I’ve misplaced rely of the variety of issues we reviewed this 12 months 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 reveals. It may really feel exhausting to maintain monitor of all of it, however fortunately, our scoring system helps us spotlight the most effective (and the worst) gadgets annually.
Our crew 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 individuals 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 most effective of their class, beating out many of the competitors.
Since now we have to be very even handed about what we assessment (there’s solely a lot time on this planet), many of the devices we name in are from established firms with a monitor document of creating issues individuals will really contemplate shopping for. That is the principle motive most of our scores sit between 80 and 90, although we nonetheless check the occasional machine that finally ends up getting a quantity beneath 70.
As we glance again on the 12 months in devices, listed below are the 12 highest-scored evaluations we printed. Unsurprisingly, they’re largely 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 12 months. Might now we have solely wonderful devices to assessment subsequent 12 months, 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 most effective digital camera.
- Nice digital camera options and improved telephoto digital camera
- A 12 months of Gemini Superior free of charge
- Unbelievable battery life
- A wonderful, vivid display that’s simple to make use of open air
- Tensor G4 runs cooler than its predecessor
- Slower charging speeds than the XL
- Not the most effective 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 most effective smartphone digital camera.
- Nice digital camera options and improved telephoto digital camera
- A 12 months of Gemini Superior free of charge
- Spectacular battery life
- A wonderful, vivid display that’s simple to make use of open air
- Tensor G4 runs cooler than its predecessor
- Costlier than final 12 months’s Pixel 8 Professional
- Not an incredible gaming telephone
- Just a little unwieldy
Pixel 9 Professional and Pixel 9 Professional XL
I am truthfully shocked. For the primary time in years, we have given a Google telephone a better rating than an iPhone in the identical 12 months. Perhaps 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 sequence. 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 12 months is battery life — the Pixel 9 Professionals typically final about two days on a cost, whereas the iPhone 16 Professional sequence sometimes clocks simply round 20 hours. We additionally love Google’s cameras and the brilliant, clean shows. The beautiful palette of pastel colour choices is simply icing on a satisfying cake, with Gemini AI bringing a tasty facet deal with.
DJI / Engadget
The Avata 2 improves nearly the whole lot from the extremely popular unique whereas shaving some {dollars} off the price
- Improved video high quality
- Higher maneuverability
- Cheaper
- Longer battery life
- Goggles 3 could lack consolation for some
DJI Avata 2
Although there’s looming concern over DJI’s longevity within the US, the corporate has in any other case had a comparatively profitable 2024. This 12 months noticed many DJI merchandise scoring greater than 90 in our database, which is smart as they’re arguably the most effective 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 provides wonderful cameras and enhancing instruments, a big roomy display, lengthy battery life and the most effective that Apple has to supply.Â
Editors’ observe: The present rating displays our expertise with the {hardware} and iOS 18 options that might be out there to customers at launch. We are going to consider Apple Intelligence and different post-launch options over the approaching weeks and months, and will modify our assessment rating if warranted.
- Wonderful cameras with minimal shutter lag
- Lengthy-lasting battery
- Nice photograph and video enhancing updates
- Good customization choices all through
- Digicam management is not excellent
Apple / Engadget
The iPhone 16 Professional is a good flagship with wonderful, quick cameras and enhancing instruments. However it’s possible you’ll must cost it greater than as soon as to final all day.
Editors’ observe: The present rating displays our expertise with the {hardware} and iOS 18 options that might be out there to customers at launch. We are going to consider Apple Intelligence and different post-launch options over the approaching weeks and months, and will modify our assessment 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 excellent
iPhone 16 Professional and iPhone 16 Professional Max
Apple Intelligence wasn’t out there when the iPhone 16 sequence launched and solely not too long ago rolled out, so our assessment rating may 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 loads to love about Apple’s newest flagships, I used to be simply so disenchanted by the comparatively poor battery life that I couldn’t rating it larger than the Pixel 9 Professional sequence. 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 have been prepared for the general public on the time of my assessment, 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 most effective 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 a slew of evaluations by Steve on this record, largely for merchandise in cameras and drones that ranked properly of their classes. As a Canon woman myself, I used to be comfortable to see the EOS R5 II get such a very good ranking, 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 side, it performs respectably. In accordance 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 progressive world shutter, which is quick with minimal picture distortion. However it leads to decreased picture high quality in comparison with common CMOS cameras.
