Introduction
The year 2024 will be remembered as a pivotal moment in technology—a year when artificial intelligence moved from novelty to necessity, when modular design challenged planned obsolescence, and when innovation flourished across every category from smartphones to smart rings.
With over 1,500 products reviewed by leading publications and countless others launched into the market, 2024 delivered an extraordinary array of technology that pushed boundaries and redefined expectations . From the first mainstream color e-reader to AI-powered headphones that monitor your focus, from repairable smartphones to laptops designed to last a decade, this was a year that rewarded bold thinking and punished incrementalism.
This guide is your definitive resource on the best tech products of 2024. Drawing on verified awards and expert reviews from the world’s most trusted technology publications—including CNET Editors’ Choice, PCMag 5-Star Awards, Tom’s Guide Awards, TechRadar Choice Awards, and Digital Trends’ Most Innovative—we’ve curated the absolute best across every major category.
You will learn:
- The most awarded products of 2024 and why they won
- Category winners: smartphones, laptops, TVs, headphones, wearables, and more
- The most innovative products that dared to be different
- Real-world use cases for each top pick
- Step-by-step guidance for choosing the right tech for your needs
- Common buying mistakes and how to avoid them
- Expert tips and best practices for 2025 and beyond
Whether you’re shopping for yourself, hunting for the perfect gift, or simply reflecting on a remarkable year in technology, this guide provides the comprehensive, authoritative analysis you need.
H2: The Most Awarded Products of 2024
Before diving into category-by-category breakdowns, let’s look at the products that swept multiple awards across publications—the true standouts of the year.
H3: Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
Awards Won:
- TechRadar Readers’ Choice Award
- Tom’s Guide Best Android Phone
- Computer Hoy Best High-End Smartphone
Why It Won: Samsung’s flagship represented the culmination of years of refinement. Our TechRadar review called it “a phone that transcends the smartphone category,” offering simply so much—this is the do-anything device we’ve always wanted smartphones to be . With Samsung’s AI tools integrated throughout, it made artificial intelligence genuinely useful rather than just a talking point.
Key Features:
- Integrated AI tools for photography, translation, and productivity
- Titanium frame for durability
- S Pen functionality retained
- 200MP main camera with advanced zoom
H3: Sony Bravia 9
Awards Won:
Why It Won: The Bravia 9 gave the world its first glimpse of XR Backlight Master Drive technology, bringing LCD TV technology closer to OLED than ever before . Digital Trends declared it “the finest LCD TV ever made,” praising its ability to virtually eliminate blooming and halo effects while producing extremely subtle variations in brightness intensity .
The Innovation: Sony’s new XR Backlight Master Drive pairs thousands of tiny mini-LEDs with unprecedentedly granular control, thanks to a highly advanced integrated circuit developed in-house by Sony engineers .
H3: Framework Laptop 16
Awards Won:
Why It Won: When it comes to innovation, there’s no company pushing the boundaries more than Framework. The Laptop 16 is more than just ambitious—it’s downright audacious . It takes the modular internals of the original 13-inch model and applies them to the exterior chassis as well, allowing you to customize the keyboard deck with number pads, programmable macro keys, or LED matrices.
The Promise: Unlike every other laptop in its category, the Framework Laptop 16 is actually upgradeable for better performance down the line, with AMD Radeon RX 7700S graphics module onboard . It’s not for everyone, but is it innovative? You bet.
H2: Best Smartphones of 2024
2024 was an exceptional year for smartphones, with Apple, Samsung, and Google all delivering compelling flagships, while innovative designs from HMD and others pushed the boundaries of what a phone could be.
H3: Best Overall Smartphone
Winner: Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
The Galaxy S24 Ultra represents Samsung at its best—a phone that does everything exceptionally well. TechRadar’s readers voted it their top choice, praising its versatility and the seamless integration of AI tools . From photography to productivity, this phone handles it all with grace.
Key Specifications:
- 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, 120Hz
- Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor
- 200MP main camera with 100x Space Zoom
- 5,000mAh battery
- S Pen included
Pros:
- Versatile camera system
- Integrated AI features
- Premium build with titanium frame
- Long software support commitment
Cons:
- Expensive
- Heavy compared to competitors
H3: Best iPhone
Winner: iPhone 15 Pro Max (Tom’s Guide) / iPhone 16 Pro Max (Computer Hoy)
Different publications reviewed different release windows, but the consensus is clear: Apple’s Pro Max offerings continue to dominate. Tom’s Guide awarded the iPhone 15 Pro Max as Best Phone and Best Camera Phone, while Computer Hoy’s readers selected the iPhone 16 Pro Max as Best Premium Smartphone .
iPhone 16 Pro Max Key Features :
- A18 Pro chip
- 5x optical zoom
- Titanium design
- USB-C 3.0 support
- Action button
H3: Best Android Phone
Winner: Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
Tom’s Guide selected the S24 Ultra as the best Android phone of 2024, citing its comprehensive feature set and the maturity of Samsung’s software experience .
H3: Best Camera Phone
For photography enthusiasts, Tom’s Guide awarded the iPhone 15 Pro Max as the best camera phone, praising its computational photography and video capabilities .
H3: Best Foldable Phone
Winners: OnePlus Open (Tom’s Guide) / Honor Magic V3 (Computer Hoy)
The foldable category saw intense competition. Tom’s Guide selected the OnePlus Open as their top foldable, while Computer Hoy’s readers chose the Honor Magic V3 as Best Foldable Smartphone . Both represent the maturation of foldable technology.
H3: Most Innovative Phone
Digital Trends called the HMD Fusion “2024’s bravest smartphone” . While not the most technically impressive, its modular design—with open-source “Smart Outfits” that anyone can create—and user-repairable construction (with replacement parts available for seven years) make it genuinely unique .
Price: Just $300, proving innovation doesn’t have to be expensive .
H3: Best Value Phone
TechRadar awarded the Pixel 8a as Best Value Phone, noting that Google has taken a whole lot of what made the Pixel 8 great and pumped it into the 8a . For $499, you get a distinctive design, great cameras, a 120Hz display, AI-powered features, and seven years of software support .
H2: Best Laptops of 2024
The laptop category saw remarkable innovation in 2024, from AI-powered performance to modular, repairable designs.
H3: Best Overall Laptop
Winner: Microsoft Surface Laptop (2024)
TechRadar named the Microsoft Surface Laptop their Laptop of the Year, stating that “Microsoft has achieved what it has been attempting for years—to create a laptop that beats arch-rival Apple’s MacBooks” . Mashable also awarded it Best Windows Laptop .
- Qualcomm Snapdragon chip for excellent performance and battery life
- Gorgeous design
- Strong competition to MacBook Air M3
H3: Best AI Laptop
Tom’s Guide awarded the HP OmniBook X as Best AI Laptop, recognizing the integration of AI capabilities that defined the next generation of Windows laptops .
H3: Best 2-in-1 Laptop
Both Tom’s Guide and Mashable recognized the Asus Zenbook Duo as a standout 2-in-1, with its dual-screen design offering unique productivity possibilities .
H3: Most Innovative Laptop
Digital Trends’ choice for Most Innovative Laptop, the Framework Laptop 16 represents a radical departure from planned obsolescence. Every component can be upgraded or repaired, and the modular input system lets you customize the keyboard deck to your exact needs .
H3: Best Gaming Laptop
Winner: Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 (2024)
Tom’s Guide selected the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 as Best Gaming Laptop, balancing performance with portability .
H3: Best Laptop Display
Mashable awarded the Acer Swift X 14 for its outstanding display quality .
H2: Best TVs of 2024
Television technology reached new heights in 2024, with mini-LED and OLED both advancing dramatically.
H3: Best Overall TV
Tom’s Guide named the Sony Bravia 9 Best TV of 2024, while Digital Trends awarded it Most Innovative TV . Its XR Backlight Master Drive technology brings LCD closer to OLED than ever before, virtually eliminating blooming while maintaining incredible brightness .
H3: Best OLED TV
Tom’s Guide awarded the Samsung S95D Best TV Innovation, while TechRadar named it TV of the Year . A new anti-reflection matte screen and AI innovations changed OLED in a big way, delivering a detail-rich and glare-free picture .
H3: Best QLED TV
Winner: Hisense U8N Mini-LED TV
Tom’s Guide selected the Hisense U8N as Best QLED TV, offering exceptional performance at a competitive price point .
H2: Best Headphones and Audio of 2024
Audio innovation in 2024 ranged from AI-powered focus tracking to dramatically extended battery life.
H3: Best Overall Headphones
Winners: Sony WH-1000XM5 (Tom’s Guide) / Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 (TechRadar)
Different categories yielded different winners. Tom’s Guide awarded the Sony WH-1000XM5 as Best Headphones overall, while TechRadar named the Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 as Headphones of the Year for their “unbelievable sound” and complete feature set .
H3: Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones
Winner: Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
Tom’s Guide selected the Bose QuietComfort Ultra as best for noise cancellation, continuing Bose’s dominance in this category .
