The 12 best gadgets we reviewed this year

I’ve lost count of the number of things we reviewed this year at Engadget. In 2024, the types of products we tested ranged from the typical phones, laptops and headphones to AI wearables, robotic lawnmowers and handheld gaming consoles, alongside games and shows. It can feel hard to keep track of it all, but thankfully, our scoring system helps us highlight the best (and the worst) devices each year.

Our team of reviewers and editors evaluate products based on their performance, value and how they hold up against the competition, and at least two people weigh in on every score before it’s published. If something gets a result of 80 and up, it’s considered a “Recommended” product, while those scoring 90 and more are awarded “Editors’ Choice.” The latter means they’re the best in their class, beating out most of the competition.

Since we have to be very judicious about what we review (there’s only so much time in the world), most of the gadgets we call in are from established companies with a track record of making things people will actually consider buying. That’s the main reason most of our scores sit between 80 and 90, though we still test the occasional device that ends up getting a number below 70.

As we look back on the year in gadgets, here are the 12 highest-scored reviews we published. Unsurprisingly, they’re mostly of Apple and Google products, with a smattering of cameras and drones. I’m also including some honorable mentions for good measure, as well as a pair of the lowest-rated devices all year. May we have only excellent gadgets to review next year, and may there be less e-waste all around.

Google

With even more useful photography tricks and a much-improved telephoto camera, the Pixel 9 Pro XL cements its status as the best smartphone camera.

Pros

• Great camera features and improved telephoto camera
• A year of Gemini Advanced for free
• Impressive battery life
• A beautiful, bright screen that’s easy to use outdoors
• Tensor G4 runs cooler than its predecessor

Cons

• More expensive than last year’s Pixel 8 Pro
• Not a great gaming phone
• A little unwieldy

$1,099 at Google

Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL

I’m honestly shocked. For the first time in years, we’ve given a Google phone a higher score than an iPhone in the same year. Maybe it has something to do with Gemini AI launching earlier than Apple Intelligence, or the fun colors and solid build of the Pixel 9 Pro series. But as I discussed the scores with our reviewer Mat Smith, a few things added up. Arguably the biggest advantage Google has over Apple this year is battery life — the Pixel 9 Pros generally last about two days on a charge, while the iPhone 16 Pro series typically clocks just around 20 hours. We also love Google’s cameras and the bright, smooth displays. The gorgeous palette of pastel color options is just icing on a satisfying cake, with Gemini AI bringing a tasty side treat.

DJI / Engadget

The Avata 2 improves just about everything from the very popular original while shaving some dollars off the cost

Pros

• Improved video quality
• Better maneuverability
• Cheaper
• Longer battery life

Cons

• Goggles 3 may lack comfort for some

$999 at Amazon

DJI Avata 2

Though there is looming concern over DJI’s longevity in the US, the company has otherwise had a relatively successful 2024. This year saw many DJI products scoring more than 90 in our database, which makes sense as they are arguably the best drone maker around. Steve was most impressed by the Avata 2, though, thanks to its great video quality and maneuverability for a lower price than its predecessor. It even has better battery life, to boot.

Apple / Engadget

The iPhone 16 Pro Max offers excellent cameras and editing tools, a large roomy screen, long battery life and the best that Apple has to offer. 

Editors’ note: The current score reflects our experience with the hardware and iOS 18 features that will be available to users at launch. We will evaluate Apple Intelligence and other post-launch features over the coming weeks and months, and may adjust our review score if warranted.

Pros

• Excellent cameras with minimal shutter lag
• Long-lasting battery
• Great photo and video editing updates
• Nice customization options throughout

Cons

• Camera control isn’t perfect

$1,199 at Apple

Apple / Engadget

The iPhone 16 Pro is a great flagship with excellent, fast cameras and editing tools. But you may need to charge it more than once to last all day.

Editors’ note: The current score reflects our experience with the hardware and iOS 18 features that will be available to users at launch. We will evaluate Apple Intelligence and other post-launch features over the coming weeks and months, and may adjust our review score if warranted.

Pros

• Fast camera with high quality video capture
• Photographic styles are effective and pretty
• Nice customizations available throughout

Cons

• Relatively short battery life
• Camera Control isn’t perfect

$999 at Apple

iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max

Apple Intelligence wasn’t available when the iPhone 16 series launched and only recently rolled out, so our review score might still change, But as it is, and after months of using the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max in my daily life, I stand by my evaluation. Though there’s a lot to like about Apple’s latest flagships, I was just so disappointed by the relatively poor battery life that I could not score it higher than the Pixel 9 Pro series. This is more noticeable on the iPhone 16 Pro, though, as the Pro Max generally lasts a few more hours than its smaller counterpart. I also wish the generative-AI features were ready for the public at the time of my review, but now that I’ve spent more time with Genmoji, Image Playground and notification summaries, I’m pretty sure my verdict remains the same. These Apple Intelligence features are fun, but not game-changing, and with or without them the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max are still the best options for anyone on iOS.

