The best of CES 2025

CES 2025 is coming to a detailed — at this time is the ultimate day of the present — and group Engadget is able to go away Las Vegas. Our reporters and editors have scoured countless carpeted conference halls of the CES show floor, braved traces of chain people who smoke, overcome nasty colds and sore ankles and fielded 1000’s of emails a day to search out one of the best and most credible merchandise on the present.

As anticipated, the overwhelming majority of issues we saw this CES had an AI part, with a noticeable uptick in AR glasses, listening to help earbuds, solar-powered tech, emotional assist robots and robot vacuums. Apparently individuals actually like robovacs that can pick up socks. Our group was inspired to see extra progress in tech constructed to enhance the lives of these with disabilities and mobility points, too. And we have been pleasantly shocked to see quite a lot of of those just-announced CES 2025 products actually available for sale or preorder already.

Our record of CES 2025 winners covers quite a lot of classes, starting from typical areas like dwelling leisure, transportation and sensible dwelling to theme-based subjects like sustainability and accessibility. After our group shortlisted nominees and voted on one of the best for numerous classes, we then carried out one other spherical of voting to resolve on one of the best product of the present.

That mentioned, right here’s the complete record of our picks for the Better of CES 2025.

ASUS Zenbook A14

The ASUS Zenbook A14 feels impossibly mild, weighing between 2.2 and a pair of.4 kilos, and it has a stunning 14-inch OLED display and a good array of ports (USB-C, USB-A and HDMI)! What else ccould you need in a MacBook Air competitor? After years of mainly copying Apple’s MacBooks, ASUS proves it could possibly out-innovate Apple with out resorting to gimmicks like twin screens or flashy lights. The Zenbook A14 is solely a tiny laptop computer that feels nice in your palms, thanks largely to ASUS’s distinctive Ceraluminum case materials. ASUS claims it could possibly last as long as 32 hours whereas taking part in video, nicely above the 18 hours Apple estimates for the MacBook Air. It might appear odd that the least flashy laptop computer of CES 2025 is one in every of our favorites, however typically pure practicality is simple. — Devindra Hardawar, Senior reporter, evaluations

BioLite Backup

We’re at all times on the lookout for model new, never-seen-before stuff at CES, however typically it’s the intelligent reinterpretation of present tech that catches our consideration. That’s the case with Backup by Biolite. It’s basically a cross between a common energy provide (UPS) and a whole-home backup battery, however improves on each.

The skinny, 40-pound 1.5 kWh battery lives between a wall outlet and your fridge (or some other plug-in system) and retains these issues operating within the occasion of an influence outage. It doesn’t require skilled set up, only a user-installed wall mount, and it’s skinny sufficient to cover behind your fridge or tuck underneath a counter. Although if it have been on show, the matte-silver end wouldn’t spoil any aesthetic.

The Backup Complete contains two items that provide as much as 3 kWh, which is sufficient to energy a fridge, microwave, lights, in addition to refill telephones and a laptop computer. The three kWh capability and the truth that it’s an put in battery at the moment qualifies it for a 30 % federal tax credit score, which might convey the fee all the way down to $2,100 for the Full. The only-unit Backup Core packs 1.5 kWh and goes for $2,000. Each can be found for pre-order now and will ship this summer season. — Amy Skorheim, Reporter, shopping for recommendation

Jackery Photo voltaic Roof

Jackery is already a longtime title in home photo voltaic generator programs, and its newest product fills a wavy hole in its product lineup. Jackery’s XBC curved solar roof shingles mimic a few of the commonest home types within the nation, and so they are available in terracotta or obsidian colorways for optimum HOA appeasement. These are the primary curved photo voltaic tiles to hit the USA market and so they ship a cell conversion effectivity of greater than 25 %. They’ll face up to excessive climate situations, together with temperatures between -40 levels F and 185 levels F, and so they’re designed in step with conventional roofing set up practices, that includes a modular setup that enables for versatile upkeep. Jackery’s new wavy photo voltaic tiles join with the corporate’s present photo voltaic technology and storage merchandise, making them an accessible and engaging possibility for whole-home sustainability. — Jessica Conditt, Senior reporter

Lenovo Legion Go S

The plight of the trendy handheld-PC gamer is attempting to resolve which OS to make use of. There are a ton of Windows 11-based units that supply unparalleled compatibility and powerful graphics assist. However all that comes on a platform that isn’t optimized for smaller devices with connected controllers. Alternatively, SteamOS gives a way more cohesive expertise with a greater UI and fewer efficiency overhead. The issue is that Valve’s working system was mainly solely out there on a single system — the Steam Deck. That modifications now with the Lenovo Legion Go S, which will likely be out there in two flavors: a Home windows model and for the primary time on any handheld not made by Valve, a mannequin powered by SteamOS.

Other than the selection of platforms and completely different coloured shells, we admire that the 2 variants characteristic nearly similar specs together with an AMD Ryzen Z2 Go processor, as much as 32GB of RAM, 1TB of storage and a decently massive 55.5Whr battery. Its 8-inch touchscreen appears to be like nice too, because it gives a 120Hz refresh charge with assist for VRR, 500 nits of brightness and a 1,920 x 1,200 decision. And with costs beginning at $600 (or $500 for the SteamOS mannequin), it’s fairly inexpensive too. Maybe the largest draw back is that whereas the Home windows mannequin will likely be out later this month, we’re going to have to attend till Might for the one powered by SteamOS. However with the latter form of lastly making good on the almost decade-old promise of Valve’s Steam Machines, holding out for just a few further months doesn’t appear so lengthy. — Sam Rutherford, Senior reporter, evaluations

LG OLED evo M5

LG’s Better of CES crown is secure for one more 12 months. The corporate is constantly on the high of one of the best TVs we see every year in Las Vegas, and it often comes out the winner. For this 12 months’s OLED evo M5, the corporate managed to additional enhance its most premium shows, including the most recent α (Alpha) 11 AI processor Gen2 to enhance the look of lower-resolution content material and energy superior options.

For avid gamers, there’s a 165Hz refresh charge, alongside each NVIDIA G-SYNC and AMD FreeSync Premium certifications. This could clean issues out and hold lag to a minimal. The corporate’s new Brightness Booster Final can obtain ranges which might be thrice brighter than “typical OLED” fashions, in accordance with the corporate. Plus, the characteristic contributes to a UL Options’ “Excellent Black” and “Excellent Colour” verification on the M5. It’s really beautiful image high quality.

Lastly, LG’s Zero Join Field that’s been out there on the M-series for some time now could be lastly out there on screens beneath 77 inches. This system means that you can join your entire consoles and streaming gear with out operating a number of HDMI cables to the TV. LG now says it doesn’t want line-of-sight clearance both, and that it may be hidden in a wood cupboard close to the M5. — Billy Steele, Senior reporter, evaluations

Moonbird Moonbuddy

Devices made for rest shouldn’t be sophisticated. Moonbuddy has one objective — to make guided breathwork accessible and interesting to kids — and it nails the execution with no pointless frills. The corporate behind it first made an identical stress reduction system for adults, and Moonbuddy simplifies that have and places it right into a cuter bundle. Moonbuddy is an egg-shaped system with a delicate space that expands and contracts in set rhythms, so youngsters can observe alongside and sync up their very own respiratory. It suits into an animal themed sleeve, so it appears to be like like a toy. There are 4 completely different respiratory modes, every lasting a couple of minutes and designed to advertise a state of calmness.

