Top Tech Treasures Unearthed in Las Vegas!

CES 2025 has officially concluded — Friday marked the last day of the event — and the Engadget team has left Las Vegas. Our journalists and editors dedicated the week to exploring the vast carpeted convention areas of the CES event, navigating through lines of dedicated smokers, fending off unpleasant colds and sore feet, while processing thousands of emails daily to uncover the finest and most credible products showcased at the event.

It proved to be quite a task, as the landscape was filled with innumerable contenders. As anticipated, a significant portion of what we encountered at CES featured an AI element, with a marked increase in AR eyewear, auditory aid earphones, solar-driven gadgets, robotic vacuum cleaners, and even robots designed for emotional support. (It seems people particularly enjoy robotic vacuums that can gather socks.) Our team was heartened to witness additional advancements in technology aimed at enhancing the lives of individuals with disabilities and mobility challenges.

Amidst the new versions of conventional tech such as laptops, televisions, and soundbars, there was also a plethora of wonderfully eccentric and unique technology on display at the event. We were genuinely delighted to discover that several of these newly showcased CES 2025 products were indeed available for purchase or preorder already.

However, a select few new products distinguished themselves from the rest. Our collection of CES 2025 champions encompasses a wide range of categories, from standard fields like home entertainment, transportation, and smart homes to themed subjects such as sustainability and accessibility. After our team narrowed down the nominees and voted for the best in various categories, we held another round of voting to determine the top product of the show.

With that said, here is the complete list of our selections for the Best of CES 2025.

ASUS Zenbook A14

The ASUS Zenbook A14 is astonishingly lightweight, weighing between 2.2 and 2.4 pounds, featuring a stunning 14-inch OLED display and a sufficient collection of ports (USB-C, USB-A, and HDMI)! What more could one desire in a competitor to the MacBook Air? After years of largely imitating Apple’s MacBooks, ASUS demonstrates it can surpass Apple’s innovation without leaning on gimmicks like dual displays or extravagant lighting. The Zenbook A14 is simply a compact laptop that feels fantastic in your hands, largely due to ASUS’s distinctive Ceraluminum casings. ASUS asserts it can endure up to 32 hours during video playback, surpassing Apple’s estimated 18 hours for the MacBook Air. It might seem peculiar that the least ostentatious laptop of CES 2025 is among our top choices, but sometimes pure pragmatism is undeniable. — Devindra Hardawar, Senior reporter, reviews

BioLite Backup

We always seek out innovative, unprecedented products at CES, yet sometimes it’s the smart reinterpretation of popular technology that captures our interest. This is the case with BioLite’s Backup. It essentially represents a blend between a universal power supply (UPS) and an entire-home backup battery but enhances both functions.

The slim, 40-pound 1.5 kWh battery connects between a wall socket and your refrigerator (or any other plugged-in device) and ensures these appliances remain operational during a power failure. It does not necessitate professional setup, merely a user-installed wall mount, and its slim design allows it to be hidden behind your fridge or tucked beneath a counter. Though if displayed, the matte-silver finish would not disrupt any decor.

The Backup Complete comprises two units supplying up to 3 kWh, adequate to power a refrigerator, microwave, lights, and recharge phones and a laptop. The 3 kWh capacity and the fact that it constitutes an installed battery currently permits it to be eligible for a 30 percent federal tax rebate, potentially reducing the price to $2,100 for the Complete version. The single-unit Backup Core offers 1.5 kWh and retails for $2,000. Both options are available for preorder now and should be delivered this summer. — Amy Skorheim, Reporter, purchasing advice

Jackery Solar Roof

Jackery is already a recognized name in residential solar generator solutions, and its latest offering fills a significant gap in its product range. Jackery’s XBC curved solar roof shingles emulate some of the most prevalent architectural styles in the country, and they are offered interracotta or obsidian color schemes for optimal HOA satisfaction. These are the initial curved solar shingles to debut in the United States market, boasting a cell conversion efficiency exceeding 25 percent. They are capable of enduring extreme weather circumstances, withstanding temperatures from -40 degrees F to 185 degrees F. Furthermore, they are designed in accordance with conventional roofing installation techniques, featuring a modular configuration that allows for adaptable upkeep. Jackery’s innovative wavy solar shingles integrate with the company’s current solar production and storage offerings, rendering them a convenient and appealing selection for comprehensive home sustainability. — Jessica Conditt, Senior reporter

Lenovo Legion Go S

The challenge for today’s handheld-PC gamer lies in selecting which operating system to utilize. Numerous Windows 11-based devices provide unmatched compatibility and robust graphics support. However, all this is built on a framework that isn’t tailored for smaller devices with attached controllers. On the other hand, SteamOS delivers a significantly more seamless experience accompanied by an improved UI and reduced performance overhead. The downside has been that Valve’s operating system was primarily confined to a single device — the Steam Deck. That situation changes with the Lenovo Legion Go S, which will be offered in two versions: a Windows variant and, for the first time on any handheld not designed by Valve, a model powered by SteamOS.

