A snapshot of the year's standout devices and why they landed in Engadget’s best-of list, with what it means for everyday users.
Engadget’s best-of-2026 roundup picks the standout devices of the year across tablets, laptops and wearables, scored by editors’ reviews. Highlights include the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra for its huge 14-inch screen and premium vibe, and the Dell XPS 13, which shines when you opt for more RAM. The Una GPS watch stands out for repairability and modular parts. For everyday life, these picks suggest that value comes from performance that lasts and devices you’re not afraid to keep using for years. If you’re deciding what to buy next, look at what matters most to you, screen size, speed, or longevity, and see which device fits that profile. What happens next is simple: read the full reviews to understand which device matches your needs, then compare current prices during the holiday season.
The year’s end brought a big round-up from Engadget, tallying the best devices of 2026 based on their review scores. The roundup isn’t about every gadget released this year; it’s about the stands-out performers that reviewers judged the strongest across several categories, from tablets to laptops and wearables. If you’re trying to decide where to spend your next tech budget, this list isn’t a blanket guide to every gadget, but it does spotlight what the editors think delivered the most value and strongest experiences this year.
Here’s a snapshot of a few picks and what they signify for regular users.
Engadget notes the Tab S12 Ultra as a tough device to fully grasp due to its size and price. The tablet features a massive 14-inch screen, and reviewers point to its display as both a standout and a potential hurdle for everyday use. For someone who wants a big-screen tablet for productivity or media, it’s a bold option that trades portability for a canvas that feels closer to a laptop at times.
The XPS 13 earns praise when upgraded with more memory. Reviewers observed that the baseline 8GB RAM configuration can feel tight, especially with modern software demands. The takeaway for buyers is simple: paying a bit more for extra RAM can noticeably improve daily performance, even in an ultraportable class that’s been popular for years.
The Una GPS watch is highlighted for its repair-friendly design and modular approach. The idea of swapping out components like the battery or display is rare in mainstream wearables, and Engadget frames this as a meaningful trend toward longer-lasting devices that aren’t just user-replaceable, but user-serviceable as well.
The roundup includes several other strong performers across categories, underscoring a year that balanced performance with practical trade-offs. Reviewers weigh things like display quality, battery life, upgrade paths and how easy devices are to repair or upgrade over time. The emphasis is on devices that feel like they’ll endure beyond a single product cycle, not just the latest trend.
For most readers, the best-of list is a reminder that you don’t have to chase every new release to get a solid experience. If you’re shopping this season, consider whether you value maximum portability, screen real estate or repairability. A laptop with a faster hard drive and more RAM can pay off in daily use, while a tablet with a big screen might be perfect for long flights or couch-optimized browsing. And wearables that you can repair or customize can extend the life of a device you already own.
Engadget’s best-of roundup serves as a guide for holiday-season purchases and year-ahead planning. If you’re curious about a specific pick, the site’s reviews typically break down what worked, what didn’t and who the device is best suited for, making it easier to compare with what you already own.
One of the standout entries is the Samsung Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra, noted for its large display and premium features, though its size and price aren’t for everyone.
If you’re shopping ultraportables, upgrading to more RAM can make a noticeable difference in everyday tasks and multitasking, according to the revisited Dell XPS 13 review.
Repair-friendly designs are highlighted as a factor that can extend a device’s life and reduce long-term cost of ownership.
You're reading the quick version.
Smart scales have moved beyond weight, offering body composition metrics and stronger app connections. Here’s what to consider in 2026.
A YouGov survey shows only about one in three US adults would use AI to help with Black Friday and Cyber Monday shopping, with lots of caution around accuracy and bias.
Three offbeat Hulu picks, Robot Dreams, Living, and In & Of Itself, that prove you don’t need big budgets for a memorable weekend binge.
The Daily Brief
Every morning, the news that matters from AI, phones, apps and the people shaping tech. Explained in plain English. Free.
One email a day. No spam, unsubscribe anytime. Privacy policy
