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BGR’s first annual Best Of Tech Awards, published October 16, 2026, names winners in more than two dozen consumer-technology categories. The selections come from BGR’s hands-on coverage, reviews and editorial experience, with build quality and performance among the stated criteria. The list ranges from flagship phones and laptops to headphones, smart-home devices, and automated outdoor equipment.
Smartphones and mobile devices
Best premium smartphone: Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
BGR’s premium-phone winner is the Galaxy S26 Ultra. The review highlights a softened design, a Privacy Display, first-rate performance, speedy charging and four rear cameras. BGR says the blocky, square Ultra styling has been replaced by a design more closely aligned with the rest of the Galaxy S26 series.
Best affordable smartphone: Google Pixel 10a
The 128GB Pixel 10a starts at $500, according to BGR’s 2026 pricing. Its strengths are an appealing display, approachable software, a clean design and camera results that BGR describes as sharp and well exposed. It is the award pick for buyers who want a mainstream phone without flagship pricing.
Best foldable smartphone: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8
The Galaxy Z Fold 8 combines a 5.5-inch cover display with a 7.6-inch AMOLED inner screen, a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor and a 4,800mAh battery. BGR calls it one of Samsung’s most refined book-style foldables and says its passport-like shape makes it distinctive among 2026 foldables. Its appeal is the ability to use a conventional outer phone screen and a larger tablet-style display in one device.
#1 Best Overall
- Universal unlocked. Compatible with all major U.S. carriers, including Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile and other prepaid carriers.
- Super-bright, super-smooth 6.7" display. See your screen clearly even outdoors in sunlight, and enjoy seamless views with a fast-refreshing 120Hz display.*
- AI-powered camera system. Take stunning photos in any light with the 50MP camera**, look your best with a 32MP selfie cam*****, and capture extreme close-ups.
- Superfast 5G performance. Unleash your entertainment at 5G speed*** with the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 chipset and up to 12GB of RAM with RAM Boost****.
- Long-lasting battery + TurboPower charging. Power through day after day with a 5200mAh battery, then get hours of power in just minutes.****
Best gaming tablet: RedMagic Astra 2
The Astra 2 is built around a 9.06-inch OLED panel with a refresh rate of up to 185Hz, a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip, liquid cooling, an 8,300mAh battery, and configurations reaching 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. Those specifications target sustained gaming performance and smooth high-frame-rate play rather than general-purpose tablet use.
Laptops and displays
Best premium laptop: MacBook Pro with M5 Max
BGR lists starting prices of $4,099 for the 14-inch model and $4,399 for the 16-inch model in 2026. Base M5 Max configurations include an 18-core CPU, 32-core GPU, 36GB of unified memory and 2TB of storage. This is a workstation-class choice for demanding creative, development and compute-heavy workloads; the price is difficult to justify for email, web work or basic office tasks.
Best budget laptop: MacBook Neo
The MacBook Neo costs $699, with 8GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD in BGR’s 2026 listing. BGR reports that its A18 Pro chip outperforms many laptop-class processors and older Apple chips, while its construction raises expectations for what a laptop at this price can feel like. The smaller memory and storage capacities make it better suited to everyday productivity than large media libraries or professional workloads.
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Rank #2
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
Best premium monitor: Apple Studio Display XDR
Apple’s 27-inch Studio Display XDR pairs a 5K, 120Hz Mini-LED panel with Thunderbolt 5, USB-C, a six-speaker system and a 12MP Center Stage camera. BGR describes it as one of the most accurate and vibrant monitors available. Its value is strongest for users who need high-resolution color and a tightly integrated desktop setup, rather than a low-cost general monitor.
