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Molly Flores/CNN Underscored
Each year, we examine numerous electronics right here at Underscored, but more significantly, we’re just everyday folks searching for awesome items that enhance our lives and provide enjoyment. Thus, as we contemplate the top gadgets we experienced this year, we’re not solely focused on the high-end phones and computers that received excellent evaluations in our assessments — although those are certainly part of the mix. We’re also considering that budget-friendly phone grip we can’t fathom traveling without, the fitness tracker that assisted us in better caring for ourselves, or the full-sized arcade machine we simply had to install in our apartment for “work.”
Following extensive hours of evaluation and genuinely living with every kind of technology imaginable, here are the gadgets that captivated our editors in 2024. One might just become the next perfect gift for a loved one or a delightful treat for yourself.
Michelle Rae Uy/CNN Underscored
This is my latest favorite travel gadget, a compact wireless charger that powers up all my Apple devices simultaneously. It doesn’t occupy much room in my handbag or weekend getaway bag, which is perfect since I prefer to travel light. Plus, it’s available in pink! While it doesn’t charge as quickly as my non-wireless chargers, I simply need something to consistently charge my devices overnight. — Michelle Rae Uy, testing and updates writer
Chelsea Stone/CNN Underscored
I utilize several of these small cameras solely to monitor my cat while I’m on holiday. I value their compact size (hence easy to store when not in use), affordability at just $30 (often discounted), and their user-friendliness — literally just plug them in and I have an instant cat monitoring system. Just a note that the upgraded, outdoor-compatible Blink Mini 2 was released this year as well and is frequently on sale for approximately the same price. — Chelsea Stone, editorial director
Rikka Altland/CNN Underscored
Anker has long been my go-to for chargers. They truly surpassed themselves when they introduced one of their most proficient power banks yet, the Prime 27,650mAh Three-Port 250W Portable Charger. This giant is nearly attached to my MacBook whenever I’m away from a power source, capable of powering my devices through entire workflow days. I also love that it can connect with a magnetic dock for quick and easy recharging. — Rikka Altland, senior deals editor
Amina Lake Abdelrahman/CNN Underscored
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I had been desiring one of these charging stations for my bedside table all year, but I didn’t manage to acquire one until November, and I can’t believe I postponed it for so long. I’m genuinely impressed with how efficient and handy the Brookstone 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Station is, particularly given its affordable price point. It performs the task — charges my iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods simultaneously — while occupying just one outlet by my bed. — Amina Lake Abdelrahman, home and gifts editor
Henry T. Casey/CNN Underscored
One of my favorite revelations of 2024 was this seemingly ordinary iPhone stand. Once I tested it for myself and realized how it utilizes Apple’s own DockKit tools to follow your face while recording video, I transitioned from “wait, why?” to “oh, I completely understand why.” It’s alleviated my recording challenges for work and my endeavors with Instagram Reels and TikTok content, but my preferred application came from something I don’t think Belkin anticipated: selfie photography. During a trip, I placed my iPhone on the stand in Video mode so it could focus on my face, and then I launched the camera remote app on the Apple Watch and began taking full-body images that I couldn’t manage on my own. — Henry T. Casey, electronics writer
Michelle Rae Uy/CNN Underscored
I adore instant cameras for their immediate satisfaction, but they can be somewhat pricey due to the film. This hybrid version from Fujifilm Instax helps reduce the expenses by allowing you to capture digital images and modify them slightly before printing. It ensures that all the printed images you receive are adequately exposed and usable. It’s a bit on the costly side, but it’s worth the investment! — Michelle Rae Uy, testing and updates writer
Rikka Altland/CNN Underscored
When evaluating many gadgets, there are scarce few that genuinely remain. I mean, it would need to be exceptionally transformative to surpass all the other devices on your list. But that’s precisely how I describe Satechi’s folding charging stand, and why it’s one of my preferred releases this year. I utilize not just one but two of them every day: One stays on my desk at home, and the other accompanies me into the Underscored office, coffee shops, and wherever else I may need to establish a workspace. — Rikka Altland, senior deals editor
Chelsea Stone/CNN Underscored
Utilizing a cord to recharge your phone is so 2023. This year I’ve fully embraced MagSafe accessories, including this charming and compact portable power bank from Anker that’s practically always with me. It’s small enough to fit into any bag, and it doesn’t hurt that it comes in several fun colors as well. — Chelsea Stone, editorial director
Michelle Rae Uy/CNN Underscored
Air travel isn’t exactly the most pleasant experience unless you’re in first class. So, I prefer to completely disconnect and tune everything out.