Besides the platform options and varied shell colors, we value that both models feature nearly identical specifications, such as an AMD Ryzen Z2 Go chip, up to 32GB of RAM, 1TB of storage, and a sufficiently large 55.5Whr battery. Its 8-inch touchscreen is impressive too, presenting a 120Hz refresh rate with VRR support, 500 nits brightness, and a 1,920 x 1,200 resolution. And with starting prices at $600 (or $500 for the SteamOS variant), it’s quite economical as well. Perhaps the most significant drawback is that while the Windows version will launch later this month, we must wait until May for the SteamOS-powered variant. However, considering this model finally brings forth the almost decade-old promise of Valve’s Steam Machines, waiting a few additional months seems manageable. — Sam Rutherford, Senior reporter, reviews

LG OLED evo M5

LG’s title of Best of CES remains secure for another year. The corporation consistently ranks among the finest TVs showcased each year in Las Vegas, often emerging as the victor. For the newest OLED evo M5, the company succeeded in further enhancing its premier displays by incorporating the latest α (Alpha) 11 AI processor Gen2 to elevate the appearance of lower-resolution content and activate advanced capabilities.

For gamers, there exists a 165Hz refresh rate along with certifications from both NVIDIA G-SYNC and AMD FreeSync Premium. This should enhance the smoothness of gameplay while minimizing lag. The company’s new Brightness Booster Ultimate can achieve brightness levels three times greater than “conventional OLED” models, according to their claims. Additionally, this feature contributes to UL Solutions’ “Perfect Black” and “Perfect Color” validation on the M5. It’s undeniably remarkable picture quality.

Finally, LG’s Zero Connect Box, which has been on the M-series for quite a while, now becomes available for screens smaller than 77 inches. This device enables you to link all of your consoles and streaming equipment without the hassle of multiple HDMI cables to the television. Moreover, LG now states it does not require line-of-sight clearance, allowing it to be concealed in a wooden cabinet nearby the M5. — Billy Steele, Senior reporter, reviews

Moonbird Moonbuddy

Devices designed for relaxation shouldn’t be intricate. Moonbuddy has a singular goal — to make guided breathwork easy and appealing for children — and it succeeds with a streamlined execution devoid of superfluous embellishments. The firm behind this innovation initially created a similar stress-relief gadget for adults, and Moonbuddy refines that experience into a more playful format. Moonbuddy is an egg-shaped contraption with a soft section that expands and contracts in predefined rhythms, allowing children to mirror and align their own breathing. It fits into an animal-themed cover, making it resemble a toy. There are four unique breathing modes, each lasting several minutes and crafted to encourage tranquility.

The entire product is tactile and free from screens, which is especially beneficial since many parents may wish to integrate it into the evening routine. Personally, as an admirer of adorable items, I appreciate the charming animal covers. Yet, I also value that when children reach the phase where they begin to reject all things childish, they can easily remove the sleeve and continue utilizing it in its more neutral design. — Cheyenne MacDonald, Weekend editor

OhSnap MCON

The MCON from OhSnap effectively converts any smartphone into a contemporary Xperia Play, incorporating modern features such as Hall effect analog sticks, quiet buttons, expandable grips, and a comprehensive bumper and trigger configuration. It’s a portable game controller that can fit into your pocket without the sticks or grips snagging on anything, and it’s compatible with nearly every smartphone available today. The MCON utilizes MagSafe to attach to the rear of any recent iPhone and includes an adapter for Android devices to join in on the fun. It also functions with the Galaxy Z Fold, and its creator, Josh King, is developing a solution for the Z Flip as well.

The prototype that King presented at CES 2025 felt lightweight yet robust and comfortable to hold, and the phone-attachment mechanism was incredibly satisfying. After gaining a little viral attention with his concept, King collaborated with well-known MagSafe accessory producer OhSnap to bring the MCON into full-scale production, and it is set to launch in August for $150. — Jessica Conditt, Senior reporter

Roborock Saros Z70

Robot vacuums received a variety of new — and occasionally peculiar — capabilities at CES 2025. Yet, none left a more significant mark than the Saros Z70 from Roborock, which features a mechanical arm capable of picking up socks, lifting cables and grabbing various items.

The OmniGrip arm can lift objects weighing up to 300 grams (slightly over half a pound) to clean beneath them or relocate them to your desired area. The arm’s functionality is managed via Roborock’s app and is highly customizable, allowing you to program it to pick up loose garbage and pet toys, while also lifting cords to clean beneath.

During our observation at CES, it skillfully picked up socks and deposited them in a basket. However, Roborock assures that it can accomplish much more. The vacuum will automatically identify 108 distinct objects — yes, like virtually every other device we witnessed at CES, it employs AI — but you can also instruct it to recognize up to 50 additional items so it can better navigate obstacles likely to be encountered in your home.