H3: Most Innovative Headphones
Digital Trends awarded Most Innovative Headphones to the Neurable MW75 Neuro, which feature discreet electroencephalogram (EEG) sensors built into the ear cushions to monitor your level of mental focus . Created in partnership with Master & Dynamic, these $100-premium headphones let you track focus levels and receive prompts when concentration drops .
H3: Best Headphones for Battery Life
Mashable awarded the Dyson Ontrac headphones for their insane 55-hour battery life—with ANC engaged . They also praised their comfort and impressive noise cancellation.
H3: Best Wireless Earbuds
Winner: Apple AirPods 4 (with ANC)
Computer Hoy readers selected the AirPods 4 as Best Audio Device, and Mashable praised their elite noise cancellation and honeyed sound quality . The new one-size-fits-most design addresses fit concerns that plagued previous generations.
H2: Best Wearables and Fitness Tech of 2024
2024 was the year smart rings finally went mainstream.
H3: Best Smartwatch
Tom’s Guide awarded the Apple Watch Ultra 2 as Best Smartwatch, recognizing its comprehensive feature set and rugged design .
H3: Most Innovative Wearable
Digital Trends awarded Most Innovative Wearable to the RingConn Gen 2, the first smart ring capable of detecting sleep apnea . This level of health-sensing technology crammed into a ring format is nothing short of impressive .
H3: Best Smart Ring
Both Tom’s Guide and TechRadar recognized the Galaxy Ring as a breakthrough product. TechRadar called it Health and Fitness Product of the Year, noting that “Samsung made sure that even your elderly grandparents watching the news went ‘Really? Smart rings? What a time to be alive'” .
H3: Best Fitness Tracker
Tom’s Guide selected the Fitbit Charge 6 as Best Fitness Tracker .
H2: Best Tablets and E-Readers of 2024
H3: Best Tablet Overall
Winner: iPad Pro M4 (Tom’s Guide) / Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra (Computer Hoy)
Tom’s Guide awarded the iPad Pro M4 as Best Tablet, while Computer Hoy readers selected the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra as Best Tablet .
H3: Most Innovative Tablet
Winner: Amazon Kindle Colorsoft
Digital Trends awarded Most Innovative Tablet to the Amazon Kindle Colorsoft—the first mainstream Kindle with a color display . Since the first Kindle debuted in 2007, the dream of a color display has existed. It took 17 years to get there, and the result is “a pretty magical experience” .
H3: Best Budget Tablet
Winner: Amazon Fire HD 10 (13th Gen)
Mashable awarded the Fire HD 10 as Best Budget Tablet .
H2: Best AI Tools of 2024
Artificial intelligence exploded in 2024, with tools across every category earning recognition.
H3: Best AI Chatbot
Both CNET and Tom’s Guide recognized Claude as a leading AI chatbot, with CNET awarding it an Editors’ Choice in their inaugural AI awards .
H3: Best AI Image Generator
Winners: Leonardo (Tom’s Guide) / DALL-E 3 (CNET)
Tom’s Guide selected Leonardo as Best AI Image Generator, while CNET awarded DALL-E 3 .
H3: Best AI Transcription Service
CNET recognized Otter AI as a standout transcription service .
H3: Best AI Video Generator
Tom’s Guide selected Runway as Best AI Video Generator .
H2: Best Gaming Hardware of 2024
H3: Best Console
Computer Hoy readers selected the PS5 Pro as Best Desktop and Gaming Device, while Digital Trends recognized it as Most Innovative Gaming Hardware for its PSSR (PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution) technology .
PSSR represents the future of gaming, using AI to upscale images to 4K without sacrificing frame rate—solving this generation’s biggest hardware hurdle .
H3: Best Handheld Gaming PC
Tom’s Guide awarded the Steam Deck OLED as Best Handheld Gaming PC .
H3: Best VR Headset
CNET and Tom’s Guide both recognized the Meta Quest 3 as a top VR/mixed reality headset .
H3: Best Game of 2024
TechRadar named Balatro Game of the Year, describing it as “the very definition of ‘pick-up-and-play'” and “fiendishly moreish” .
H2: Best Smart Home Devices of 2024
H3: Best Smart Speaker
Computer Hoy readers selected the Amazon Echo Spot 2024 as Best eHome Device .
H3: Best Smart Doorbell
Winner: Google Nest Smart Doorbell
CNET awarded the Google Nest Smart Doorbell as a top smart home pick .
H3: Best Smart Lock
CNET recognized the Aqara U100 for its smart lock capabilities .