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out when I’m traveling by enjoying in-flight entertainment whenever I’m not resting. Managing wires while seated in economy is frustrating, though. For that wireless freedom, I utilize the AirFly Pro Deluxe. It connects to my Bluetooth headphones, allowing me to simply insert it into the in-flight entertainment console and voilà! I don’t have to be concerned about disconnecting my headphones when one of my companions requires access to the restroom. — Michelle Rae Uy, writer for testing and updates
Carolina Gazal/CNN Underscored
I’ve never been a person to monitor health metrics, but the Evie Ring transformed my approach. I appreciate that it’s created with women’s needs in mind, unlike other smart rings I’ve encountered. Truly, it’s the sole smart ring made specifically for women. The open-ring design showcases its female-centric philosophy, taking into account that fingers can expand with hormonal changes. With this charming, “barely there” piece of jewelry, I can track essential health data such as sleep phases, heart rate, and energy levels without needing a bulky watch. — Carolina Gazal, associate testing writer
Molly Flores/CNN Underscored
Three months into my Whoop usage, and I can confidently say I’m enamored. I never expected to be the kind of individual who geeked out over health metrics. However, each morning (and multiple times throughout the day) I find myself on the app reviewing my sleep quality, workout effectiveness, stress levels, step count, heart rate, body temperature, and more. The Whoop has truly motivated me to heed my body’s signals (or at least the Whoop suggestions) when I need additional rest or recovery time and consider how factors like late-night eating and outdoor activities impact various aspects of my life. It feels like having a personal health coach. — Rachel Quigley, managing editor
Joe Bloss/CNN Underscored
As 2024 comes to a close, I finally decided to upgrade my Apple Watch. I had been diligently using a Series 3 for five or six years — that device was released in 2017! — and it had begun to show its age. Although I believe in sticking with older models as long as possible because upgrading every year is excessive, those still several years behind won’t regret the advancements associated with this model. Additionally, the jet-black finish is stunning. — Joe Bloss, associate testing writer
Rikka Altland/CNN Underscored
If you had told me that my favorite set of earbuds from 2024 would lack active noise cancellation, I’d have called you a liar. But that’s precisely what happened the moment I acquired the new Bose Open earbuds. These have revolutionized how I experience music and have recorded countless hours of wear since their release in February. I never hit the gym without these quirky little earbuds attached to my ears and can’t recommend them highly enough. I even bought them with my own funds, which makes the affection even more sincere. — Rikka Altland, senior deals editor
Smartphones and tablets
Molly Flores/CNN Underscored
My absolute favorite new item of the year avoids technology’s multi-tool tendencies that claim “one device should do it all” and instead focuses on simply improving at the task it was originally intended for. While the ReMarkable 2 perfected the tactile experience of writing on an E Ink display, the new ReMarkable Paper Pro introduces backlighting and color. While these may seem like essentials on any tablet, E Ink screens…are somewhat distinct, as Amazon only launched its inaugural Kindle featuring a color display (the Kindle Colorsoft) earlier this year. Therefore, even though you can play Resident Evil 2 Remake on the newly introduced iPad Air and the OLED screen of the latest iPad Pro is stunning, I’m particularly impressed by how the ReMarkable Paper Pro offers greater versatility compared to its earlier versions, and how the writing surface now feels remarkably similar to writing on paper with a pencil. — Henry T. Casey, electronics journalist
Mike Andronico/CNN Underscored
Having evaluated numerous iPads, I find the newest iPad Air to be among the select few models that seamlessly integrated into my daily essentials long after I completed my work-related testing. It is the inaugural iPad Air to feature a 13-inch screen, which looks so impressive that it prompted me to catch up on several TV shows during flights and subway commutes. While iPads still do not completely replace laptops just yet, I enjoyed utilizing it as my primary device for writing and emailing once I set it up on a Magic Keyboard. The latest iPad Air is available in some excellent hues and is remarkably powerful for its price; this is why I often recommend that most people opt for this model instead of the Pro. — Mike Andronico, senior technology editor
Molly Flores/CNN Underscored
The iPhone 16 series emphasizes its camera capabilities, and I typically opt for the Pro version for the same reason: I appreciate its 5x optical zoom that has yielded impressive results since its introduction in the iPhone 15 Pro Max last year. Furthermore, I’m particularly fond of the new iPhones for their enhanced approach to Photographic Styles, the imaging adjustment features that are now incredibly customizable. I explored various choices shared by advanced photographers on social media and decided on iPhone camera expert Tyler Stalman’s guide (Gold with tone at -50, color at 00 and palette at 100), which has added more vibrancy, including shadows, into my photographs after Apple has gradually been flattening their images over the years.
As someone who would spend considerable time capturing images with Halide due to its minimal processing features and then editing in Adobe Lightroom, I’ve found myself relying less on that unless a particular scene requires it. I’m also beginning to utilize the Camera Control button after neglecting it for a time, as it provides a slightly easier alternative to the lock screen’s swipe to camera gesture. Additionally, I’m intentionally using (and enjoying) the Pro Max due to its superior battery performance. — Henry T. Casey, electronics journalist
Molly Flores/CNN Underscored
To rephrase a quote from Pedro Pascal’s character in “Wonder Woman 1984,” the Kindle Paperwhite was decent, but it could definitely improve. However, while Amazon’s top Kindle frequently appears to receive slight upgrades that seem more like refinements than groundbreaking changes, the 2024 variant genuinely feels like a leap into either the future (or the present) due to a performance enhancement I never anticipated. Thanks to advancements in display technology that allow for surprisingly quick page transitions, every aspect from menu browsing to reading on the new Kindle Paperwhite seems significantly more contemporary, exceeding my previous assumptions about e-readers’ performance. In addition to that, better contrast and an enjoyable variety of color choices are also provided. — Henry T. Casey, electronics journalist
Henry T. Casey/CNN Underscored
