The best things Engadget editors bought in 2025
These are the items we can't stop raving about this year, and that will serve us well into 2026.
For many of us at Engadget, a big part of our jobs is testing out new tech on a regular basis. Our desks are cluttered with new smartphones, power banks, gaming accessories and more pretty much all the time, and there are plenty of winners and losers amongst them. Similarly, there are winners and losers in the things we buy for ourselves throughout the year, and we like to sing their praises just as much as we do for the best new tech that (professionally) comes across our desks. These are the best things Engadget staffers purchased in 2025 that will continue to get lots of use in the new year.
I bought the OutIn portable espresso maker because I've become very attached to my morning Nespresso habit (usually 2-3 pods of Starbucks; blonde roast, iykyk). I was skeptical that a handheld device would be able to replicate the coffee I've been making with my more than decade-old Nespresso Gran Maestria, but the prospect of a travel-ready Nespresso maker was just too enticing to pass up. But the (somewhat unfortunately named) OutIn has not let me down.
The machine is extremely easy to use: you add a pod to the capsule adapter, screw it into the main device, add water and push a button. I've found the machine works best with water that's already hot, but if you don't have access to a kettle, it can also heat cold water. Even more impressively, the machine is able to create enough pressure to actually produce a tasty shot with a nice layer of crema. For espresso purists, it also comes with a dedicated basket for ground espresso, so you can pull a more traditional shot. I have yet to try this — the idea of measuring out ground coffee feels too fussy to me for a device I bought primarily for convenience — but I appreciate the flexibility. Better still, the whole setup weighs less than 1.5 pounds (and you can easily shed some of the included accessories if you're using capsules only) and charges via USB-C. — Karissa Bell, Senior Reporter
This one was simple: Billy Steele wrote a very convincing review. However, I'm told I have to write more than just that for this article.
Compared to my old AirPods Pro, there were some changes I noticed immediately with the new ones: The AirPods Pro 3 have a redesigned stem, which means you sort-of twist the AirPods into your ear. It feels a bit odd to start, but it's easy to get used to. The standout upgrade is noise cancellation: Apple claims the third-gen buds cancel twice as much noise. This is thanks to the combination of ultra-low-noise microphones, computational audio advances and the foam-infused ear tips, which hold against the inner ear better.
This benefit transfers to using the AirPods in the gym. With new heart-rate monitoring sensors, I've switched mainly from my aging Apple Watch Series 8 to just using the AirPods Pro 3 to monitor metrics. The Fitness app on the iPhone offers bigger buttons and controls for monitoring sets,swapping between exercises and finishing my workout compared to the Watch.
The only issue I've got with the new fitness features? Siri worms its way into my ears when I start recording a workout to cheer me on. However, it will also reference whatever music is playing at the time. This occasionally embarrasses me by reminding me of my secret music tastes, as I approach the squat rack while Sugababes plays out. Shh, Siri. — Mat Smith, UK Bureau Chief
I previously had a floor steamer that was a bit of a pain to use. It took a lot of force to push it across my tile and hardwood flooring, and the cord never seemed long enough to do more than one small area at a time. I decided to upgrade to the Shark Steam and Scrub primarily to solve the first issue, because it has an automatic scrubbing mop head with two rotating, detachable pads. So yes, I still have to push it around my floors, but the machine's spinning mops heads make it much easier and smoother to do so. Mine also has "steam blast" technology, which just means you can press a button to eject a burst of steam in front of your path to better clean stubborn messes. Thanks to this (and a decently long cord), my floor-steaming time has been cut nearly in half. And because the machine makes it so quick and easy to touch up our floors, I use it more often than my previous steamer. Cleaner floors, less work — I couldn't be happier with it. — Valentina Palladino, Deputy Editor
Sony celebrated its 30th anniversary with another retro colorway for both its most recent console (Pro and Standard) and its DualSense controller. I managed to get my hands on the latter. Like the original 1995 PlayStation, the hardware has the same gray colorway and old-school, quad-colored PS logo. Perhaps the most charming nod is a retro-shaped connector housing, a la the wired controllers of the past, and even cute PS-shaped cable ties.
The DualSense is a slick, comfortable controller, sure, but it's also a crucial piece of the next-gen PS5 experience. Both the haptic feedback and adaptive triggers are best put to use while playing Sony exclusives like Astrobot, Ghost of Yotei and Horizon, the haptics feel less like a feature and more like an integrated part of the gameplay, giving weight to every step, weapon draw, and wacky robo-cartoon shenanigans.
The one regret: I retrofitted a higher-capacity battery into my original DualSense. Already I'm missing the extended playtime before having to recharge the controller. Doesn't Sony know I have Silksong to finish? — M.S.
