Stay connected with ZDNET by designating us as one of your trusted and preferred sources on Google. Every year around this time, I find myself growing reflective and somewhat nostalgic, thinking back to the astonishing number of gadgets, devices, and ingenious little innovations that have passed through my hands over the past twelve months. To put that quantity into perspective, the technology featured and reviewed on ZDNET represents merely a portion — in fact, considerably less than half — of all the hardware and accessories I begin testing. Many of the others never quite meet the necessary standards. Some fail because they simply do not perform up to expectations, while others encounter issues midway through the review process, forcing me to set them aside in order to manage my limited time efficiently. I cannot afford to spend endless hours attempting to fix review units that clearly were not designed to be dependable in the first place. Then there’s the pervasive category of white-label or rebranded merchandise — items that are manufactured generically and then sold under various brand names — which nearly always turn out to be disappointing in quality or originality. Additionally, there exists a whole subset of devices that I have been actively using and testing but have yet to transform into full-fledged reviews.
It often feels as though I have reviewed almost everything imaginable, yet I know that resting somewhere on my desk back in the UK is a continually growing tower of boxes awaiting thorough examination. Next year already promises a fresh collection of remarkable technologies and forward-thinking innovations that will doubtless capture my curiosity. But before turning to what lies ahead, it’s worth reflecting on what has truly stood out this year — the products that have evolved from being simple review units to integral components of my daily gear. These are the essentials that travel everywhere with me, whether tucked into my laptop bag, resting in my pocket, or accompanying me across continents — both when I’m connected to the grid and when I’m exploring far beyond it.
Typically, I exclude Apple gadgets from such lists because their dominance would overshadow other noteworthy contenders. However, this time, I will make an exception. At the end, I’ll include not only an Apple-branded device that genuinely deserves its place but also an Apple product whose functionality has been meaningfully enhanced by a thoughtfully designed third-party accessory.
Now enough preamble — let’s move on to the heart of the matter.
The first entry is a small, elegant, and remarkably robust power bank that, most importantly for me, can withstand incidental moisture without complaint. Despite its modest 10,000mAh capacity, it manages to charge two devices simultaneously, thanks to its inclusion of both USB-C and USB-A ports. For something of its size, this balance between compactness and capability is exceptional. Through years of travel, I discovered that larger power banks, though tempting for their colossal capacity, were rarely with me when needed; their sheer weight and bulk relegated them to a drawer at home. In contrast, this smaller unit is light enough to be perpetually present, ensuring that when my phone or camera requires a quick recharge, it’s always at hand. Of course, when greater power reserves are required, I still have access to larger units — but this one remains my reliable daily companion.
Next comes a gadget from a field I have long cherished: drones. Over time, I have assembled a formidable fleet, ranging from minute, nimble models to heavy-duty aerial machines. Yet, the one I consistently return to is the miniature marvel weighing under 250 grams — the DJI Mini 4 Pro. Its diminutive size makes it wonderfully portable, sliding easily into a bag without demanding much space, and its sub-250g classification conveniently exempts it from many regulatory obstacles that plague larger drones. Once airborne, it impresses with its near-silent operation and unobtrusive presence, allowing for discreet aerial photography. The camera, ultimately the most critical feature, continues to deliver breathtakingly clear, vibrant footage, proving that great things truly can come in small packages. As a bonus, it remains one of the few DJI drones still accessible for purchase within the United States.
Years ago, thermal cameras were prohibitively expensive, often costing thousands. Today, technological miniaturization has revolutionized that landscape. You can now purchase a compact thermal imaging device, designed to plug directly into your smartphone, at a fraction of the former cost. The P1 thermal camera exemplifies this advancement perfectly. It offers accuracy sufficient for all but the most demanding professionals, while remaining affordable enough for everyday home users or hobbyists. And if you imagine that you have no real use for one, think again — I’ve employed mine for tasks as varied as detecting drafts around windows and doors, diagnosing overheating electrical cables, and isolating faulty electronic components. In all instances, this small yet capable tool has proved invaluable.
For something far simpler but equally indispensable, there is my ultra-thin metal blade tool — an understated yet vital companion. It has assisted me in prying open hundreds of gadgets during countless teardowns. Crafted from metal that is simultaneously razor-thin and remarkably sturdy, the blade’s precision engineering allows it to slide effortlessly into the tiniest seams. Even after a year of heavy use, though the polymer grips show modest wear and accumulated grime, the actual blade remains immaculate: no chips, no bends, no warping. It is such a practical helper that one permanently resides on my keychain, ready for immediate use whenever needed.
