David Bridges
CES 2025 has officially wrapped up, marking the closing day of the event on Friday, and the Engadget team has now left Las Vegas. Throughout the week, our dedicated reporters and editors diligently navigated through the expansive, carpeted convention halls of the CES show floor. They faced long lines filled with chain smokers, battled persistent colds and sore ankles, and managed an overwhelming influx of emails daily, all in pursuit of the most outstanding and credible products showcased at the event.
It was no small feat, given the crowded landscape brimming with countless innovative contenders. As anticipated, the majority of products featured at CES this year incorporated an AI component, with a marked increase in AR glasses, cutting-edge hearing aid earbuds, sustainable solar-powered technology, advanced robot vacuums, and even emotional support robots. Interestingly, there seems to be a growing preference for robotic vacuums that can handle household tasks such as picking up socks. Furthermore, we were pleasantly surprised to witness notable advancements in technology designed to enhance the lives of individuals with disabilities and mobility challenges.
Among the many new versions of traditional technology we encountered, including laptops, TVs, and soundbars, we also discovered a delightful assortment of quirky and unconventional tech at the show. In fact, we were thrilled to find that several of the newly launched products from CES 2025 are already available for purchase or pre-order, demonstrating a trend towards immediate market availability.
However, a select group of standout products emerged as the best among the rest. Our curated list of CES 2025 winners spans a diverse range of categories, encompassing typical domains like home entertainment, transportation, and smart home technologies, as well as thematic topics focusing on sustainability and accessibility. Following extensive discussions and narrowing down of nominees, our team conducted a final voting round to determine the top product of the show.
Here’s the complete roster of our selections for the Best of CES 2025.
Discover the Exceptional ASUS Zenbook A14: A Lightweight Marvel
The ASUS Zenbook A14 is a remarkable feat of engineering, weighing in at a mere 2.2 to 2.4 pounds. It boasts a stunning 14-inch OLED screen and comes equipped with a variety of ports including USB-C, USB-A, and HDMI, making it a robust alternative to the MacBook Air. After years of imitating Apple’s MacBook line, ASUS showcases its innovative spirit by introducing enhancements that go beyond superficial gimmicks like dual screens or flashy aesthetics. The Zenbook A14 is a compact laptop that is not only lightweight but also feels exceptionally comfortable to hold, largely attributed to ASUS’s proprietary Ceraluminum casing. With a battery life claimed to last up to 32 hours during video playback, it significantly surpasses Apple’s 18-hour estimate for the MacBook Air. While it may not have the flashiest design, the practicality and performance of the Zenbook A14 truly make it a standout choice among the offerings at CES 2025. — Devindra Hardawar, Senior reporter, reviews
Innovative Power Solutions: BioLite Backup for Home and Away
At CES, we are always on the lookout for novel innovations, but sometimes it’s the intelligent reimagining of existing technology that truly captivates our attention. This is exemplified by the Backup by Biolite, which serves as a hybrid between a universal power supply (UPS) and a comprehensive home backup battery, and it enhances both functionalities.
This sleek, 40-pound, 1.5 kWh battery sits conveniently between a wall outlet and your refrigerator (or any other appliance), ensuring continuous operation during a power outage. Its installation is user-friendly; no professional help is needed—just a simple wall mount that the user can install. It’s designed to be discreet, allowing it to be hidden behind a refrigerator or tucked away under a counter without compromising aesthetics.
The Backup Complete package includes two units offering a total of up to 3 kWh, sufficient to power essential appliances like a refrigerator, microwave, and lights, as well as recharge devices like phones and laptops. The 3 kWh capacity qualifies for a 30 percent federal tax credit, which can lower the cost to approximately $2,100 for the complete system. The smaller Backup Core model, which provides 1.5 kWh, is priced at $2,000. Both models are now available for pre-order and are expected to ship this summer. — Amy Skorheim, Reporter, buying advice
Revolutionary Renewable Energy: Jackery Solar Roof for Sustainable Living
Jackery has established itself as a leading name in the realm of domestic solar generator systems, and its latest innovation addresses a significant gap in its product lineup. The XBC curved solar roof shingles are designed to complement various architectural styles prevalent in the United States, available in terracotta or obsidian colors that appease homeowners associations (HOAs). These represent the first curved solar tiles to enter the U.S. market and achieve a cell conversion efficiency exceeding 25 percent. They are engineered to endure extreme weather conditions, ranging from -40 degrees Fahrenheit to 185 degrees Fahrenheit, and are designed to adhere to traditional roofing practices, featuring a modular setup for easy maintenance. Jackery’s new wavy solar tiles seamlessly integrate with the company’s existing solar generation and storage solutions, making them an attractive option for promoting sustainable living in homes. — Jessica Conditt, Senior reporter
Next-Level Gaming: Lenovo Legion Go S with Revolutionary OS Options
The modern handheld-PC gaming landscape presents a dilemma for users regarding which operating system (OS) to choose. A plethora of Windows 11-based devices provide unparalleled compatibility and robust graphics support, yet they operate on a platform that is not optimized for smaller gadgets with attached controllers. On the other hand, SteamOS offers a more cohesive gaming experience with a superior user interface and reduced performance overhead. Previously, Valve’s operating system was limited to a single device—the Steam Deck. However, the Lenovo Legion Go S changes this narrative by offering two versions: one powered by Windows and the other featuring SteamOS.
Both variants boast almost identical specifications, including an AMD Ryzen Z2 Go processor, up to 32GB of RAM, a 1TB storage capacity, and a substantial 55.5Whr battery. The 8-inch touchscreen provides a stunning visual experience with a 120Hz refresh rate, Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) support, 500 nits of brightness, and a resolution of 1,920 x 1,200. With prices starting at $600 for the Windows model and $500 for the SteamOS variant, it represents an attractive offer for gamers. Although the Windows model is set to launch later this month, the SteamOS version won’t be available until May. However, considering the potential breakthroughs that the SteamOS model could bring, the wait seems worthwhile. — Sam Rutherford, Senior reporter, reviews
Unmatched Visual Experience: LG OLED evo M5 for Gamers and Cinematic Enthusiasts
For yet another year, LG’s crown as the Best of CES is firmly secured. The company consistently ranks at the top of the best TV lists each year in Las Vegas and continues to dazzle audiences with its offerings. This year, LG has introduced the OLED evo M5, which further enhances its premium display lineup by incorporating the latest α (Alpha) 11 AI processor Gen2. This advanced processor enhances the visual quality of lower-resolution content while enabling sophisticated features.
For gamers, the OLED evo M5 offers an impressive 165Hz refresh rate, alongside certifications for both NVIDIA G-SYNC and AMD FreeSync Premium. This ensures smoother gameplay and minimizes lag during intense gaming sessions. The new Brightness Booster Ultimate technology claims to deliver brightness levels up to three times brighter than conventional OLED models. Additionally, it meets UL Solutions’ standards for “Perfect Black” and “Perfect Color” verification, guaranteeing breathtaking picture quality.
Moreover, LG’s Zero Connect Box, previously available only for larger M-series screens, is now accessible for displays below 77 inches. This innovative device allows seamless connectivity for all gaming consoles and streaming devices without the hassle of multiple HDMI cables. Remarkably, it operates without needing line-of-sight clearance, enabling it to be conveniently hidden in a wooden cabinet next to the M5 display. — Billy Steele, Senior reporter, reviews
Transformative Relaxation: Moonbird Moonbuddy for Guided Breathwork
Devices intended for relaxation should prioritize simplicity, and the Moonbuddy is designed with a singular goal: to make guided breathwork easily accessible and enjoyable for children. The creators of Moonbuddy previously developed a similar stress-relief device targeted at adults, but this version simplifies the experience for younger users, packaging it in an adorable design. The Moonbuddy features an egg-shaped body with a soft area that expands and contracts in rhythmic patterns, allowing children to synchronize their breathing with the device. It comes with an animal-themed sleeve, making it visually appealing and toy-like.
Equipped with four distinct breathing modes, each lasting a few minutes, Moonbuddy is designed to instill a sense of calmness. The entire gadget is tactile and screen-free, which is especially beneficial for parents looking to incorporate it into their child’s bedtime routine. Additionally, the attractive animal sleeves can be removed, allowing older children to use the device in its more neutral form if they outgrow the initial design. — Cheyenne MacDonald, Weekend editor
