This catalog is built for side-by-side comparison, so every pick is tied to a published review or buying guide.
Each recommendation is presented as a top pick plus clear alternatives that match a different budget, ecosystem, or use case.
If a category changes quickly, you should treat this as a shortlist and confirm current pricing before buying.
Mobile and wearables catalog for daily carry
These picks focus on reliability, camera consistency, and day-to-day usability rather than flashy spec chasing.
If you want a simple ranking, treat “overall,” “iPhone,” and “wearable” as separate jobs with separate winners.
This section is designed so you can decide in minutes by matching your ecosystem and budget to a pre-filtered shortlist.
All picks are pulled from 2025 “best of” editorial testing, so you’re starting from a curated set, not a random mega-list.
Best overall phone
Top pick: Google Pixel 10 Pro, chosen by Engadget as its best overall phone of 2025.
If you want the cleanest comparison, stack it against the iPhone 17 Pro for iOS and a foldable only if you truly need that form factor.
Buy it if you value a balanced mix of camera performance, software features, and an all-around daily experience.
Best iPhone
Top pick: Apple iPhone 17 Pro, highlighted by Engadget as its best iPhone of 2025.
This is the simplest choice if you remember that Apple’s advantage is ecosystem fit, not winning every spec line.
Compare only one alternative if you’re price-sensitive, because too many iPhone tiers usually create decision fatigue.
Best smartwatch
Top pick: Apple Watch Series 11, selected by Engadget as its best smartwatch of 2025.
It makes the most sense when you already use an iPhone, because the best smartwatch experience is mostly about integration.
If you’re not in Apple’s ecosystem, you should evaluate smartwatches as a separate Android category rather than forcing a cross-ecosystem match.
Computing and productivity catalog for work, school, and travel
This shortlist is built around the two workflows most people actually have: portable daily computing and device-specific ecosystems.
Instead of ranking every laptop, we separate “best laptop,” “best Windows laptop,” and “best tablet” to keep comparisons fair.
When you compare, prioritize battery, keyboard comfort, and long-term reliability before chasing performance numbers.
If you do creative work or gaming, treat that as its own branch, because it changes the value equation fast.
Best laptop
Top pick: MacBook Air M4, named best laptop of 2025 in Engadget’s year-end picks.
It’s the clean recommendation when you want a lightweight machine that stays fast enough for daily productivity.
If you’re on the fence, compare it against a Windows alternative only if your required apps truly depend on Windows.
Best Windows laptop
Top pick: Dell 14 Premium, selected by Engadget as its best Windows laptop of 2025.
This is the “buy once, use everywhere” option if you want Windows without turning your purchase into a spec spreadsheet.
If the budget is tight, you should step down in tier rather than compromising on the parts that affect daily feel, like the screen and keyboard.
Best tablet
Top pick: Apple iPad Air (M3, 13-inch), chosen by Engadget as its best tablet of 2025.
This fits best when your tablet is a second device for reading, notes, travel, and light work rather than a full laptop replacement.
If you need a platform-neutral tablet pick, use a dedicated tablet guide to compare Android and Windows slates fairly.
Audio and personal listening catalog for calls, commuting, and focus
Audio is easiest to compare when you decide whether you need earbuds or over-ear headphones first.
Earbuds are about portability and ANC, while headphones usually win on comfort and long listening sessions.
This catalog separates “best overall earbuds” from “best for iPhone” because ecosystem features change the real value.
If you want the simplest path, pick one model that fits your phone and one model that fits your long-session work style.
Best wireless earbuds overall
Top pick: Sony WF-1000XM5, listed by Engadget as the best wireless earbuds overall in its 2025 guide.
This is the strongest “one set for most people” choice if you want a balanced mix of sound, ANC, and features.
If you want a fast alternative path, compare it only to a phone-specific option like AirPods or Pixel Buds.
Best wireless earbuds for iPhone
Top pick: Apple AirPods Pro 3, labeled by Engadget as the best wireless earbuds for iPhone.
This is the right pick when you want Apple-friendly features and the least setup friction.
If you’re price-sensitive, keep the comparison to one runner-up because earbuds are easy to overthink.
Best headphones
Top pick: Sony WH-1000XM6, selected by Engadget as its best headphones of 2025.
This category is for people who want comfort, consistent ANC, and fewer compromises during long listening blocks.
If you already own good earbuds, buy headphones only when comfort and focus are recurring problems, not as a duplicate gadget.
Home essentials catalog for cleaning, viewing, and daily routines
Home categories reward smart buying because the right pick saves time, not just money.
This section focuses on “set it up once” products that reduce weekly chores and improve everyday use.
Best robot vacuum for most homes
Top pick: Roborock Saros 10R, ranked by RTINGS as the best robot vacuum it has tested.
Best for carpets: Dreame X50 Ultra, which RTINGS names as its best robot vacuum for carpets.
Best budget: Wyze Robot Vacuum, picked by RTINGS as its best budget robot vacuum.
Best TV for easy “one-screen” comparison
Top pick: Samsung S95F OLED, ranked by RTINGS as the best TV currently available in its best-TV guide.
Best mid-range value: TCL QM8K, reviewed by RTINGS as an excellent and versatile TV with strong brightness and contrast.
Best budget step-down: TCL QM7K or QM6K, positioned by RTINGS as budget-friendly options with tradeoffs versus the higher tiers.
Best drip coffee maker for daily consistency
Top pick: Technivorm Moccamaster, which Better Homes & Gardens names as its best drip coffee maker based on testing.
If you want a quick smoothie companion, RTINGS’ top personal blender pick is the Ninja Foodi Power Nutri DUO.
If you prefer a “smoothies-first” blender path, RTINGS lists the Vitamix Explorian E310 as its best blender for smoothies.
Conclusion
This catalog is designed so you can compare like-for-like products fast and avoid wasting time on options that do not fit your real needs.
Use it by choosing your use case, picking two key specs, and then selecting the best alternative for your budget and ecosystem.
Because 2025 winners can shift with new releases and price changes, always double-check current deals.