H3: Best Universal Remote
CNET selected the SofaBaton U2 as a top smart home device .
H2: Most Innovative Products of 2024
Beyond category winners, these products stood out for their bold thinking.
H3: PS5 Pro and PSSR Technology
Sony’s PSSR (PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution) already feels like the start of the next console generation four years early . It solves the core problem of this console generation: the impossible choice between graphics and performance modes.
H3: Neurable MW75 Neuro Headphones
Brain-computer interface meets premium audio. These headphones monitor focus levels via EEG sensors, helping you understand when you’re most productive .
H3: Framework Laptop 16
A laptop designed to last—every component upgradeable, the chassis customizable. A direct challenge to planned obsolescence .
H3: HMD Fusion Smartphone
Open-source, modular, repairable, and just $300. The bravest smartphone of 2024 .
H3: Amazon Kindle Colorsoft
Seventeen years in the making, the first mainstream color Kindle finally arrived .
H2: Common Buying Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
H3: Mistake 1 – Buying Based on Hype, Not Needs
The error: Purchasing the most talked-about product without considering whether it fits your actual use case.
The consequence: You pay for features you’ll never use while missing capabilities you actually need.
Avoidance: List your must-have features before researching. Let your needs guide your choice, not the headlines.
H3: Mistake 2 – Ignoring the Ecosystem
The error: Buying a device without considering how it fits with your existing tech ecosystem.
The consequence: A great product that doesn’t play well with your phone, computer, or smart home becomes frustrating.
Avoidance: Consider platform compatibility before purchasing. If you’re all-in on Apple, buy Apple. If you use Windows and Android, choose accordingly.
H3: Mistake 3 – Overlooking Total Cost of Ownership
The error: Focusing only on purchase price while ignoring accessories, subscriptions, and replacement costs.
The consequence: A “cheap” product becomes expensive when you add required accessories or subscriptions.
Avoidance: Factor in all costs before purchasing. Research whether the product requires ongoing subscriptions for full functionality.
H3: Mistake 4 – Buying Too Early in the Product Cycle
The error: Purchasing first-generation products before reading reviews.
The consequence: You become a beta tester for unproven technology.
Avoidance: Wait for comprehensive reviews from trusted sources. First-generation products often have kinks that get ironed out in later revisions.
H3: Mistake 5 – Ignoring Return Policies and Warranties
The error: Assuming you’re stuck with a purchase that doesn’t work for you.
The consequence: You keep a product that doesn’t meet your needs because you didn’t know you could return it.
Avoidance: Check return policies before buying. Understand warranty coverage. Keep receipts and packaging until you’re sure.
H2: Expert Tips and Best Practices
1. Read Multiple Reviews
No single reviewer has the perfect perspective. Read at least three reviews from trusted sources before making a major purchase.
2. Consider Long-Term Value
The cheapest product often costs more in the long run. Consider build quality, repairability, and software support alongside price.
3. Check for Compatibility
Before buying, verify that the product works with your existing devices and services. A smart home device that doesn’t work with your phone is useless.
4. Wait for Real-World Reviews
Specs sheets don’t tell the whole story. Wait for hands-on reviews that test products in real-world conditions.
5. Understand Your Return Window
If you’re buying a gift, ensure the recipient has enough time to return or exchange if needed.
6. Factor in Subscription Costs
Many products now require ongoing subscriptions for full functionality. Calculate the total cost over 2-3 years, not just the purchase price.
7. Consider Refurbished Options
For many products, manufacturer-refurbished units offer the same functionality at significant savings with the same warranty.
8. Buy from Reputable Sellers
Avoid counterfeit products by purchasing from authorized retailers or directly from manufacturers.
9. Check for Software Update Commitments
Products with long software support commitments (like Google’s 7-year promise for Pixel phones) offer better long-term value.
10. Think About Resale Value
Some products hold value better than others. If you upgrade frequently, consider resale value in your purchasing decision.
H2: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What was the best smartphone of 2024?
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra was the most awarded smartphone, winning TechRadar’s Readers’ Choice, Tom’s Guide Best Android Phone, and Computer Hoy Best High-End Smartphone .
2. What was the best laptop of 2024?
The Microsoft Surface Laptop (2024) won TechRadar’s Laptop of the Year and Mashable’s Best Windows Laptop .
3. What was the best TV of 2024?
The Sony Bravia 9 won Tom’s Guide Best TV and Digital Trends Most Innovative TV, praised for its XR Backlight Master Drive technology .