Canon

The EOS R5 II is Canon’s best camera in years thanks to improvements in key areas like autofocus and video.

Pros

• Fast shooting speeds
• Canon’s best autofocus yet
• Powerful video capabilities
• Good image stabilization

Cons

• Still overheats for high-res video

$4,299 at Adorama

Canon EOS R5 II

We’ve got a slew of reviews by Steve on this list, mostly for products in cameras and drones that ranked well in their categories. As a Canon girl myself, I was happy to see the EOS R5 II get such a good rating, especially since competition has been heating up. Sadly, the EOS R5 II also heats up when shooting high-res video, but on pretty much every other aspect, it performs respectably. According to Steve, this camera “puts Sony on notice,” and I’m glad to see it.

Sony

Sony’s A9 III is the first mainstream camera with an innovative global shutter, which is fast with minimal image distortion. But it results in reduced image quality compared to regular CMOS cameras.

Pros

• Incredibly quick
• Fast and accurate autofocus
• Good stabilization
• Excellent video capaibilities

Cons

• Reduced image quality
• Expensive

$6,000 at B&H Photo Video

Sony A9 III

Reviewed much earlier in the year, the Sony A9 III caught Steve’s attention for its speedy global shutter, which brought fast and accurate autofocus. It also delivered smooth, high-quality video in a body with excellent handling thanks to Sony’s comfortable new grip. Steve also loved the viewfinder, and though it’s very expensive at $6,000, the A9 III is a solid product that holds the title of “fastest full-frame camera” — at least, until something faster comes along.

DJI

DJI’s Air 3S is the company’s first consumer drone with LiDAR designed to make it safer to fly at night. 

Pros

• Excellent image quality
• LiDAR improves obstacle detection at night
• ActiveTrack 360 produces cinematic tracking shots
• Long battery life
• Now has 42GB internal storage

Cons

• Sometimes fails to detect small obstacles

$1,099 at DJI

DJI

The DJI Neo may be an inexpensive, beginner-friendly drone, but has powerful features like subject tracking and quick shots.

Pros

• Quick and maneuverable
• Inexpensive
• Includes high-end features
• Beginner friendly

Cons

• No vertical video
• Sounds like a banshee
• Top speeds require specific controller

$199 at Amazon

DJI Air 3S and DJI Neo

What lightweight $200 drone shoots good 1080p video but also screams like a banshee? That would be the DJI Neo, which, despite Steve’s evocative description, is something I’m considering buying for myself. Not only is it reasonably priced, but it also promises to capture smooth aerial footage at a respectable resolution. Steve also found it beginner-friendly, which is important for a lousy pilot like me. And sure, maybe I’ll scare some wildlife or neighbors with its loud screeching, but maybe that’s part of the fun?

If you want something that can avoid people or obstacles and deliver cinematic shots, the DJI Air 3S is a solid option thanks to its LiDAR and larger camera sensor, both of which improve performance and obstacle-detection in low light. You’ll have to pay about five times the Neo’s cost, of course, but aspiring Spielbergs might find that price worthwhile.

Apple

Apple’s 14-inch MacBook Pro is better than ever thanks to its M4 chips, Thunderbolt 5 support and slightly brighter screens.

Pros

• Fast M4 chips
• Brighter display
• Sharp 12MP Center Stage webcam
• Thunderbolt 5 with M4 Pro/Max
• Long battery life

$1,499 at Adorama

Apple

Apple’s 16-inch MacBook Pro is better than ever thanks to its M4 chips, Thunderbolt 5 support and slightly brighter screens.

Pros

• Fast M4 chips
• Brighter display
• Sharp 12MP Center Stage webcam
• Thunderbolt 5 with M4 Pro/Max
• Long battery life

$2,249 at Adorama

MacBook Pro (14-inch, 2024) and MacBook Pro (16-inch, 2024)

I’m not surprised that the only laptops to make it to this list are this year’s M4 MacBook Pros. Apple has demonstrated over the last few years that its M-series processors deliver excellent performance and battery life, and it’s continued to prove its point in 2024. This year’s model features brighter screens and improved webcams, as well as slight bumps in RAM and storage. I’m a Windows user, but even I have to admit that what Apple is doing with the MacBooks is something that Microsoft and all its partners on the PC side have struggled to fully replicate.

