Every year, I highlight my favourite tech products among all the ones I tested in the last 12 months. Last year’s list included a diverse mix of items like the JBL Live 770NC headphones, Clckr MagSage grip and stand, and the Withings Body Segment smart scale. On this year’s list, a few items return simply because I continue to use and love them enough to warrant a second mention. But it’s also filled with lots more tech spanning audio, smartphones, wearables, and even outdoor appliances. In no particular order, here are my absolute favs.
1. Panasonic Technics EAH-AZ100 Noise Cancelling Earbuds
The Panasonic Technics EAH-AZ100 noise cancelling earbuds are the cream of the crop. I test dozens of earbuds every year and these are the ones I go back to for listening on my walks, taking Zoom or Google Meet calls, commuting, and even traveling. Yes, the noise cancelling is good enough for a flight if you prefer buds instead of full-sized headphones. Audio is crisp and clear, dynamic in every genre of music. I love multi-point connectivity that seamlessly switches among three devices. I can be listening to a briefing on my laptop then turn music back on my phone and it will instantly and intelligently switch to whatever source is playing audio. I don’t have a negative thing to say about these earbuds, which you can find on sale right now for the holiday season. Read my review. Buy the Panasonic Technics EAH-AZ100s.
2. Apple Watch Series 11 Smartwatch
Admittedly, the Apple Watch Series 11 isn’t a huge step-up from the Series 10 (which was on my list last year), especially since watchOS 26 updates carry over to both. But there are a few notable inclusions, including improved battery life, a big deal for power users. It also has a more durable screen, which outdoor adventurers will appreciate if you don’t want to fork over the extra dough for the Ultra 3. My Apple Watch is one of my most essential pieces of gear. It tracks my workouts, walks, and sleep, delivers notifications to my wrist, functions as my on-wrist wallet, and tracks all my vitals. If I forget it at home, I feel naked. Once you have an Apple Watch, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. If you’re thinking of upgrading, now is the time with so many holiday deals going on. Read my review. Buy the Apple Watch Series 11.
3. Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) Noise Cancelling Headphones
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 headphones aren’t the best-sounding headphones I have tested this year. But they do offer top-notch noise cancelling making them my new go-to for travel. I wore them on long-haul flights to Spain through Paris and it was lovely to be able to shut out the world around me. From airplane engine noise to the vacuum at home or chatter in a local coffee shop, they’re a dream. I love that you can adjust noise cancelling using a slider in the app, and it has the usual ambient aware/transparent mode. Battery life is generous, lasting my entire flights and back without needing a recharge. Audiophiles will love that it comes with a USB-C cable for connecting to a device for lossless listening, which sounds superb. I’d recommend these for any frequent traveler. Read my review. Buy the Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2.
4. Apple iPhone 17 Pro Smartphone
I upgraded from the Apple iPhone 15 Pro to the iPhone 17 Pro, which has a faster chip, improved vapor chamber (something gamers and multitaskers will appreciate), redesigned aluminum body, improved cameras, better battery life with faster charging, and of course all the upgrades with iOS 26, which also work with the 15 Pro. It is, in my opinion, the best of the four new iPhones, one that will be suitable for most users. Taking photos and videos are important for most people, and this phone has some features that I love, and that are exclusive to the 17 Series. Dual Capture, for example, lets you capture a small window showing you inset with what you’re recording. The Center Stage front camera, meanwhile, can auto-adjust to fit more people in the frame in a group shot without you having to rotate the phone and hold it horizontally. It’s a feature I suspect a lot of people will make use of. The cameras also have better 8x optical zoom: I was impressed by some images I took at a concert using the 40x digital zoom. As a device I keep with me 24/7, I appreciate all the cool features of the iPhone 17 Pro and recommend it as the one to get for most people. Read my review. Buy the iPhone 17 Pro.
5. JBL Flip 7 Portable Bluetooth Speaker
Whenever someone asks me to recommend a good portable Bluetooth speaker that offers a balance of great sound, versatility, and price, I always suggest JBL. The JBL Flip 7 is downright adorable and it’s so compact and durable, you can take it anywhere. In fact, I packed it in my backpack for a trip to Mexico (yes, you have to pack portable Bluetooth speakers in your carry-on, not checked luggage) to use in the hotel room, by the pool, and at the beach. It was a hit with the teenagers who enjoyed being able to relax to their own tunes. It comes with different clips for hanging or mounting. With an IP68 rating, you can safely use it by the pool and not worry if the kids put their wet hands all over it, even if it accidentally falls in. Battery life is great, and sound is phenomenal for such a small speaker. It’s affordable, too, at under $200 through Erikson Consumer, and selling for even less right now in time for the holidays. Earning a WiFi HiFi Editor’s Choice award, it’s great for teens, the home office, vacation, backyard parties, at the cottage, the park, and virtually anywhere you want to get big sound from a small package. Read my review. Buy the JBL Flip 7.
