The year in reviews: a look back at the best gadgets of 2014

It's been quite a year in products here at the Engadget offices. Not only have we looked at the latest flagship phones and hottest laptops, but our reviews have run the gamut from VR headsets to WiFi Crock-Pots. We've worn lots of smartwatches and fitnesswristbands on our arms, tried out an ultra-secure phone and looked at more Chromebooks than we can count. And while we reviewed plenty of average and mediocre devices (and even a few bad ones), there are a handful that emerge at the top of the heap. Some come out as clear winners, while others are good, but don't quite break away from the pack, leaving us with a rather perplexing six-way-tie for seventh place. Thus, we present to you not our top 10, but top 12 highest-scored products of 2014.

1 / 12

Apple iPhone 6

The iPhone 6 Plus might have gotten the lion's share of attention this year, but it's the more classic model that ultimately comes out ahead. While both the 6 and the 6 Plus sport the same essential design, we found the 4.7-inch version more comfortable to hold and less prone to being dropped. Regardless of which you pick, both screens look amazing; the battery life is solid; and the camera and processor in each hold their own against other flagships. iOS 8 also improves the user experience, adding highly coveted features like support for third-party keyboards. While we ultimately prefer the iPhone 6 out of the two phones, it's still nice to have a choice.

Price: $199 and up

Frank Spinillo contributed to this report.