- Extremely fast
- Quick and correct autofocus
- Good stabilization
- Wonderful video capaibilities
- Decreased picture high quality
- Costly
Sony A9 III
Reviewed a lot earlier within the 12 months, the Sony A9 III caught Steve’s consideration for its speedy world shutter, which introduced quick and correct autofocus. It additionally delivered clean, high-quality video in a physique with wonderful dealing with because of Sony’s comfy new grip. Steve additionally beloved 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 sooner comes alongside.
DJI
DJI’s Air 3S is the corporate’s first client 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 pictures
- Lengthy battery life
- Now has 42GB inner storage
- Generally fails to detect small obstacles
DJI
The DJI Neo could also be a reasonable, beginner-friendly drone, however has highly effective options like topic monitoring and fast pictures.
- Fast and maneuverable
- Cheap
- Consists of high-end options
- Newbie pleasant
- No vertical video
- Feels like a banshee
- High speeds require particular controller
DJI Air 3S and DJI Neo
What light-weight $200 drone shoots good 1080p video but additionally screams like a banshee? That might 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 clean aerial footage at a good decision. Steve additionally discovered it beginner-friendly, which is essential for a awful pilot like me. And positive, perhaps I am going to scare some wildlife or neighbors with its loud screeching, however perhaps that is a part of the enjoyable?
If you need one thing that may keep away from individuals or obstacles and ship cinematic pictures, the DJI Air 3S is a strong possibility 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 instances the Neo’s price, after all, however aspiring Spielbergs may 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 Middle 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 Middle 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 shocked that the one laptops to make it to this record are this 12 months’s M4 MacBook Professionals. Apple has demonstrated over the previous few years that its M-series processors ship wonderful efficiency and battery life, and it is continued to show its level in 2024. This 12 months’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 facet 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 the only option round.
- Lovely understated design
- Attractive OLED display
- Sturdy efficiency
- Good port choice
- Punchy audio system
- Backside vents can get a bit toasty
- Keyboard solely has single-zone lighting
- Armoury Crate app is sort of messy
- RAM is soldered in
ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 (2024)
What PC makers do excel at is energy and creativity. When it is not experimenting with dual-screen laptops, ASUS is pushing out succesful gaming laptops in its Republic of Avid gamers (ROG) model. This 12 months, 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 a better rating in any respect this 12 months, so it stands to motive now we have but to see a gaming pocket book steal that crown. The Zephyrus G14 received Sam over with its stunning OLED display, engaging but delicate design and beneficiant array of ports. Although he is not 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 which may have obtained the identical rating because the ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 and iPhone 16 Professional, however now we have to chop the record 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 in the case of issues that bought 90 factors, we have got the bottom iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus, the Apple Watch Sequence 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 assessment 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 bored with consistently being wired in. It is one of many highest-rated merchandise of its sort, not solely as a result of it is a succesful writing pill, but additionally as a result of it’s a colour e-paper pill that has an even bigger display and sooner efficiency than its monochrome predecessor. At $580 to start out, it is definitely a major funding, however one which may free us from feeling chained to our laptops and telephones.
Worst merchandise we reviewed this 12 months: Humane AI Pin and Rabbit R1
In all my 8-plus years at Engadget, I can solely keep 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 12 months, 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 appears to be like and vivid orange colour. 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. machine additionally got here with an onboard digital camera, two microphones, rotating digital camera and a 2.88-inch show. However its largest 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 surely, on the time of our assessment, the R1 might barely execute duties to completion. As an alternative of letting you simply make orders through DoorDash, for instance, it might “often deliver the weather when I asked for traffic,” in accordance with Devindra’s assessment. 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 possibly can connect to your garments and work together with both by voice, contact or through a futuristic-looking projector that beamed a show onto your palm. You have been supposed to have the ability to merely discuss 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 an alternative, we bought a scorching mess. Fairly actually. The Humane AI Pin would incessantly run so scorching that it might cease working, with the machine saying it wanted to chill down for a bit earlier than you possibly can use it once more. When it did work, it was barely good 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 — method 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 extensively criticized by reviewers in April, leaked inner paperwork confirmed that folks seemed to be returning the AI Pins sooner than the corporate was promoting them. In October, Humane needed to problem a recall for its charging case on account 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 assessment, 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.
