Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google. Welcome to ZDNET’s Best of 2025 awards, our annual ceremony of the year’s top-performing gadgets and gizmos, from 100-inch TVs to smart rings to AI chatbots that help you get more done. Over the last 12 months, our team has unboxed, benchmarked, dropped, submerged, and doom-scrolled on… Continue reading 35+ best products we tested in 2025: Expert picks for phones, TVs, AI, and more
Author: ZDNet Online News
My AirTags kept dying, so I switched to this tracker that lasts for five years
Elevation Lab 5-year Compact TimeCapsule ZDNET’s key takeaways Elevation Lab’s 5-year time capsule is available now, starting at $20. It boosts AirTag battery life up to five years, and is AAA powered, so it doesn’t add extra bulk. They’re not as loud as AirTags, but they’re loud enough. Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on… Continue reading My AirTags kept dying, so I switched to this tracker that lasts for five years
The great software pricing shakeout of 2026: What every IT leader needs to know
Oscar Wong/Moment/Getty Images Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google. ZDNET’s key takeaways Software pricing is moving to outcome-based models. Users and vendors need to agree on success metrics. The nature of software engineering work is evolving. In the year ahead, your relationship with your software vendors may change radically, perhaps even… Continue reading The great software pricing shakeout of 2026: What every IT leader needs to know
I saw the tech shop of the future – and maybe retail isn’t dead
tmrw/ZDNET Physical retail stores have been on a steady decline for over a decade. Take Best Buy, one of the largest physical retailers of technology in the country. The tech big box store reduced its footprint from 1,500 US stores in 2010 to around 1,200 in 2025, according to Statista. We could blame the pandemic… Continue reading I saw the tech shop of the future – and maybe retail isn’t dead
CES 2026 trends to watch: 5 biggest topics we’re expecting at the tech show
Kerry Wan/ZDNET Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google. ZDNET’s key takeaways CES is almost here with some exciting product innovations. Expect to see more AI-enabled wearables from interesting startups. New trifold smartphones, robots, and TVs could be the stars of the show. CES is just 20 days away, kicking off on Jan. 4… Continue reading CES 2026 trends to watch: 5 biggest topics we’re expecting at the tech show
These vintage-style bookshelf speakers are the last ones I’ll ever buy, here’s why
KLH Model 3 bookshelf speakers ZDNET’s key takeaways The KLH Model 3 speakers are available on Amazon for just under $1,500. They’re some of the best bookshelf speakers I’ve ever heard, with high-quality audio across genres. They’re a little pricey. Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google. I never thought I’d be so happy… Continue reading These vintage-style bookshelf speakers are the last ones I’ll ever buy, here’s why
I’ve tested dozens of cheap multitools, and these are the few that I still use today
A good multitool can be a reliable companion for decades (as long as you don’t lose it!). Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google. ZDNET’s key takeaways Stick with Leatherman or Gerber for reliable multitools. Warranty and repairability matter more than cheap prices. Replaceable cutters extend your multitool’s lifespan. I… Continue reading I’ve tested dozens of cheap multitools, and these are the few that I still use today
I battery-tested the best Google, Samsung, and OnePlus phones – and didn’t expect these results
Adam Doud/ZDNET Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google. ZDNET’s key takeaways Total battery capacity is only one factor influencing actual device longevity. Lab tests demonstrate how different hardware components impact power consumption rates. Efficient processors and screen settings are crucial for maximizing battery performance. Battery size is not always a straightforward comparison. The… Continue reading I battery-tested the best Google, Samsung, and OnePlus phones – and didn’t expect these results
This portable SSD has a magnetic superpower that makes it a must-have for iPhone users
Lexar ES5 magnetic portable SSD ZDNET’s key takeaways The Lexar ES5 is available in a 1TB and 2TB configuration, for $119 and $199, respectively. It has read and write speeds up to 2,00MB/s and is IP65 rated for dust and water ingress. It’s not exactly cheap. Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google. Small… Continue reading This portable SSD has a magnetic superpower that makes it a must-have for iPhone users
This Bluetooth tracker that replaced my AirTags has more features at a cheaper price
Pebblebee Clip 5 Bluetooth finder tag ZDNET’s key takeaways The Pebblebee Clip 5 is on sale on Amazon for $24. It has IP66-rated durability with an integrated loop and keyring, and a super-loud 130 dB beeper. Its USB-C rechargeable battery needs topping up every year or so. Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google.… Continue reading This Bluetooth tracker that replaced my AirTags has more features at a cheaper price