Humane AI assistant to get it to recollect issues for and about you, finally coming to depend on it like a second mind.
As a substitute, we bought a sizzling mess. Fairly actually. The Humane AI Pin would steadily run so sizzling that it will cease working, with the system saying it wanted to chill down for a bit earlier than you may use it once more. When it did work, it was barely sensible sufficient to reply questions, and although the projector was cool visually, utilizing it to do something was irritating and simply led to sore arms and crossed eyes. Not solely did it not do sufficient to justify the hassle concerned in utilizing it, the Humane AI Pin additionally price $700 — means an excessive amount of for a product this finicky.
It will get worse (or higher, relying on the way you’re studying this). Shortly after it was broadly criticized by reviewers in April, leaked inner paperwork confirmed that individuals gave the impression to be returning the AI Pins quicker than the corporate was promoting them. In October, Humane needed to problem a recall for its charging case as a consequence of overheating, with the Shopper Product Security Fee saying it posed “a fire hazard.”
I gave the Humane AI Pin a rating of fifty in my evaluation, largely as a result of intriguing projector show. Proper now, although, it appears these AI devices are, at greatest, struggling to take maintain. At worst, they’re on hearth.