Laptop and display choices by workload
| Winner | Listed price | Best fit | Key specification or feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| MacBook Pro with M5 Max | $4,099 (14-inch) or $4,399 (16-inch), BGR 2026 | Professional and compute-heavy work | 18-core CPU, 32-core GPU, 36GB memory, 2TB storage |
| MacBook Neo | $699, BGR 2026 | Everyday productivity on a budget | A18 Pro chip, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD |
| Apple Studio Display XDR | Not stated by BGR | High-resolution desktop work | 27-inch 5K 120Hz Mini-LED, Thunderbolt 5 |
Audio winners
Best over-ear headphones: Apple AirPods Max 2
The AirPods Max 2 is priced at $549 in BGR’s 2026 roundup. BGR credits it with enhanced active noise cancellation, improved audio, Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, Voice Isolation and Live Translation. A reviewer preferred its noise cancellation and sound profile to the Sony WH-1000XM6 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (Gen 2). Comfort, Apple-device integration and the listener’s tolerance for its weight remain important personal considerations.
Best earbuds: Sony WF-1000XM6
The WF-1000XM6 has an MSRP of $329.99. Its design includes memory-foam ear tips, multiple exterior sensors and dual processors, with sound customization handled through Sony’s app. The award points to a feature-rich in-ear option for listeners who want extensive tuning controls and a secure, noise-isolating fit.
Rank #3
- Charger NOT Included, 6.7" Super AMOLED FHD+, 90Hz Refresh Rate, 385 ppi, 800 nits (HBM), 1080x2340px, 5000mAh Battery
- 128GB, 4GB RAM, microSDXC, Exynos 1330 (5nm), Octa-Core, Mali-G68 MP2 or Mali-G57 MC2 GPU
- Rear Camera: 50MP, f/1.8 (wide) + 5MP, f/2.2 (ultrawide) + 2MP, f/2.4 (macro), LED flash, panorama, HDR; Front Camera: 13MP, f/2.0, Android 14, up to 6 major Android upgrades, One UI 6.1
- 3G: HSDPA 850/900/1700(AWS)/1900/2100; 4G LTE: 1/2/3/4/5/7/12/13/14/20/25/26/28/29/30/38/39/40/41/48/66/71, 5G: 2/5/25/41/66/71/77/78 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - Nano-SIM + eSIM
- US Model – Global Connectivity – Compatible with Most GSM Carriers like T-Mobile, AT&T, MetroPCS, etc. Will Also work with CDMA Carriers Such as Verizon, Straight Talk.
Best gaming headset: SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite
Priced at $599.99, the Arctis Nova Elite supports 96kHz/24-bit playback and includes hot-swappable spare batteries. BGR reviewer Andy Zahn called it “the most impressive headset I have ever used.” The replaceable-battery design is particularly useful for long sessions because charging can happen without ending play, although the price places it firmly in the premium tier.
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The Sonos Play costs $299 and uses two angled tweeters, a central mid-woofer, passive radiators and Auto TruePlay room adjustment. BGR says its sound feels rich. The speaker is aimed at listeners who want a fuller portable or room-filling presentation and automated tuning rather than the smallest possible enclosure.
Audio picks at a glance
| Category | Winner | Price in BGR’s 2026 roundup | Notable capabilities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Over-ear headphones | Apple AirPods Max 2 | $549 | Enhanced ANC, Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, Live Translation |
| Earbuds | Sony WF-1000XM6 | $329.99 MSRP | Memory-foam tips, dual processors, app-based sound customization |
| Gaming headset | SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite | $599.99 | 96kHz/24-bit playback, hot-swappable spare batteries |
| Bluetooth speaker | Sonos Play | $299 | Angled tweeters, passive radiators, Auto TruePlay |
Peripherals and wearables
Best mouse: Logitech G305 X Superlight
BGR reports a 59-gram weight, a HERO sensor rated to 44,000 DPI and 678 IPS, 8kHz polling, and approximately 130 hours of battery life. Those figures favor competitive players and users who want a very light wireless mouse with high tracking performance and infrequent charging.
Rank #4
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
Best smartwatch: Apple Watch Series 12
BGR highlights the S11 chip, redesigned health sensing, fast charging and responsive everyday performance. Christian de Looper wrote that Apple made “the most consequential internal changes to its smartwatch in years.” The award reflects internal upgrades and health features rather than a single headline specification.