6. Oura Ring 4 Smart Ring
I have been wearing the Oura Ring 4 smart ring alongside my smartwatch for the last several months, and it’s a valuable supplementary tool for keeping track of workouts, vitals, and other data. I love how comfortable it is and the logically designed app that neatly organizes data in different circular menu items so I can check stats for sleep, activity, readiness, stress, and more. It automatically senses workouts and intelligently figures out what it was, like walking or boxing. It doesn’t always get it right and sometimes misses tracking, but you can manually start a workout from the app as well. Added features like Symptom Radar that checks for the potential onset of a cold based on outlier data, like a rising body temperature, meal logging for nutritional insights, and an intelligent advisor, make it even more valuable. It starts at $470, but you can find it on sale right now. Read my review. Buy the Oura Ring 4.
7. Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold Foldable Smartphone
I’m not primarily an Android user but I do test many Android phones. The Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold is one of the most impressive I’ve used this year. It employs a cool foldable design such that you get a massive screen inside and a slim, pocketable phone when folded with an outer screen. The inclusion of Google Gemini has proven invaluable for asking all sorts of questions, like help finding an affordable flight or settling debates with family members. When my 13-year-old son came home with complicated grade 8 math homework that made even me want to tear my hair out, I snapped a photo of each question, asked for the answer, then followed along the process with my son to ensure he was doing the right steps. The phone takes wonderful photos and has cool features like split screen where you can drag and drop images, useful photo editing features like Auto Best Take and Add Me (I’ve used the latter to varying degrees of success), and Camera Coach to help you take better photos. Parents of young kids will love Made You Look, which shows a cute animation on screen to help distract kids so they don’t look away while you’re trying to take a photo. The 20x zoom is also incredible, perfect for zoom shots at a concert or sporting event. Starting at $2,399, it’s more than a traditional premium phone, but it’s like you get a phone and a tablet in one, and it’s on sale right now. Read my review. Buy the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold.
8. Ooni Koda 2 Pro Outdoor Pizza Oven
If you’re looking for another outdoor appliance to make something beyond burgers, hot dogs, steaks, and brisket, the Ooni Koda 2 Pro outdoor pizza oven is easy to use, works wonderfully, and will save you money on Friday night pizza delivery. The 18-inch gas-powered oven uses patent-pending G2 Gas Technology with a tapered flame system that provides even heat distribution. Crank it up to 950°F and cook a large-sized pizza in just a minute and a half. Everyone in the family can make their own customized pies with pre-made or homemade dough. What’s great about it is that you can use a compatible cast iron or sheet pan to cook other items as well. Look to the companion app for ideas: S’mores pizza is deliciously indulgent! From a tech angle, it works with a Bluetooth-enabled Ooni Connect Digital Temperature Hub so you can remotely monitor the temperature and know when it’s ready to slide a pie in, perfect for colder winter days. It also self-cleans, so it’s effortless to use. It sells for $1,110, on sale right now for 20% off, or you can get the smaller Ooni Koda 2 for $649. Read my review. Buy the Ooni Koda 2 Pro.
9. Victrola Journey Glow Record Player
Perfect for gifting to someone you know wants to reignite their love of vinyl, maybe someone of the younger generation just getting into the media format for the first time, the Victrola Journey Glow record player isn’t just your average record player. It also works as a Bluetooth speaker for playing streaming tunes from a connected mobile device. Use Vinylstream to stream a spinning record to separate speakers or headphones or connect active speakers for a wider soundstage. It’s really a versatile player in a box that literally comes in a storage box with a lid that clips closed for simple transport. GLOWRGB lighting includes a perimeter of lights on the front you can adjust by colour and effects, pulsing along to the music to create cool ambiance. At just $150 through Erikson Consumer, it’s ridiculously affordable for what it is. Read my review. Buy the Victrola Journey Glow.
10. Epson EcoTank ET-4850 All-in-One Printer
Some products are just so good, items you rely on for years, that they’re worth making my list again and again. I mentioned the Epson EcoTank ET-4850 all-in-one printer on my list last year, and it’s still my go-to printer at home. Launching back in 2021, you get a stable Wi-Fi connection (I often print from the main level of my home then pick them up from the basement when I head down), ink reservoirs positioned at the front for easy filling and refilling, and sensors that stop the ink from flowing once the reservoirs detect that they’re full. From printing black and white text to vibrant photos on glossy photo paper, the easy-to-use app, and remote printing over Wi-Fi, it’s a dream device for a home office or busy family. Epson has released an upgraded version in the ET-4950 with a supply of ink that can last for up to three years, faster print speeds, a larger touchscreen, and higher duty cycle. I haven’t reviewed that model, but you’d likely be fine with either. Opt for the newer model if you have more demanding printing needs. Read my review. Buy the Epson EcoTank ET-4950.