4. What were the most innovative products of 2024?
Digital Trends’ Most Innovative winners included: HMD Fusion (phone), Framework Laptop 16, Sony Bravia 9 (TV), Amazon Kindle Colorsoft (tablet), Neurable MW75 Neuro (headphones), PS5 Pro (gaming), and RingConn Gen 2 (wearable) .
5. What was the best value phone of 2024?
The Google Pixel 8a won TechRadar’s Best Value Phone, offering flagship features at just $499 .
6. What was the best foldable phone of 2024?
The OnePlus Open won Tom’s Guide Best Foldable Phone, while the Honor Magic V3 won Computer Hoy’s readers’ award .
7. What was the best tablet of 2024?
The iPad Pro M4 won Tom’s Guide Best Tablet, and the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra won Computer Hoy Best Tablet .
8. What was the best e-reader of 2024?
The Amazon Kindle Colorsoft won Digital Trends Most Innovative Tablet for being the first mainstream color Kindle .
9. What were the best headphones of 2024?
Sony WH-1000XM5 (Tom’s Guide), Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 (TechRadar), and Dyson Ontrac (Mashable) all won category awards .
10. What was the best gaming console of 2024?
The PlayStation 5 Pro won Computer Hoy Best Desktop and Gaming Device and Digital Trends Most Innovative Gaming Hardware .
11. What was the best smart ring of 2024?
The Samsung Galaxy Ring won multiple awards, including TechRadar’s Health and Fitness Product of the Year .
12. What was the best AI tool of 2024?
Claude (Anthropic) won Best AI Chatbot from both CNET and Tom’s Guide .
13. What was the best camera of 2024?
The Canon EOS R5 Mark II won TechRadar’s Camera of the Year, praised as Canon’s most versatile camera ever .
14. What was the best fitness tracker of 2024?
The Fitbit Charge 6 won Tom’s Guide Best Fitness Tracker .
15. What was the best smartwatch of 2024?
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 won Tom’s Guide Best Smartwatch .
16. What was the best VR headset of 2024?
The Meta Quest 3 won awards from both CNET and Tom’s Guide .
17. What was the best streaming service of 2024?
Apple TV Plus won TechRadar’s Streaming Service of the Year .
18. What was the best router of 2024?
The Asus RT-BE96U won Tom’s Guide Best Router .
19. What was the best VPN of 2024?
NordVPN won Tom’s Guide Best VPN .
20. What was the best product design of 2024?
The Sonos Ace headphones won Tom’s Guide Best Product Design .
21. What was the best sustainability-focused product of 2024?
The Framework Laptop 16 won Tom’s Guide Sustainability in Tech Award, and the Acer Aspire Vero 16 won TechRadar’s Sustainability Award .
22. What was the best gaming laptop of 2024?
The Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 (2024) won Tom’s Guide Best Gaming Laptop .
23. What was the best budget tablet of 2024?
The Amazon Fire HD 10 (13th Gen) won Mashable’s Best Budget Tablet .
24. What was the best action camera of 2024?
The GoPro Hero 13 Black won Mashable’s Best Action Camera .
25. What was the best phone for battery life in 2024?
The iPhone 16 Plus lasted nearly 19 hours on a single charge, according to Mashable testing .
H2: Conclusion – A Year of Remarkable Innovation
2024 was a year that proved technology can still surprise us.
From the Sony Bravia 9’s revolutionary backlight technology to the Framework Laptop 16’s challenge to planned obsolescence, from the Kindle Colorsoft’s long-awaited color display to the Neurable MW75 Neuro’s brain-computer interface, this was a year of genuine breakthroughs.
The trends that defined 2024:
- AI became essential rather than experimental, integrated into phones, laptops, and creative tools
- Modularity and repairability gained mainstream attention, led by Framework and HMD
- Smart rings arrived in force, with Samsung leading the charge
- Display technology reached new heights, both in TVs and e-readers
- Gaming hardware solved fundamental problems with AI upscaling
The lessons for buyers:
- Read multiple reviews before committing—no single source tells the whole story
- Consider long-term value—repairability and software support matter
- Match the product to your needs, not the hype
- Wait for hands-on testing—specs sheets don’t tell you how a product actually performs
- Factor in total cost of ownership, including subscriptions and accessories
As we look toward 2025, the foundations laid in 2024 will continue to shape technology. AI will become even more integrated. Modular design will spread. Smart rings will become more capable. And the relentless pace of innovation will continue.
The best tech products of 2024 weren’t just incremental updates—they were bold statements about what technology can and should be. They deserve to be celebrated, and if you’re lucky enough to own any of them, they’ll serve you well for years to come.