ASUS / Engadget

For anyone who wants strong performance in a portable design, the ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 is both pound for pound and dollar for dollar the best choice around.

Pros

• Beautiful understated design
• Gorgeous OLED screen
• Strong performance
• Good port selection
• Punchy speakers

Cons

• Bottom vents can get a bit toasty
• Keyboard only has single-zone lighting
• Armoury Crate app is kind of messy
• RAM is soldered in

$2,000 at Best Buy

ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 (2024)

What PC makers do excel at is power and creativity. When it’s not experimenting with dual-screen laptops, ASUS is pushing out capable gaming laptops in its Republic of Gamers (ROG) brand. This year, 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 higher score at all this year, so it stands to reason we have yet to see a gaming notebook steal that crown. The Zephyrus G14 won Sam over with its beautiful OLED screen, attractive yet subtle design and generous array of ports. Though he’s not a fan of its soldered-in RAM and ASUS’ Armoury Crate app, Sam still found plenty to like, calling it “both pound for pound and dollar for dollar the best choice around.”

There are plenty of products that might have received the same score as the ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 and iPhone 16 Pro, but we have to cut the list somewhere. It’s worth mentioning that other devices we awarded a score of 91 include the DJI Osmo Pocket 3, the Analogue Duo, the Fujifilm X100 VI and the iPad Air (2024). And when it comes to things that got 90 points, we’ve got the base iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus, the Apple Watch Series 10, NVIDIA’s RTX 4070 Super graphics card, the Meta Quest 3S headset, as well as appliances like Ninja’s Creami ice-cream maker.

But I wanted to shout out Daniel Cooper’s review of the reMarkable Paper Pro. It’s a gadget that’s brought back waves of nostalgia and sentimentality in a time when we’re all tired of constantly being wired in. It’s one of the highest-rated products of its kind, not only because it’s a capable writing tablet, but also because it is a color e-paper tablet that has a bigger screen and faster performance than its monochrome predecessor. At $580 to start, it’s certainly a significant investment, but one that might free us from feeling chained to our laptops and phones.

Worst products we reviewed this year: Humane AI Pin and Rabbit R1

In all my 8-plus years at Engadget, I can only remember one other time we’ve awarded anything a sub-60 score, and that was when Fisher-Price’s Sproutling wearable baby monitor gave our editor’s baby an eczema outbreak. The Sproutling got an appropriately all-time low score of 41, and this year, the Rabbit R1 broke that bottom when Devindra decided it deserved only 40 points.

The Rabbit R1 first made waves at CES 2024, when it showed up out of nowhere and enticed many of us with its cute looks and bright orange color. Its Teenage Engineering heritage was even more alluring, and we all wanted to try out the Playdate-esque scroll wheel for ourselves. The square device also came with an onboard camera, two microphones, rotating camera and a 2.88-inch display. But its biggest promise was, as with everything in 2024, all about AI.

And with many things in 2024, the AI promise fell flat. Rabbit made bold claims about its “large action model,” but in actuality, at the time of our review, the R1 could barely execute tasks to completion. Instead of letting you easily make orders via DoorDash, for example, it would “often deliver the weather when I asked for traffic,” according to Devindra’s review. Worse, “sometimes it would hear my request and simply do nothing.”

I had a similarly frustrating experience when testing the much-hyped Humane AI Pin. It was a shiny chrome square that you could attach to your clothes and interact with either by voice, touch or via a futuristic-looking projector that beamed a display onto your palm. You were supposed to be able to simply talk to the Humane AI assistant to get it to remember things for and about you, eventually coming to rely on it like a second brain.

Instead, we got a hot mess. Quite literally. The Humane AI Pin would frequently run so hot that it would stop working, with the device saying it needed to cool down for a bit before you could use it again. When it did work, it was barely smart enough to answer questions, and though the projector was cool visually, using it to do anything was frustrating and just led to sore arms and crossed eyes. Not only did it not do enough to justify the effort involved in using it, the Humane AI Pin also cost $700 — way too much for a product this finicky.

It gets worse (or better, depending on how you’re reading this). Shortly after it was widely criticized by reviewers in April, leaked internal documents showed that people appeared to be returning the AI Pins faster than the company was selling them. In October, Humane had to issue a recall for its charging case due to overheating, with the Consumer Product Safety Commission saying it posed “a fire hazard.”

I gave the Humane AI Pin a score of 50 in my review, in large part due to the intriguing projector display. Right now, though, it seems these AI gadgets are, at best, struggling to take hold. At worst, they’re on fire.