Best smart ring: Oura Ring 5
The Oura Ring 5 delivers six to eight real-world days of battery life, according to BGR’s 2026 report. Its leading strength is sleep and recovery analysis, making it a better fit for people focused on passive wellness trends than for shoppers seeking a screen-based smartwatch replacement.
Smart-home and household automation
Best smart doorbell: Aqara Doorbell Camera G400
The G400 costs $99 and records at 2K resolution with a 165-degree field of view. It adds infrared night vision, Wi-Fi 6, IP65 weatherproofing, smart detection and quick replies. Compatibility includes Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, Google Home and SmartThings, so ecosystem support is unusually broad. Buyers should still check door wiring, wireless coverage and the requirements of their chosen platform before installation.
Best Value
- Carrier: This phone is locked to Tracfone, which means this device can only be used on the Tracfone wireless network. Tracfone plan required, activating is easy, just 3 steps.
- DISPLAY: Immersive viewing on a 6.7-inch super-bright 120Hz display with powerful stereo speakers and Bass Boost for cinematic entertainment.
- CAMERA SYSTEM: Advanced 50MP Quad Pixel camera captures sharp, detailed photos and videos in any lighting condition
- PERFORMANCE: Lightning-fast 5G connectivity paired with a powerful processor and RAM Boost for smooth multitasking.
- BATTERY LIFE: Long-lasting 5000mAh battery with TurboPower charging technology delivers hours of power in minutes.
Best robot vacuum: Roborock Saros 20
The Saros 20 is listed at $1,600 and combines 36,000Pa suction, dual spinning mops, edge-reaching arms, ledge climbing, object and pet avoidance, and an automated dock. BGR calls it a worthwhile purchase for shoppers seeking a top-of-the-line robot vacuum. Its high price is easiest to justify when reducing daily vacuuming and mopping work matters more than minimizing upfront cost; dock maintenance and consumable replacement still remain part of ownership.
Best robot mower: Ecovacs GOAT A3000 LiDAR Pro
At $2,500, the GOAT A3000 LiDAR Pro uses rotating LiDAR, a 3D ToF sensor and AI object recognition to navigate. BGR reports more than two hours of battery life, a 13-inch cutting width and TrueEdge edge cutting, and says it eliminates most mowing work for many residential properties. Yard layout, boundary setup and weather exposure determine whether its automation can deliver that level of labor reduction.
Automation comparison
| Winner | Price | Automation and navigation | Maintenance or installation consideration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aqara Doorbell Camera G400 | $99, BGR 2026 | Smart detection, quick replies, 165-degree view | Door power, Wi-Fi 6 coverage and ecosystem setup |
| Roborock Saros 20 | $1,600, BGR 2026 | 36,000Pa suction, mopping, ledge climbing, object and pet avoidance | Automated dock and ongoing cleaning of robot and dock components |
| Ecovacs GOAT A3000 LiDAR Pro | $2,500, BGR 2026 | LiDAR, 3D ToF, AI recognition, TrueEdge | Boundary and yard configuration, outdoor upkeep |
How to interpret BGR’s 2026 picks
These are category winners, not a single universal “best tech product.” The right choice depends on workload, budget and ecosystem. A $4,099 professional laptop and a $699 everyday model serve different buyers; similarly, a $1,600 robot vacuum or $2,500 mower makes sense only when the saved household labor is worth the investment.
Recommended Free Tools
Quick Recap
- Choose the Galaxy S26 Ultra when premium phone performance, cameras and privacy features matter more than price.
- Choose the Pixel 10a when a $500 starting price and straightforward software are the priority.
- Choose the MacBook Pro with M5 Max for sustained professional workloads; choose the MacBook Neo for ordinary productivity.
- For audio, weigh sound signature, noise cancellation, comfort, device compatibility and battery strategy—not just the award label.
- For smart-home appliances, verify installation requirements, platform compatibility and the maintenance you will still perform after automation.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