The entire thing is tactile and screen-free, which is very good contemplating many dad and mom could wish to incorporate it into the nighttime routine. And as a lot as I like the little animal outfits as an individual who gravitates towards cute issues, I additionally like that in case your child will get to that stage the place they reject every thing babyish, they will take the sleeve off and hold utilizing it in its extra nondescript kind. — Cheyenne MacDonald, Weekend editor

OhSnap MCON

The MCON by OhSnap mainly transforms any smartphone into a contemporary Xperia Play, full with trendy conveniences like Corridor impact analog sticks, silent buttons, flip-out grips, and a full bumper and set off format. It’s a cell gamepad that may slide into your pocket with out the sticks or handles getting caught on something, and it really works with just about each smartphone in the marketplace at this time. The MCON makes use of MagSafe to snap onto the again of any current iPhone and it comes with an adapter for Android units to hitch in on the enjoyable. It even works with the Galaxy Z Fold, and its creator, Josh King, is engaged on an answer for the Z Flip, too.

The mockup that King dropped at CES 2025 felt light-weight but strong and cozy to carry, and the phone-snapping motion was supremely satisfying. After gaining a little bit of viral fame together with his concept, King partnered with established MagSafe accent producer OhSnap to push the MCON into full manufacturing, and it’s as a consequence of hit the market in August for $150. — Jessica Conditt, Senior reporter

Roborock Saros Z70

Robotic vacuums obtained a bunch of latest — and typically unusual — powers at CES 2025. However none made a much bigger impression than Roborock’s Saros Z70, which comes with a mechanical arm that may choose up socks, raise cords and seize different objects.

The OmniGrip arm can choose up objects as much as 300 grams (a bit of greater than half a pound) with the intention to clear underneath them or deposit them within the location of your alternative. Performance of the arm is managed by way of Roborock’s app and is extraordinarily customizable so you may program it to select up free trash and cat toys, however raise up cords to scrub beneath.

Once we noticed it in motion at CES, it deftly picked up socks and positioned them in a basket. However Roborock guarantees it could possibly do far more. The vacuum will routinely acknowledge 108 completely different objects — sure, like seemingly each different gadget we noticed at CES, it makes use of AI — however you may as well educate it to detect as much as 50 further gadgets so it would know deal with obstacles it’s almost certainly to come across in your house.

Surprisingly, the Saros Z70 wasn’t the only robotic vacuum with an arm we noticed at CES, however it is going to be the primary which you can truly purchase. — Karissa Bell, Senior reporter

Technics EAH-AZ100 earbuds

Technics’ new Magnetic Fluid drivers have garnered plenty of headlines this week, however all you actually need to find out about the EAH-AZ100 earbuds is that the sound high quality is massively improved. Powered by these new elements, there’s extra readability, element and bass, all of that are upgrades from the already spectacular AZ80. Technics revised its earbud form for the AZ100 within the title of consolation and match, whereas additionally making the buds smaller and lighter. Options like contact controls, multipoint connectivity for 3 units, spatial Dolby Atmos audio and LDAC assist are right here as nicely. And in contrast to most of what we see at CES, these new earbuds are already out there to buy. — Billy Steele, Senior reporter, evaluations

Urtopia Titanium Zero

Because the pandemic, e-bikes, not electric cars, have been on the forefront of the EV revolution, and it’s straightforward to see why: Electrical bikes are much more inexpensive than their four-wheeled counterparts. Plus, right here at Engadget, we’re all for units that promote more healthy residing, and for a lot of, getting an e-bike might be transformational.

So when Urtopia confirmed up at CES 2025 with an idea e-bike that includes a novel motor design, I used to be excited. As my colleague Daniel Cooper notes in his writeup, e-bike motors have historically are available in two kind components, every with their very own set of concerns. The custom-designed Quark DMI.2 mid-drive motor Urtopia confirmed off alongside its Titanium Zero e-bike gives a 3rd path. It’s not as highly effective as conventional mid-drive motors, however it nonetheless options extra energy output than even one of the best hub motors. Better of all, the motor is sufficiently small to suit inside a backside bracket and weighs simply 2.6 kilos.