11. TECH2CLEAN All-Purpose Electronics Cleaner
I have tried a lot of screen cleaners, but the TECH2CLEAN All-Purpose Electronics Cleaner stands out. Not only is the company founded in Canada and the screen cleaner eco-friendly, it’s also safe to use on any surface, not just screens. This means you can wipe your phone front and back, wipe down not just the laptop screen but also the surface, even clean your robot vacuum, headphones including earpads and headband, eyeglasses and frames, TV remote (or hotel TV remote!), camera, virtually anything you can get your hands on that needs a little TLC. The 60mL Clean 2 Go kit I tried sells for just $25 and includes a bottle of the cleaner that’s easy to toss in your carry-on. Use it with throwaway clothes to clean the seatback tray and screen and give surfaces and electronics in the hotel room a quick wipe down. For your personal use, it comes with a plush microfibre cloth that is super-soft, thicker than is typical for such kits. When you’re done, toss it in the washing machine. I used this solution to clean my iPhone, MacBook, and other surfaces and it nicely lifts fingerprints, dust, and grime so everything is shiny and new. Buy the TECH2CLEAN all-purpose electronics cleaner.
12. DJI Osmo Pocket 3 Portable Gimbal Camera
Another item that is making my list two years in a row is the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 portable gimbal camera. This handy pocket camera comes with me to every work event, and it’s a dream to have. I capture footage on the go and unboxing videos at home. When I’m out and about, it’s easy to pair wirelessly on the fly with my iPhone to upload photos to that device that I can later use to create social content in Capcut. The fact that I can do this so quickly and easily is so useful. I love the ease of use at home as well, including placing the camera on a table and adjusting the angle to capture the footage I need. Create timelapse videos, snap stills, even use your phone as a remote monitor. It’s one of the most invaluable tools I use for content creation, and it would be a dream for serious content creators. I’d go with the Creator Combo that includes all the accessories you’d need, including the DJI Mic 2 transmitter with clip, battery handle for handheld use, mini tripod for tabletop use, sleek carry bag, and more. The DJI Osmo Pocket 3 Creator Combo is the way to go but if it isn’t available, you can buy the camera itself on sale right now for $579, a 19% discount, and use the savings to purchase the accessories you need separately. It’ss worth every penny. Read my review.
13. Jetpac Mobile eSIM
Mobile eSIMs are becoming popular for frequent travelers, especially for Canadians who are known to pay among the highest costs for wireless services. I have used eSIMs for the last year-plus while traveling, and I find them to huge money savers. One of my favourites, which I also chose last year, is Jetpac Mobile, which is now billable in Canadian funds. I used it in Japan last year and again for a trip to Spain this year and it’s flawless. Sign up ahead of time, download the SIM to your phone, then activate it from the airport or while you’re on the plane before take-off. Make sure to turn off data roaming and your primary line. The downside? Your phone number won’t work while you’re away so any phone calls or SMS messages won’t go through. But if you pre-arrange with friends and family to contact you through data methods like FaceTime or WhatsApp Audio (or video), iMessage, and other data-based messaging or calling apps, you won’t even notice. The total cost for my four-day trip to Spain: $26.50 for a seven-day package for Europe with 15GB data, which covered my layovers in Paris as well. That’s a far cry from the $15/day my carrier would have charged me. Sure, I’m missing the phone line and SMS. But with RCS messaging now working between iPhone and Android and the ability to call via FaceTime, I was still able to communicate with folks back home by text, voice, and video. I used the phone for walking directions, web surfing, social media posts, even creating CapCut videos on the fly, diving full force into those 15GB (I still didn’t even come close to using it all, but I always err on the side of caution). Another benefit is that I didn’t use any of my standard Canadian carrier data while I was away. Pricing varies based on the country and duration, but no matter how you slice it, it’s way cheaper than a roaming plan. Read my review. Buy a Jetpac eSIM.
14. OnePlus 15 Smartphone
The OnePlus 15 is a follow-up to the OnePlus 13 that launched earlier this year. It’s more powerful with more AI feature, including the Plus Mind button and Mind Space area where you can store voice memos, webpages, reservations, and more as a sort of digital shoebox. The more you get used to using it, the more useful it can be, especially when linking it with Google Gemini. Features like AI Recorder work like a dream: I used this to capture numerous talks at a conference, then instantly transcribe the audio into text for finding pull quotes. You can capture beautiful photos with plenty of AI-powered post-editing features. It’s ultra-durable, too: yes, this image is of me holding it under the faucet in the sink as water runs over it. It can withstand both water submersion as well as high-powered water jets at close range. The battery can last for up to two days, which is virtually unheard of with premium phones, much less any smartphone. Read my review. Buy the OnePlus 15.
15. Samsung S95F OLED TV
While I didn’t review a new TV at home this year, I did spend several hours of intimate time with the Samsung OLED S95F at the company’s head office in New Jersey earlier this year. Of all the TVs in the new line I got to spend time with throughout the day, it’s the one I wanted to keep going back to. Ultra bright with vibrant colours and deep blacks, the 165Hz refresh rate means it can keep up with fast-moving scenes, gaming, sports, and more. I watched a variety of content and it can be described in one word: stunning. I’d highly recommend saving up for an OLED TV like this one: it’s a game-changer. It ranges in price from $4,000 up to $8,000, depending on the size. Read my review. Buy the Samsung S95F OLED TV.