Viki Pass Plus
Without a doubt, the purchase I made this year that has given me the most joy is a Viki subscription. I went looking for more Korean dramas to watch after finishing Squid Game, because I am one of those people who was looking for more Gong Yoo, slap or no slap. A little research pointed me to Viki, which provides access to almost the entirety of the actor's back catalog. So I started with Guardian: The Lonely and Great God. And then I moved on to Coffee Prince. And then I fell further down the wider Korean-drama rabbit hole by watching What's Wrong with Secretary Kim and Vincenzo (the latter on Netflix, actually) and I haven't climbed out since.
While Netflix in particular has a solid library of Korean shows and movies, Viki is one of the only places you can watch some older dramas (Descendants of the Sun, Healer), and new shows that are currently airing on Korean TV (Ms. Incognito). I paid for Viki Pass Plus for the year, which gives you ad-free access to the app's entire library plus 1080p streams, offline viewing and more. At this rate, my to-watch list is so long that I don't know when I'll have time to go back and re-watch some of my favorites. But I have a feeling I'll be re-upping my subscription next year so I can eventually make it to some of my rewatches. — V.P.
Solo Stove Bonfire + Surround bundle
For five years, cast iron wood stoves were my sole source of heat. Building a fire was required if one didn't want to freeze to death in the night. Nowadays, I'm eternally grateful for the little white box on the wall with buttons that you can poke to make heat shoot out of vents. But sometimes I miss building fires.
I've written about Solo Stove's smokeless fire pits for years and knew that was the brand of fire pit I'd get when space and funds allowed. My husband wasn't quite as convinced. He thought the metal cylinders looked a bit too much like giant soda cans with the tops cut off — he's not wrong.
This year, as I searched for a fire pit that looked a little more elegant, I took another gander at Solo Stove's wares and was so happy to find the Surround kit. It's basically a round metal housing that's part safety accessory, part handy table and enough of a design element to make the whole package look stylish. The stove itself rests on cross bars inside the Surround while a perforated metal ring orbits the top of the pit. A fabric skirt goes around the sides of the stove with about six inches of clearance.
I went with the 19-inch (in diameter) Bonfire size, which Solo Stove says seats four to six people. I was tempted by the massive seven-person Yukon, but decided my small backyard and family of three would probably be well served by the more modestly sized option. I was right.
The inaugural burn accommodated a gaggle of five eight-year-olds and their parents — who all felt much more comfortable with the Surround's buffer. The kids learned that strawberries, basil leaves, mint, tomatoes and other random harvests from the garden all burned just great. And if your marshmallow just so happens to fall in the flames as you're making your s'mores, that'll burn nicely, too. Waking up the next morning to hair that didn't smell like smoke was perhaps my favorite part. That and knowing fire-building was once again an option — but not a requirement. — Amy Skorheim, Senior Reporter
iPhone 17 Pro Max
This year, I switched back to the iPhone after over a decade on Android. It just so happened that my four-year-old Samsung phone was on the verge of dying when Apple announced the new iPhones. And, well, orange is my favorite color.
The last iPhone I owned was the 4s, and smartphones were a different beast back then: They were smaller, with a more basic set of features and an odd collection of apps. While my last Android phone wasn't that old and far off when it comes to what it can do, having an iPhone made my every day workflow easier since it links seamlessly to my MacBook and iPad.
I can easily access the photos I take, as well as any file I save, on my Apple devices with iCloud and AirDrop. My devices sync my passwords and passkeys without the need for a third-party app. I can get iMessages and answer the phone on my MacBook. Plus, my sister and I can now more easily keep track of each other while traveling through Find My.
In general, switching to the iPhone 17 means a massive quality-of-life improvement for me, coming from a four-year-old device. I'm still shocked at how fast and responsive my new phone is, seeing as it took my old one 10 or more seconds just to launch the Camera app. My phone doesn't need to be charged thrice a day either. I'll likely get the same experience on any other new model, but I'm happy with all the benefits I'm getting from the iPhone 17. — Mariella Moon, Contributing Reporter
Dropout.tv subscription
There have been several failed attempts throughout the years to bring a comedy-only streaming platform to the masses. Remember Seeso? The latest entry is Dropout, but this one has proven to be a bona-fide sensation — at least, for me. It's filled to the brim with cool improv, game shows, comedy specials and stuff that pretty much defies description. There's a show that forces comedians to play tabletop games and a game show that shifts its premise every single episode. The whole thing feels like a modern riff on cable access.
It's fairly budget-friendly at $7 per month, and the platform has steadily been generating buzz throughout the past couple of years. I was instantly drawn in by hilarious shows like Very Important People and Dirty Laundry. You've probably already seen TikToks and YouTube Shorts sourced from the platform, but a subscription delivers those clips straight from the spigot. Dropout also does profit sharing with everyone in front of and behind the camera, which is cool. — Lawrence Bonk, Contributing Reporter
Fender American Professional Classic Telecaster
As long as I've been alive, the gold standard for instruments has always been American-made Fenders. Well, the company just released a new line of guitars manufactured in the good ole US of A and they are pretty jaw-dropping. The Telecaster is almost anti-tech in its simplicity, as the line dates back to 1951. This particular model is primarily inspired by 1960s instruments, with a vintage-style pickup and retro-soaked hardware throughout.
It sounds great. It's a Fender Telecaster. The main reason I love it, however, is that it's so dang playable. It's light and, in a word, buttery. It makes me a better player. It's also particularly easy on the eyes. I opted for the light blue model, but there are plenty of colorways. This is the kind of guitar you buy once and then take good care of for decades. The build is solid and it stays in tune. I imagine this line of Fender classics will be the retro instrument of choice for guitar players in the 2050s and beyond — just like how folks now snatch up models from the 1960s through the 1990s. — L.B.
Fender Mustang Vintera II Competition Bass
Most new bass players are drawn to the Fender Jazz Bass, or a Rickenbacker. In my mind, however, short-scale instruments like the Fender Mustang are the best bet for new players and for those switching over from electric guitar. They are so light and easy to play — it's like lifting a feather when compared to my Jazz Bass. They still pack a punch, though, as this is the type of bass used by The Rolling Stones, the Pixies, My Bloody Valentine, King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard and many other artists.
With that in mind, I went ahead and picked up Fender's new Mustang Vintera II bass and was pretty much blown away. The electronics are solid and it sounds great right out of the box, though it takes well to flat wound strings. It stays in tune forever, like days at a time, which is a boon for this lazy musician. The Vintera II model has been purposefully designed to resemble instruments from the early 1970s, and the colors really pop. Don't get me started on those racing stripes. They just scream "play me fast." — L.B.
Hatteras Large Quilted Hammock
I wanted a hammock for a very long time. I thought it could carve out a paradisiacal corner of the universe where all felt right in the world, even if it most assuredly isn't. I wandered the web for weeks, searching. I needed something that would last, which meant a powder-coated steel frame. I wanted to lie flat instead of being claustrophobically cocooned, so it needed a spreader bar. Bonus points if it looked good. The hunt led me to the Hatteras quilted hammock with a tri-beam metal stand.
At $600, it was about $500 more than I wanted to spend. But this was in the name of sanctuary! A refuge from a troubled world! If that's not worth burdening the Amex, I don't know what is.
Everything arrived in August in huge heavy boxes and I set it up with my outsized hopes clenched in my teeth. On the very first lie-down, I knew: This hammock is everything. It lived up to my expectations and then gently swayed beyond them.
As I write this, there's a fresh blanket of snow outside, covering the patch of fake grass in my backyard where the stand is still set up. I rolled up the hammock itself in November when the colder weather moved in. But if I focus, I can still feel the sun on my legs, a breeze rocking me back and forth. Blue sky and puffy clouds hang above green summer trees. I'm reading North Woods. There's an iced tea somewhere below me. And if I squint, everything is just fine. — A.S.
Solar Panels
My family decided to get solar for our home back in 2024, at a time when state and federal credits for such a process felt like a logical given. If rising power costs and grid uncertainty were the reality, it seemed like pure common sense to incentivize any random citizen who wanted to help out in some way. I had no inkling that residential solar credits would go away. I had even less of an idea that AI would, within a year, gobble up so much energy that utility bills would start to look like mortgage payments. I look back now and feel like Charlie finding Wonka's silver coin in the drain.
I wasn't about to go with a door-knocker solar company. Instead, I emailed Positive Energy Solar, an employee-owned, local New Mexico company that's been in town for 25 years. After a very no-pressure consult and site visit, we decided on a 5.1-kilowatt, battery-less, grid-tied system with 12 photovoltaic panels. The system, including installation, permitting, inspections and everything else totalled just over $24,000. We handled it through a mix of savings and a loan from our credit union. Come tax time, we got roughly a $7,000 credit from the Feds.
Installation took a single day. A legion of solar professionals descended upon my house in the morning and had everything squared away before sunset. Permits and inspections from both the city and the power company dragged on a lot longer. It took five months from the day I contacted the PES to the day of the final inspection.
This summer, I really got to see the effects of the system and I have felt no more sincere thrill than when the AC was running full tilt on an August afternoon and I could watch the meter feed watts into the grid. Though I should point out that our electricity bill is not $0 like I thought it would be. Fees and surcharges bump it to $13. But I have no complaints. — A.S.