Urtopia hasn’t mentioned when it would begin manufacturing the Titanium Zero, however it’s straightforward to see a state of affairs the place the design of the Quark DMI.2 conjures up different bike makers and pushes the trade ahead. — Igor Bonifacic, Senior reporter

WeWalk Good Cane 2

Of all of the merchandise at CES 2025 that had AI stuffed into them, WeWalk’s Smart Cane 2 stood out. The sensible cane for individuals with visible impairments obtained an replace this 12 months that not solely provides AI, but in addition addresses the unique’s shortcomings. It brings extra superior sensors, and better of all, nonetheless works as a traditional folding cane when these technological options aren’t engaged. The Good Cane 2 can detect obstacles and supply turn-by-turn navigation, and it has a ChatGPT-powered assistant that may present solutions to questions whereas somebody is strolling, with out the necessity to attain for a smartphone. WeWalk additionally refined the precise cane by making its deal with slimmer, changing the unique’s touchpad with tactile buttons and shaving a little bit of weight off.

Positive, you may not be capable to belief ChatGPT to present you appropriate solutions to each query conceivable but, however no less than on this implementation, the product isn’t prone to hurt customers even when the AI fails. Plus, it has helpful {hardware}, together with time-of-flight and movement sensors to enhance navigation, audio system to offer solutions and suggestions, in addition to a flashlight to make the visually impaired extra noticeable at night time. And once more, if the battery dies, you may nonetheless use this as a standard, albeit pricier, cane. — Cherlynn Low, Deputy editor, evaluations

Yukai Engineering Mirumi

One of the vital memorable robots at CES this 12 months was the one which arguably does the least. We discovered ourselves powerless in opposition to the heart-melting charm of Mirumi, a tiny, fluffy robotic made by Yukai Engineering that actually simply stares at individuals and appears round like a child discovering the surface world. It’s sufficiently small to slot in the palm of your hand, however even higher than that, it has lengthy posable arms that enable it to hold onto objects. So in the event you put it in your bag strap, it would stare down everybody you encounter, and possibly develop into a bit of shy after they return the eye.

Mirumi has no objective apart from to unfold pleasure, and I like it for that. Yukai beforehand introduced us the bizarre Qoobo pillow (the one with the tail) and the cat that nibbles your finger, and that is one other case by which it didn’t miss with one in every of its odd creations. — Cheyenne MacDonald, Weekend editor

Greatest in present: WeWalk Good Cane 2

At CES this 12 months, AI was unsurprisingly in every single place, typically in locations it didn’t actually look like it wanted to be. However the WeWalk Good Cane 2, a high-tech model of the mobility cane for people who find themselves blind, struck me as an software the place it might truly be actually useful. With a brand new voice assistant that’s powered by GPT, customers can converse on to the cane to get detailed navigation steerage and on-demand data, like public transportation choices and menu gadgets. The sensible cane can be full of sensors that enable it to alert the customers of upcoming obstacles. It does this with haptic suggestions within the deal with and by calling out a verbal warning.

WeWalk co-founder Kursat Ceylan, who’s blind, gave an illustration of the cane within the chaotic setting of the Las Vegas Conference Middle, and it was spectacular. The voice assistant responded rapidly and precisely to his prompts, and the impediment detection alert was loud sufficient to be heard over the excitement of the CES crowd. It may possibly additionally pair with headphones or earbuds by way of Bluetooth. Because the cane can deal with issues like turn-by-turn navigation, customers don’t have to fret about additionally holding a smartphone whereas they’re attempting to get round.

The sensible cane takes an present software that persons are already acquainted with and enhances it. Importantly, it additionally looks like the corporate heard the suggestions of customers who had the primary model of the cane and improved the design to raised meet their wants. It has a slimmer deal with than the primary mannequin and tactile buttons, and weighs about the identical as a standard white cane. — Cheyenne MacDonald, Weekend editor