Interestingly, the Saros Z70 was not the only robotic vacuum with an arm we encountered at CES, but it will be the first one available for purchase. — Karissa Bell, Senior reporter

Technics EAH-AZ100 earbuds

Technics’ new Magnetic Fluid drivers have been making waves this week, but the essential takeaway regarding the EAH-AZ100 earbuds is that the audio quality has seen a significant enhancement. Driven by these new components, there’s elevated clarity, detail, and bass, all upgrades from the already remarkable AZ80. Technics modified the shape of its earbuds for the AZ100 in pursuit of comfort and fit while also reducing the size and weight of the earbuds. Features such as touch controls, multipoint connectivity for three devices, spatial Dolby Atmos sound, and LDAC compatibility are also included. Unlike much of what we encounter at CES, these new earbuds are already up for sale. — Billy Steele, Senior reporter, reviews

Urtopia Titanium Zero

Following the pandemic, e-bikes, not electric vehicles, have emerged as leaders in the EV revolution, and the reasons are clear: Electric bikes are remarkably more budget-friendly than their four-wheeled equivalents. Additionally, at Engadget, we enthusiastically support gadgets that encourage healthier lifestyles, and for numerous individuals, obtaining an e-bike could be life-changing.

So when Urtopia presented a concept e-bike equipped with an innovative motor design at CES 2025, my anticipation was high. As my colleague Daniel Cooper highlighted in his article, e-bike motors have generally come in two configurations, each accompanied by unique considerations. The custom-crafted Quark DMI.2 mid-drive motor that Urtopia displayed alongside its Titanium Zero e-bike presents a third option. It’s not as powerful as standard mid-drive motors, yet it still delivers more power output than even the finest hub motors. Best of all, the motor is compact enough to fit within a bottom bracket andweighs merely 2.6 pounds.

Urtopia has yet to announce when it will commence the production of the Titanium Zero, but it’s easy to envision a scenario where the design of the Quark DMI.2 motivates other bicycle manufacturers and propels the industry forward. — Igor Bonifacic, Senior reporter

WeWalk Smart Cane 2

Among all the devices showcased at CES 2025 that featured AI integration, WeWalk’s Smart Cane 2 was particularly striking. This advanced cane for individuals with visual impairments received an upgrade this year that not only incorporates AI but also rectifies the flaws of the previous model. It includes more sophisticated sensors, and best of all, still functions as a traditional folding cane when these smart features aren’t activated. The Smart Cane 2 can identify obstacles and provides turn-by-turn navigation, complemented by a ChatGPT-powered assistant that can respond to queries while a person is walking, eliminating the need to reach for a smartphone. WeWalk also enhanced the actual cane by making its handle more slender, exchanging the original touchpad for tactile buttons, and reducing its weight slightly.

Certainly, you might not yet fully rely on ChatGPT to deliver accurate responses to all conceivable questions, but at least in this application, the product is unlikely to harm users even if the AI falters. Moreover, it possesses valuable hardware, including time-of-flight and motion sensors to enhance navigation, speakers for delivering information and feedback, along with a flashlight to make users more visible in low light. And once more, if the battery fails, you can still utilize this as a conventional, albeit costlier, cane. — Cherlynn Low, Deputy editor, reviews

Yukai Engineering Mirumi

A standout robot at CES this year was arguably the one with the simplest function. We found ourselves captivated by the heart-warming appeal of Mirumi, a tiny, fluffy robot from Yukai Engineering that simply gazes at individuals and observes its surroundings as if a baby is exploring the world for the first time. It’s compact enough to fit in the palm of your hand, but even more delightful, it features long posable arms that allow it to grasp onto objects. Thus, if placed on your bag strap, it will intently watch everyone you meet and may even exhibit a hint of shyness when they return the gaze.

Mirumi serves no other purpose than to spread joy, and that’s what makes it special. Yukai previously introduced us to the quirky Qoobo pillow (the one with the tail) and the cat that playfully nibbles your finger, and this is yet another instance where they succeeded with one of their unusual creations. — Cheyenne MacDonald, Weekend editor

Best in show: WeWalk Smart Cane 2

This year at CES, AI was, unsurprisingly, omnipresent, often found in applications where it wasn’t necessarily needed. However, the WeWalk Smart Cane 2—a sophisticated iteration of the mobility cane for those who are visually impaired—struck me as a context where AI could genuinely be beneficial. With a new voice assistant driven by GPT, users can directly communicate with the cane to receive detailed navigation instructions and instant information, such as public transit options and menu selections. The smart cane is also equipped with sensors that warn users about impending obstacles, issuing alerts through haptic feedback in the handle and verbal notifications.

WeWalk co-founder Kursat Ceylan, who is visually impaired, showcased the cane amidst the bustling atmosphere of the Las Vegas Convention Center, and it was quite impressive. The voice assistant provided prompt and precise responses to his commands, and the obstacle detection warnings were sufficiently audible to be noticed over the noise of the CES crowd. It can also connect with headphones or earbuds using Bluetooth. Since the cane manages navigation tasks, users do not need to hold a smartphone simultaneously as they navigate.

This innovative cane transforms an existing tool with which individuals are already acquainted, enhancing its functionality. Crucially, it seems that the company has taken into consideration the input from users of the initial version of the cane and refined the design to better fulfill their requirements. It features a more streamlined handle compared to the previous model, tactile buttons, all while maintaining a weight comparable to a traditional white cane. — Cheyenne MacDonald, Weekend editor