My fascination with multitools and pocket instruments spans decades, although finding a balance between affordability and quality has been a recurring challenge. Many inexpensive options end up feeling flimsy or unreliable. That was until I encountered the NexTool brand. Their E1 model brings a refreshing combination of utility and craftsmanship. It includes essential implements such as robust scissors, a sharp knife, a replaceable utility blade, a screwdriver bit holder (expandable with a supplementary kit), a file, and a scraper. Each tool feels solidly constructed, but the standout feature is undeniably the full-sized pair of scissors — unusually effective for a multitool of this price range. The thoughtful inclusion of an X-Acto blade holder demonstrates NexTool’s commitment to versatility. The only caveat is its incompatibility with airport security, so travelers may prefer the more compact NexTool Mini Multitool as a flight-friendly alternative.
Among my collection of useful utilities, one piece of equipment truly deserves recognition: a cordless electric screwdriver capable of handling everything from delicate adjustments to more demanding repairs. Although larger tasks may still call for a heavy-duty Bosch model, this particular screwdriver has earned permanent residency in my toolkit. It boasts adjustable torque settings that transition smoothly from gentle precision to substantial driving force. Ergonomically designed, it sits comfortably in the hand; its battery life is notably long-lasting, and the curved OLED display provides real-time feedback and control, making even meticulous assembly tasks almost effortless.
Another standout creation is the River 3 Plus portable power station. Despite its compact dimensions — 9.2 by 9.1 by 5.8 inches — and a weight of just over ten pounds, it houses a substantial 286Wh of power. It offers everything one could require from a portable station: standard AC outlets, convenient USB ports, and 12V connectors. However, what makes it exceptional is its high-efficiency circuitry designed specifically for sub-100W power draws. This intelligent engineering dramatically increases runtime, allowing users to extract greater longevity and usability from a relatively small form factor — a true triumph of thoughtful design over brute capacity.
My exploration of miniaturized imaging tools brought me to an unexpectedly effective find — an inexpensive inspection camera, originally marketed as an ear-cleaning device, priced at under ten dollars. While the name implies a particular use, in practice it serves beautifully as a miniature visual probe for any tightly enclosed space. Equipped with a high-definition 1080p wide-angle lens and illuminated by six diminutive LED lights positioned at the tip, it offers an excellent solution for inspecting small recesses, inaccessible mechanisms, or delicate electronic cavities. Though I certainly cannot advise anyone to insert it into the ear canal, I can attest that its compact design and clarity make it perfect for countless other purposes.
That brings us to the Apple entry on my list — a device that epitomizes the harmonious integration of premium design and functional performance: the Apple Watch. Over the years, I’ve owned multiple iterations of Apple’s smartwatch, along with several competing models, but this year’s version is, without question, the pinnacle. Ruggedly built yet refined, its expansive and bright display serves quite literally as a secondary screen, reducing the frequency with which I reach for my iPhone. It monitors every fitness metric with extraordinary precision, displays the complications that keep me in sync with my active lifestyle (notably numerous weather-related apps), and sustains excellent battery life sufficient to accompany me throughout even my longest excursions.
Finally, let’s talk AirTags. As much as I appreciate Apple’s ingenious tracking system, I must concede that their disk-like ‘flying saucer’ design makes them somewhat awkward to attach securely to many items. While third-party manufacturers quickly offered solutions for keychains, I often found myself improvising — from 3D-printing custom mounts to epoxying AirTags onto luggage and tools. Then Elevation Lab entered the scene, revolutionizing the accessory ecosystem with remarkably well-engineered enhancements. Their catalog includes heavy-duty security housings, durable adhesive patches, and even compact capsules capable of extending an AirTag’s functional life to a full decade. There are specialized mounts for backpacks, jackets, bicycles, cameras, and even for tracking adventurous pets like cats and dogs. I’ve tested nearly all of them, and each exemplifies sturdiness, thoughtful design, and excellent value for money.
And there you have it — the culmination of another year of testing innovation after innovation, separating the forgettable from the indispensable, and discovering the rare devices that prove not only useful but essential in daily life.
Sourse: https://www.zdnet.com/article/best-tech-gadgets-i-couldnt-live-without-2025/
