By the end of the year, Engadget writers will complete over 150 product reviews. From Apple's iPhones to Google's Pixels, the AirPods to Sony's 1000X series and MacBooks to Dell's XPS, our reviews team covers a wide range of devices. Products that receive a score of 90 or higher earn Engadget's Editors' Choice, while other category-topping devices score in the high 80s.
Now that the year is coming to an end, we've compiled the highest-scoring products across a range of categories for our best of 2026. Best Android phone: Google Pixel 11. It looks essentially the same as the Pixel 10, with a similar camera array, a new Tensor G6 process, double the starting storage and a $100 price bump. Refinements to a winning formula, intelligent software updates and gorgeous colors won us over. It has three camera lenses, including a 5x telephoto, which you can't get on the iPhone 17 or Samsung's Galaxy S26.
Best iPhone: Apple iPhone 18 Pro. Due to a change in Apple's product release strategy, there were only three iPhone models to consider: the iPhone 17e, iPhone 18 Pro (and Pro Max) and the iPhone Duo. The iPhone 18 Pro offers the top-tier combination of features for the money, with variable aperture, pro camera controls, sensor-signed Apple Reference Image authentication, a smaller Dynamic Island, improved thermal management and faster battery charging.
Best affordable laptop: Apple MacBook Neo. Apple delivered a $600 budget laptop that didn't feel too different from a premium notebook like the MacBook Air. Even though it's $100 more now, it's still a tremendous deal, fast enough for everyday computing.
Source: Engadget · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing